Is There a Shortage of Geriatricians?

To the Editor: The Special Article on geriatric manpower by Kane et al. in the June 12 issue contains a number of arbitrary and debatable assumptions. Such medical specialties as family practice and internal medicine deal largely with the care of the elderly. All family physicians and internists should possess the skills necessary for good geriatric care. If there are failings in the educational system that prepares our specialists, then these failings should be corrected. All graduating physicians should understand the principles of care of the elderly as well as they understand the use of the stethoscope or the.