What Does an Internist Doctor Do?

Internists diagnose and treat disease.

Internists are doctors who treat patients with illnesses of the internal organs of the body and provide nonsurgical treatment of diseases. Also known as doctors of internal medicine, they treat adolescents, adults and the elderly. Both men and women see internists.

History and Physical Examination

Collecting information is an important task for an internist. The doctor asks questions about a patient's past medical history and what symptoms a patient currently has. The internist conducts physical exams, such as listening to the patient's heart and lungs.

Diagnosis

Blood tests and tests of other bodily fluids help an internist diagnose disease. He may order X-rays and other tests as well. A puzzle solver, a doctor of internal medicine combines the results of a physical exam with test results to arrive at a diagnosis.

Treament

Doctors of internal medicine prescribe drugs and other types of treatment such as physical therapy. They refer patients to other types of doctors and admit patients to the hospital for care.

Education and Training

Almost all physicians attend four years of college and four years of medical school. Internists spend three years in internship and residency. Additional training is required if an internist wants to specialize in an internal medicine subspecialty such as cardiology.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physicians and Surgeons:
• American Board of Medical Specialties: Internal Medicine

Resources

• American College of Physicians: About Internal Medicine
• American College of Physicians: What is a Doctor of Internal Medicine?
• American Board of Internal Medicine