Has ageism in the health care system affected you?

Some doctors are warning of a pervasive culture of discrimination against elderly patients that makes geriatrics a less attractive field for new doctors. (iStock) A young doctor is among those raising concerns about a culture of ageism in the medical world - a problem that could have grave implications for Canada's aging population.

"They're often not afforded the same investigations, the same histories that another patient would be afforded under the same circumstances," said Nathan Stall, a recent graduate from Western University's medical school who is planning to specialize in geriatrics.

Stall, who says elderly patients are often referred to as "bed blockers" in hospitals, and call for sweeping changes to the health care system in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

"Unquestionably, this process should begin with the eradication of ageism -- a zero-tolerance policy should be mandated with offenders being reprimanded as they would be for prejudicing patients based on gender, race, religion or sexuality," he wrote.

Read: Ageism in health care needs to end, doctor says

CBC Health reporter Pauline Dakin has looked into several troubling trends, from a shortage of doctors specializing in senior care to older Canadians being treated like second-rate patients. Her report will air May 21 on CBC radio's The World at Six.

In the meantime, we would like to hear from you. Have you or a loved one ever experienced ageism in the health care system? If so, do you think the problem is systemic?

Is your region well equipped to deal with the needs of an older population? Let us know in the comments by joining the CBC Community or send your story to yournews@cbc.ca.