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What is an internist?

Internists are doctors of internal medicine. They specialize in the body's internal organs and systems but are not limited to those areas. They can also provide preventive care and treat various conditions, from skin rashes to ear infections. They solely see adults and are not surgeons. They solve chronic and multiple illness problems, whether simple or complex. 

The "doctors of internal medicine" (also known as "internists") are the only primary care physicians who specialize in adult medicine. They teach patients about wellness (disease prevention and health promotion), women's health, substance abuse, mental health, and effective treatment of common problems with the eyes, skin, ears, nervous system, and reproductive organs. They are skilled in solving complex diagnostic issues. They deal with severe chronic illnesses as well as situations in which multiple diseases strike at the same time.

Internists strive to care for patients for the rest of their lives. They may work in an office, clinic, hospital, or nursing home. While working with other medical specialists, such as surgeons or obstetricians, they coordinate the patient's care and manage the complicated medical problems resulting from that care.

Education and training

The training program for becoming an internist closely mirrors the process in other medical fields. It commences with the acquisition of admission to medical school. Most medical schools mandate that students possess an undergraduate degree before enrollment, although a few will accept three years of college. While not obligatory, most medical schools prefer students to study medicine-related subjects, like biology or chemistry.

Students also complete the Medical College Admission Test to enter medical school, a multiple-choice exam assessing their aptitude for medical training and future medical practice. Leading medical institutions expect high scores on this test. In medical school, students participate actively in four years of training and education, including structured study patterns and clinical rotations in medical practices and hospitals.

Upon earning a medical degree, internists enroll in a general internal medicine residency program, where they gain hands-on training to prepare for a career as a physician. These residency programs are a prerequisite for practicing medicine in the United States and typically last at least three years, with longer durations for specialized fields, such as surgery.

All doctors are mandated to pass a medical licensing examination during their first year of residency, and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education accredits these programs. After completing a residency, some internists may opt to specialize by undertaking a fellowship in their chosen area, a commitment that can extend up to three years.

Certain internists may also seek to enhance their research skills through a Ph.D. or a research fellowship, as a comprehensive understanding of research methods and statistics is essential to stay current with new treatments. It is not uncommon for some physicians to allocate a portion of their time to medical research.

Subspecialties in internal medicine

Internal medicine doctors may specialize in areas such as:

1. Endocrinology
2. Pulmonary diseases
3. Rheumatology
4. Infectious diseases
5. Cardiovascular diseases
6. Oncology
7. Gastroenterology
8. Nephrology
9. Critical care medicine
10. Hematology
11. Dermatology
12. Ophthalmology
13. Gynecology
14. Neurology
15. Psychiatry
16. Palliative medicine
17. Sleep medicine
18. Geriatrics
19. Otorhinolaryngology
20. Non-surgical orthopedics
21. Rehabilitation medicine

Internal medicine residents must dedicate at least one year to caring for hospitalized patients, including a mandatory three-month rotation in intensive care units. They receive at least one year of hospital-based training and additional exposure to in-patient subspecialties, including cardiology, hematology-oncology, or gastrointestinal. After completing a three-year internal medicine residency, students must complete an additional one to three years of fellowship training to gain expertise in one of the subspecialties.

Internists vs. family medicine doctors

Often, people need clarification on the roles of internists and family medicine doctors. While both serve as primary care physicians for most people—providing annual exams and overall health management—there is a clear difference between the two types of doctors.

Family medicine doctors treat a broader range of patients than internists. They oversee the health and well-being of people of all ages, including children. They may also provide gynecological care to female patients.

On the other hand, internists' patient base includes people aged 18 and older. They have in-depth knowledge of internal organs and processes or interactions. They are experts in primary care screening and treating common adult disorders such as diabetes and hypertension and managing patients with complicated conditions.

What are the benefits of seeing an internist?

The field of internal medicine offers numerous benefits, making it an excellent choice for diagnosing, treating, and even preventing illnesses. Here are four key advantages of seeing an internal medicine doctor that patients may not experience with general or family doctors:

• Accurate diagnosis: Internal medicine doctors often specialize in subfields like immunology, cardiology, or gastroenterology, which enables them to handle a wide range of diseases. They also collaborate effectively with other specialists, ensuring patients are referred to the right experts when needed. As a result, patients receive a more exact diagnosis and can trust the recommended treatments.
• Preventive care: Internists not only diagnose and treat diseases but also focus on disease prevention. Individuals at risk of certain diseases due to their medical history or lifestyle choices can consult an internist to develop a personalized prevention plan, helping them avoid potential health issues before they arise.
• Effective treatment: With extensive education, rigorous residency training, and specialization in a particular area, internal medicine doctors are well-equipped to offer the most effective treatments. Their expertise enables them to quickly identify health issues and provide targeted, efficient care, making it easier to get an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment sooner than with a general or family doctor.
• Clear communication: Building trust between a doctor and patient is crucial, and internal medicine doctors prioritize open, honest communication. They ensure that they answer patients' questions and address their concerns. If a patient needs specialized care in another area, an internist can guide them to the appropriate specialist, ensuring comprehensive treatment and support.

When should you see an internist?

As we age, our metabolism starts slowing down, which may lead to the chances of having a chronic disease. Hence, most of the internist patient population is senior (65 and above). However, chronic diseases are not only limited to older adults. Many young adults and middle-aged people also develop chronic conditions like kidney disease, hypertension, gastrointestinal issues, hormonal issues, etc.

If you are an adult dealing with the following chronic conditions, you may visit an internist for diagnosis and treatment:

1. High blood pressure: High blood pressure, or hypertension, usually has no apparent symptoms. However, because it can cause cardiovascular and organ damage, your primary care physician must diagnose and treat it continuously. The only way to determine your high blood pressure is to check it with a doctor. An internal medicine doctor can prescribe appropriate medications depending on how your organs interact internally for better effectiveness of the treatment.
2. High cholesterol: High cholesterol occurs when there is an excess of cholesterol in the blood, made up of fats or lipids. High cholesterol, like high blood pressure, has no symptoms. Your internist can perform a blood test to ascertain your cholesterol levels. Untreated high cholesterol raises the risk of a heart attack or stroke, and thus, you must follow your internist's recommendations to treat it successfully.
3. Allergies: Each form of allergic reaction has its own set of origins and symptoms. Some allergic reactions can be life-threatening, such as peanut or latex allergies, which can cause anaphylactic shock in susceptible individuals, while minor ones can cause itching and rashes. It is critical to inform your internal medicine doctor of any unusual reactions to foods or medications, even if they are minor. 
4. Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain can have various origins, ranging from minor factors like muscle strains or stomach infections to more severe conditions such as acute appendicitis and multiple types of cancer. If you are experiencing extreme discomfort or your abdomen is tender to the touch, you should go to the emergency department. Consulting an internist is better if you have minor pain. An internist can assist you in determining whether your discomfort is gastrointestinal or caused by something else.

What can you anticipate during your visit to an internist near you?

Your experience when visiting an internist will differ based on the reason for your appointment. Nevertheless, you can generally anticipate the following care steps:

1. The doctor will assess your vital signs, review your medical history, and inquire about your medication list. Your internist will also discuss your symptoms and overall health condition, often conducting a physical examination to understand your well-being comprehensively.
2. As part of the physical exam, your internist typically observes your general appearance, including your posture and movement. They listen to your heart for any signs of a heart murmur, irregular heartbeat, or unusual sounds. They also evaluate your breathing for crackles, wheezing, or symptoms of shortness of breath. Additionally, they examine your eyes, ears, nose, mouth, throat, skin, and nails.
3. The doctor may order screening tests like a lipid panel or bone density test for routine wellness check-ups. They will also order appropriate tests for specific health concerns, ranging from a simple urinalysis to more complex imaging tests. Depending on the specifics of your condition, your healthcare provider ought to arrange a follow-up appointment or make a referral to a specialist.
4. If you are under the care of other specialists, your internist may collaborate with them to ensure coordinated care and to check for potential interactions between medications. High-quality internists may take a proactive approach, offering advice on lifestyle changes as well as preventive measures to ward off future health issues. They will also assess your mental health, including screening for conditions such as depression.

How do you find top internists near you?

Usually, searching for a good internist involves asking our friends, family, or other healthcare providers for recommendations and making a list of them. Then, we narrowed the options by calling each doctor's office or visiting them for consultation. After hours wasted in the individual search, finding the one that requires less travel and best suits your medical and financial needs can still be challenging. Thankfully, with Zocdoc, you can search, compare, and book healthcare providers anywhere in the US! 

To begin with, sign up with Zocdoc for free. Then, using the search bar, enter the condition you are suffering from, the clinical procedure you need to avail of, or the doctor you want to visit. Use our location filter to find the internist practicing in and around Jacksonville, Florida, by selecting your preferred location. Select the preferred appointment date. Enter your insurance plan or carrier name to find an "in-network" doctor as per your insurance plan to help you save money on bills and procedures. Once you confirm your choices, our algorithm will provide a list of profiles of top-rated internists in Jacksonville, Florida, that accept your insurance. 

If you need assistance finding internists who accept your insurance, our online patient help center is here to support you. Using Zocdoc, you can connect your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account. However, you can use only one insurance plan per appointment. Those with multiple insurance plans can add their secondary insurance information to the appointment notes. Additionally, if your healthcare provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can also enter your secondary insurance details there.

The Zocodc provider profile is unique to the individual. Click on the profile to read about the doctor's academic qualifications, medical expertise, research interests, languages they speak, hospital affiliations, availability, etc. These profiles include regularly updated and verified reviews and ratings by previous patients to help you understand the doctor's approach and work manners. Once you have chosen an internist near you, you can easily book an in-person or online appointment. 

Booking appointments on Zocdoc is simple, secure, and free! 

Chronic condition statistics in Florida

Internists routinely see patients with chronic issues such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and pulmonary disease. High cholesterol is a significant and modifiable risk for heart disease and stroke, the country's leading cause of death, with heart disease being the fifth-leading cause.

As per data published by America's Health Rankings, about 33.4% of adults in Florida reported being diagnosed with high cholesterol in 2019. Nearly 48% of Florida's older adults (65 and older) reported high cholesterol. Almost 40% of the state's middle-aged adults (45-64) had high cholesterol levels. At the same time, the percentage was far less, about 16%, for young adults (aged 18 to 44). 

According to America's Health Rankings, diabetes was the eighth-leading cause of death in the US in 2020, accounting for nearly 102,188 deaths annually. As of 2019, about 11.8% of Florida adults reported having diabetes. Among these, almost 30% were older adults, and 13% were middle-aged.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a lung inflammation that gradually damages the air sacs, reducing airflow and making breathing difficult. Adults who smoke or are in regular contact with smoke and dust have a higher risk of lung infections. As of 2020, nearly 7.5% of Florida adults reported chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis.

Sources

Cleveland Clinic

WebMD

America’s Health Rankings[1]

America’s Health Rankings[2]

America’s Health Rankings[3]

Thompson Health

South Carolina Internal Medicine

Medical News Today

Center for Adult Medicine and Preventive Care

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.