What Kind of Medicine Do Internists Practice?

An internist is a doctor who specializes in internal medicine. These doctors have specialized training in diagnosing and treating adult diseases. Internists may be consulted by other doctors to help solve diagnostic problems, but they don't perform surgery.

The Facts

An internist provides comprehensive medical care in a private office, clinic or hospital. She often functions as a primary care doctor, coordinating treatment done by other doctors.

Training

According to the American College of Physicians, internists spend at least three years of their postgraduate training learning to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases that affect adults.

What They Do

Internists provide care for a wide variety of problems affecting internal organs, such as the liver, stomach or kidneys. They may refer patients to other specialists when necessary.

Subspecialties

Internists can specialize in general internal medicine, or they can choose to focus on one of several subspecialites such as cardiology, pulmonary medicine or oncology. Specialized training requires and additional one to three years of training beyond the general internal medicine residency.

Considerations

Internists treat adult patients whether they are experiencing wellness, acute illness and chronic illness. They care for adult patients for life, during routine office visits, hospitalizations and into nursing homes.

References

• American College of Physicians: About Internal Medicine

Resources

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physicians and Surgeons