Both family medicine doctors and internal medicine doctors are considered primary care doctors. While family medicine doctors treat adults and children, internists typically only address the healthcare needs of adults.
What Do Family Medicine Doctors Do?
Family medicine doctors care for people of all ages. They are trained to diagnose and treat minor as well as major health problems. The best family doctor near you can treat you as well as other members of your family. It is not unusual for a family medicine doctor to care for a patient from infancy to old age. In many cases, family doctors care for multiple generations of families.
Family medicine doctors help their patients with chronic diseases (such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and arthritis) manage their conditions. They offer guidance to individuals with a genetic predisposition (to a health problem) for maintaining good health. And they encourage their patients to inculcate healthy lifestyle habits. A healthy lifestyle reduces one’s risk of chronic conditions.
Education and Training
To practice family medicine, an individual must complete four years of medical school and then a three-year accredited residency program. Medical residents learn to diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases and conditions.
They receive training in pediatric medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, emergency medicine and internal medicine, and learn surgical skills. Many family medicine doctors choose to undergo training in additional areas such as palliative care, obstetrics, and sports medicine.
What Do Internal Medicine Doctors Do?
Internal medicine doctors, or internists, usually care for adults. However, some internists who have received training in internal medicine and pediatrics may see adults as well as children. Internists specialize in diagnosing and treating acute and chronic health problems.
An internal medicine doctor monitors their patients’ health and recommends measures to prevent diseases. Your internal medicine doctor can help you achieve your wellness goals. If you need specialized care, your doctor may refer you to a specialist.
Education and Training
To become an internist, an individual must earn a bachelor’s degree and then a four year medical degree followed by a three-year residency program in internal medicine. Internists are trained to treat health conditions that a person can develop throughout their adult life. They are trained to provide inpatient as well as outpatient care.
Internists can diagnose and treat minor health issues such as a sinus infection or flu as well as treat and supervise treatment for more serious diseases and health conditions, including diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and chronic back conditions.
Many internal medicine doctors choose to sub-specialize in different fields such as hematology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, nephrology, and medical oncology. Their additional training makes them an ideal choice for people with unique healthcare needs.
Dr. Guy is one of the most revered internists serving Sonoma and Napa counties. He takes a holistic approach to patient care and his unparalleled ability to empathize and truly provide the highest quality of care for his patients is what sets him apart. To learn more about his practice, call (707) 938-1255.
