Final answer:
An alternative term for a geriatrician is gerontologist, which encompasses both the practice of medicine for the elderly and the study of the aging process and its societal impacts.
Step-by-step explanation:
An alternative term used for a geriatrician is gerontologist. These professionals play a synonymous role in the medical field, with geriatrics being the practice of medicine concerning the elderly and gerontology being the broader study of aging and the various factors affecting older adults. The need for geriatricians is growing; as per the American Geriatrics Society, there is an expected 45 percent increase in demand from 2013-2025. Dr. Ignatz Nascher, the founder of geriatrics, saw the importance of the field similar to pediatrics. In addition to geriatricians, social gerontologists are vital as they examine the sociological aspects of aging and advocate for older adults.