What is internal medicine, and who are internists?
General internal medicine is a medical specialty whose prime focus is on preventing, diagnosing, and treating internal health conditions. These include disorders of the kidneys, lungs, heart, and liver. An internist is a doctor who specializes in and practices internal medicine. They use advanced equipment and scientific research to diagnose and treat their patients. While their primary focus is on the body's internal organs, they also work toward the patient's overall wellness.
These doctors work in various settings, such as private clinics, medical institutions, government hospitals, etc. Internists often provide primary care services as well. Thus, they are frequently the direct link between a patient and the healthcare system. On the other hand, internists focusing on hospital medicine provide care for patients requiring hospital-level and institutional care. However, these practices are not mutually exclusive; an internist can concentrate on both. They also work with urgent care, rehabilitation, extended-care settings, etc.
Education and training of an internal medicine specialist
The first step to practicing as an internist includes obtaining a bachelor's degree. This degree may take up to four years to complete and must be related to a scientific field such as biology, life sciences, chemistry, etc. Further, students must enroll in an accredited medical school by appearing for the Medical College Admission Test, also known as the MCAT. After admission, medical training takes four years to complete. The first two years include theory-based learning, while the next two are more practical-oriented. Upon completing this course, students are awarded a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree or a Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) degree, depending on their preferred pathway.
A three-year focused residency training usually follows general medical training in internal medicine. An internal medicine residency equips doctors with multiple clinical skills in various areas. These tasks encompass the evaluation of treatment approaches, enhancement of healthcare systems, advancement of public health, medical instruction, patient safety, and the caliber of care provided. They also acquire skills to work in administrative roles such as medical directorships and leadership roles.
Following residency, many doctors choose to become board-certified. To receive such a certification, doctors must pass the American Board of Internal Medicine exam. Further, some internists opt for additional specialization and training in more specific areas of internal medicine.
Subspecialties of internal medicine
As mentioned above, internists train to treat various diseases and conditions. However, many opt to focus on specific areas of internal medicine and gain in-depth knowledge. It allows them to deliver more accurate care and treatment to patients. Before heading to the best internist near you, knowing the subspecialties of the profession can help you streamline your search.
The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education provides certification in the following 13 internal medicine subspecialties:
- Allergy and immunology - These doctors treat allergies and diseases that manifest in the immune system, like hives, rashes, etc.
- Cardiology focuses on diagnosing and treating heart-related diseases such as angina, carditis, blood pressure, etc.
- Critical care medicine - Doctors in this field care for critically ill patients who usually require life support and constant monitoring.
- Gastroenterology - Gastroenterology focuses on identifying and managing digestive system disorders, including diarrhea, gastritis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, and more.
- Endocrinology - These doctors diagnose and treat hormonal diseases of the endocrine system, including diabetes, Cushing's syndrome, etc.
- Geriatric medicine - This unique specialty aims to care for older adults and their age-related problems.
- Hematology - Doctors treat disorders involving blood and the circulatory system. These include leukemias, lymphomas, etc.
- Infectious diseases - In this subspecialty, doctors diagnose and treat illnesses caused by contagious microorganisms and pathogens that can spread quickly to other people.
- Pulmonary/respiratory medicine - Here, doctors diagnose and treat disorders in the respiratory system, including those affecting the lungs, bronchi, nasal tract, etc.
- Rheumatology - In this field, specialists diagnose and treat inflammatory conditions affecting bones, joints, and muscles.
What conditions do internists treat?
Internists' treatment approaches combine analytical laboratory science examinations with a personalized and patient-centric approach to medicine. They can help you manage common and chronic illnesses. They view your health issues holistically, taking note of their effects on other body functions.
Some of the common conditions that internists diagnose and treat include:
- Diabetes management - Diabetes happens due to high blood sugar levels. Going to an internist will help you manage the issue. Depending on the type of diabetes, the treatment prescribed can be daily insulin injections or medication. An internist may also recommend lifestyle and dietary changes. Exercise, weight loss, and limiting foods with carbohydrates and added sugars are suggestions they might give based on your habits.
- Pulmonary issues – Internists can help you diagnose and manage respiratory disorders, including lung problems, upper airways, chest wall, and thoracic cavity.
- Chronic venous disease management - A chronic venous disease arises when the valves of the leg veins don’t work efficiently. It leads to the blood collecting in the veins and not flowing to the heart. This issue is termed stasis. Internists treat severe healthcare problems like chronic venous disease.
- Critical care - You can visit internists in hospitals for critical care. They are usually present in intensive care units and oversee the treatment of patients for severe issues. Intensive care usually deals with patients whose lives are in immediate danger. Internists can help you with emergencies requiring a doctor’s attention and treatment.
- Wound care management - Internists provide customized care to patients with wounds. They help treat injuries that are not completely healed within six weeks or show no sign of healing at two weeks.
Tips to avoid complications with your diabetes
Diabetes demands round-the-clock commitment, but your efforts are invaluable in reducing the risk of serious complications. Here are ten proactive strategies to actively engage in your diabetes care and foster a healthier future:
Commit to diabetes management: Taking charge of your diabetes care involves educating yourself about the condition, integrating healthy habits into your routine, and maintaining a healthy weight. Monitor your blood sugar levels carefully and adhere to prescribed medications, seeking guidance from your healthcare team when needed.
Avoid smoking: Steering clear of smoking or quitting altogether is paramount, as smoking exacerbates diabetes-related risks such as impaired blood circulation, heart disease, and nerve damage.
Control blood pressure and cholesterol: Managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels through lifestyle adjustments and medication an internist doctor near you might recommend can help protect you from the risk of a heart attack and stroke.
Schedule regular checkups: Arrange frequent diabetes checkups, yearly physicals, and routine eye exams to monitor for complications and ensure timely intervention. Foot examinations are essential for the early detection of potential issues.
Stay vaccinated: Keeping up with recommended vaccinations, including flu, pneumonia, and hepatitis B vaccines, helps protect against preventable illnesses.
Prioritize dental health: Proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are crucial to combating the heightened risk of gum infections associated with diabetes.
Attend to foot care: Given the vulnerability of feet to complications, adopt a meticulous foot care routine to prevent infections and injuries.
Consider aspirin therapy: Consult with your doctor about the likely benefits and risks of daily aspirin therapy to mitigate cardiovascular risks associated with diabetes.
Moderate alcohol consumption: While avoidance of alcohol is best, if you choose to drink, do so responsibly and within recommended limits, considering its impact on blood sugar levels.
Manage stress: Incorporating stress management techniques into your daily life, such as setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and practicing relaxation exercises, helps maintain a positive outlook and sustain your commitment to diabetes care.
Differences between internists and family medicine doctors
Internal medicine doctors and family medicine doctors serve as primary care physicians but are distinct in their training and patient focus. Internal medicine physicians, often called internists, specialize in treating adults exclusively, offering precise diagnoses and treatments for various adult health issues. They possess expertise in conditions affecting multiple body systems and provide long-term management for chronic diseases, mental health disorders, and palliative care. Internists typically work in diverse settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, private practices, academic institutions, and specialized outpatient centers.
In contrast, family medicine doctors care for patients of all ages, from children to adults, and are trained to handle a broader spectrum of medical issues. Their training encompasses pediatrics, obstetrics, minor surgery, general surgery, emergency medicine, inpatient hospital care, and critical care. This extensive training enables them to address acute, chronic, and preventive health needs across all age groups. Many family medicine physicians also pursue additional fellowship training in specific areas such as addiction medicine, sports medicine, or geriatrics.
These distinctions highlight that while both specialties aim to provide comprehensive primary care, internal medicine focuses on adult and specialized care. In contrast, family medicine covers a broader range of patient ages and medical issues.
Are you looking for the best internist near you in Chicago, Illinois?
Internists focus on solving complex medical problems, disease prevention, mental health, wellness counseling, women's health care, reproductive health care, disease management, and ear/nose/throat care. You should see an internist if you face any issues or notice troubling signs or discomfort in these areas. Your internist can care for you throughout your life, so you should find one you're comfortable with.
To find the best internal medicine doctor in Chicago, visit Zocdoc. You can use multiple filters on the homepage to enter the necessary information and begin your search. Enter your symptoms, condition, procedure, specialty, location, date, and insurance plan in the search box. For example, if you type "diabetes," "muscle pain," "internist," and "Chicago," you will see a comprehensive list of all the providers who meet your criteria. You can explore the list and select a specific link to access additional information regarding the doctor. Each link leads to a profile summary.
On the profile, you can go through each doctor's academic qualifications, medical expertise, research interests, languages they speak, and gender. For instance, if you are searching for a female internist, you can also shortlist the doctors based on gender. Zocdoc allows you to add medical, dental, and vision insurance to your account if you have multiple insurance plans. However, you can only search for and book appointments with one insurance plan at a time. To accommodate additional plans, mention your secondary carrier and plan in the notes section for the provider during the final step of the booking process. Additionally, if the internist near you uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can include secondary insurance information when completing your forms online; this ensures all your insurance details are communicated effectively.
You can also see the verified reviews and ratings left by Zocdoc users before making your final choice. All bookings made on Zocdoc are simple, free, and secure!
Internal health issues statistics in Illinois
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease was responsible for the maximum number of deaths in Illinois. In 2022, 26,781 people died in Illinois from heart disease. The death rate for the state during this year was 166.6 for 100,000 people.
The statistics from the Illinois Department of Public Health stated that in 2021, 26,280 people died from heart disease, and 6,768 died from stroke, accounting for 27% of all deaths in the state during that year.
The Illinois Department of Public Health also released the 2021 statistics on diabetes. Diabetes is a severe chronic disease treated by internists that affects many Americans. Around 30.3 million U.S. adults (9.4% of the population) have diabetes, and one-third do not know they have this chronic illness. Moreover, in Illinois, nearly 1.3 million (12.5% of the state population) people have diabetes, and around 341,000 of these people are unaware of their diagnosis. The report also stated that 84 million adults in the United States have prediabetes, and 3.6 million of them reside in Illinois. In the United States and Illinois, the seventh leading cause of death is diabetes.
Sources
American College of Physicians[1]
American College of Physicians[2]
WebMD
Cleveland Clinic
Medical University of the Americas
Illinois Department of Public Health[1]
Johnson Memorial Health
Castle Connolly Medical
Illinois Department of Public Health[2]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]
Mayo Clinic
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