An internal medicine doctor, often called an internist, is a physician who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in adults. They focus on patients typically from adolescence through old age, addressing the unique health challenges that arise during this lifespan. An internist is a fully trained physician specialist and should not be confused with a medical intern, a doctor in their first year of postgraduate training. Internists provide comprehensive care for the entire adult body.
The Scope of Internal Medicine Practice
The training for an internist focuses on the body’s internal systems and multi-system disorders. These physicians spend at least three years in residency training to prevent, diagnose, and manage a broad spectrum of adult illnesses. Their expertise covers diseases affecting the heart, blood, kidneys, joints, and the digestive, respiratory, and vascular systems. This knowledge allows them to manage complex conditions that affect multiple organs simultaneously.
Internists are recognized for their diagnostic expertise. They are often called the “doctor’s doctor” because other medical professionals frequently consult them for diagnostic problems. While they are specialists, they primarily offer non-surgical treatments and excel at coordinating care across various medical fields.
Choosing an Internist for Routine Adult Primary Care
For many healthy adults, an internist serves as their Primary Care Provider (PCP), handling all routine healthcare needs. This includes scheduled annual physical examinations structured around preventative health measures.
During these routine visits, the internist manages standard preventative screenings, such as checking cholesterol levels, monitoring blood pressure, and ensuring cancer screenings are current. They also administer routine adult vaccinations, including influenza and tetanus boosters. An internist is also the first point of contact for managing common, acute illnesses, such as sinus infections, the flu, or minor injuries. Their role is to provide continuous, long-term care, focusing on health maintenance and disease prevention.
Indicators for Complex and Chronic Disease Management
The value of an internist is most apparent when a patient has a complex or chronic health profile. They are specially trained to manage comorbidity—the simultaneous presence of two or more long-term conditions. For example, an internist can effectively coordinate treatment for a patient who has both Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, considering how the medications for each condition might interact.
Internists manage systemic diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), complex asthma, or early-stage heart conditions. They continuously monitor disease progression, adjusting treatment plans and medication dosages to minimize side effects and optimize effectiveness. When a patient requires specialized care, the internist acts as the central hub, coordinating referrals and communications with subspecialists like cardiologists or endocrinologists.
Transitioning from Pediatric Care to Adult Medicine
Young adults typically transition from a pediatrician to an adult physician between the ages of 18 and 21. An internist is often the ideal choice for this shift, providing a smooth progression into adult medicine. The focus of healthcare shifts from monitoring growth and development to adult preventative care, including discussions about sexual health, substance use, and mental well-being.
This transition is particularly important for young adults who have established chronic pediatric conditions, such as Type 1 diabetes or sickle cell disease. Internists manage these conditions as they persist into adulthood. They help the emerging adult take on a greater role in managing their own health, fostering the self-management skills necessary for long-term independence.