Geriatric medicine specialists (also called geriatricians) are generally family medicine doctors or internists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and diseases of older adults. Geriatric medicine specialists can diagnose and treat many medical and surgical problems and can refer people to other specialists.

Geriatric medicine specialists may be board-certified in family medicine, internal medicine, or geriatric medicine. Geriatric medicine specialists can be board-certified by the American Board of Family Practice or the Board of Internal Medicine, which are recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.