What Does an Internist Do for Everyday Wellbeing?

No one likes going to the doctor, but the right person can make all the difference in the world. If you can trust your healthcare provider and feel comfortable in sharing your worries and problems, you’re already halfway to a better state of body and mind.

That’s where an internist comes in. These medical professionals specialize in the comprehensive care of adults, and can help you understand your health, coordinate care with specialists, and guide lifestyle choices that support everyday wellbeing. 

In short, an internist can be your partner in creating a healthier, more balanced life. Did we pique your curiosity? Keep reading to learn why it may be better to choose an internist as your doctor.

What’s an Internist and What Do They Do?

An internist (doctor of internal medicine) is a physician who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in adults. Unlike family medicine doctors, who treat patients across all ages, internists typically focus on adults and often serve as a patient’s primary care physician. 

They are trained extensively in adult diseases affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys, digestive system, and more. These professionals are heavily focused on inpatient (hospital) care as well as outpatient (clinic) care, hence the title of “internist.”

As a result of their training, internists can handle everything from routine wellness to complex medical conditions that involve multiple organ systems.

Here’s a breakdown of what an internist does:

Preventive Care & Health Maintenance

They conduct annual check-ups and screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, cancer screenings, etc.), administer vaccinations, identify risk factors for chronic disease, and counsel patients on lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management.

Diagnosis and Management of Common Conditions

Doctors of internal medicine are trained to treat everyday health concerns like infections, allergies, gastrointestinal issues, and respiratory illnesses. They’re also proficient in managing long-term conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, asthma, COPD, and arthritis.

Coordination of Complex Care

Internists often act as the middleman, representing their patients and coordinating with specialists (cardiologists, endocrinologists, nephrologists, etc.) when advanced expertise is needed.

This is incredibly soothing for patients in need of said care, as they don’t have to try and figure out how the healthcare system works when they’re suffering. Plus, when everything goes through one central doctor, you avoid fragmented care, which can be frustrating and downright dangerous.

How Do They Help Patient Wellbeing?

Let’s be honest: the only time you think of your doctor is when you’re sick, have a medical emergency, or you’re due for a screening. However, if you find a good internist, your position toward medical professionals may change.

Because they focus on the whole adult patient and often build long-term relationships, internists in a unique position to guide people toward healthier, more balanced lives.

First of all, they focus heavily on prevention and encourage you to keep up with routine checkups, vaccinations, and screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, cancer). This means it’s easier to identify risk factors early and take appropriate measures.

For example, 1 in 3 U.S. adults has high blood pressure, but many don’t know it. Internists are often the first to catch silent problems like this.

Second, they are a reliable source of advice on nutrition, exercise, stress management, and sleep. This advice is personalized based on each patient’s individual health state and lifestyle factors. 

Lastly, now that more patients can take health into their own hands, due to telehealth and wearable devices, it’s easier to maintain a close professional relationship with your internal medicine doctor.

Should I Choose an Internist as My Primary Care Doctor?

It depends on your preferences, but if you want someone with a deeper expertise in conditions that typically affect adults and who is highly skilled in preventing, diagnosing, and managing complex adult illnesses, then the answer is yes.

Internists are trained to see the big picture and understand how a specific illness may impact other health conditions. Plus, many adult patients fight multiple chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes + heart disease + high blood pressure), so it takes a well-trained physician to figure out the best course of treatment.

Patients with complicated health issues often feel reassured knowing their internist has the training and knowledge to manage various health issues.

How to Build a Strong Relationship with Your Internist

The very foundation of the doctor-patient relationship is trust. When you feel comfortable with the person checking your health, you are more likely to share sensitive information, follow medical advice consistently, and engage in long-term care plans.

If you’re looking to build a relationship of trust with your internist, it’s essential that you are honest and forthcoming with your health goals. Let them know what wellbeing means to you, whether it’s weight management, energy levels, sleep, mental clarity, or staying active with family.

Once they understand your priorities, they can customize your preventive care and treatment plans to match your life. Then it’s up to you to follow through with recommendations and be consistent with your visits.

Wrap Up

If you’re ready to take your health to the next level, find an internist who fits your needs. Such a professional can help you stay energetic, balanced, and thriving. Explore how a dedicated internist can be your partner in everyday wellbeing and long-term health.

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