If you are considering a career in medicine, you may feel excited, yet slightly overwhelmed, about the many options available for your career path. One of the largest medical fields available is internal medicine, with over 200,000 practicing internists currently working in the United States. Internal medicine is an active community, with internal medicine doctors working in many different job titles and affecting change in the healthcare industry from policy creation all the way down to the individual patient. 

If you are interested to discover more about what does an internist do, job prospect and more, read on.

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What is an Internist Doctor?

An internist, also known as an internal medicine doctor, specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing adult diseases. Internists are often primary care physicians who provide comprehensive care for various conditions, from acute illnesses to chronic diseases. They are trained to manage complex medical issues, usually coordinating with other specialists to ensure holistic patient care.

What Does an Internist Do?

Internists may work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and more. Their comprehensive training enables them to provide high-quality care across various medical issues, making them essential in the healthcare system.

Here are some of the critical responsibilities and tasks performed by internists:

  • Diagnosis and Treatment – Internists diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, respiratory infections, heart disease, and gastrointestinal issues. They are adept at managing multiple chronic diseases simultaneously and tailoring treatment plans to individual patient needs.
  • Preventive Care – Internists emphasize preventive care to help patients maintain good health and prevent the onset of diseases. This includes conducting routine check-ups, administering vaccinations, and providing lifestyle counseling on diet, exercise, and other health-related behaviors.
  • Physical Examinations – They perform comprehensive physical exams to assess overall health and detect any abnormalities. These exams are crucial for early detection of potential health issues, allowing for timely intervention.
  • Diagnostic Tests – Internists order and interpret various diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ECGs. They use these results to inform their diagnoses and treatment plans.
  • Patient Education – Educating patients about their health conditions, treatment options, and preventive measures is a critical part of an internist’s role. They empower patients to make informed decisions about their health and encourage active participation in their care.
  • Management of Complex Cases – Internists are skilled at handling complex cases involving multiple coexisting conditions. They often act as the primary consultants for patients with unclear or multi-system diseases.

Salary

The salary of an internist can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and workplace setting. As of recent data, the median annual salary for internists in the United States is approximately $201,590. Those in private practice or specialty areas may earn more.

Top paying industries for this occupation:

IndustryAnnual mean wage
Home Health Care Services$270,220
Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories$254,060
Outpatient Care Centers$243,940
Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals$230,190
Offices of Physicians$224,350

Top paying States for this occupation:

State Annual mean wage
South Dakota$281,590
New Mexico$280,620
Wyoming$273,570
North Dakota$266,540
Indiana$257,270

How To Become an Internist?

Students who want to become internal medicine physicians can expect a similar educational pathway to doctors in other fields. All doctors must first complete an accredited medical school training program, followed by an average of 3 years in a general residency program. Many internists who decide to specialize will complete an additional 1-2 years of residency in their chosen specialization. During this training, residents are eligible to sit before the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) for a certification process where they demonstrate their skills to become fully licensed and certified internists.

Subspecialty Training

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) officially recognizes over 20 subspecialties of internal medicine. Internists in training can complete additional residency training in any of the following areas:

  • Addiction Medicine – the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs) and other addictive behaviors
  • Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) – ACHD specialists are trained to diagnose and manage the unique medical and psychosocial issues that can arise in adults who were born with congenital heart defects
  • Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology – the evaluation and management of care for patients with advanced heart failure who may require advanced therapies, such as heart transplantation or mechanical circulatory support
  • Cardiovascular Disease Care – the diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving the heart
  • Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology – the diagnosis, management and treatment of a wide range of arrhythmias
  • Clinical Informatics – the use of information technology and data analytics to improve patient care and healthcare delivery
  • Critical Care – care for patients who are critically ill, usually involving some type of life support
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism – the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the endocrine system, such as diabetes or hormonal diseases
  • Gastroenterology – the diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving the gastrointestinal tract
  • Geriatric Medicine – care for elderly patients
  • Hematology – the diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving the blood and blood-forming organs
  • Hospice and Palliative Medicine – a comprehensive approach to the diverse care needs of patients with serious, life-limiting illnesses with the overarching goal to improve quality of life
  • Infectious Disease – the diagnosis and treatment of diseases caused by microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses
  • Pediatric Internal Medicine – focuses on the care of children and adolescents with complex medical conditions. 
  • Interventional Cardiology – the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases using minimally invasive procedures.
  • Medical Oncology – the diagnosis and treatment of tumors (both malignant and benign)
  • Nephrology – the diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving the kidneys
  • Pulmonary / Respiratory Medicine – the diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving the lungs and respiratory system
  • Rheumatology – the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting joints, muscles, and bones
  • Sleep Medicine – the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.
  • Transplant Hepatology – the evaluation and management of patients before and after liver transplantation, as well as managing complications that may arise during the transplantation process.

Bottom Line

Students who choose a career in internal medicine should be prepared for a challenging, yet rewarding career. As improvements to healthcare help patients live longer and provide doctors with new and innovative ways of treating illnesses, internal medicine physicians will be in even higher demand. By understanding the career pathways and available subspecialties, students can prepare for a lifelong career in internal medicine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an internist?

An internist, also known as a doctor of internal medicine, specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of adult diseases. They are trained to manage complex and chronic conditions and often serve as primary care physicians for adults.

What conditions do internists treat?

Internists treat a wide range of conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and autoimmune diseases. They also provide preventive care and health screenings.

How is an internist different from a family doctor?

While both internists and family doctors can provide primary care, internists specialize in adult medicine and focus on treating adults with complex medical issues. Family doctors, on the other hand, treat patients of all ages and may have additional training in pediatrics, obstetrics, and other areas.

Do I need a referral to see an internist?

In many healthcare systems, you can see an internist without a referral. However, some insurance plans may require a referral from a primary care physician. It’s best to check with your insurance provider or the internist’s office.

When should I see an internist?

You should consider seeing an internist for routine check-ups, management of chronic illnesses, or if you have complex medical issues requiring specialized care. They are also a good choice if you need preventive care, like vaccinations and health screenings.

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