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Internist Definition

There are various types of doctors who care for us in different, unique ways, with each doctor having a specific purpose. Doctors who take care of the internal needs of people are one example.

  1. Description

    • A doctor of internal medicine is a doctor who diagnoses and manages the medical treatment of adults. This includes the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of illnesses and diseases.

    Duties

    • Internists take the role of personal doctors and often establish relationships with their patients as their care is usually long-term. They usually provide care for patients in smaller, private practices, nursing homes and hospitals.

    Studies

    • Internists must complete a minimum of seven years of medical training to attain an MD or DO degree. Then, the doctor must train for three more years in a general internal medicine residency. This training is coupled with patient contact and usually trains internists in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of adult illnesses.

    Specialization

    • Aside from general prevention medicine for their patience, internists sometimes choose to do study a fellowship, a sub-specialization in a particular field. An internist must pass the Internal Medicine Board Certification exam to achieve certification and licensing.

    Time Frame

    • It could take nearly 12 plus a couple years for an internist to finish his studies, plus two to three years of mandatory training.

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