[Geriatric medicine in the academic world].

Acceptance of Geriatric Medicine in the academic world in Germany is still problematic. A WHO study on undergraduate training reveals a disastrous situation in Germany compared with other countries altogether and even in the subgroup "Old Population--Weak in Geriatric Education". This is due to the fact that there is little representation in universities and insufficient integration in training curricula. Subsequently research in Geriatric Medicine in Germany still needs to be increased. Academic acceptance is also reflected by positioning in the postgraduate training rules. In contrast to the opinion of specialists in national and international boards Geriatric Medicine is mostly implemented as sub-/supraspecialty with inadequately shortened duration of specialised training and requirements for the start of specialised training that lead to a shortage of Geriatric Specialists. European recommendations on duration and contents are followed only in two regional chambers. These would enable the specialty of Geriatric Medicine either as a lone-standing specialty or within the common trunk Internal Medicine.