What is Geriatric Medicine?

13 January 2026

Seeing Multiple Specialists

If you have a painful hip, you might see an orthopaedic surgeon. If you have an underactive thyroid, you might see an endocrinologist. If you have atrial fibrillation, you might see a cardiologist. Or if you have asthma, you might see a respiratory physician. But what do you do if you have all of these conditions? Seeing multiple specialists can quickly take over your life, as appointments stack up and schedules become difficult to manage.

Medical Problems Are Individual

Medical problems do not occur in isolation—they happen to individuals and affect each person differently. As we age, the impact of these conditions can become more profound and more individualised. Treatment for one condition can also start to affect others. For example, if you have diabetes, controlling your weight is important. But if you have arthritis, staying physically active can be difficult. If you have heart failure, your medications may lower your blood pressure or put extra strain on your kidneys.

The Challenge of Multiple Conditions

It is common for people to reach old age with several medical conditions: arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, lung problems, and more. For each condition, there is strong evidence about the most effective treatment. However, when treating one condition affects another, the risk of making overall health worse becomes an important consideration.

Evidence vs. Individual Needs

Medical evidence can tell us what treatments improve symptoms or survival—but it does not account for your individual needs, circumstances, or preferences.

The Role of a Geriatrician

This is where geriatric medicine comes in. A geriatrician specialises in managing multiple medical conditions in a single person. The best geriatricians tailor care based on who you are. For example, treating heart failure in an 85-year-old with dementia will be very different from treating heart failure in an 85-year-old who plays golf twice a week and runs the local Rotary Club.

The Key to Good Care

Good care as we age depends on health professionals who have the right skills and experience, the time to understand who you are and what matters to you, and the chance to develop a stable relationship with you over time. Each appointment allows them to learn more about you and understand your health better.

Why Geriatric Medicine Matters

We live in a world that often values speed and cost-efficiency. But the fundamentals of good care remain the same: time, continuity, expertise, and access to the right investigations and treatments.

A geriatrician is the kind of doctor who strives to provide all of this.

Ready to Book Your Appointment?

If you’re seeking expert, compassionate care for an aging loved one, our geriatric services are here to support you. By choosing Dr. Dharamshi, geriatrician at The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, you’re ensuring personalised, high-quality care focused on comfort, independence, and quality of life – without long waiting times.

For more information or to arrange a consultation, visit our Geriatric Medicine Services page. If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment, please contact our friendly team today.

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Compassionate Care for Your Loved One

If you’re concerned about the health and well-being of an aging family member, Dr. Dharamshi, geriatrician at The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, offers expert, personalised care for seniors.

Book a consultation today to ensure your loved one receives the attention and support they deserve