Internal medicine physicians have knowledge of multiple body systems and how they interact, treating diseases of all internal organs and systems. They often serve as diagnosticians and consultants.
History
Internal medicine was simply general Western medicine until the 18th century. Then, as medical knowledge increased, doctors began to specialize in things like cardiology, and those who studied the interaction of all systems were called internal medicine physicians.
Function
Internal medicine doctors are also called internists. They treat adult men and women. They often act as primary care physicians but have more specialized training than general practitioners or family doctors.
Types
Within the area of internal medicine, there are 13 subspecialties in the United States. These are adolescent medicine, cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, geriatrics, hematology, immunology, infectious disease, nephrology, oncology, pulmonology, rheumatology and sports medicine.
Conditions
The list of conditions or diseases an internal medicine doctor might treat is long and includes illnesses of most body systems, including chronic conditions, mental health issues and even "external" seeming conditions such as those affecting the eyes, ears and skin.
Exclusions
Internal medicine physicians do not treat children, usually do not treat reproductive conditions or pregnant women and do not generally perform surgery. They do not address trauma or orthopedic problems unless involved in other conditions.
Certification
To be an internist, one must complete medical school and a residency. For subspecialties, further specialized residency is required. In the United States, certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine is voluntary and must be maintained with ongoing certification every 10 years.
Tags: Internal medicine, medicine physicians, body systems, diseases internal, internal medicine, Internal Medicine
