For someone seeking a physician practicing internal medicine New York has many to offer. A doctor in this specialty is exceptional in the diagnosis and treatment of unusual diseases. She or he treats everyone from those in good health to those who are terminal.

Sometimes people confuse an internist with an intern. The internist has spent four years in school, another four in medical school, plus three or more years in a residency in a hospital. The intern has completed that education, but is only serving the first year of a residency. He is still working under the supervision of other doctors.

Diseases that are complex and difficult to treat will be presented to the doctor of internal medicine. Chronic disorders, mental health disorders and addiction to any of a number recreational drugs are the ones handled by the internist. In addition, she or he sees patients with routine maladies.

He or she sees patients in all age groups from eighteen years to the end of life. When surgery is required or when hospice care is advisable, he will organize and monitor the care given by other medical professionals. If an obstetrician is needed, that care will be coordinated under the management of the internist.

The work of the internist includes that of a general practitioner. He or she may specialize in one of the subspecialty branches of internal medicine. For example, cardiology, respiratory disease or orthopedics may be his or her subspecialty. The internist, unlike the orthopedic surgeon or cardiologist, will also treat minor problems.

Although she or he may have additional training in a specific area, she is not considered a specialist in that branch, but is considered an internist with a subspeciality. That may be orthopedics or gastroenterology, for example.

She gives annual examinations, administer immunizations, controls blood pressure levels and heals wounds as well. All care provided by a family practice physician is provided by her, but only to adult individuals.

The many years of education and training prepare the doctor to practice medicine. After that, it is possible to become board certified in one of the specialties, internal medicine for example. After being board certified in internal medicine, he can be acknowledged as having a subspecialty also.

One of the differences between the family or general practitioner and the internist is the ages of their patients. The physician in family practice treats babies and geriatric patients. The internist treats no one under the age of eighteen. However, an internist may have a subspecialty in pediatrics.

The doctor of internal medicine is often called on to consult on a difficult case. This is due to their diagnostic abilities. They will, in turn, refer a patient to a specialist for care in that field.

The older physician will see a wider variety of diseases during his or her long career. The young doctor will bring in new and innovative ideas. Regardless of age, he or she will find that for practicing internal medicine New York offers many opportunities. Regardless of where he practices, a specific number of continuing education credits will be required. He will also keep up with the latest innovations by reading the monthly medical journals that are published.