What Does Internal Medicine Specialize In?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Internal medicine physicians, or internists, are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness.

What procedures do internal medicine doctors do?

  • Venipuncture (“blood draw”) to test blood.
  • Arterial puncture to analyze blood gases.
  • Endotracheal intubation.
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy.
  • Intravenous (IV) line insertion.
  • Nasogastric (NG) tube placement.
  • Urinary catheters placement.

Is internal medicine a specialty?

Internal medicine or general internal medicine (in Commonwealth nations) is the medical specialty dealing with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of internal diseases . ... Internal medicine is also a specialty within clinical pharmacy and veterinary medicine.

What are the specialties after internal medicine?

  • Adolescent medicine. ...
  • Adult congenital heart disease. ...
  • Advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology. ...
  • Allergy and immunology. ...
  • Cardiovascular disease. ...
  • Clinical cardiac electrophysiology. ...
  • Critical care medicine. ...
  • Endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism.

When should you go to an internist?

Internists routinely see patients with conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and chronic lung disease . An internist may consult with doctors in other fields of medicine, or may be called to consult on a patient by another specialist.

Which is better internist or family doctor?

“While internists typically diagnose and treat medical problems of greater complexity than family practitioners in both the office and hospital settings, family practitioners typically provide more ‘well-patient’ services in the office setting and don’t treat as many hospitalized patients,” Dr. Remakus explains.

What is unique about internal medicine?

Thus, internal medicine is perhaps best defined by its unique approach to medicine and its ‘scientific attitude ‘, rather than by a specific group of patients being cared for, the practice setting, or research activity being pursued.

Do internist perform surgery?

An internist is a doctor of internal medicine. They’re doctors who specialize in the internal organs and systems of the body, but they are not limited to those areas. They can also give preventive care and treat anything from skin rashes to ear infections. They only treat adults and they aren’t surgeons .

What is the difference between internal medicine and general medicine?

Internal Medicine doctors provide comprehensive care for adults with a broad knowledge of diseases, are experts in diagnosis, and promote wellness and preventive care. ... General internists are trained to provide primary care for adults and are considered primary care physicians.

What is the hardest internal medicine specialty?

  • General Surgery.
  • Neurosurgery.
  • Orthopedic Surgery.
  • Ophthalmology.
  • Otolaryngology.
  • Plastic Surgery.
  • Urology.
  • Radiation Oncology.

What is the most fun medical specialty?

  1. Family Medicine. ...
  2. Diagnostic Radiology. ...
  3. Dermatology. ...
  4. Anesthesiology. ...
  5. Ophthalmology. ...
  6. Pediatrics. ...
  7. Psychiatry. ...
  8. Clinical Immunology/Allergy.

Which doctor specialty has the best lifestyle?

The four specialties rated highest for lifestyle (1–9, with 9 being highest) were dermatology (8.4), radiology (8.1), ophthalmology (8.0), and anesthesia (7.5). The four specialties rated lowest were orthopedics (4.0), neurosurgery (3.1), general surgery (2.6), and obstetrics-gynecology (2.5).

What does internist mean in English?

English Language Learners Definition of internist

: a doctor who specializes in diseases that do not require surgery : a doctor who specializes in internal medicine .

What happens at an internal medicine appointment?

You will be asked about your medical history , including previous illnesses, the severity of the symptoms, family members with similar conditions, your health habits (including alcohol and cigarette use), your diet and other questions. Your provider may recommend tests.

What is the difference between family doctor and internist?

An internal medicine physician cares for adults. A family practitioner is a pediatrician and internist combined into one specialty, and cares for both children and adults .

What type of doctor should I choose for primary care?

  • Internal medicine doctors.
  • Pediatricians.
  • Family medicine doctors.
  • OB-GYNs (obstetrics and gynecology)
  • Internal medicine-pediatric doctors (med-peds)
James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.