An internist is a medical doctor who specializes in internal medicine, which broadly refers to conditions affecting the internal organs. They only treat adults and are the first point of treatment for most people. Internists can help manage chronic illnesses and often have long-lasting relationships with their patients. They can also give preventive care and help patients make lifestyle changes to improve their health. Some internists opt for a subspecialty, such as cardiology or gastroenterology. They are still internists, but they are also specialists in their chosen area. Internists can work in different care settings, such as rehabilitation facilities or centers for hospice care. Some internists only see hospital patients. Others go into research, and some choose to become administrators.

To become an internist, one needs to have a four-year undergraduate degree and complete medical school, usually taking four years. After that, they need to complete a three-year residency in internal medicine. Some internists may want to hone their formal research skills by undergoing a Ph.D. program or a research fellowship.

Internists can help diagnose and treat a wide variety of illnesses. They can help you decide whether your pain is gastrointestinal in nature or caused by something else. For example, chest pain doesnt always mean you are having a heart attack. It can be caused by problems in the lungs or gastrointestinal system.

In summary, an internist is a medical doctor who specializes in internal medicine and only treats adults. They can help manage chronic illnesses, give preventive care, and help patients make lifestyle changes to improve their health. They can work in different care settings, and some may opt for a subspecialty. To become an internist, one needs to complete medical school and a three-year residency in internal medicine. Internists can help diagnose and treat a wide variety of illnesses.