Who is an internist?
An internist is a doctor or a medically trained professional who practices internal medicine. This branch of primary care specialty focuses specifically on adult healthcare. These experts specialize in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of disorders, from acute conditions like heart attacks to chronic diseases like diabetes and asthma.
Internal medicine doctors are not surgeons; their treatment entails medicines and antidotes. Besides general practice, internists can specialize in rheumatology, cardiology, gastroenterology, pulmonology, etc.
What are the educational requirements of an internist?
Internists are doctors; hence, their educational path is similar to that of other physicians or medical specialists.
Before starting medical school, aspirants must hold a bachelor’s degree in biology or chemistry as a core subject. Following this, they must clear an entrance exam, the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), to secure a seat in an accredited medical school.
Students begin their four-year medical training by successfully clearing this entrance exam, including a structured classroom, lab training, and regular clinical practices in hospitals. After medical school, doctors must complete residency training in internal medicine. This also takes up to three years. All doctors must clear the required examination to be certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Furthermore, internists who specialize in relevant disciplines post-residency, such as rheumatology, must undergo an additional three years of fellowship training.
What are some standard internal medicine subspecialties?
Internal medicine doctors may focus on general medicine or take up additional training in a particular area of medicine after completing their core residency program. This additional training is also known as a “subspecialty.” The American Board of Internal Medicine recognizes and certifies the following subspecialty areas based on types of diseases:
- Cardiovascular disease: A discipline of internal medicine called “cardiology” focuses on preventing, diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions affecting the cardiovascular system, including the heart and blood vessels. Some cardiologists further specialize in specific areas within this group of diseases, such as interventional cardiology. Additionally, some doctors gain expertise in diagnosing and treating heart conditions with invasive methods, cardiac electrophysiology or the evaluation of dysrhythmias and heart failure, and transplant cardiology or the management of advanced heart failure.
- Endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism: Another internal medicine discipline focuses on diagnosing and treating concerns affecting the endocrine system and associated metabolic dysfunction. These conditions include hypothalamic disorders, pituitary diseases, hyperthyroidism, goiter, bone conditions like osteoporosis, and adrenal cortex dysfunction.
- Gastroenterology: This internal medicine subspecialty includes evaluating and treating problems affecting the gastrointestinal or GI tract, which consists of the stomach, esophagus, liver, gallbladder, small and large intestines, pancreas, colon, and rectum. Gastrointestinal medicine also involves clinical training in nutrition and nutritional disorders. Several gastroenterologists work in group practices and offer diagnostic services such as endoscopies for their patients or referred patients.
- Infectious disease: This discipline involves studying and understanding how bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections occur in humans and how they manifest clinically. While general internists and other physicians can treat common ailments, infectious disease specialists help diagnose unknown, complicated, or unusual disorders or conditions that may be difficult to manage. These specialists also receive training in epidemiology, the transmission of infections, vaccines, and antibiotic resistance. Due to their training, infectious disease internists are equipped to deal with the environmental and occupational factors that cause infection.
- Rheumatology: It involves the treatment of disorders that affect the musculoskeletal system, i.e., the joints, connective tissues, and muscles. Rheumatologists manage more complex and systemic diseases, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), gout, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, and osteoarthritis.
What are the common diseases treated by internists?
Though internal medicine doctors treat a broad spectrum of health hazards, they primarily focus on the following three areas:
- Respiratory diseases: General internists, along with specialized pulmonary care experts, take care of respiratory diseases, such as asthma, emphysema, lung cancer, chronic obstructive lung disease, complex lung infection, cystic fibrosis, etc. They provide treatment as well as preventive care guidance to minimize the effects of these disorders.
- Hypertension: Arteries are important vessels that carry blood from the heart to other body parts. In hypertension, the blood in the vessels exerts high pressure on the vessel walls. The two common approaches internists take to address this condition are prescribed medication and lifestyle modifications, such as a low-fat diet, regular exercise, curtailing smoking habits, etc.
- Heart diseases: Many internists specialize in treating cardiovascular diseases. They aim to diagnose, prevent, and treat cardiac irregularities. These can range from valvular disorders, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), heart failures, and more critical conditions like a heart attack. The general remedial measure includes prescribed medication, periodic medical reviews, and lifestyle changes to support a healthy heart.
Foods good for internal organs
Here are some foods that are good for various internal organs:
- Heart: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., salmon, trout, and tuna), whole grains, nuts (especially walnuts, pine, and almonds), seeds, olive oil, fruits (e.g., apples, bananas, and oranges), and vegetables (especially leafy greens) are beneficial for heart health.
- Liver: Foods that support liver health include cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage), beets, coffee, green tea, nuts, fatty fish, grapefruit, blueberries and cranberries, grapes, prickly pear, and olive oil. It is also essential to consume alcohol in moderation, as an unhealthy amount can cause liver damage.
- Kidneys: To support kidney health, consume foods low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. A kidney-healthy diet includes fruits and vegetables (e.g., pineapples, berries, bell peppers, and cabbage), lean proteins (e.g., chicken and fish), garlic, and healthy fats like olive oil.
- Brain: Foods rich in antioxidants, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and vitamins are beneficial for brain health. This includes fish, nuts and seeds, berries, leafy greens, whole grains, avocados, tomatoes, quinoa, and dark chocolate. Additionally, staying hydrated and consuming enough water is important for brain function.
- Digestive system: A diet high in fiber is essential for digestive health. Good sources of fiber include low-fructose fruits (bananas, oranges, and grapefruit), leafy greens, whole grains, lean protein, and avocado. Also, probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi support a healthy gut microbiome.
- Pancreas: Foods that help maintain stable blood sugar levels are good for pancreatic health. This includes high-fiber foods like whole grains, legumes, fruits, lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats like olive oil, fatty fish, avocado, nuts, and seeds. Moreover, avoiding processed foods is also vital.
- Lungs: Foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, apples, tomatoes, pumpkins, leafy greens, olive oil, oysters, nuts, and green tea, can help support lung health and reduce inflammation.
Remember, while these foods can support the health of internal organs, maintaining a balanced diet, drinking enough water, and performing regular physical activity are essential components of overall health and well-being. It is also important to consult a healthcare professional like an internist for personalized dietary advice.
What to expect at your internist appointment?
Finding a top-rated internist near you is the first step towards improving your health. Learning what to expect can help you maximize your internist appointment and save on future medical costs. At your visit, your doctor will ask you about your current symptoms, medical history, and the medications you may be taking. After a thorough clinical history, the doctor will perform a general examination of your body with your consent.
A general examination includes:
- Observing the gait and posture
- Examination of the eyes and nail bed for any signs of anemia/jaundice
- Checking for pulse and blood pressure
- Auscultating heart sounds to rule out any murmurs
- Auscultating the lungs to check for infections and wheezing
- Checking for bowel sounds
- The oral cavity may also be examined in cases of tonsillitis, etc.
Depending on your condition, the doctor will likely advise further diagnostic tests, like lipid profile, bone density test, urinalysis, or imaging tests. Treatment will also be recommended accordingly, like antibiotics in cases of infections or multivitamins in patients with deficiencies.
What is the difference between a primary care practitioner, a family physician, and an internist?
Prima facie, it may seem that primary care practitioners, family physicians, and internists are the same. However, their specialized training and work areas significantly differ.
Primary care physicians are an umbrella group of medical experts that include family medicine practitioners, internists, physician assistants, pediatricians, and geriatricians. They treat numerous diseases and often coordinate with specialists to formulate an appropriate treatment plan for your needs.
Family physicians are primary care experts who treat various diseases and care for the entire family, from infants to senior citizens. They effectively play a combined role of pediatrics, geriatrics, and internists.
Internists are experts in internal medicine, focused on adult treatment only. Hence, they specialize in diseases of adulthood like diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disorders, etc.
Where can you find a qualified internist near you in Saint Petersburg?
Adults, particularly young adults, usually ignore their health and avoid attending a physician for regular checkups. However, during this period, you may be susceptible to a range of diseases that may turn serious if left unattended. Internists help prevent and treat such health issues. If you are having trouble finding suitable internal medicine doctors in Saint Petersburg, Zocdoc can assist you.
Our website has some of the best internal medicine experts registered with us. Each physician’s profile tells you about their academic background, professional certifications, hospital affiliations, awards and recognitions, licensures, and specialties. You can also check if the internist accepts your insurance plan and the language they speak.
Verified client reviews are also provided under each profile. Once satisfied with your search, you can schedule your online or in-person consultation through our seamless booking process.
Thanks to Zocdoc, locating an internist near you is now easier! All bookings through Zocdoc are safe, secure, and free!
Vital statistics about internists in Florida, USA
According to the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) Report 2019, there are nearly 65,000 internal medicine practitioners in the United States. According to Florida Trend, there are more than 30,800 primary care physicians in Florida, of which approximately 13,800 are internists.
Additionally, as reported by Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, about 10,000 respondents in a survey of more than 25,000 complained of suffering from abdominal pain at some point in their lives. Around 61% of the participants with symptoms sought medical help from an internist for their problem.
Another American College of Gastroenterology report states that nearly 20% of the American population suffers from GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). This disease is also commonly treated by internists.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a study in 2018 involving more than 838,000 patients in Florida. About 27% reported having hypertension, one of the major disorders that fall within the purview of internal medicine.
Sources
WebMD
MedicalNewsToday
Healthline[1]
Healthline[2]
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Healthline[4]
Florida Trend
AAMC
Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology
American College of Gastroenterology
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Florida Department of Health
American College of Physicians[1]
American College of Physicians[2]
American College of Physicians[3]
American College of Physicians[4]
American College of Physicians[5]
American College of Physicians[6]
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
UnityPoint Health
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Surgery
