Who is an internist?
The human body depends on its internal organs for effective survival and smooth functioning. Every organ plays a vital role in keeping the body energetic and healthy. We often run to general physicians in situations of uneasiness, but some doctors are specifically trained to treat internal organs. Usually known as doctors of internal medicine or internists, they are skilled healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat conditions related to the heart, liver, kidney, lungs, and other internal organs.
Internists treat various health conditions in adults. They also provide preventive care for mental health and acute diseases such as skin inflammation, ear infections, colds, and flu. Most work in hospitals and intensive care units, but some prefer private clinics.
Since internists are concerned with the body's internal organs, they build long-term relationships with their patients. Sometimes, when patients switch doctors, an internist must analyze their previous treatment and provide medications accordingly. Their expertise and knowledge mainly benefit adults, as they do not treat small children and teenagers.
Conditions treated by an internist
An internist can treat multiple conditions, mild or chronic. Their comprehensive knowledge of how our organs work and react with each other allows them to treat various diseases. A list of conditions that an internist can treat is listed below:
- Arthritis
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Asthma management
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Ulcers
- Anxiety
- UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections) and STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)
- Lung and kidney failure
- Skin allergies
- Migraine
- Bone disorders
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
- Influenza
Education and clinical training of internists
Internists must dedicate several years to education and rigorous training like any other doctor. Before starting their medical education, they must acquire a four-year bachelor's degree, preferably in science, biology, and math. After completing their undergraduate degree, they pass the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) and enroll in one of the medical schools. They then complete the four years of education and training at the medical school. The first year primarily focuses on biochemistry, pathology, psychology, and medical ethics classwork. The second year is all about clinical knowledge, and the third and fourth years provide exposure to clinical training and various specializations.
After medical education, internists must complete a three-year residency program. The residency program typically focuses on the practical training of general internal medicine and imparts knowledge in specialized areas. To acquire a license and board certification, internists must pass the examinations in the initial years of the residency program. The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) provides the board certification.
Some internists aspire to focus on a particular subspecialty, requiring one to three years of additional fellowship training. An internist can be interested in 13 subspecialties, including cardiology, oncology, pulmonary disease, hematology, endocrinology, critical care, immunology, and gastroenterology.
What are the different types of internists?
Internists treat a wide range of adult illnesses and disorders. However, some internists prefer to specialize in a particular field of internal medicine. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education recognizes 14 sub-specialties in internal medicine:
- Allergy and immunology: Entails the diagnosis and treatment of allergies and immune system illnesses.
- Cardiovascular care: The analysis and treatment of heart disorders.
- Critical care: The provision of life-sustaining care to critically ill individuals.
- Endocrinology: Involves diagnosing and attending to endocrine system problems such as hormonal disorders and diabetes.
- Gastroenterology: The identification and treatment of illnesses of the digestive tract.
- Geriatric medicine: Involves providing care and treatment to older adults.
- Hematology: The diagnosis and treatment of blood-related diseases.
- Infectious ailments: Determining and treating conditions caused by microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria.
- Nephrology: The diagnosis and treatment of kidney problems.
- Occupational medicine: Specialized care and administration of workers suffering from work-related illnesses or injuries during employment.
- Oncology: Involves the treatment of malignant and benign cancers.
- Pulmonary/respiratory medicine: Diagnosing and treating disorders affecting the respiratory system and lungs.
- Rheumatology: Detects and addresses disorders affecting the bones, joints, and muscles.
What can you expect when visiting an internist near you?
Your purpose of the visit will determine how your appointment with the internist will go. Typically, the doctor will examine your vital signs, review your medical history and prescription list, and ask about your symptoms and overall health. The internist will also usually conduct a physical exam to check your heartbeat and examine your breathing, mouth, throat, eyes, ears, nose, and overall appearance.
The internist may request screening tests, such as a lipid panel or bone density test, for wellness checkups. For particular concerns, the doctor will order an appropriate test, which could be as basic as a urinalysis or as complex as an imaging test. Your doctor may ask you to return for a follow-up appointment, or they can suggest that you consult with another specialist.
What is hypertension, and why is it considered a serious condition?
Hypertension manifests when the pressure in the blood vessels exceeds 140/90 mmHg. It is a prevalent condition that can have severe consequences if left untreated. Individuals with high blood pressure often do not exhibit overt symptoms. This makes regular blood pressure checks essential to reach a diagnosis. Typically, blood pressure has two measures: systolic pressure, depicting the force when the heart contracts, and diastolic pressure, reflecting the heart's resting period between beats.
A diagnosis of hypertension is when, on two separate occasions, the systolic blood pressure equals or exceeds 140 mmHg, and the diastolic pressure is similar to or surpasses 90 mmHg. Regular monitoring and appropriate management are crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health.
Several factors cause high blood pressure. These include advancing age, genetic predisposition, obesity, lack of physical activity, a high-salt diet, and excessive alcohol consumption. Lifestyle changes like quitting tobacco, eating a balanced diet, and routine exercise can help reduce blood pressure issues. However, some individuals may still require medication.
Moreover, hypertension can lead to serious complications, particularly in the heart and blood vessels. Excessive pressure may cause arteries to harden, decreasing oxygen and blood flow to the heart, leading to chest pain (angina), heart failure, heart attack, and irregular heartbeat. Additionally, hypertension can also lead to burst or blocked arteries in the brain, potentially causing a stroke, as well as kidney damage, which may progress to kidney failure.
Understanding flu: Symptoms, diagnosis, and role of an internist
Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a respiratory infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It is caused by a virus and should not be confused with the "stomach flu," which leads to diarrhea and vomiting. Internists specializing in adult medicine play a key role in diagnosing and managing flu cases, ensuring appropriate treatment and care.
Flu symptoms often resemble those of the common cold, including a sore throat and a runny or stuffy nose. However, unlike colds, which develop gradually, flu symptoms appear suddenly—typically within two to three days after exposure to the virus. The flu generally causes more severe discomfort than a cold, with common symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Cough
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Extreme fatigue
- Sweating and chills
Internists and other healthcare providers diagnose the flu through a physical examination, symptom assessment, and, in some cases, laboratory tests to detect the virus.
Types of flu tests include:
- Molecular tests: These tests detect genetic material from the flu virus. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, also known as nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), fall into this category.
- Antigen tests: These tests identify viral proteins called antigens. Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) are a typical example.
Early diagnosis helps manage symptoms effectively, prevent complications, and reduce the spread of the virus. Internists near you may guide treatment options, including antiviral medications, hydration, and rest to support recovery.
How to find an internist doctor near you in Houston, Texas?
Internists generally develop a long-term connection with their patients. Since they specialize in internal organs, treatment may take a while. But finding an experienced, trained, expert internist can take time and effort. Don't let your hopes go down; Zocdoc can help you find an internal medicine doctor in Houston.
With the easy-to-use platform, Zocdoc helps in catering to your medical needs. You can first create an account, which is entirely free of cost. Once registered, filter your requirements, including condition, location, preferred date of appointment, specific doctor's name, and insurance coverage plan. From here, Zocdoc will provide you with a list of specialized doctors that match your criteria. Each service provider profile has various factors, such as gender, qualifications, specifications, spoken languages, in-network insurance companies, and verified reviews. After scanning the detailed description of the internist doctor, schedule the appointment.
Medical coverage plays a significant role in an individual's financial budget. You can quickly check whether the selected doctor accepts your insurance plan. Additionally, you can upload your insurance card securely and hassle-free (not applicable for vision or dental). Zocdoc prioritizes your privacy and security and follows the industry's best practices to safeguard your information. If you prefer not to share your insurance details when booking an appointment on Zocdoc, you will be prompted to either provide your insurance information or indicate that you will be paying out-of-pocket. Some providers may require insurance details to schedule an appointment. However, if you do not have insurance or choose not to use it, you can easily search for another provider on Zocdoc. For more insurance-related questions, please visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
After this, you can book an in-person or video-call appointment with the internist near you. To schedule a video call consultation, go through the profile if you see a purple video icon that indicates that the doctor consults online.
All bookings through Zocdoc are accessible, secure, and free!
Internal medicine statistics in Texas
Around the world, countless people suffer due to negligence toward health and inadequate medical care to survive that disease. Texas is among the cities surrounding people suffering from internal illnesses such as cancer, heart failure, bronchitis, diabetes, and other chronic respiratory conditions. Preventive care and precautionary measures have become necessary to reduce the death rates.
According to the American Cancer Society, there were 139,320 new cancer cases, and the estimated deaths amounted to 43,490 in 2022. The instances of cancer affecting the internal organs have infected the people of Texas, including lung and bronchus (14,790), kidney (7,090), pancreas (4,380), liver (4,430), and thyroid (3,490).
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the death rates for several diseases, including heart (173.9), cancer (139.8), Alzheimer's (44.6), strokes (41.1), diabetes (26.7), kidney (15.1), and chronic lower respiratory disease (36.2).
Cancer and the prevalence of many chronic diseases have decimated the population of Texas. Therefore, regular checkups, appointments, and preventive care have become mandatory for a healthy lifestyle. Book an appointment with your doctor if you feel abnormality or pain in your body parts. You can consult an internist immediately if the pain concerns a specific organ.
Sources
WebMD
Castle Connoly
American College of Physicians
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Doctorly.org
MedicalNewsToday
American Cancer Society
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Medical University of the Americas
World Health Organization
Mayo Clinic[1]
Mayo Clinic[2]
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