For many people seeking healthcare, an internal medicine specialist is often their first stop. Internists are trained not only to diagnose the broad range of illness and disease in adults, but also to provide a level of primary care that goes beyond treating the immediate symptoms.

Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. At least three of their seven or more years of medical school and postgraduate training are dedicated to learning how to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases that affect adults. Internists are sometimes referred to as the “doctor’s doctor,” because they are often called upon to act as consultants to other physicians to help solve puzzling diagnostic problems.