What Is a Geriatrician?

Article submitted by Michael R. Wasserman, M.D., a fellowship-trained specialist in Geriatric Medicine.
For more information, he can be reached at 303-306-4321.

A Geriatrician is a physician specializing in the care of older adults. A Geriatrician's first focus is to maximize their patient's function. Second, they balance quality of life issues with the risks of any possible tests or treatments. Many tests are quite uncomfortable and carry their own risks with them. Third, they try to keep people in their home environment as much as possible. This means avoiding unnecessary hospitalization, as hospitals are often very dangerous places for older individuals.

It is the responsibility of a Geriatrician to recognize the special needs of older adults. The Geriatrician must listen to all their patient's complaints, because even a subtle complaint can be an indication of a larger problem. This means that patients should not be rushed through their visit. The Geriatrician has a responsibility to assure that their staff is aware of the specialized needs of older individuals. The older population, more than any other group of patients, needs to know that their doctor is there for them at all times.

Much of what many people consider normal aging is not normal. There are actually very few complaints that an older person has that should bring upon a response of, "you're just getting old", from their doctor. In fact, even if a problem is a part of the normal aging process, this should be discussed in a constructive fashion, looking for alternatives to maximize function and quality of life.

What allows a doctor to call themselves a Geriatrician?

First, one can complete a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine after residency. Second, the Academies of Internal Medicine and Family Medicine jointly sponsor an examination for board certified internists and family physicians for an Advanced Qualification in Geriatric Medicine. Do all doctors who complete a fellowship or pass this test make a good Geriatrician? Not necessarily. Furthermore, there are internists and family physicians practicing who meet the description of a Geriatrician set forth above. One of the common denominators among those in the field of Geriatric Medicine is an underlying compassion and concern for seniors that transcends all other factors. That is truly what being a Geriatrician is all about.