Internal medicine doctors, also known as internists, specialize in adult medicine and are trained to diagnose and manage severe long-term illnesses, solve diagnostic problems, and help patients with multiple health conditions. They are primary care physicians who provide continuing care in both ambulatory and hospital settings. Internal medicine doctors are experts in the treatment and management of the full spectrum of acute and chronic medical conditions, including acute conditions, arthritis, blood disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and more. They also provide preventive healthcare services such as vaccinations, nutritional counseling, wellness checkups, and screenings for common health problems. Some internists opt for a subspecialty, such as cardiology or gastroenterology, and undergo additional training. Internists are not surgeons and only treat adults.

In contrast, family medicine doctors care for people of all ages, including children, and provide gynecological care to their female patients. They manage the overall health and well-being of all ages, including pediatrics, adolescent medicine, adult medicine, and geriatrics.

Ultimately, both internal medicine doctors and family medicine doctors are primary care physicians who are capable of diagnosing and treating many conditions and guiding patients in preventing disease and detecting health problems early while they’re still treatable.