Internal Medicine and Your Life

There are a multitude of reasons you should note the differences between an internist and a family practitioner style doctor. Learning more about internists can serve you and your health in the future.

What Can I Expect?

First of all, internal medicine focuses on the study, diagnoses and treatment of adult diseases. The keyword here is adult. Internists treat only adult diseases. They can be considered a primary care physician or doctor, but they do not practice medicine on children and generally do not have a general practice. They have been to school to study not only general medicine, but also have to focus on a specific field within the realm of adult heath care.

Perhaps even more interesting, most internists’ professional associations and societies refer to the physicians who practice the form of medicine as the “doctor’s doctor”. The reason behind this title is based in the way an internist studies the prevention and treatment of the disease. Often, internists will be called on by their peers to help understand and even diagnose a patient’s ailments when all other diagnostic measures fail.

If your primary care physician is an internist you are in luck because their focus is on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of adult diseases. Having a regular doctor that focuses on internal medicine can be beneficial for you for a number of reasons. You can rest assured that you and patients like you will be the focus of their attention. They are extremely interested in the adult patient—no matter how minor or major the medical issue.

Are There Specialties?

An internist can specialize in many areas of medicine, from the fields of sports medicine to gastroenterology to cardiology. All of these subspecialties mean that you are receiving very detailed care. Internists are highly educated individuals, motivated by understanding what makes you tick. This is where those with a focus in internal medicine really shine. They are eager to help you prevent disease by answering your questions and teaching you better understand your body, ailments and issues that may occur later in life.

If you find yourself needing a new primary care physician, consider looking for an internist. You will be very satisfied with the amount of concern and detail you receive from your care provider. In fact, after receiving care from an internist, no matter what the specialty, you may be hesitant to receive care from a general practitioner.

Where Can I Find an Internist?

As always, when choosing a new internal medicine doctor, consider online forums and recommendations. Also consider the recommendations of your friends. This advice is invaluable, as they have already experienced the doctor’s bedside manner first hand. Don’t hesitate to make an appointment with an internist. They have your health and physical well being at heart. They will be eager to spend an equal amount of time discussing your medical options as touching base with you about your aches and pains.