Mark E. Kunik, M.D., M.P.H.
Geropsychiatry Health Service Research, Houston VAMC
Houston Center for Quality of Care and Utilization Studies
Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine
For more information: http://public.bcm.tmc.edu/psych/faculty/kunik.html

What is most exciting about geriatrics/geropsychiatry?

The most exciting aspect of geropsychiatry is, of course, getting to work with older adults. In my practice, I am afforded the opportunity to spend considerable time with the patients and their families at each visit. In addition, I usually follow them until they die. The depth and quality of this relationships bring opportunities to meaningfully improve quality of life.

How did you come to pursue geropsychiatry?

When I entered medical school, I knew that I was heading into psychiatry. My first clinical rotation in medical school was with a wonderful geriatrician, Dr. Robert Luchi. With him, I saw the beauty in working with older adults and shifted my interest to geropsychiatry.

How did you become involved in research?

When I entered medical school, I thought that I would be a clinician educator. I knew little about research. During residency I worked with a geropsychiatrist, Dr. Ranjit Chacko, on a research project in transplant psychiatry. I then obtained fellowship training at the University of Pittsburgh, Western Psychiatry Institute and Clinic. This was my first real exposure to a Research Culture. I love it. I enmeshed myself into several research projects and learned about clinical research. During my first five years on the faculty at BAylor College of Medicine I spent about 30% of my time doing unfunded research. I wanted more. Therefore, I met with several researchers around Baylor, and came to meet Carol Ashton, a health service researcher. With her as a mentor, I was awarded a VA Research Career Development Award. This is the singular greatest event in my research career. This gave me 100% salary support to obtain training in health services research. It also gave me enough time to write large grants to help support my time to do research.

What are the characteristics that a geriatrician should have?

A geriatrician should be patient, should love older adults, should relish working with other disciplines on a team.

Are there any specific rotations/internships that you would recommend for medical students who are interested in geriatrics?

Geriatric Medicine. Geropsychiatry. I also believe it would be wonderful to spend 4 or 8 weeks working on a research elective with a geropsychiatrist or geriatrician.

Are there any disadvantages to being a geriatrician?

No.

What are some of the myths about geriatrics and geriatric patients?

• Older adults are complainers.
• Older adults are more negative and depressed than younger patients
• Older adults have more rigid personalities than younger patients.