Internal Medicine

Doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and medical treatment of different diseases in adults are called Internal medicine doctors or internists. They provide long-term, comprehensive care and can manage both common and complex diseases. Internist may work as a primary care physician or as a consultant to other specialists.

To become an internal medicine specialist, a graduate of a four-year medical school (MBBS) must complete a residency (Post-graduation) in internal medicine, which usually takes three years. In India, Internists are also called MD General Medicine Doctors.

Internists usually act as personal physicians and develop long-term relationship with their patients. They examine, diagnose, treat acute illnesses (e.g., infections, influenza) and chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure). They also integrate disease prevention and mental health issues (including substance abuse) into the care they provide. They prescribe medications, immunizations, and treatments

If you have any medical condition like diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol, or any common illness like the flu, diarrhea, vomiting, any mental health issue such as depression, anxiety, or even aches and pains that you can’t figure out, an internal medicine specialist should be your first point contact. After your examination, if your internist feels you need a subspecialist, he/she may refer you and coordinate with the specialist, ensuring that you understand the diagnosis and treatment plan.