WHAT IS A GERIATRICIAN?
by Robert Stall MD, Geriatrician
***********************************************************************
From Webster's Third New International Dictionary:
Main Entry: geriatrics
: a branch of medicine that deals with the problems and diseases of old age and
aging people — compare GERONTOLOGY
Main Entry: geriatrician
: a specialist in geriatrics
Main Entry: gerontology
: a scientific study of the phenomena of aging and of the problems of the aged
— compare GERIATRICS
The most appropriate term for a physician who specializes in
the care of older adults is geriatrician, not gerontologist. A gerontologist is
generally a non-physician, though physicians who focus on aging research can
also be considered gerontologists.
***********************************************************************
Just as pediatricians are physicians who specialize in
the care of children,
geriatricians are physicians who specialize in the
care of older adults.
***********************************************************************
There are different levels of training among geriatricians:
- No Special Training
Many physicians have practices that are largely
comprised of older adults. By virtue of their day-to-day experience and
personal continuing education efforts, they may attain above-average knowledge
and skills in caring for elderly persons. They may consider themselves
geriatricians, though the term in usually reserved for physicians who have
specific training and certification in geriatric medicine (see 2. and 3.).
- Added Qualifications in Geriatric Medicine
The American Board of Internal Medicine and
American Board of Family Practice offer a certificate of Added Qualifications in
Geriatric Medicine to those Internists and Family Practitioners who can pass a
standardized exam that has questions dealing solely with geriatric care issues.
- Fellowship Training
The highest level of qualification is when a
physician spends extra time studying geriatric medicine in a formal training
program. These programs, called Geriatric Fellowships, generally range from one
to three years of study after completion of a formal residency program (usually
Internal Medicine or Family Practice). The Fellowship Program usually has both
clinical and research components incorporated into the curriculum. Most
Fellowship Trained Geriatricians go on to take the exam that also gives them a
certificate of Added Qualifications in Geriatric Medicine.
How old do you have to be to benefit from the skills of a
geriatrician? It depends.
Geriatricians are expert in dealing with multiple medical problems and
chronic illness. Geriatricians focus on optimizing quality of life and
functional ability for their patients rather than seeking definitive
cures.
Geriatricians use a holistic approach to address the physical, psychological
and social problems surrounding the patient and family. A geriatrician works
closely with other health care professionals and organizations, including other
physicians, therapists, home care agencies, pain clinics and support groups, to
meet the specific needs of each patient. A geriatrician considers the patient
and family as key members of the health care team, and expects them to
contribute to all decisions that need to be made.
Ailments that a geriatrician will address include Alzheimer’s disease (and
other dementias), arthritis, chronic heart & lung disease, general decline,
impaired overall function, incontinence, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease,
sensory problems (esp. vision and hearing) and stroke.
The geriatrician will also scrutinize the often-large number of medications
older adults take to ensure that the medications are appropriate and are not
causing serious adverse side effects. Many times, medications can be adjusted
with significant improvement in the well being of the patient. Pain and mood
disorders such as depression are common in older adults – the geriatrician
checks for these as well.
If you are in need of the kind of care just described,
whether you’re 65 or 95,
a geriatrician might be just the person for you.
***********************************************************************
Copyright 2003 Robert Stall MD, Geriatrician / Stall Geriatrics LLC
|
with Grandpa Julius