What is internal medicine?
Q: What is internal medicine?
A: Internal medicine is a branch and specialty of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of diseases in adults, especially those affecting internal organs.
Q: Who are doctors of internal medicine?
A: Doctors of internal medicine, also known as "internists," have completed medical school and postgraduate training that includes at least three years dedicated to learning how to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases that affect adults.
Q: What do internists diagnose and treat?
A: Internists diagnose and treat diseases that affect internal organs in adults. This includes conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, and gastrointestinal disorders, among others.
Q: What is the focus of internal medicine?
A: The focus of internal medicine is on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect adults, with a particular emphasis on internal organs.
Q: What is the difference between internal medicine and other specialties?
A: Internal medicine is a specialty that focuses on adult patients and their internal organ systems. In contrast, other specialties may focus on specific organ systems, such as cardiology or gastroenterology, or on specific populations, such as pediatrics or geriatrics.
Q: How long does it take to become an internist?
A: To become an internist, one must complete medical school and postgraduate training that includes at least three years dedicated to internal medicine. This typically takes a total of seven to eight years.
Q: What qualifications are required to become an internist?
A: To become an internist, one must complete a medical degree, pass a licensing exam, and complete a residency program in internal medicine. Certification by a board of internal medicine is also required.
