Just What is Geriatrics?

Article submitted by Dr. Nancy Hooyman of Paradigm Care. She can be reached at 303 757-0012.

Not a day goes by that I am not asked, "Just what is Geriatrics?", should I be seeing a Geriatrician?" Even after practicing for nearly 20 years, I find the community is still often in the dark about what this branch of medicine is. Children see pediatricians, should seniors see Geriatricians? The answer is - maybe.

Geriatrics is a subspecialty of Internal Medicine or Family Practice. As a discipline it has been around for about 30 years. Many, but not all doctors who specialize in geriatrics have completed a fellowship, or post-doctoral work. Of these, most have taken an exam called "Added Qualifications in Geriatric Medicine", similar to a Board Certification exam. Physicians who have not had specialty training may also take the exam. A geriatrician is one who practices Geriatric Medicine.

Currently in the United States, there are not enough Geriatricians to meet the primary care needs of all seniors. Sadly, Geriatrics is one of the least appealing specialties for doctors to go into. On the bright side, most doctors who choose geriatrics dearly love seniors and often have a special gift in the field.

Geriatric Medicine is by its very nature family-centered, community-oriented, and multi-disciplinary. That means that the doctor is interested in including your family in your visits and care, knowledgeable about community services, and willing to work with other disciplines to enhance your well being. Individuals who seek Geriatric care generally fall into four categories. One is the older adult who simply wants specialized care during late life. Another is a frail older adult who has already experienced multiple complex illnesses. Very often it is a relative who initiates medical advice for this type of patient. Thirdly, there is the individual who has a condition that tends to be a "geriatric" illness, such a memory loss, dementia, osteoporosis or falling. And finally there is the elder who is dying and wants a physician who is comfortable with and knowledgeable about the dying process and will care for them in their final days.

Whether you decide to seek out a Geriatrician will depend on a number of factors. Availability is a key one. Most older adults like their primary care doctor and have confidence in him or her. There is no need to make a change just because you turn 65, or even 85. The individuals who are likely to benefit the most are frail elderly who have complex medical problems. Whomever you choose, make sure it is someone qualified, who allows enough time for your needs and with whom you are at ease.