About Geriatric Medicine at UPMC

Expertise

Geriatricians are physicians who are first trained in internal medicine or family medicine and then undergo additional training in geriatric medicine.

They have specific expertise in how to:

• Diagnose and treat diseases in older adults.
• Diagnose and treat geriatric syndromes (e.g., confusion, dementia, falls, incontinence).
• Best prescribe medications.
• Handle medical conditions when many are present at the same time.
• Deal with problems common at the end of life.
• Access and utilize the many types of support services available to older adults.

Geriatricians provide care in all settings, including the:

• Office
• Hospital
• Home
• Assisted living and skilled nursing facilities

They can provide consultations, co-management of patients with a primary care provider, or primary care.

When geriatricians provide primary care, it is usually for medically complex or frail older adults. Their typical patient is over age 70.

Learn more about our expertise by browsing the following sections:

• Clinical Care
• Research
• Education
• Accomplishments