Choosing Geriatrics

The speaker chose geriatrics due to experiences growing up as a minority and witnessing how systems can overlook marginalized communities.
This fostered a sensitivity to the experiences of often unseen individuals, including older adults and veterans.
During clinical rotations, the speaker was drawn to geriatrics due to the complexity of care and the patients themselves.
These patients often had rich histories, wisdom, and resilience shaped by a lifetime of experiences.
Having navigated systems not built for people like them, the speaker understood that a one-size-fits-all treatment plan is ineffective.
Geriatric care requires time, empathy, and customization.
It necessitates listening and adjusting the plan to meet the medical, social, emotional, and cultural realities of the population.