A lot of people are confused by the difference between an internal medicine doctor or a family physician when it comes to choosing a primary physician. Both are primary care doctors. They have been educated in various subspecialties. Both treat adults and both treat children. What is the different? What is the best type of doctor for you?

Internal Medicine Doctors

Internal medicine doctors, often called internists, care primarily for adults. There are some internists who also treat children, but in order to be able to do so they need dual training in both pediatrics and internal medicine.

Internal medicine physicians specialize in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases for their adult patients. They are trained to offer women’s health medical attention for a wide variety of health issues and counsel their patients on prevention and overall wellness.

An internist must complete an internship of three years prior to being allowed to practice medicine in the internal sector. Many also pursue further training in a subspecialty , such as neurology or endocrinology.

Family Medicine Doctors

Family medicine physicians provide treatment to patients of every age, ranging from babies to seniors. The diagnostic imaging care they offer covers four areas of medicine:

pediatrics

adolescent medicine

adult medicine

Geriatrics

Family medicine doctors are often the ones who care for the same patient throughout their entire life. In many cases , they also provide care to many generations of relatives.

Doctors must finish a three year residency to practice family medicine. Family medicine residency includes training in pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, as well as medical emergencies, internal surgery and medicine. They are required to be able to recognize and treat various diseases and conditions because they care for patients from all ages.

Many family medicine doctors also incorporate sports medicine and obstetrics as part of their work through fellowship training.

Choosing an Internal Medicine Doctor or Family Medicine Doctor

It can be difficult to decide between internal medicine doctors or family medicine doctors because they're each internal medicine doctors. Both are capable of diagnosing and treating various diseases and will assist you in preventing disease and identifying health issues early while they're still manageable. There are many advantages when you choose both kinds of doctors.

Experts say that a lot of patients feel that they have all the facts to make the right choice for their family and them.

No matter what kind internal medicine doctors of physician the patient is seeking it isn't easy to find a physician they are comfortable with. We listen to the needs of patients and attempt to reduce their stress to get them a top doctor.