Published on Apr 03, 2025 6 min read

What Does an Internist Do? A Guide to Internal Medicine

When it comes to adult healthcare, there are many specialists to choose from, but one that stands out for adults is the internist. Internists are physicians trained specifically to diagnose, treat, and manage diseases in adults. Unlike general practitioners, internists have a specialized focus on complex illnesses and preventive care for adults. Whether it's managing chronic illnesses, diagnosing intricate conditions, or providing preventative healthcare, internists play a critical role in healthcare systems worldwide.

What does an Internist do?

An internist, often called a doctor of internal medicine, specializes in treating adults. Unlike family physicians who may treat patients of all ages, internists focus solely on adults, often dealing with complicated medical cases and chronic conditions. Internists undergo extensive training that enables them to handle complex medical issues. Their training includes studying various adult diseases and understanding the systems within the human body.

Why is Internal Medicine Important?

Internal medicine is a branch of medicine dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating diseases in adults. Internists are not limited to treating one type of illness or organ system. Instead, they focus on the body as a whole and consider how diseases in one area may affect others. This comprehensive approach allows them to offer thorough diagnoses and care plans. The importance of internal medicine lies in its ability to provide patients with a well-rounded and holistic approach to health, particularly as adults age and medical conditions become more complex.

Training and Qualifications of an Internist

Internists undergo years of rigorous education and training. Heres a typical path they follow:

Medical School: Like all physicians, internists must complete medical school, where they learn general medicine and develop foundational knowledge of the human body.
Residency in Internal Medicine: After medical school, future internists enter a residency program in internal medicine, usually lasting three years. During this time, they gain hands-on experience in hospitals and clinics, learning to manage a wide range of adult medical issues.
Board Certification: Many internists choose to become board certified, meaning they have passed a rigorous examination to demonstrate their knowledge and competence in internal medicine. Certification is typically provided by bodies such as the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) in the U.S.

What Conditions Do Internists Treat?

Internists treat a wide variety of health issues, some of which can be complex or chronic. Here are common conditions they handle:

Cardiovascular Issues: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease.
Endocrine Disorders: Diabetes and thyroid disorders.
Respiratory Conditions: Asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Gastrointestinal Problems: Digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and liver diseases.
Infectious Diseases: Internists often treat infections that may require specialized knowledge, such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Because internists treat a wide variety of conditions, they are often seen as "doctors for adults" who can handle anything from a minor infection to a complex medical issue involving multiple body systems.

Preventative Care by Internists

One of the major roles of an internist is preventative care. Preventive care is the practice of maintaining health and preventing illness before it starts. Internists perform a variety of screenings and tests to catch potential health problems early. Examples include:

Routine Physical Exams: Assessing overall health and identifying any signs of illness.
Blood Tests: Checking cholesterol, blood sugar, and other levels to detect problems early.
Screenings for Cancer: Recommending screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies exams based on risk factors and age.

By focusing on prevention, internists help patients live healthier, longer lives and avoid many of the complications that come with unmanaged chronic diseases.

How Internists Differ from Family Physicians?

While both internists and family physicians provide primary care, there are important differences:

Patient Age: Family physicians treat patients of all ages, from infants to elderly adults, whereas internists focus exclusively on adult patients.
Scope of Training: Internists undergo more specialized training in adult diseases and are equipped to handle complex adult cases.
Focus Areas: Internists often have more in-depth training in areas such as cardiology, endocrinology, and gastroenterology, enabling them to address complicated health issues specific to adults.

Types of Internists

There are several sub-specializations within internal medicine that an internist can choose to focus on. Some of the common ones include:

Cardiology: This specialty focuses on diagnosing and treating heart-related health issues, including conditions such as heart attacks, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Cardiologists utilize various diagnostic tools, such as echocardiograms and stress tests, to assess heart health and formulate treatment plans.
Endocrinology: Endocrinologists specialize in hormone-related diseases, dealing with complex conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and adrenal gland issues. They play a crucial role in managing hormone imbalances and educating patients on lifestyle changes and medication to maintain hormonal health.
Gastroenterology: This field concentrates on diseases of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, and intestines. Gastroenterologists perform procedures like endoscopies to diagnose conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, and liver cirrhosis.
Infectious Disease: Specialists in this area focus on managing diseases caused by infections, such as tuberculosis, hepatitis. They are essential in identifying outbreaks, understanding the latest treatment protocols, and ensuring effective infection control measures in healthcare settings.

When Should You See an Internist?

There are many scenarios where seeing an internist might be beneficial, such as:

Chronic Conditions: If you suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, an internist can help manage these conditions effectively.
Multiple Health Issues: If you have several health concerns affecting different parts of your body, an internist can create a comprehensive treatment plan.
Age-Related Concerns: As you age, you may develop medical conditions that require a specialist's attention to prevent or manage complications.
Preventative Care Needs: Regular screenings, blood tests, and lifestyle counseling are all services that an internist can provide to keep you healthy.

The Importance of Building a Relationship with Your Internist

Building a relationship with an internist can lead to better long-term health outcomes. Internists become familiar with your medical history and can recognize early signs of health issues, ensuring timely treatment. A long-term relationship with an internist also helps in building trust, which can make it easier for patients to discuss sensitive health issues openly.

Conclusion

Internists are a vital part of the healthcare system, especially for adults seeking specialized knowledge in managing health conditions. Their in-depth training, broad knowledge of adult diseases, and commitment to prevention make them invaluable for anyone wanting comprehensive care for both acute and chronic illnesses. If you are an adult with complex health needs or simply want to take charge of your preventative health, consider consulting an internist. They offer the expertise and continuity of care needed to support long-term wellness and manage the intricacies of adult health.