Internal medicine is a medical specialty in which doctors use scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to diagnose and treat adults with a wide variety of health problems and diseases. Doctors who specialize in internal medicine are called internists or general internists.
Differences Between Internal Medicine and General/Family Medicine
While both are primary care doctors – and the terms are often used interchangeably – internists are not the same as general practitioners and family doctors. One of the main differences is that internists only see adults, and family practitioners see both children and adults.
General Internal Diseases
General internists are uniquely qualified to practice primary care and follow patients throughout their adult lives. Some internists work as primary care hospitalists in hospital settings; others provide outpatient care only. Internists may also work in rehabilitation centers and long-term care facilities.
