What do doctors of internal medicine study? What do they treat? These are common questions from people who are unsure about internal medicine and wondering how to find the “best internal medicine doctors near me.”
Doctors of internal medicine are commonly known as physicians, and they deal with the diagnosis and treatments of most ailments in adults. Although they are called physicians, they are also known as internists, which is not to be confused with interns. Interns are doctors in first-year training, whereas internists are doctors who have completed all their studies.
If you want to know how to find the best internal medicine doctors near me, make note of the following. They should have completed their four-year medical school, out of which they should have done three years’ residency in internal medicine. Once that is complete, a physician can start practicing or further study for a specialization, known as the fellowship, for another two to three years.
What Does Internal Medicine Comprise?
As per the American College of Physicians definition, it is a combination of analytical examination of laboratory sciences with a compassionate and personalized approach to adult medicine. Therefore, the best internal medicine doctors near me specializing in this field can treat common, complex, and chronic ailments. Internal medicine in the European Union is defined as a combination of all aspects of pathology and organ-based specialties.
The main difference between physicians and internists is that a physician can be consulted for children, adolescents, as well as adults. However, internists only deal with adult illnesses and treatments.
Internal medicine can cover a range of ailments in adults; for example, if one is suffering from a kidney problem, then the person is likely to be referred to a nephrologist by the regular general practitioner that they visit. The GP is the first source of reference that one visits when sick. If the GP determines that the problem may require expert specialized care, they will refer the patient to an internist.
Ailments that can be solved by an internist are, but not limited to:
- Vascular and heart disease
- Respiratory disease
- Blood problems
- Joint and rheumatologic problems
- Kidney problems
- Digestive problems
- Urinary problems
- Mental health issues
- Neurological problems
- Diabetes
- Endocrine/hormonal problems
Therefore, internal medicine doctors are specialists that can be visited for major illnesses which require specialized care. Doctors of internal medicine can solve complex diagnostic problems and chronic ailments. This can also include treating substance abuse issues, women’s and mental health problems, and much more.
If you are on the lookout for an experienced internal medicine doctor in Sonoma County, look no further than Dr. Guy Delorefice. Dr. Guy is your go-to person for all your health concerns. He not only has decades of experience under his belt, but also is one of the most compassionate and knowledgeable doctors you will meet. Call us today at 707-938-1255 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Guy.
