Ignatz Leo Nascher

Austrian-American physician and founder of geriatrics

Ignatz Leo Nascher

Ignatz Leo Nascher (1863–1944) was an Austrian-American physician who is credited with founding the field of geriatrics, the branch of medicine that focuses on the health care of elderly people. Nascher's work laid the foundation for the development of geriatric medicine as a distinct discipline.

Early Life and Education

Ignatz Leo Nascher was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1863. He immigrated to the United States with his family at a young age. Nascher pursued his medical education at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he earned his medical degree in 1882.

Career

Nascher began his medical career in New York City, where he worked as a general practitioner. He became increasingly interested in the medical care of the elderly, a population that was often neglected in medical practice at the time. Nascher observed that older patients had unique medical needs that were not adequately addressed by existing medical specialties.

Development of Geriatrics

In 1909, Nascher coined the term "geriatrics" to describe the medical care of the elderly. He argued that just as pediatrics was a specialized field for the care of children, geriatrics should be a specialized field for the care of older adults. Nascher's advocacy for geriatrics was groundbreaking, as it challenged the prevailing medical practices of the time.

Geriatrics; The diseases of old age by Ignatz Leo Nascher, 1919

Publications

Nascher's seminal work, "Geriatrics: The Diseases of Old Age and Their Treatment," was published in 1914. In this book, he outlined the principles of geriatric medicine and emphasized the importance of understanding the physiological changes that occur with aging. Nascher's work was instrumental in raising awareness about the need for specialized medical care for the elderly.

Legacy

Ignatz Leo Nascher's contributions to medicine have had a lasting impact on the field of geriatrics. His pioneering work helped to establish geriatrics as a recognized medical specialty, and his advocacy for the elderly has influenced generations of physicians. Today, geriatrics is an essential part of medical education and practice, with a focus on improving the quality of life for older adults.

Related Pages

• Geriatrics
• Gerontology
• Aging
• Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons