Motivations for Pursuing Geriatric Medicine: Perspectives from Fellows and Recent Graduates - Datasets

This qualitative study explored factors that motivated medical trainees to pursue fellowship training in geriatric medicine, with the aim of informing educational strategies to strengthen the geriatric medicine workforce in the United States. Thirteen participants – either current fellows or recent graduates from 3 accredited, U.S-based, geriatric fellowship programs – were interviewed. The semi-structured interviews were recorded and transcribed, and the research team manually reviewed the transcripts for coding and analysis. Thematic analysis identified key motivators: personal relationships with older adults, early clinical exposure to geriatrics, and mentorship from geriatricians. Participants described geriatrics as offering meaningful relationships with patients and caregivers, interdisciplinary collaboration, flexible career paths, and favorable work-life integration. However, they also reported challenges, including navigating the medical complexity of older patients and working in a healthcare system that undervalues both preventive care and the needs of older adults. Many emphasized the need for more structured and visible integration of geriatrics into undergraduate and graduate medical education. Findings highlight the importance of early exposure, mentorship, and intentional curriculum design to attract and retain medical trainees who may be drawn to geriatric medicine.