What is the primary difference between internal medicine and family practice physicians?

“Internal medicine focuses exclusively on adult medicine, while family medicine typically sees all the members of a family—children as well as adults,” explains Dr.

Does an internist have the same amount of training a family doctor has?

Internists must complete a three-year residency before they begin practicing internal medicine, and some take additional training in a subspecialty, such as neurology, endocrinology, oncology, psychiatry, dermatology, cardiology, geriatrics or rheumatology.

What is the difference between a medical doctor and an internist?

Internal medicine doctors are educated in general medical and health needs (including preventive care) as well, but as noted, that training is focused on adults. Internists have in-depth training and education in inpatient treatment as well as outpatient care.

What is the difference between MD and DO?

Consumer health Bauer, M.D. A doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) is a fully trained and licensed doctor who has attended and graduated from a U.S. osteopathic medical school. A doctor of medicine (M.D.) has attended and graduated from a conventional medical school.

Is an internist the same as a general practitioner?

Although internists may act as primary care physicians, they are not “general practitioners,” or “family physicians,” whose training is not solely concentrated on adults and may include pediatrics, obstetrics, and surgery (Learn more about the difference between general internal medicine and family medicine).

Why would you see an internist?

Internists routinely see patients with conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and chronic lung disease. An internist may consult with doctors in other fields of medicine, or may be called to consult on a patient by another specialist.

Is family practice and primary care the same?

There are several different types of doctor that will be identified as a primary care physician – typically Family Practice, Internal Medicine or General Practice. There are also doctors who focus on children, called Pediatricians, who will serve as the primary care physician for your child.