Internal Medicine

What is internal medicine?

Internal medicine is a specialty of medical care that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing internal diseases. 

Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply clinical expertise and scientific knowledge to diagnosing, caring for, and treating adult patients with various health problems and illnesses.

The physicians who specialize in internal medicine are called internists.

Internal medicine doctors are experts in the conditions that affect any system of the body, and they can provide life-long palliative and comprehensive care. Internists also look for how parts of the body work in unison and can make connections from multiple data sets and symptoms. They are able to see how a problem in one area can affect other parts of the body and, as such, are often an excellent option for those with chronic illnesses.

What is the difference between internists and general practitioners?

The primary difference between an internist and a general practitioner is that, while both are primary care doctors, internists see only adults and focus on the big picture regarding their patient’s health.

Both specialties treat similar illnesses, such as:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Allergies
  • Diabetes
  • Sinus infections

However, internal medicine only covers these illnesses in adult patients.