What is an Internist?
An internist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of adults. They are trained to care for a wide range of medical problems, including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and chronic lung disease. Internists also provide preventive care, such as screenings for cancer and other diseases.
Internists are often called “general internists” or “doctors of internal medicine.” They are not to be confused with interns, who are doctors in their first year of residency training.
What do internists do?
Internists provide a wide range of services, including:
- Diagnosing and treating medical problems: Internists are experts in the diagnosis of complex medical problems. They use their knowledge of the human body and their experience with a wide range of diseases to help patients get the care they need.
- Managing chronic diseases: Internists are also experts in the management of chronic diseases. They can help patients develop treatment plans that control their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
- Providing preventive care: Internists can help patients stay healthy by providing preventive care, such as screenings for cancer and other diseases.
- Coordinating care with other healthcare providers: Internists often coordinate care with other healthcare providers, such as specialists and surgeons. This helps to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
What are the benefits of seeing an internist?
There are many benefits to seeing an internist, including:
- Expertise: Internists have a deep understanding of the human body and a wide range of experience with medical problems. This means that they can provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.
- Continuity of care: Internists often develop long-term relationships with their patients. This allows them to get to know their patients’ medical histories and to provide personalized care.
- Collaboration: Internists often collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as specialists and surgeons. This ensures that patients receive the best possible care.
FAQs about internists
What is the difference between an internist and a family doctor?
The main difference between an internist and a family doctor is the scope of their practice. Internists focus on the care of adults, while family doctors care for patients of all ages. This means that family doctors have a broader range of knowledge, but internists have a deeper understanding of adult health issues.
What are some common conditions that internists treat?
Some of the most common conditions that internists treat include:
- Heart disease
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Chronic lung disease
- Cancer
- Mental health disorders
- Autoimmune diseases
When should I see an internist?
If you are an adult and you have any of the following conditions, you should see an internist:
- A chronic medical condition
- A new medical problem
- A change in your health
- You are concerned about your health
How do I find an internist?
You can find an internist by asking your friends, family, or doctor for a referral. You can also search online for internists in your area.
Conclusion
Internists are highly trained doctors who specialize in the care of adults. They can provide a wide range of services, including diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care. If you are an adult and you are looking for a doctor, an internist is a great option.
