There are more than a hundred medical specialties and sub-specialties practiced around the world. Hence, at times it can be a bit confusing for people to determine which type of a physician to contact to meet their specific healthcare needs. Quite commonly, such confusion can be seen when people have to decide whether they need an internal medicine physician or a family doctor. Vijaya Prakash Boggala mentions that internal medicine largely deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diverse internal diseases. These physicians provide care for various adult patients.
The domain of internal medicine combines the aspect of analytical examination involved in laboratory science with more compassionate, personalized approach to adult medicine. Vijaya Prakash Boggala mentions that physicians specializing in this field are called internists, and they treat both common illnesses and complex medical conditions. Dr. Boggala himself specializes in Internal Medicine, and has graduated from the Kurnool Medical College in 2004. He mentions that internists can effectively treat and manage long-term chronic illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and are focused on making the best use of medical science to cater to adult patients.
A lot of internists enter the practice after the completion of their basic internal medicine training and are referred to as general internists. These professionals are equipped to handle the expansive and comprehensive spectrum of illnesses that affect adults. These internal medicine physicians are recognized to be experts on diagnosis and treatment of various chronic illnesses. They also contribute to health promotion and disease prevention.
Internal medicine physicians are well equipped to deal with almost any problem their patients may have, no matter how common or rare the issue is. Internists specially trained to solve complex diagnostic problems, and are capable enough to handle severe chronic illnesses and situations.
Internists can practice in a variety of settings. Their training makes them uniquely qualified to practice proper primary care, and take care of patients over the duration of their adult life. These physicians often establish long-standing and rewarding personal relationships with their patients and strive to provide them with the most compassionate care. Vijaya Prakash Boggala points out that while internists might act as primary care physicians, they are not the same as the typical general practitioners or family physician. The training of the latter two is not solely concentrated on adults, and can include pediatrics, obstetrics, and surgery as well. Internists, however, are well versed with sub-specialties like endocrinology, rheumatology, neurology and infectious diseases.
While some internists can focus on caring for patients in a hospital settings, others may have their own practice. They may also practice in certain unique settings as well, such as in rehabilitation centers and long-term care facilities. These medical practitioners are known to combine multiple facets of care and medical science to deliver both outpatient and inpatient care to their patients, as per their specific situation and concerns.