Internal Medicine

Doctors of internal medicine, or internists, focus on adults. They have specialty training on the prevention and treatment of adult diseases. Known as Internists or internal medicine doctors, they are often considered the “doctor’s doctor,” because they are often called upon to act as consultants to other physicians to help solve puzzling diagnostic problems. They are not to be confused with family physicians, family doctors or general practitioners, whose training is not solely concentrated on adults and may include surgery and obstetrics. 

Some physicians who are trained as Internists may choose additional training to “subspecialize” in one of the thirteen areas of internal medicine which include cardiology, gastroenterology, and nephrology, as examples. Subspecialty training usually requires an additional one to four years of fellowship training beyond the internal medicine residency.

Caring For The Whole Patient

An Internist, or general internist, provides primary care and is often the first physician one sees for any conditions. Internists are equipped to handle whatever problem a patient brings – no matter how simple or complex, common or rare. They are specifically trained to deal with complex diagnostic dilemmas and can handle severe chronic illnesses. Internists also promote wellness through disease prevention and lifestyle modification. 

Caring For You For Life

Internists pride themselves on developing relationships with their patients over their lifespan. From the teenage years until geriatric age, Internists care for patient in clinics, in hospitals and in nursing homes. They are considered primary care providers and work closely with other specialists and subspecialist to manage and coordinate any difficult medical conditions.