Learn About Internal Medicine or General Practitioners: Conditions They Treat and When to see one?
What is an Internist?
An internist or Internal Medicine or Family Practice or General Practice doctor is someone who specializes in diagnosing and treating illnesses, diseases, and health problems. Most internists are also primary care doctors and treat patients on a regular basis. They can diagnose and treat common illnesses or more serious problems. Most people see an internist regularly. Those with chronic illnesses may do so on a monthly or even weekly basis. Internists are the most common types of doctors.
How does a doctor become an Internist?
To become an internist, a person must first complete an accredited undergraduate program. Next, they must complete medical school. Most internists attend medical school for at least four years, but some can go for as long as seven years. Internists also study for three more years in a residency. During the residency, they learn but also work in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of an experienced internist. Some internists also specialize in other medical areas and may attend more college courses to become certified in those areas.
What types of diseases do Internists treat?
Internists treat a variety of different illnesses and diseases. They are often the first professional help that a patient seeks and diagnose the illnesses as well as treat them. Some of the most common diseases that internists treat include:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Anotia
- Anthrax
- Appendicitis
- Apraxia
- Allergy
- Arthritis
- Aseptic meningitis
- Asthenia
- Asthma
- Beriberi
- Black death
- Botulism
- Breast cancer
- Bronchitis
- Cancer
- Candidiasis
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Celiac disease
- Cerebral palsy
- Diabetes mellitus
- Diphtheria
- Dehydration
- Ear infection
- Ebola
- Encephalitis
- Emphysema
- Epilepsy
- Erectile dysfunctions
- Fibromyalgia
- Flu
- Gangrene
- Gastroenteritis
- Genital herpes
- GERD
- Heart disease
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Hepatitis D
- Jaundice
- Lead poisoning
- Legionellosis
- Leishmaniasis
- Leprosy
- Leptospirosis
- Listeriosis
- Obesity
- Osteoarthritis
- Paratyphoid fever
- Parkinson’s disease
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
What are the diagnostic tests and procedures ordered by an Internist?
Internists don’t just treat diseases; they also diagnose them. That means they must use a variety of tests and procedures to help them diagnose the diseases properly. Some of these tests may include:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- X-rays
- CT scans
- MRI scans
- Colonoscopies
- Ultrasounds
- STD tests
- Lung function tests
What are the different types of Internists?
There are several types of internists, and each one is focused on helping their patients in the best way possible. The different types of internists are called specialists. Specialists have trained in certain areas of medical science and are more experienced with certain diseases or certain parts of the body. Some of the different internal medicine specialties include:
- Primary care
- Osteopathy
- Pediatrics
- Oncology
- Nephrology
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
When to see an Internist?
Most people see their primary doctors anytime they are sick or feel like there is a problem. They may also see the internist for annual checkups. Most primary doctors are internists and will treat and diagnose their patients based on their symptoms. Some reasons to see an internist include:
- Sore throat
- Breathing problems
- Chronic pain
- Injury
- Cold symptoms
- Flu symptoms
- Sleep problems
- Emotional problems
- Digestive issues
- Pregnancy
- Chest pain
- Urinary problems
- Sexual dysfunction
