Demystifying the Term: The Geriatrician
The most direct and accurate answer to the question, "what is a doctor of gerontology called?" is that the medical professional is called a geriatrician. A geriatrician is a medical doctor who has completed specialized training in the care of older adults. While they are deeply involved in the application of gerontology, their specific role is clinical.
What does a geriatrician do?
After completing a residency in internal or family medicine, a geriatrician undergoes an additional one- or two-year fellowship to focus on the unique health needs of the elderly. Their work includes:
- Managing complex care: Addressing multiple chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis simultaneously.
- Polypharmacy review: Expertly managing multiple medications to avoid harmful drug interactions and side effects.
- Addressing geriatric syndromes: Dealing with common issues such as falls, frailty, cognitive impairment, and incontinence.
- Coordinating care: Acting as the "quarterback" for a patient's healthcare, working with other specialists to provide a holistic approach.
- Providing specialized consultations: Often taking referrals for the most complex or frail older patients who have multiple, interacting health problems.
The Broader Field of Study: Gerontology
Gerontology is the scientific study of aging, encompassing the biological, psychological, and social changes that occur throughout the lifespan. While a geriatrician practices medicine within this field, a gerontologist does not necessarily have a medical degree or provide clinical care. Professionals with a master's or Ph.D. in gerontology often work in different areas, such as research, social services, and public policy.
The diverse roles of a gerontologist
The field of gerontology offers a wide array of career paths for non-medical professionals, all focused on supporting and understanding the aging population. Examples include:
- Social gerontologists: These professionals, often with a social work background, help older adults and families navigate social services, housing options, and mental health support.
- Research gerontologists: Conduct studies to advance the scientific understanding of aging, longevity, and age-related diseases.
- Policy gerontologists: Work with government agencies and advocacy groups, like the AARP, to shape public policy on issues such as Medicare, Social Security, and elder abuse.
- Environmental gerontologists: Focus on designing age-friendly living spaces, communities, and technologies to help people age in place more safely and independently.
- Geriatric care managers: Coordinate and oversee the overall care plan for an elderly individual, working with families and medical professionals to ensure comprehensive support.
Geriatrician vs. Gerontologist: Understanding the Differences
To clear up any confusion, this table highlights the core distinctions between a geriatrician and a gerontologist:
| Aspect | Geriatrician | Gerontologist |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Medical doctor who provides clinical care for older adults. | Professional who studies aging, often in a non-clinical capacity. |
| Focus | Diagnosing, treating, and managing age-related diseases and conditions. | Examining the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging. |
| Education | M.D. or D.O. degree plus residency and a geriatric medicine fellowship. | Often a master's or Ph.D. in gerontology or a related field. |
| Patient Interaction | Direct patient contact, managing medical conditions and prescriptions. | May have direct interaction (e.g., as a social worker) or work in research/policy with no patient contact. |
| Work Setting | Hospitals, clinics, private practices, long-term care facilities. | Universities, research institutions, government agencies, non-profits, consulting firms. |
The Interdisciplinary Approach to Senior Care
The most effective healthy aging strategies often involve a team approach that integrates both geriatric and gerontological expertise. A geriatrician may manage a patient's medical needs, such as a heart condition, while a gerontological social worker helps the family navigate complex care decisions and find community resources. This synergy ensures that the older adult's physical health, mental well-being, and social needs are all addressed.
When to seek specialized care
Deciding when to consult a specialist can be difficult. It may be time to see a geriatrician if you or a loved one are:
- Managing multiple health conditions or complex illnesses.
- Experiencing significant functional decline or increasing frailty.
- Dealing with a disease associated with aging, like dementia.
- Taking multiple medications that may be causing side effects.
- Seeking guidance on end-of-life care or long-term planning.
For broader support, such as finding the right senior housing, connecting with community resources, or navigating family caregiving dynamics, a gerontologist or a geriatric care manager may be the most appropriate professional to contact.
Conclusion: A Clearer Picture of Expertise
While the fields of gerontology and geriatrics both serve the aging population, they are not the same. A doctor is a geriatrician, trained to provide medical care for older adults. The broader study of aging is gerontology, which involves a wide range of non-clinical experts. By understanding this distinction, individuals and families can better identify and access the specific type of professional they need to support a healthier and more comfortable aging process. For more information on finding a qualified medical professional for senior care, resources like the American Geriatrics Society can be incredibly helpful and provide further guidance on geriatrician qualifications and finding a specialist near you.
