Doctors of internal medicine ("internists") focus on
adult medicine and have had special study and training focusing on the
prevention and treatment of adult diseases. At least three of their
seven or more years of medical school and postgraduate training are
dedicated to learning how to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases that
affect adults. Internists are sometimes referred to as the "doctor's
doctor," because they are often called upon to act as consultants to
other physicians to help solve puzzling diagnostic problems. While the
name "internal medicine" may lead one to believe that internists only
treat "internal" problems, this is not the case. Doctors of internal
medicine treat the whole person, not just internal organs.
—Wikipedia |