An internal medicine doctor, also known as an internist, is a highly specialized medical expert. He or she has completed seven years of medical school training specifically for the treatment of adult patients.
In most cases, an adult will see a general doctor or a family medicine or primary care physician. If there is a high risk for a specific disease or if there is a disease or health condition that is chronic or is difficult to treat, the primary care physician will refer the patient to an internal medicine doctor.
This provides a specialist to work with the patient, providing the latest in research for diagnosis, treatment or management of the condition. For those at high risk of developing a disease or condition because of family history or risk factors present, an internist can provide advanced preventative and proactive treatment to help reduce the risk of the condition or provide the earliest possible detection and diagnosis.
Specialties in Internal Medicine
Even though an internal medicine doctor in Schaumburg IL, is a specialist, he or she can further specialize in what is known as a subspecialty. These doctors typically treat patients within in their area of subspecialization.
To give you an idea of the subspecializations here are some areas you may be familiar with:
- Cardiology – focus on cardiovascular diseases, heart failure, heart transplants and the control of the heart
- Gastroenterology – disturbances of the digestive system, gall bladder, and the liver
- Nephrology – study of the kidneys, including dialysis, transplants, and kidney disease
- Rheumatology – treatment of the musculoskeletal system, arthritis, and other joint conditions
- Allergies and Immunology – issues with the immune system of the body including autoimmune diseases
- Oncology – the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer
Think of an internist as a internal medicine specialist. They are also general physicians and may see patients for extended periods of time, particularly for chronic conditions.