Geriatrician
The last of the General Physicians with a holistic approach.
A Geriatrician is a Physician who specialises in the medical care of the elderly.
The Geriatrician provides holistic general medical care for the elderly, focuses on improving the symptoms and general function of frail complex elderly patients with multiple Geriatric Syndromes such as
o Confusion
o Falls
o Walking and balance disorders
o Malnutrition
o Swallowing disorders
o Multiple medications and adverse drug reactions
o Incontinence
o Chronic pain
Geriatricians focus on managing acute on chronic medical conditions in elderly patients and improving physical, psycho-social and functional outcomes with appropriate treatment. Geriatricians look at the “whole patient”, not a specific organ and deal with how the patient’s diseases relate to their day-to-day function and difficulties managing at home.
For more information read Dr Peter Lipski’s book “Your Elderly Parents Failing Health. Is It Ageing Or A Treatable Condition”.