What is Internal Medicine?
Internal medicine physician jobs involve treatments for chronic illness and other major health issues. Known as 'internists,' these doctors are often work with family practice physicians and they also work closely with individuals, observing areas and issues that cause health complications and other problems.
The name 'internal medicine' is derived from the German term 'innere medizin.' Way back during the 1800s, physicians of German origin were working on projects to combine the knowledge of bacteriology, pathology, and physiology in such a manner that it could then be used for treatment. Through the study, they were able to find a link between the three subjects and the efficiency in treating patients with the knowledge gained. Hence, these physicians came to be known as the 'internists' (creating a basis for internal medicine physician jobs) since they lay their treatment plan on the inner complications and not just the external symptoms or conditions.
Is there a Special Training Requirement to Become an Internal Medicine Physician?
Well, yes! If you want to get one of those internal medicine physician jobs and become an 'internist,' you need to go through a three-year residency program regarding internal medicines. Once the residency is complete, you are now a qualified internist and are eligible to practice in many specialties with minimal cross certifications such as infectious diseases, chronic heart conditions, etc. Further, you might also opt for an extended specialization in these specialties as well.
What is the Difference Between Internal Medicine Physicians and Family Practice Physicians?
Now, doctors involved in family practice physician jobs treat most members of the Family unit including the children. Internal Medicine Physician is more focused on the internal well-being of the patient. The IM Physician works mostly with adults they are often called upon to treat children and teenagers with internal issues as well.
Further, all the training required for internal medicine physician jobs is undertaken in both medical settings, i.e., inpatient and outpatient. These physicians also go through extensive education in every type of internal medicine specialty and subspecialty, inclusive of neurology, rheumatology, the study of infections and infectious diseases, etc.
The bottom line? Whether you are aiming for family practice physician jobs or internal medicine physician jobs, the focus should always be on attaining a cohesive knowledge about diseases and the condition of the patient. Only through this well-balanced integration is it possible to successfully and effortlessly treat illnesses, whether general or chronic.
Author’s Bio: The author is a blogger. This article is about Internal Medicine Physicians vs Family Practice Physicians.
Edited by Jim Wilhite –Co-Founder of the National Coalition of Healthcare Recruiters – www.nchcr.com