When you go to see a doctor, sometimes you hear one name after another, right? A 'Family Doctor', a 'Specialist', and sometimes an 'Internist'... Who exactly is an Internist? Some people think that this refers to an 'Intern' doctor, that is, a doctor in training. But that is a complete misconception. An Internist is a fully qualified doctor who has specialized knowledge in Internal Medicine. Today, let's learn more about this specialist doctor called an Internist.
Who is this Internist?
Simply put, an Internist is a doctor who specializes in treating adults. They primarily specialize in the internal organs and systems of the body, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. But their knowledge is not limited to those organs. They can treat and provide preventive care for any health problem, from skin diseases to diabetes.
The most important thing is that an Internist only treats adults . That is, usually people over the age of 18. They do not perform surgeries.
Patients often develop a long-term relationship with their internist. Because they can treat a wide range of conditions under the same doctor, they act like our family doctor (Primary Care Doctor). They have a deep understanding of how all the body's systems work together, making them incredibly capable of diagnosing and treating interrelated conditions.
What is the difference between an Internist and a Family Physician?
When you want to choose a family doctor, you might be wondering whether to choose an internist or a family physician. The biggest difference between the two is the age of the patients they treat.
Both treat a variety of diseases and provide preventive care. However, an Internist has a very deep knowledge of adult health issues. A Family Physician has a broad knowledge of both children and adults.
| Point of comparison | Internist | Family Physician |
|---|---|---|
| Age group treated | Adults only (generally 18+ years old) | All ages including children and adults |
| The nature of knowledge | Has in-depth, expert knowledge of adult diseases. | There is a wide range of knowledge relevant to all age groups. |
| Hospital treatment | There is a greater tendency to treat hospitalized patients. | Often hospitalized patients are referred to a specialist. |
What areas can an internist specialize in?
An internist can be a general practitioner, or they can go on to specialize in a particular field. When they become a specialist, we call them by the name of that specialty. But remember, all of these people first train as internists.
For example, a cardiologist is an internist who has specialized training in the heart.
| Specialty | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Cardiology | Heart disease and blood vessel related diseases |
| Endocrinology | Hormone-related diseases like diabetes and thyroid |
| Gastroenterology | Diseases of the digestive system such as the stomach, intestines, and liver |
| Nephrology | Kidney disease |
| Oncology | Cancer |
| Pulmonology | Lung and respiratory system diseases (e.g. asthma) |
| Rheumatology | Diseases related to joints, muscles, and bones (e.g. arthritis) |
| Neurology | Brain and nervous system diseases |
When should you see an internist?
You may need the help of an internist for various reasons.
Chronic Disease Care
Imagine you have a chronic illness like Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, or Arthritis. An Internist is very important to control and monitor these chronic conditions regularly to prevent them from getting worse.
For preventive care
"The best thing to do is to prevent illness before it happens." An internist will help you with this.
- Annual checkups
- Vaccinations
- Blood and urine tests
- Recommendations for cancer screenings
Pain Management
An internist can help you find the cause of any pain you're experiencing. It could be something as simple as a muscle strain, or it could be something more serious. They can diagnose the cause and provide you with the treatment you need.
Any other health problems
In fact, an internist is the best person to talk to about any health problem an adult may have. They can treat your problem. If it's something outside their field, they can also refer you to the most appropriate specialist .
What happens when you go to an internist?
When you visit an internist, these steps are usually followed:
1. Basic examination: Your vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, and temperature) will be checked.
2. Obtaining information: You will discuss your medical history, the medications you are currently taking, and the symptoms you are experiencing in detail. It is very important to tell the truth here without hiding anything .
3. Physical examination: The doctor will listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope, and examine your throat, ears, eyes, and skin.
4. Referral for tests: If necessary, refers for things like blood tests, urine tests, or scans.
5. Treatment plan: After considering all of this, your medical condition will be diagnosed and an appropriate treatment plan will be provided.
Most importantly, if you don't understand what the doctor is saying, don't be afraid to ask again. It's your right to be clear about your health.
If you are receiving treatment from other specialists, an internist can also talk to each of them and coordinate your treatment. This can help prevent problems such as medication conflicts.
Take-Home Message
- An internist is a doctor who specializes in the internal organs of the body and treats adults. Do not confuse them with 'intern' doctors.
- They can act as your primary care doctor. They are very important in managing chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.
- The main difference between an Internist and a Family Physician is that an Internist only treats adults.
- You can see an internist to discuss any health concerns and seek advice. If necessary, they will refer you to the appropriate specialist.
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