How many geriatricians are there in the USA?

Oct 23, 2025 3 min read •

senior care healthcare Healthy Aging

According to recent estimates, there are fewer than 7,500 board-certified geriatricians in the U.S., a number that falls drastically short of the estimated 30,000 needed to care for the rapidly growing senior population. This significant disparity raises crucial questions about how many geriatricians are there in the USA and the future of specialized care for older adults.

Quick Summary

With fewer than 7,500 board-certified geriatricians available, the U.S. faces a profound shortage, despite an aging population requiring specialized care. This deficit has major implications for accessing quality senior healthcare and coordinating complex medical needs.

Key Points

Significant Shortage: The U.S. has fewer than 7,500 board-certified geriatricians, falling far short of the estimated 30,000 needed by 2030 for the aging population [1].
Training Challenges: Low fellowship match rates and comparatively lower compensation contribute to the inadequate number of new specialists entering the field [3].
Access and Disparities: The shortage leads to long wait times for specialized care, especially in rural and nonmetropolitan areas where specialists are scarce [1, 6].
Holistic Care: Geriatricians offer specialized, holistic care for older adults with complex health needs [5, 7].
Team-Based Approach: Interprofessional teams, including geriatric nurse practitioners and social workers, are increasingly used to help fill the care gap [1].

The Stark Reality of the Geriatrician Shortage

The number of board-certified geriatricians actively practicing in the United States is significantly lower than the demand from a growing older adult population [1, 3, 6]. Estimates suggest there are fewer than 7,500 geriatricians, while the projected need is over 30,000 by 2030 to adequately serve the senior population [1]. This shortage means many older Americans who could benefit from specialized care may not have access to it [1].

Why So Few Geriatricians?

Multiple factors contribute to the limited number of geriatricians [1, 3].

Low Fellowship Match Rates and Attrition

Geriatric medicine fellowship programs have historically low fill rates, indicating a weak pipeline of new doctors entering the field [3]. In 2022, only 43% of positions were filled [3]. Additionally, many experienced geriatricians are retiring or not pursuing recertification, leading to a net loss of specialists [3].

Compensation and Prestige

Compared to other medical specialties, geriatric medicine often offers lower compensation, which can deter potential specialists [3]. The field has also faced historical challenges with perceived prestige, despite the critical value of specialized senior care [3].

Implications of the Geriatrician Shortage

The scarcity of geriatric specialists has concerning consequences for senior healthcare [1].

Limited Access and Geographic Disparities

Older adults frequently face long wait times and difficulty finding a geriatrician, which can negatively impact their health outcomes [1]. The shortage is particularly acute in rural areas, where there is often little to no access to geriatric specialists [1, 6].

Increased Strain on the Healthcare System

The shortage places a heavy burden on general practitioners who, while skilled, may lack the specialized training needed to manage the complex, age-related conditions common in older adults [1, 7].

The Evolving Landscape of Geriatric Care

The healthcare industry is increasingly adopting a team-based approach to senior care to address the shortage [1]. This model involves various healthcare professionals working together to provide comprehensive support [1].

The Rise of the Geriatric Care Team

A geriatric care team can include [1]:

Geriatric Nurse Practitioners (GNPs): Advanced practice nurses with specialized training [1].
Social Workers: Professionals assisting with social, emotional, and financial challenges [1].
Consultant Pharmacists: Experts in managing medications for older adults [1].
Physical and Occupational Therapists: Specialists improving mobility and daily function [1].

A Critical Comparison: Geriatrician vs. General Practitioner


Feature	Geriatrician	General Practitioner (GP/PCP)
Specialized Training	Additional 1–2 years of fellowship focused on aging [2, 4, 5].	General medical training across age ranges [5].
Focus of Care	Holistic care considering physical, cognitive, psychological, and social factors [5].	General wellness and common illnesses [5].
Multicomplexity	Expertly manages multiple chronic conditions [5, 7].	Manages conditions but without deep specialization in age-related complexities [5].
Medication Management	Highly skilled in managing multiple medications and minimizing interactions [5, 7].	Manages medication, less specialized in complex polypharmacy for older patients [5].
Cognitive Health	Specializes in diagnosing and treating cognitive issues like dementia [5].	May screen, often refers complex cases [5].

Conclusion: Looking to the Future

The U.S. faces a significant shortage of geriatricians, which poses a major challenge for caring for the aging population [1, 3, 6]. This deficit necessitates long-term solutions, including supporting geriatric medicine training and promoting team-based care models [1]. By recognizing the value of specialized senior care and advocating for these approaches, we can work towards ensuring older adults receive the attention they need [1]. For more information, visit the American Geriatrics Society [2].

Frequently Asked Questions

The low number is due to fewer medical students choosing the specialty, relatively lower compensation, and the retirement of existing specialists, all against the backdrop of a rapidly growing older adult population [1, 3].

A geriatrician has completed additional fellowship training focused on the complex health needs of older adults, while a primary care physician has general medical training [4, 5].

The shortage can result in difficulty accessing specialized care, longer wait times, and potentially poorer health outcomes, particularly for those with complex chronic conditions [1].

Yes, geriatric specialists are concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural and nonmetropolitan counties with limited access [1, 6].

Strategies include increasing geriatric training for other professionals, promoting team-based care, and government initiatives to boost the workforce [1].

Not all older adults need a geriatrician. Their expertise is especially beneficial for those with complex chronic diseases, significant cognitive changes, or complicated medication regimens [5, 7].

Yes, professionals like geriatric nurse practitioners, social workers, and pharmacists with geriatrics training are crucial in providing holistic, team-based care [1].

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.