Geriatric Medicine

Access both key geriatrics interview questions at ST3 level and generic interview questions for higher specialist training

£35.00 for 3 months access

ST3 Geriatric Medicine Interview Skills for just £35.

The perfect companion for your ST3-level Geriatric Medicine Interview, you'll have 3 months unlimited access to this fantastic resource including:

- Over 70 commonly-asked questions, including comprehensive advice and guidance on answering each question with confidence
- Over 25 questions specific to ST3 Geriatric Medicine interviews, written by interview panel members who know exactly what you need to say to secure the job
- eLecture series:
o Interview preparation
o Body language and communication skills
o Writing the perfect medical CV
o Clinical governance
o NHS hot topics
o Finance
o Management
o Leadership
o Resolving conflict
o Research and working abroad

Sample Question

ST3 Geriatric Medicine Interview

A patient is referred to you as they are concerned about loss of memory: outline your assessment

A good answer will acknowledge probable causes and discuss logical approach

Consider the most likely causes including dementia, mild cognitive impairment etc.
• The patient should be informed early in history interview of common possible causes including ‘normal’ ageing; mild cognitive impairment; dementias of several causes.
• They should appreciate a variety of conditions can cause memory impairment which include mood disorders (depression) which are important to exclude.

Understands the commonly used tools for cognitive assessment
• The assessment follows most diagnostic courses but it is important to recognize importance of certain areas.
• These should include relevant past history and medication; examination especially of nervous system; appreciates how to use standard examinations of cognition such as Mini Mental Status Examination; understands how to use results of MMSE or other assessment tools in diagnostic process.

Recognize importance of carer information to contextualise the problem presented
• The information of carer or regular attendant is essential.
• They can corroborate historical answers and provide observers view of patients problems.
• Especially important in cases were patient is vague or limited in historical detail.

Investigation portfolio contemporary
• The standard investigations should be presented including basic biochemical screen including renal and liver function; thyroid function; Vitamin B 12 levels; brain imaging.
• This includes when additional investigations may be needed of specific nature with indication.
• Understands were additional assessment is needed such as neuropsychological tests

Additional Notes
• Appreciate the elements of the National Dementia Strategy which relate to the case of patient with undiagnosed concerns about cognitive impairment.

Pitfalls to Avoid
• Does not appreciate the definitions and prognostic relevance of Mild Cognitive Impairment and its subtypes.
• Fails to consider common non-degenerative conditions such as depression as cause of subjective memory complaint.