What is Internal Medicine?
Physicians who specialize in internal medicine are often called internists. They focus on adult medicine and have had special training focusing on the prevention and treatment of adult diseases. At least three of their seven plus years of training are dedicated to learning how to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases that affect adults.
While the name "internal medicine" may lead one to believe that internists treat only internal problems, this is not the case. Doctors of internal medicine treat the whole person, not just the disease. They are trained to handle severe chronic illnesses and situations where several different illnesses may strike at the same time. They also bring to patients an understanding of wellness, women’s health, mental health, and substance abuse as well as the effective treatment of common problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system and reproductive organs.