What is Internal Medicine?
Internal medicine is a medical specialty that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all diseases that affect the adult population under its domain. Doctors who complete internal medicine residencies are called internists; they can be generalists or specialists.
Internists are trained to handle all types of medical problems, they are able to diagnose, treat and manage diseases ranging from simple diseases to complex syndromes. Whatever problems the patient brings to them, they are able to solve clinical puzzles. With strong knowledge and years of practice they can handle severe chronic diseases and are able to deal with complex scenarios where many diseases are present in one patient.
They increase patients' understanding of disease prevention and promote healthy living. They are able to overcome sensitive problems such as mental health and addiction. Treatment of common infections and skin, eye, throat, gastrointestinal, CNS or genitourinary systems also comes under their area of ??expertise.
Difference Between Internal Medicine and Family Practice
Family practice and internal medicine are closely related fields. Doctors who provide both services, acting as primary care providers, have attended four years of medical school, followed by three years of residency. Both fields are distinguished mainly by the focus of the residency program.
Family doctors have training in a wider area to meet the needs of all age groups, and their exposure in gynecology, obstetrics and pediatrics allows them to care for all family members.
Internal medicine training focuses primarily on diseases that affect adults. Internists are more likely to work in a hospital environment, act as members of the care team, coordinate patient care with other practitioners.
Other Types of Primary Care Doctors
With an explanation of the differences between internal treatment and family practices above, you may also want to know what other types of primary care doctors. Primary care providers or "PCP" are usually doctors, but can also be nurse practitioners or physician assistants, who work under the direction of a doctor.
- Various medical professionals are trained to give you and your family the best primary care. To help you decide which service provider is right for you, here are some useful information about several types including:
- Obstetrician / Gynecologist: These doctors have completed residency and are board certified, or meet board requirements, in obstetrics and gynecology. They are generally primary care providers for women, especially childbearing age.
- Pediatrician: Doctors who complete a pediatric and board-certified residency program or are eligible, are known as pediatricians. They care for newborns, babies, children and teenagers who are under their field of expertise.
- M.D.s and D.O.s: To become primary care doctors, all doctors must complete medical school and get a degree like, MD, MBBS or DO. After graduation they can take postgraduate training in primary care programs, such as family medicine. These doctors are generally the first point of contact for every patient who has an undiagnosed health problem. They provide ongoing care for a variety of medical conditions, not limited by diagnosis, organ systems, or causes.
- Nurse practitioners and medical assistants: These practitioners undergo different training and certification processes from doctors. In some practices, they can be your main contact.