About Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine is a field of medical science wherein physicians apply scientific knowledge and practice clinical expertise to diagnose and treat adult patients with health complications and illnesses related to internal organs. Physicians who specialise in internal medicine are called internists

　　Internists also specialise in the management of patients with multiple illnesses that co-exist. Internists treat patients ranging from hospitalised to ambulatory. They can also choose to pursue teaching and research roles in the field of Internal Medicine. Usually, the setting with highest concentration of internists are hospitals. It is typical for internists to specialise in a specific organ system.

　　Internal medicine is not to be confused with general medicine in which all age groups are treated. In general medicine, severe illnesses are treated in a way where they merely guide the patient how to minimize the effects of that condition and educate them about cautions patients may take. However, in internal medicine, the illnesses in adults are treated with primary focus on critical and severe illnesses of the internal organs. Internal Medicine also focuses on treatment of multi-diseases afflicting a patient.

　　

Is Internal Medicine right for me?

If you have an innate interest in medicine and good stress management skills, then this field might be a good choice for you. Internists work with patients with severe illnesses and often such illnesses co-exist with other health complications; therefore, quick decision-making skills and stress management skills are required. If you think you can keep your nerves in check to make sound decisions, then you can consider pursuing Internal Medicine. Furthermore, an internist interacts with patients directly and must address their concerns. Thus, he must possess good interpersonal skills.

　　As every patient is a unique medical case, an internist must have a firm grasp over his subject. Studious students that are able to commit large amounts of information to memory are recommended to pursue this field.

　　

Internal Medicine study options and costs

　　The first step in pursuing Internal Medicine as a career choice is earning a bachelor’s degree. It could be completed with any major, not necessarily medical but it is recommended to opt for courses like biology, pharmacology and psychology. A bachelor’s degree usually take 4 years to complete.

　　After completion of your bachelor’s programme, a graduate degree from a medical school may be pursued, this typically takes 4 years. This can cost around $47,337 to $91,599. A 3-year residency follows where you will gain practical experience working in the field of Internal Medicine. After this, residents are eligible to apply for board certification and licensure in Internal Medicine allowing them to practice independently.

　　

Future outlook

The scope of internal medicine field is on the rise especially with the emergence of new viruses and complex health conditions. The need for new research in the field of Internal Medicine to offer insights about how to treat health complications is ever present. The projected job growth of internists every year is 13.43%. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 22,700 job openings are projected for physicians and surgeons every year. In light of the given statistics, it is easy to say that the future outlook for Internal Medicine is bright.

　　

Career pathways for Internal Medicine graduates

　　

General Internist

　　General internists are physicians who provide extensive care in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. They also manage common and complex illnesses in adults and the elderly. As an internist, you will be trained in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases pertaining to the internal organs. The primary responsibilities of an internist include monitoring patients, disease screening, and diagnosing and treating medical conditions.

Cardiovascular Specialist Internist

　　An internist can opt to specialise in cardiovascular diseases to help prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases. A cardiovascular specialist internist studies the effects of heart diseases on chronic conditions of other organs. As a cardiovascular specialist internist, you are responsible for management of risk factors and intervention for established diseases. The diseases treated by a cardiologist such as coronary artery disease, pericardial diseases and so on are addressed by a cardiovascular specialist internist too. The only difference is the higher focus on its effects on other internal organs and treatment of acute illnesses in adults.

Gastroenterology Specialist Internist

　　Gastroenterology specialist internists are experts who diagnose and treat disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. These professionals have a comprehensive knowledge of the diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and how its disorders can affect other organs. Gastroenterology specialist internists provide consultative and ongoing care in ambulatory and inpatient settings.