Packaging geriatrics

Abstract

There have been much debate and discussion concerning the name "geriatrics", in relation to the future direction of geriatrics as well as the perceived negative connotations this name may have acquired. In the United Kingdom, attempts have been made to "rehabilitate" the term "geriatrics" by changing its name. It seems that heterogeneity is the hallmark of geriatrics, whether in terms of the patients served, the styles of practice, or even the names of the profession. Our American colleagues have packaged their "geriatric evaluation and management" programs as GEM, though whether they can convince their policy-makers that their programs are as valuable as "gem" is another matter. Perhaps we should start selling "geriatrics" as "G-E-R-I-A-T-R-I-C-S: G for general, E for excellent, R for restorative, I for individualistic, A for artistic, T for total, R for respectable, I for intelligent, C for caring, S for scientific!" This editorial explored what is geriatrics without clothes: the content and substance of geriatrics.