The Psychology of Geriatricians

Abstract

In this chapter, the author discusses the psychology of geriatricians, particularly as they relate to other types of physicians. A comparison is made with hospitalists, and there is a discussion on the pertinence of this difference in relation to today’s geriatric practices. Geriatricians tend to have a particular background and share common tendencies. This is pertinent when it comes to practice models and particularly in regard to payment methodologies. There is a discussion on the geriatrician’s aversion to profit motive and the importance of focusing the practice on the quality care. The author closes the chapter with a call to arms suggesting that geriatricians may finally be in the right place at the right time.