The Specialist for an Aging Population: The Geriatrician
As we age, our healthcare needs evolve and often become more complex. The U.S. population aged 65 and older is projected to nearly double by 2060, making specialized senior care more important than ever. The answer to the question, "What is a doctor who works only with seniors called?" is a geriatrician.
A geriatrician is a medical doctor (MD) or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who has completed a residency in either internal medicine or family medicine, followed by a fellowship in geriatric medicine. This additional training equips them with the expertise to manage the unique and often interconnected health challenges that older adults face.
What Does a Geriatrician Do?
Unlike a general physician who treats patients of all ages, a geriatrician focuses on preventing and treating diseases and disabilities in older adults. Their approach is holistic, considering not just physical health, but also mental, functional, and social aspects of a patient's life. Their primary goal is to maintain a high quality of life, independence, and well-being.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing Multiple Chronic Conditions: It's common for seniors to have several chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and hypertension. Geriatricians are skilled at creating cohesive treatment plans that address all conditions simultaneously.
- Medication Management (Polypharmacy): Older adults often take multiple medications prescribed by different specialists. Geriatricians conduct thorough medication reviews to prevent harmful drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and adjust dosages, as seniors metabolize drugs differently.
- Addressing Geriatric Syndromes: They specialize in conditions that are common in older adults, often called "geriatric syndromes." These include:
- Dementia and cognitive impairment
- Falls and mobility issues
- Incontinence
- Frailty
- Depression
- Vision and hearing loss
- Coordinating Care: Geriatricians often act as the central coordinator of a patient's healthcare team, which might include specialists, physical therapists, social workers, and pharmacists. This team-based approach ensures that everyone is on the same page.
The Path to Becoming a Geriatrician
The journey to becoming a geriatrician is extensive, reflecting the complexity of the specialty. The typical path involves:
- Undergraduate Degree: Four years of pre-medical education.
- Medical School: Four years to earn a medical degree (MD or DO).
- Residency: A three-year residency in either internal medicine or family medicine.
- Fellowship: An additional one to two years of specialized training in a geriatrics fellowship.
- Board Certification: Passing an examination to become board-certified in geriatric medicine.
This rigorous training ensures they are prepared to handle the multifaceted health issues of the aging population.
Geriatrician vs. Family Physician: A Comparison
While many seniors receive excellent care from their family physician or primary care provider (PCP), a geriatrician offers a more specialized focus. The choice often depends on the individual's health complexity.
| Feature | Geriatrician | Family Physician (PCP) |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Focus | Primarily adults 65+, especially those with complex needs. | Patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. |
| Training | Specialized fellowship in geriatric medicine. | Broad training across all age groups and conditions. |
| Approach | Holistic and team-based, focusing on quality of life, function, and managing multiple conditions. | Focuses on preventive care and managing both acute and chronic illnesses. |
| Appointment Time | Often longer to accommodate comprehensive assessments. | Varies, but may be shorter due to a broader patient base. |
| Expertise | Geriatric syndromes (dementia, falls, frailty), polypharmacy. | Wide range of common health issues. |
When Should You Consider Seeing a Geriatrician?
There's no specific age to switch to a geriatrician, but it's often recommended when healthcare needs become more complex. Consider a consultation if you or a loved one:
- Is managing multiple chronic diseases.
- Takes five or more medications regularly (polypharmacy).
- Is experiencing significant functional decline, frailty, or mobility issues.
- Has been diagnosed with a memory disorder like dementia.
- Has experienced recurrent falls.
- Finds that care has become fragmented between multiple specialists.
Conclusion: A Partner in Healthy Aging
A geriatrician is more than just a doctor for seniors; they are a dedicated partner in navigating the journey of aging. Their specialized knowledge in how illnesses and medications affect older adults can lead to a better quality of life, improved independence, and more coordinated, person-centered care. For more information on healthy aging, the National Institute on Aging is an excellent resource. As our population continues to age, the role of the geriatrician will only become more vital in ensuring we all live healthier, fuller lives for longer.
