Internal Medicine

Doctors of internal medicine, often called "internists," focus on adult medicine. They care for their patients for life-from teen years through old age. Internists have had special training that focuses on the prevention and treatment of adult diseases. At least three of their seven or more years of training are dedicated to learning how to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases that affect adults. Some internists take additional training to "subspecialize" in one of 13 areas of internal medicine, such as cardiology or geriatrics. Internists are often called upon to act as consultants to other physicians to help solve puzzling diagnostic problems.