An internist (or doctor of internal medicine) is a doctor who takes care of adults.
They help you stay healthy, find out what’s wrong when you’re sick, and treat many kinds of health problems.
Internists understand how all the body’s organs — like the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys — work together.
They can treat both simple illnesses and serious health problems.
What Does an Internist Do?
Internists:
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Give regular checkups
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Diagnose (find out) what’s causing your symptoms
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Treat many different diseases
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Prescribe medicine when needed
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Help you manage long-term conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure)
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Refer you to other doctors (specialists) if needed
They often care for people with:
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Diabetes
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Heart disease
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High blood pressure
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Kidney disease
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Arthritis
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Obesity
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Lung problems (like COPD)
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Infections
Internists are very good at solving complicated health problems and figuring out what’s really going on when the cause isn’t clear.
Where Do Internists Work?
Internists can work in many places:
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Clinics or offices: You see them for check ups or when you’re sick.
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Hospitals: Some internists, called hospitalists, take care of patients who are staying in the hospital.
Why Should You See an Internist?
An internist can be your main doctor — the one you go to first for most health needs.
They can:
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Help you prevent illnesses with regular screenings
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Treat common and long-term health problems
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Guide you toward a healthier lifestyle
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Connect you with other specialists when needed
Having an internist you trust makes it easier to stay healthy and manage your care over time.