Subspecialty certification in geriatric psychiatry.
OBJECTIVE
The authors describe the development of certification and recertification processes for geriatric psychiatry, the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology's second subspecialty in psychiatry.


METHODS
Authors referenced databases of the certifying organizations and consulted published surveys of examinees.


RESULTS
Since the first certification examination was administered in 1991, 2,595 certificates have been awarded. Because the certificates are time-limited, diplomates must sit for recertification every 10 years. Thus far, about 63% of the diplomates who have needed to do so have been recertified.


CONCLUSIONS
It is estimated that 5,000 geriatric psychiatrists will be needed to meet future healthcare needs. Thus, the demand for this expertise will be increasing, and it is anticipated that board-certified geriatric psychiatrists will continue to play leading roles in educating practitioners from multiple disciplines.
Juul
Dorthea
D
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc., 500 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, IL 60015-5249, USA.
Scheiber
Stephen C
SC
D002568:Certification; D004501:Education, Medical; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005852:Geriatric Psychiatry / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D013038:Specialization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires