Links, tips and tricks for trainees interested in a career in care of the older person.
Conferences
A selection of in-person, hybrid and virtual events which may be of interest to trainees considering or pursuing a career in Geriatric Medicine. For a full current list of BGS events, click here.
- Geriatrics for Juniors – AEME
G4J is a one-day conference, designed for Foundation Doctors and Core Medical and GP Trainees. It aims to deliver relevant and useful clinical updates in all the main sub-specialties of Geriatric Medicine, in order to improve the standard of care for older patients.
- BGS Trainees Meeting
A 2-day event in a hybrid format. Built around the current curriculum needs and experiences of those training for a career in geriatric medicine, it typically combines a mix of plenary presentations and workshops, a mock SCE exam, a Quality Improvement workshop, updates on the Curriculum changes and a practical interview preparation workshop.
- BGS Regional Meetings
These are held across the UK and can be great places to present any projects you've been working on. They are advertised locally and on the BGS events page.
- British and Irish Association of Stroke Physicians’ Trainees Conference
A 2-day annual face-to-face conference; last held March 2023. Check website for any online content.
- RCP Call the Med Reg
An event aimed at increasing your confidence prior to becoming the med reg, a role that can sometimes be daunting. £45 for non-members, free for RCP members.
Books
There are too many to mention them all but some of our favourites are:
- Silver Book II - BGS
Free online resource addressing a wide range of urgent care issues specific to older people.
- Essential Geriatrics - Henry Woodford (ISBN: 9781032135298)
A textbook which covers the key area of geriatrics in an accessible way with MCQ questions at the end of each section.
- With The End In Mind (ISBN: 9780008210915) and Listen (ISBN: 9780008435479) - Kathryn Mannix
A palliative care physician, Kathryn's books have many excellent take-home messages for all care of the older person doctors who often deal with end-of-life care and difficult conversations.
- The Book About Getting Older (ISBN: 9781405944434) - Lucy Pollock
Lucy is a Geriatrician and BGS member based in the South West of England. Her book is written for patients but is invaluable for doctors too.
- What I Wish People Knew About Dementia (ISBN: 9781526634511) - Wendy Mitchell
Wendy’s book provides a unique perspective on living with dementia.
Teaching and courses
These courses are not run or endorsed by BGS but may be of interest to Trainees wishing to expand their knowledge of the healthcare of older people. The BGS also hosts a list of external courses here.
- Mini Gems Association for Geriatric Medicine Education - YouTube
A series of shot videos on key geriatrics topics including anaemia, incontinence and DNACPR decisions
- Parkinson's Academy - Neurology Academy
Free webinars available on topics such as frailty and Parkinson's. Their Foundations masterclass is an investment for those who have a keen interest in Parkinson's/IMT3's; popular with early years registrars.
- CHSS eLearning
Free stroke e-learning modules, which includes diagnosis, management and some cases to work through.
- Practical Geriatrics Masterclass by Dr Elena Mucci
An online course covering practical tips for budding geriatricians and allied healthcare professionals working with older people. £300 for full course, individual modules can be purchased (not BGS accredited).
Podcasts
Available to listen on most mobile devices, computers, smart speakers and some TVs, podcasts can be a good way to learn about a topic from leading experts even when you're busy.
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The MDT podcast by The Hearing Aid Podcasts team
Making educational podcasts on ageing. Currently in its 12th series, there's a wealth of fantastic information on a range of topics. Especially great for the daily commute.
- Episode 7: geriatrics and palliative - RCP Player
If you're an RCP member you can access this for free.
- Podcasts - RCP Player
Although not specific to care of the older person, many episodes cover relevant issues such as stroke and UTI, pitched at a great level for junior doctors.
Online resources
Webpages and networks of interest to those starting out in Geriatric Medicine.
- Geriatric Medicine Research Collaborative
Trainee-led research network, a great platform for sharing national projects and connecting to others with research interests.
- BGS QI Hub
Loads of helpful resources to support QI for junior doctors with a Geriatrics focus.
- BGS Frailty Hub
National guidance, training and resources on frailty.
Social media
A few of our favourite channels and accounts for geriatrics content.
YouTube
- Why choose geriatrics? - NHS Health Careers
Hear from BGS President, Professor Adam Gordon, about his career in geriatric medicine
- BGS: @GeriSoc
- Adam Gordon: @adamgordon1978
- Young Geris: @YoungGeris
- Age and Ageing journal: @Age_and_Ageing
- Centre for Ageing Better: @Ageing_Better
- The Stroke Association: @thestrokeassociation
- Age UK: @AgeUK
Volunteering opportunities
We know you are busy doctoring, but if working with the older person is your passion, volunteering can provide a unique perspective - and it looks great on your application to speciality.
- BGS vacancies
The BGS Trainees Council has two trainee rep roles for Foundation or IMT doctors. More information on the BGS Trainees Council can be found here.
- Befriending services: Combating loneliness - Age UK
You can volunteer to be a listening ear for the older person with Age UK.
- Volunteer opportunities: local voluntary work with older people - Reengage
Reengage volunteers host tea parties to bring the older people together and socialise.
Project inspiration and older care gems
Initatives, tools and suggestions to help deliver person-centred care for older people.
- M4D Radio
Dementia Radio for patients.
- #EndPJparalysis - End PJ Paralysis
Encouraging mobility, independence and dignity.
- OPTIMAL Calculator (parkinsonscalculator.com)
Dose conversion for Parkinson’s patients.
- ACB Calculator
Anticholinergic burden calculator.
- The reconditioning games
The aim of this campaign is to raise awareness of deconditioning, to share best practice and to promote the testing and embedding of small-scale changes to reduce functional loss for people in hospital, care homes, social care, community and mental health services.
- Is your ward dementia friendly? The EHE Environmental Assessment Tool - Kings Fund
Career resources
Additional information from BGS to help you understand what is involved in Geriatric Medicine training.
Strengthening your application
British Geriatrics Society membership is free for medical students and FY1/2 doctors. IMT doctors and SpR’s pay £108/yr. Membership gives you discounted conference rates, a network of likeminded professionals, access to best practice guidance and more, so join today!
