Many medical doctors specialize in
treating a particular illness
or part of the body…
but internists are general doctors
who see adult patients for
all their medical needs.
They usually act as either
primary care providers, or as
inpatient doctors known as hospitalists.
These doctors are experts in
medical conditions that affect
the vital organs of the
abdomen and chest.
But, they also treat conditions that
affect other areas of the body
such as joints and the brain.
Internists who provide primary care...
work in outpatient clinics.
There, they diagnose and treat
common health problems and
help patients manage chronic conditions
such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
They prescribe medications and give
advice on preventing disease as well,
such as which vaccines to get
and healthy nutrition options.
They also document patients’ test results,
examination notes, and medical history.
Internists may provide regular care for
patients for many years at clinics,
or see patients just once in
urgent care settings. They are
frequently exposed to infectious diseases,
and must be able to manage
stressful situations treating
very sick or dying patients.
Becoming an internist requires four years
of medical school after college,
and three years of residency training.
Training includes long hours,
night shifts and irregular schedules.
General internists may pursue
additional training in specialties
such as cardiology or gastroenterology.