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MRCPUK JRCPTB CPD

Training

Geriatric Medicine

About the specialty

Geriatric Medicine is one of the largest specialties in the UK. It offers a stimulating intellectual challenge as illness may present in unusual ways in older people. They frequently have multiple pathologies that interact and are particularly prone to adverse drug reactions. It requires a generalist approach while also developing a subspecialty interest. This can range from stroke to Parkinson's Disease, falls and fracture prevention, diabetes or cardiovascular disease. It also offers the chance to work both in community and hospital settings. Research is generating an ever-expanding evidence base for the management of many conditions in old age and the National Service Framework for Older People has laid out some challenging targets for health care provision.

The most effective geriatrician is an excellent general physician with good communication skills, who is able to work well in a team with other disciplines and can empathise with older people. Most people are attracted by the holistic way that the specialty takes on acute investigation and management together with subsequent rehabilitation and discharge planning, all tailored to each individual's needs.

Entry into Geriatric Medicine training is possible following successful completion of both a foundation programme and a core training programme. There are two core training programmes for Geriatric Medicine training:

  • Internal Medicine Training (IMT) 
  • Acute Care Common Stem - Internal Medicine (ACCS-IM)

Latest news and developments

A new curriculum which will deliver dual training in Geriatric Medicine and Internal Medicine will be implemented in August 2022. Trainees already in training in 2022 will need to transfer to the new curriculum unless in their final year of training. Please see our transition guidance for more information.

The British Geriatric Society held a webinar on 25 February 2022. A recording of the webinar and resources for trainees and trainers to support the new curriculum are available on the website www.bgs.org.uk/CurriculumFAQs

Curriculum

The curriculum for each specialty defines the process of training and the capabilities needed for the award of a certificate of completion of training (CCT). The curriculum includes the assessment system for measuring trainees’ progress comprising workplace based assessment and knowledge based assessment. Information on the Specialty Certificate Examination (SCE) in Geriatric Medicine can be found on the MRCP(UK) website

A new curriculum has been approved, was implemented in August 2022 and is available below.The BGS has a dedicated webpage providing resources for trainees and trainers.www.bgs.org.uk/CurriculumFAQs

Geriatric Medicine 2022 Curriculum

The previous version of the curriculum is given below. Earlier versions of the curriculum are no longer avaiable online but copies can be requested from curriculum@jrcptb.org.uk.

ARCP Decision Aids

The ARCP decision aid for each specialty defines the targets that have to be achieved for a satisfactory ARCP outcome at the end of each training year.  The current ARCP decision aid is given below.

The previous ARCP decision aid for the new 2010 curriculum is below.

Forms and guidance

Rough guide to the 2022 curriculum

CESR checklist