In 2040, the population of Dutch citizens over 65 years old is expected to reach 4,7 million. This means that the care in nearly all medical disciplines will increasingly be administered to the elderly. However, a survey conducted in 2011 by Leyden Academy in eight medical faculties, concluded that relatively little attention is paid to ageing and geriatric medicine. For this reason, Leyden Academy and ZonMw looked into the basic curriculum of medical doctors in the Netherlands, as a sound knowledge and understanding of geriatric medicine is to be a mandatory for newly graduated medical doctors. A report was drawn up on the basis of an international inventory and in consultation with a panel of geriatricians, scientists, students, education advisors and the elderly themselves. This Dutch report can serve as a guide for faculties to ensure that their curriculum equips tomorrow’s doctors with these crucial competencies.
For more information, please contact David van Bodegom.