What is a doctor of geriatrics called?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2050, at least 1 in 5 Americans will be over the age of 65. An important part of supporting this growing demographic involves specialized medical care from a physician known as a geriatrician, who focuses on the unique health needs of older adults.

Quick Summary

A doctor specializing in the health and medical care of older adults is called a geriatrician, a physician who completes additional training to manage the complex health conditions often associated with aging.

Key Points

• Geriatrician Defined: A doctor specializing in the medical care of older adults, particularly those with complex or multiple health conditions.

• Holistic Approach: Geriatricians address a patient's medical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs, not just individual diseases.

• Geriatrician vs. Gerontologist: A geriatrician is a physician who provides clinical care, while a gerontologist is a professional who studies aging from a broader, non-clinical perspective.

• When to See One: Consider a geriatrician if you have multiple chronic illnesses, memory concerns, mobility issues, or are taking several medications.

• Extensive Training: Geriatricians complete a fellowship in geriatric medicine after their residency to acquire specialized expertise in age-related care.

• Care Coordination: These specialists often lead a multidisciplinary team to coordinate care and ensure a seamless, integrated approach to senior health.

Understanding the Role of a Geriatrician

While your family doctor is equipped to handle general health concerns throughout your life, a geriatrician provides a more comprehensive and holistic approach to healthcare for those 65 and older. This specialized training enables them to address the complexities of aging, such as managing multiple chronic illnesses, handling polypharmacy (taking many medications), and dealing with functional decline.

Specialized Training and Expertise

Becoming a geriatrician requires a significant commitment to advanced training beyond standard medical school and residency.

1. Undergraduate and Medical School: Like all physicians, aspiring geriatricians first earn a bachelor's degree and complete four years of medical school.
2. Residency: They then complete a residency, typically in internal medicine or family medicine, gaining experience with a broad range of patients and health issues.
3. Geriatrics Fellowship: Following residency, they pursue a one- or two-year fellowship in geriatric medicine. This is where they specialize in the unique physical, mental, and social aspects of aging.
4. Board Certification: Many geriatricians choose to become board-certified, demonstrating a commitment to the highest standards of care in their specialty.

This extensive training gives geriatricians a deep understanding of how aging affects the body and mind, equipping them with the skills to address age-related issues effectively.

The Holistic Approach to Geriatric Care

A geriatrician's work goes beyond treating a single disease. They consider the whole person, taking into account how various factors impact a patient's overall well-being.

• Medical Management: Geriatricians are experts at managing chronic conditions common in older adults, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and osteoporosis. They focus on minimizing side effects and interactions from multiple medications.
• Cognitive Health: They address issues related to memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease, including early detection and management.
• Functional Independence: A primary goal of geriatric care is to help seniors maintain their independence. Geriatricians assess mobility, fall risk, and daily living activities, making recommendations for physical therapy or home modifications.
• Mental and Emotional Well-being: They recognize the mental health challenges common among older adults, such as depression and anxiety, and provide or coordinate resources for emotional support.
• Care Coordination: A geriatrician often acts as the leader of an interdisciplinary team, collaborating with other specialists, nurses, social workers, and pharmacists to provide seamless, integrated care.

Geriatrician vs. Gerontologist: What's the Difference?

While both professions are concerned with aging, they have distinct roles. Understanding the difference is crucial for navigating senior care.

Aspect	Geriatrician	Gerontologist
Role	A medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of age-related diseases.	A professional who studies aging from a broader, multidisciplinary perspective (biological, social, and psychological).
Training	Medical school (MD or DO), residency in internal or family medicine, and a fellowship in geriatric medicine.	Typically holds a master's or doctoral degree in gerontology or a related field.
Scope	Clinical and patient-focused, dealing with the medical management of older adults.	Can work in many fields outside of medicine, such as social work, research, policy, or program development.
Focus	Treats the health issues patients face today, with a strong emphasis on disease management and clinical interventions.	Studies the process of aging and its societal impacts, seeking big-picture solutions for an aging population.

When is a Geriatrician the Right Choice?

It's a common misconception that you only need a geriatrician if you are very sick. In reality, consulting a specialist earlier can be highly beneficial for proactive and preventive care. Consider seeing a geriatrician if:

• You have multiple, complex medical conditions: If you are managing several chronic diseases, a geriatrician can coordinate care and ensure treatments don't conflict.
• Medication management is an issue: A geriatrician can review complex medication regimens to identify and reduce harmful drug interactions or side effects.
• Memory concerns arise: If you or a loved one are experiencing memory loss or cognitive decline, a geriatrician can provide specialized screening and care.
• Mobility or balance issues emerge: For individuals experiencing frailty or a higher risk of falling, a geriatrician can assess and recommend preventative measures.
• Transitions of care are common: If you frequently move between healthcare settings (hospital, rehab, home), a geriatrician is an expert at coordinating these transitions to prevent setbacks.
• Your primary care physician suggests it: Many PCPs work with geriatricians for consultative care, especially for older adults with multiple needs.

How to Find a Geriatrician

Finding the right specialist is an important step toward healthy aging. Here are a few ways to begin your search:

1. Get a referral: Ask your current primary care physician for a referral to a geriatrician they trust.
2. Use professional society locators: Organizations like the American Geriatrics Society often have online tools to help you find a certified geriatrician in your area.
3. Check with your insurance: Your health insurance provider can supply a list of in-network geriatricians.
4. Contact academic medical centers: University hospitals often have robust geriatric medicine departments.
5. Seek recommendations: Ask for recommendations from trusted friends, family, or other healthcare professionals.

Investing in this specialized care can significantly improve the quality of life for older adults, helping them navigate the challenges of aging with greater health, dignity, and independence. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion offers additional resources on this topic at their Healthy Aging website.

Conclusion: Investing in Specialized Care for Your Golden Years

Navigating the healthcare system as you age can become increasingly complex. Knowing the answer to What is a doctor of geriatrics called? is the first step toward proactive health management. A geriatrician is not just another doctor; they are a partner in healthy aging, equipped with specialized knowledge to manage the unique health profile of older adults. Their holistic and preventative approach to care, combined with expertise in managing multiple conditions and medications, is invaluable for maintaining independence and enhancing quality of life during your golden years. Consulting a geriatrician can provide peace of mind and a clear, coordinated path forward for your long-term health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a geriatrician and a primary care physician (PCP)?

A geriatrician is a PCP who has completed additional, specialized training focused specifically on the healthcare needs of older adults, typically 65 and older. They have deeper expertise in managing the complex health issues, multiple medications, and unique syndromes common in later life.

When should an older adult start seeing a geriatrician?

It's often recommended to consider seeing a geriatrician around age 65, especially if you have complex health issues, are taking numerous medications, or have concerns about memory or mobility. Seeing one proactively can help with prevention and long-term planning.

How do geriatricians manage multiple medications (polypharmacy)?

Geriatricians are experts at medication management. They conduct a thorough review of all medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements, to identify and reduce potentially harmful drug interactions or unnecessary prescriptions.

What does a geriatric care team look like?

A geriatric care team is multidisciplinary and often includes a geriatrician, geriatric nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and physical or occupational therapists. They work together to address all aspects of a patient's well-being.

Do geriatricians only see patients in hospitals?

No, geriatricians work in a variety of settings. They can practice in private or group clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and academic medical centers. Some may also offer telemedicine services.

Can a geriatrician help with memory loss or dementia?

Yes. Geriatricians specialize in cognitive health and are skilled in screening for and managing conditions like mild cognitive impairment and dementia. They can coordinate care with neurologists and provide support for both patients and their families.

How can a geriatrician help prevent falls?

Falls are a major concern for older adults. A geriatrician can assess balance and gait, recommend physical therapy or balance-strengthening exercises, and suggest home safety modifications to reduce fall risk.