An internal medicine doctor, or internist, is trained to diagnose, treat, and manage various health issues across multiple body systems. They specialize in adult medicine and focus on preventing, diagnosing, and treating adult diseases. Some of the body systems and parts of the body that internists commonly treat include:
- Cardiovascular system: Heart and blood vessels, including issues such as hypertension, heart disease, and peripheral vascular disease
- Respiratory system: Lungs and airways, including topics such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Gastrointestinal system: Digestive system, including issues such as acid reflux, peptic ulcer disease, and inflammatory bowel disease
- Endocrine system: Glands that produce hormones, including issues such as diabetes, thyroid disease, and metabolic disorders
- Musculoskeletal system: Bones, muscles, and joints, including issues such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia
- Renal system: Kidneys and urinary tract, including issues such as kidney stones and chronic kidney disease
- Neurological system: Brain and nervous system, including issues such as headaches, stroke, and neuropathy
- Hematologic system: Blood and blood-forming tissues, including issues such as anemia and blood clotting disorders
Internists are also trained in preventive medicine, and they often provide screenings and counseling for conditions such as cancer and heart disease. They also provide care for patients with multiple comorbidities, which means they have more than one chronic illness. They work closely with other specialists to provide comprehensive care for their patients.
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