Understanding Your Medical Team
As we age, our medical care often involves more than one doctor — but most people are never shown how each clinician fits together or who to turn to for what. This page explains the most common roles using only publicly available information, so you can feel more in control and more confident during appointments.
This information is educational only and does not provide medical advice.
Primary Care (Family Medicine / Internal Medicine)
This is your central point of contact — the clinician who knows your history, monitors long-term conditions, and coordinates referrals. They help spot changes early and keep your overall care on track.
Geriatrician
A geriatrician focuses specifically on the needs of older adults — including memory, mobility, fall risk, medications, and complex, multi-condition situations. They can help simplify care and reduce unnecessary medications.
Specialists
You may see several specialists depending on your health needs. Common ones include:
- Cardiology — heart and circulation
- Neurology — memory, brain, nerves
- Pulmonology — lungs and breathing
- Oncology — cancer care
- Endocrinology — diabetes, thyroid, hormones
Specialists focus deeply on one area, so it’s important for your primary doctor to stay updated to ensure everything works together.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists are one of the most underused resources in healthcare. They can explain medication interactions, side effects, timing, cost differences, and how best to take your prescriptions.
Rehabilitation Professionals
- Physical therapy — strength, balance, mobility
- Occupational therapy — daily tasks, home safety, independence
- Speech therapy — swallowing, communication, memory strategies
Emotional & Mental Health Support
Aging brings many transitions — grief, loneliness, role changes, and shifting identity. Counselors, therapists, and group programs can help you cope and stay grounded.
Palliative Care
Palliative care focuses on comfort, pain control, and aligning care with your goals. Contrary to common belief, it is not limited to end-of-life — many people benefit from it while still receiving regular medical treatment.
Hospice
Hospice is for people who choose comfort-focused care during the last stage of life. The hospice team supports both the patient and family, usually wherever the person lives.
Maisage does not recommend specific doctors or treatments. The goal is simply to help you understand the types of professionals who may be involved so you can make informed choices and ask clearer questions.