A report card on academic geriatrics in 1991: the struggle for academic respectability

Article Abstract:

The idea of regarding geriatrics, the study and medical care of the elderly, as a separate medical and academic discipline is relatively new, and not one that has gained universal support. Geriatrics as a discipline has made strides in recent years. More medical schools now offer formal courses in geriatrics than ever before. There are still many areas in which geriatrics lags behind other more established disciplines. Geriatric program development has not received top priority at more than a few institutions. When offered on a voluntary basis, geriatric electives in residency programs are seldom filled. Few established geriatricians can be found in leadership positions in teaching centers. Geriatrics fellowship programs do not generally attract the top graduates of academic residency programs, few fellows have research experience, and most geriatrics fellowships are clinically oriented, rather than research oriented. To improve its position, geriatrics as a whole should recognize that most geriatric medical care will continue to be provided by physicians in other specialties, and should therefore groom its own fellows toward positions of academic leadership. Since board certification for geriatricians will soon be limited to only those who have completed approved fellowships in geriatrics, those physicians who become board certified in geriatrics should be encouraged to have academic careers, with a focus on research. By adopting such standards, geriatrics should one day be better recognized as a medical specialty with an established academic place. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Training, Geriatrics, editorial

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Misrepresentation of academic accomplishments by applicants for gastroenterology fellowships

Article Abstract:

Applicants for gastroenterology fellowships may often misrepresent their research accomplishments. Researchers reviewed the accuracy of 236 previously submitted applications for gastroenterology fellowships. Students claimed research activities in 138 cases, 47 of which could not be confirmed. Sixteen of 53 applicants had misrepresented the publication of articles. Misrepresentation ranged from nonexistent articles in standard journals to articles in fictitious journals or claims to articles in press. There were no differences between men and women or between U.S. students and foreign medical graduates. Medical schools may wish to establish firmer rules regarding evidence of academic research claims by their fellowship applicants.

Standards, Investigations, Physicians, Medical professions, Fraud in science, Science fraud, Professional ethics, Job applicants, Student financial aid

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2001: an American health care odyssey

Article Abstract:

The American health care system might look like this in the year 2001. Six huge health care conglomerates cover 80% of the population except for home- and long-term care. Most Americans, being healthy, are satisfied except for the depersonalization of care. The elderly, chronically ill, and poor are relegated to ramshackle public or charitable institutions. Doctors have unionized to protest workforce reduction and loss of income. Strikes are common. The 80 surviving medical schools rigidly control the numbers of new doctors. Because of the cost, basic and patient-oriented research have vanished except for a few showcase studies.

Personal narratives, Forecasts and trends, Medical care, Wit and humor in medicine, Medical humor

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