The report counted 6,784 internists, psychiatrists, and family practice physicians who have become certified geriatricians. But the demands of 30 million older Americans require that at least 20,000 physicians receive training in geriatrics. Only 14 of the United States' 126 medical schools require students to receive that training. Although the report includes some alarming statistics, it is possible to receive excellent healthcare from doctors who are well versed in the specific needs of an aging population. It all depends on finding the right physician.
Reputation usually sells itself.
They may not want to comment on the quality of particular doctors, but they should be willing to tell you whom they see or to whom they'd send a sick relative. It requires that you ask questions and conduct some research. As the Alliance for Aging Research report states, not many doctors are board-certified geriatric specialists, but it isn't necessary to be a geriatrician to help older patients. A doctor may have continuing medical education or have done research in disciplines that are age-specific. Whatever the specialty, it's a good idea to check when the doctor was last certified or recertified by a specialty board.