Internal Medicine is a branch of the medical field that focuses specifically on treating adults and mainly, diseases associated with their internal organs. The spectrum of illnesses that affect the adult population is broad and comprehensive. A doctor specializing in internal medicine is also known as an internist and is trained to prevent, diagnose and treat a variety of diseases that may affect adults. Doctors of internal medicine are experts at diagnosing medical problems that may occur in different parts of the body at once.
The word internal medicine has been derived from the German word ‘Innere Medizin’. During the 1800s, German physicians began to study the ‘inner’ workings of diseases instead of their external manifestations. The science of bacteriology, physiology, and pathology was incorporated into the study of these diseases, which helped with great advancements in knowing and treating these illnesses.
Internal medicine describes the medical practice of combining the analytical examination of laboratory science with the personalized care associated with working directly with patients. While general internists hold expertise in treating the body as a whole, some internal medicine doctors choose to subspecialize in a particular field as well. They have to undergo extra years of training for this, and may then be referred to by their area of specialty. Some of the most commonly known internal medicine subspecialties include cardiologists, endocrinologists, rheumatologists, neurologists, etc. The extra training in their field of subspecialty allows internists to deal with complex medical issues and even perform advanced clinical procedures.
Internal Medicine VS Family Practice
The role of an internist and a family practitioner overlap to quite an extent. Both are primary care providers that deal with a variety of illnesses. While the two specialties may often be confused with each other, there is a key difference between the two. Internists focus mainly on treating adults, whereas family physicians are trained to treat people of all ages, including children, older patients and even gynecological care for women. From a general perspective, family physicians cater to a larger section of the population compared to internal medicine doctors. Adults suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes, heart or kidney diseases, blood disorders, hypertension and cholesterol issues, chronic infections, etc. usually seek out internists for the treatment of their diseases.
When to go to an Internist?
A doctor of internal medicine can treat a wide range of diseases. If patients feel unsatisfied with the level of diagnosis offered by their primary care physician, it may be a good idea to get a second opinion from an internist. Due to their level of expertise, some general physicians prefer to consult internists as well for expert opinions regarding certain diseases.
Internists are also trained to provide preventative care. This includes cancer screenings and specific diagnostic tests like mammograms. Individuals who are conscious about maintaining their health can benefit greatly from getting regular check-ups with their internal medicine doctor. Much like a family physician, patients can have a lasting relationship with their internist, one who they can trust with providing them with routine and preventative healthcare.
