Internal medicine, also known as general internal medicine, is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of adult illnesses. Physicians who specialize in internal medicine are called internists or internal medicine doctors. They are often referred to as “doctors for adults.”
Internal medicine encompasses a broad spectrum of medical conditions and diseases, including chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal issues, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and many others. Internists are often seen as medical detectives, as they are trained to diagnose and manage complex medical problems.
Internists are skilled in managing patients with multiple health issues and coordinating care among various specialists when necessary. They often serve as primary care physicians, providing comprehensive and ongoing medical care to adult patients, but they can also work in hospital settings, where they manage and treat patients with complex medical conditions.
The field of internal medicine is characterized by its focus on the whole patient, emphasizing not only the treatment of diseases but also the promotion of health and well-being. Internal medicine doctors undergo extensive training, typically completing a three-year residency program after medical school to gain the knowledge and skills required to provide high-quality care to adult patients.