727-525-0900What is Internal Medicine
When doctors receive their training and certification, it is usually in a certain field like surgery, pediatrics, or geriatrics. You’re probably familiar with a family doctor who can take patients young and old and pediatric doctors who focus strictly on the care of children. Internists, or doctors of internal medicine, focus strictly on the health of adults. Internists are unique for a few other reasons that make them a valuable asset for any adult aiming to maintain health, recover from illness, and anything in between.
Internists care for the whole patient, not just a specific aspect of health. Since these doctors have received extensive training in adult health, they are prepared to handle any medical problem a patient presents. They even specialize in resolving severe chronic illnesses and bewildering diagnostic situations. Furthermore, internists don’t simply diagnose or write a prescription and send you on your way, but instead help to educate patients in all aspects of health from substance abuse to reproductive health.
Internists are always there for you. Whether your medical situation requires attention in the hospital, intensive care, or nursing home, your internist is there to provide your care. They are also prepared to collaborate with other medical professionals involved in your case to effectively coordinate complex medical care.
Internists are proactive, not just reactive. Your doctor of internal medicine will carefully monitor your health with preventative screenings and yearly physicals to catch any health issue early. The sooner an illness is diagnosed and treated, the easier the recovery process.
The best way to understand the job of an internist is to consider that an internist is treating you, not your disease. By understanding your family’s medical history, maintaining preventative measures, and personalizing your medical care, your internist treats you as a whole person. If asthma or arthritis become a part of you, your internist will know the best way to help you regain your health.