Physicians specializing in geriatric care are an endangered species, according this article in the New York Times. They are scarce in the area where I’m living, though we do have a couple of internal medicine practitioners who list geriatric medicine as a second specialty.

A geriatrician discussed in the article treated one patient on the day of the interview for pressure ulcers, a poorly dressed wound, dehydration, and depression. These were all problems that afflicted Sally down in Florida. The poorly dressed wound was a particular problem. I wish she could have seen a geriatrician.

Seniors are increasing in numbers all around the country. We should find ways of increasing the numbers of physicians trained to treat them.