geriatrician

IPA/ˌdʒeriəˈtrɪʃn/
KK[dʒˌɛriətrˈɪʃən]IPA/ˌdʒeriəˈtrɪʃn/

geriatrician — noun

  • geriatriciansingular
  • geriatriciansplural

1. A doctor who has special training in treating the health problems of older peopl

1.nounC1
Definition

A doctor who has special training in treating the health problems of older people.

Example

Fatima's grandmother sees a geriatrician every six months for check-ups.

The hospital hired a new geriatrician to run its senior health clinic.

collocation: hire/appoint a geriatrician

Common collocations
  • consult a geriatrician
  • see a geriatrician regularly
  • geriatrician at a hospital
Synonyms

Grammar Patterns

see/consult + geriatrician

be referred to + geriatrician

train as + geriatrician

Usage Note

Distinguish from gerontologist: a geriatrician is a medical doctor who treats patients; a gerontologist studies the ageing process and may work in research or social policy.

Common Mistakes

My grandfather sees a gerontologist for his heart condition.
My grandfather sees a geriatrician for his heart condition.
a gerontologist studies ageing; a geriatrician is a medical doctor who can treat illnesses.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

While a geriatrician and a gerontologist both work with older populations, their roles differ sharply. A geriatrician is a licensed medical doctor who diagnoses and treats illnesses in elderly patients — you would see one for heart problems, falls, or medication management. A gerontologist is a researcher or social scientist who studies the ageing process itself and may work in universities, policy institutes, or community programmes, but cannot prescribe medicine. A geriatrics nurse provides hands-on daily care under a geriatrician's supervision. 'Elderly care physician' is a descriptive phrase sometimes used in health brochures, but it is not a formal medical title. If your grandmother needs a prescription adjusted, you want a geriatrician, not a gerontologist.

gerontologistgeriatrics nurseelderly care physician

Common collocations

Nouns

  • geriatrician appointment
  • geriatrician assessment
  • geriatrician referral

Phrases

  • train as a geriatrician
  • work as a geriatrician
  • consult a geriatrician

Prepositions

  • referred to a geriatrician
  • treated by a geriatrician
  • under a geriatrician's care

Etymology

GreekEnglish

Formed from the Greek words 'geras' (old age) and 'iatros' (physician, healer). The term entered English in the early twentieth century as geriatrics developed into a recognised medical specialty focusing on the healthcare needs of older adults.