What is an Internist?

Doctors for Adults

To put it simply, doctors of internal medicine are "Doctors for Adults" but may be referred to by several terms, including "internists," "general internists," and "doctors of internal medicine." But don't confuse us for "interns" who are doctors in their first year of residency training!

Although internists may act as primary care physicians, we are not "family physicians," "general practicioners," or "family practicioners," whose training is not soley concentrated on adults and may include surgery, obstetrics and pediatrics.

Simple or Complex Issues - Caring for the Whole Patient

Internists are equipped to deal with a multitude of medical problems — no matter how common or rare, or how simple or complex. Internists are specially trained to solve diagnostic problems, handle chronic illnesses and situations where several different illnesses may strike at the same time.

An essential part of an internist's job is to bring patients to an understanding of "wellness." This includes disease prevention and the promotion of health. Whether the issue is women's health or the effective treatment of common problems, an internist is where you turn to first.

Because Internists are involved with many aspects of medicine, we are acutely aware of the ways that different parts and systems of the body interact. With this broad clinical knowledge we try to encourage our patients to become involved and take personal responsibility for their own good health practices while we deliver effective patient-centered medical care with compassion and concern.