Best Geriatric Doctors in Santa Rosa

Introduction to Geriatrics and Its Importance in Santa Rosa

Definition of Geriatrics

Geriatrics is a medical specialty that focuses on the health care needs of older adults. As people age, their bodies undergo significant changes, and they often face complex health issues that require specialized attention. Geriatricians are trained to address these unique challenges, providing comprehensive care that takes into account the physical, mental, and social aspects of aging.

The importance of specialized geriatric care cannot be overstated. As the population ages, the demand for healthcare professionals who understand the nuances of treating older patients continues to grow. Geriatricians are equipped to manage multiple chronic conditions, address age-related changes, and help maintain quality of life for seniors.

Overview of Geriatrics in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa, like many cities across the United States, is experiencing an increased need for geriatric care as its population ages. This trend reflects the broader demographic shift occurring nationwide, with more people living longer and requiring specialized medical attention in their later years.

Fortunately, Santa Rosa is home to several qualified geriatricians who are well-equipped to meet this growing demand. Our analysis of local healthcare providers reveals that there are at least 17 doctors in Santa Rosa who specialize in Geriatric Medicine, often in combination with other related fields such as Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Hospice & Palliative Care. This diversity of expertise ensures that older adults in Santa Rosa have access to comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs.

Choosing a Geriatric Doctor in Santa Rosa

Factors to Consider

Board Certifications and Specializations

• American Board of Internal Medicine certification common among top-rated geriatricians
• Additional certifications in Family Medicine or Hospice & Palliative Medicine

Experience and Education

• Varied educational backgrounds from prestigious institutions
• Years of experience in geriatric care

Hospital Affiliations

• Key affiliations include Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital
• Consider proximity and preference for specific healthcare systems

Patient Reviews and Ratings

• Healthgrades star ratings provide insight into patient satisfaction
• Number of reviews indicates level of patient feedback

Using Online Resources

Healthgrades and Other Doctor Review Websites

• Detailed profiles including education, certifications, and patient ratings
• Photos and contact information for easy identification and access

Hospital Websites and Directories

• Information on affiliated physicians and their specialties
• Potential for appointment scheduling and additional resources

Top-Rated Geriatric Doctors in Santa Rosa

Dr. Seema Rao

Qualifications and Experience

• Board certified in Internal Medicine
• Completed residency at Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center
• Graduated from Grant Med Coll-Bombay University in 1990

Patient Satisfaction

• Impressive 4.8-star rating from 33 patient reviews
• Indicates high level of patient satisfaction and quality care

Accessibility and Affiliations

• Affiliated with Adventist Health Ukiah Valley and Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
• Multilingual: speaks English, Hindi, and Marathi
• Contact number: (707) 579-6957

Dr. William Carroll

Expertise and Certifications

• Board certified in Internal Medicine
• Specializes in both Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine
• Graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1982

Patient Reviews

• Holds a 4.8-star rating from 5 patient reviews
• Suggests consistent high-quality care

Hospital Affiliations

• Associated with UCSF Helen Diller Medical Center at Parnassus Heights
• Affiliated with Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital
• Also works with Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital

Dr. Thomas Guyn

Educational Background

• Board certified in Internal Medicine
• Diverse educational background including a Master's in Values and The Environment
• Graduated from Universita Campus Bio-Medico Di Roma in 1983

Patient Feedback

• Maintains a 4.7-star rating from 29 patient reviews
• Indicates consistently positive patient experiences

Professional Affiliations

• Affiliated with Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital
• Also associated with Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital

Additional Noteworthy Geriatricians

Dr. Richard Powers

• 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews
• Specializes in Geriatric Medicine and Family Medicine
• Affiliated with Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital

Dr. Charlotte Carlson

• Board certified in Internal Medicine
• More recent graduate (University of California at San Francisco, 2010)
• Affiliated with Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital

Additional Resources for Finding the Right Geriatric Doctor in Santa Rosa

Local Medical Societies and Organizations

Sonoma County Medical Association

• Provides a directory of local physicians
• Offers community health resources

California Medical Association

• Statewide organization with resources for finding specialists
• Information on healthcare policies affecting geriatric care

Online Physician Directories

Healthgrades

• Comprehensive profiles of geriatricians in Santa Rosa
• Patient reviews and ratings (e.g., Dr. Seema Rao's 4.8-star rating)

Medicare's Physician Compare Tool

• Search for geriatricians who accept Medicare
• Compare doctors based on quality measures and specialties

Hospital Affiliations

Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital

• Associated with several top-rated geriatricians (e.g., Dr. William Carroll, Dr. Thomas Guyn)
• May provide referrals to affiliated geriatric specialists

Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital

• Affiliated with geriatricians like Dr. Charlotte Carlson
• Potential source for geriatric care information and referrals

Consultation with Primary Care Physician

Referrals to Trusted Geriatricians

• Leverage existing medical relationships for personalized recommendations
• Discuss specific geriatric care needs with primary care doctor

Coordination of Care

• Ensure seamless communication between primary care and geriatric specialists
• Discuss how to integrate geriatric care into overall health management