A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

European training requirements in geriatric medicine 2025: driving competency-based education and harmonisation across Europe




AuthorsRomero Ortuño, Román; van Iersel, Marianne; Nuotio, Maria S.; Kolk, Helgi; Topinková, Eva; Schoevaerdts, Didier; Farré Mercadé, Maria Victoria; Graf, Christophe; Cotobal Rodeles, Santiago; Vassallo, Mark Anthony; Vassallo, Michael; Lütje, Dieter; Macijauskienė, Jūratė; on behalf of the UEMS Geriatric Medicine Section (UEMS-GMS)

PublisherSpringer Nature

Publication year2026

Journal: European Geriatric Medicine

ISSN1878-7649

eISSN1878-7657

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s41999-025-01393-8

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingNo Open Access

Publication channel's open availability Partially Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.1007/s41999-025-01393-8


Abstract
Purpose

To describe the process, content, and significance of the 2025 revision of the European Training Requirements (ETR) for the Specialty of Geriatric Medicine, developed under the auspices of the European Union of Medical Specialists-Geriatric Medicine Section (UEMS-GMS). The revision aims to update European postgraduate training standards to reflect current scientific, clinical, and educational advances.

Process

The revision followed the official UEMS procedure for ETR development and was conducted by the UEMS-GMS ETR Review Committee between September 2024 and October 2025. Building on the 2019 European Postgraduate Curriculum in Geriatric Medicine and the 2020 ETR, the committee incorporated stakeholder feedback, expert consultation, and international endorsement. The final document was reviewed and formally approved by the UEMS-GMS and endorsed by the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS), the European Academy for Medicine of Ageing (EAMA), the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG), and the European Interdisciplinary Council on Ageing (EICA).

Highlights

The 2025 ETR retains the established UEMS three-part structure (for trainees, trainers, and training institutions) whilst introducing a modernised, competency-based education framework. The updated syllabus expands and refines theoretical content to reflect the latest scientific, clinical, and pedagogical advances. The revised ETR further elaborates the use of Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) as core instruments for assessing competence. Assessment standards now feature an expanded toolkit, incorporating the knowledge-based European Geriatric Medicine Specialty Exam (EGeMSE).

Significance

The 2025 ETR for Geriatric Medicine represents a further step toward harmonised, competency-based specialist training across Europe and beyond. Reflecting global public health priorities, including the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), the revision reinforces educational excellence and the delivery of high-quality, integrated, person-centred care for older adults. It also supports the continued development of the specialty of Geriatric Medicine in countries where it is not yet established or remains emerging. LINK to ETR 2025: https://www.uems.eu/european-training-requirements (Geriatric Medicine, 2025/29).


Funding information in the publication
Trinity College Dublin, Román Romero Ortuño; NETPHARM, CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004607, Eva Topinková.


Last updated on 05/03/2026 01:56:18 PM