To obtain recertification, medical providers must be board certified in family medicine and must pass the Geriatric Medicine Continuing Certification Examination. Certification in Geriatric medicine demonstrates a provider’s experience, expertise, and dedication to the care of elderly patients.

As a result of his successful performance on the examination, he is recognized for exhibiting a level of mastery of medical knowledge worthy of recognition as a specialist in Geriatric medicine, and in keeping with the Board's mission. Hence, Dr. Crist has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in the specialty of family medicine and Geriatrics. The American Board of Family Medicine congratulates him on his effort, and they look forward to his ongoing commitment to excellence and the delivery of high-quality healthcare throughout his years of practice. The Geriatric certification was established in 1988, and Dr. Crist first demonstrated his competency shortly after that and has continued his certification processes since that time.

There are roughly 7,300 certified geriatricians currently practicing in the U.S. and the American Geriatrics Society expects 30,000 geriatricians will be needed by 2030. The elderly now comprises approximately 17% of the Illinois' population, which means that almost one in six Illinoisans is 60 or older. Per the U.S. Census projection, the percentage of adults over 60 in Illinois is expected to grow to 24% by 2030. Currently, there are only 4,545 family physicians and 227 geriatricians in Illinois. The growth in the older adult population provides a wonderful opportunity for both primary care providers and providers with added qualification in geriatric medicine to enhance their roles in serving our communities better. 

Much of a geriatrician's time is spent on finding ways to keep medically complex Medicare patients out of the hospital and maintaining their health. Geriatricians treat a complex patient population, with older adults typically having more comorbid conditions that require regular follow-up care.

Dr. Crist has been with Medical Associates Clinic since 1998. He is a family medicine physician at Medical Associates Clinic in Galena and Elizabeth. He provides immediate and routine care including diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses for patients of all ages.

Medical Associates Clinic
Medical Associates Clinic was established in 1924 and is the oldest multispecialty group practice in Iowa. With over 180 providers serving Dubuque and the Tri-State area, Medical Associates’ mission is to provide superior healthcare and an excellent patient experience. With a staff of over 1,000 healthcare professionals and support personnel, Medical Associates has been recognized since 1998 as a “Better Performing Practice” by the Medical Group Management Association. For more information, visit www.csypjx.com.

G. Allen Crist, DO
Medical Assocaites Clinic - Galena & Elizabeth