There are so many medical specialties in existence that it’s no wonder people get confused. Do you see an optometrist or an ophthalmologist? A podiatrist or a pediatrician?
Sometimes, the differences between two specialties may be subtle enough that people think they’re the same thing. Very commonly, this applies to internal medicine and family medicine, but the truth is that they are not the same.
Read on to discover the differences, which can help you make an informed decision when choosing a primary care doctor or practice.
Internal Medicine
This medical specialty deals largely with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of internal diseases in adults.
Physicians in this specialty, called internists, often treat patients where the cause of an internal illness is uncertain or one where multiple internal systems are involved. For that reason, internists are skilled at diagnosing and treating a wide range of diseases.
For example, an internist could treat a patient experiencing fatigue or confusion: symptoms that may have several causes and are not easily diagnosed by a single-organ specialist. An internist may also treat a patient who has several illnesses in multiple systems at the same time. Internists may practice out of an office or do their work in hospitals.
Note that internal medicine is by definition limited to adult patients. Internists, like our own Dr. Sherif Hassan, may act as primary care physicians, but some internists do not treat childhood illness.
Family Medicine
Like internal medicine, family medicine is expansive in that it’s a specialty dealing with a multitude of medical issues. However, it’s a broader specialty, as a family physician treats people of all ages, including children, and the range of services that a family physician provides is comprehensive.
For instance, a family physician may provide a gynecological exam for a female patient, perform a well-child visit for a toddler, screen a new mother for post-partum depression, or do a physical for an elderly patient. Family physicians are trained in a number of disciplines in order to prepare them to offer holistic services to their patients.
The differences, in a nutshell
- Both internists (internal medicine) and family physicians (family medicine) can be primary care physicians… but internists typically do not see child patients unless they also have training in pediatrics.
- Internists have specialized skill in preventing, diagnosing and treating internal diseases, including multi-system diseases… while family physicians provide general services across a spectrum of disciplines that include internal medicine.
How this applies to choosing a primary care physician
If you find yourself wondering whether to choose a physician who specializes in internal medicine vs. family medicine, there is no inherently “better” option. You must take into account your own needs and expectations.
Are you looking for a doctor for just yourself? For your whole family? Are there pre-existing conditions or potential conditions for which you and your family need care? Ask yourself questions like these before choosing your doctor or primary care office.
At Maryland Primary Care in Lanham, MD, we provide a wide range of care to assist patients with every need, including both primary care and urgent care services. In addition, we offer onsite pharmacist counseling to give patients personalized guidance for their medications.
Book an appointment with us
Maryland Primary Care offers the best of both worlds in providing primary care to you and your family, encompassing both internal medicine and family medicine. Call 301-277-3555 to make an appointment today.
What are the career options for internal medicine doctors after residency?
Internal medicine doctors have several career options after completing their residency. They have the choice to either pursue a path as primary care internal medicine doctors or opt for specialization through completing a fellowship.
What is the emphasis on outpatient and inpatient care for family medicine and internal medicine?
Family medicine and internal medicine differ in their emphasis on outpatient and inpatient care. Family medicine primarily focuses on providing outpatient care, encompassing a wide range of medical services from routine check-ups to managing chronic conditions. Family physicians undergo comprehensive training, including a three-year residency, to ensure they can deliver optimal care across all age groups and address various healthcare needs from birth to end-of-life.
On the other hand, internal medicine places a greater emphasis on inpatient care, particularly within hospital settings. During their residency, internal medicine doctors receive at least one year of training dedicated to caring for patients who require hospitalization. This training includes experience in intensive and critical care settings. Additionally, most internal medicine training programs require additional years of hospital-based work, which involves exposure to specialized inpatient subspecialties such as cardiology, hematology-oncology, and gastroenterology.
After completing their residency, internal medicine physicians have the option to pursue various career paths. They can choose to become primary care internal medicine doctors, providing ongoing outpatient care to their patients. Alternatively, they may decide to specialize further by completing a fellowship in a specific area of medicine, such as cardiology, gastroenterology, or oncology.
Similarly, family physicians have the opportunity to expand their expertise through fellowships and certifications. These additional training programs enable them to acquire specialized knowledge in fields such as adolescent medicine, maternal-child health, sports medicine, geriatrics, and faculty development. Despite pursuing these specialized interests, family physicians still maintain their primary care role, continuing to provide comprehensive care for patients in an outpatient setting.
In summary, family medicine places a strong emphasis on outpatient care, allowing family physicians to care for patients of all ages throughout their lives. In contrast, internal medicine has a greater focus on inpatient care within hospital settings, although some internal medicine doctors also choose to practice as primary care providers.
What are the focus areas of training for family medicine and internal medicine?
Both family medicine and internal medicine training involve a combination of outpatient and inpatient care, although the emphasis varies between the two. Family medicine places a greater focus on outpatient care, whereas internal medicine has a stronger emphasis on inpatient care. The duration of residency training for both specialties is three years.
Internal medicine training specifically focuses on caring for adults. In order to treat children, internists require additional training in pediatrics alongside their internal medicine training. The scope of internal medicine includes the diagnosis and management of common general medical conditions. It also encompasses comprehensive experience in various subspecialties, such as neurology, endocrinology, rheumatology, and infectious diseases.
As part of their training, medical students pursuing internal medicine must also gain proficiency in several other disciplines. This includes acquiring adequate experience in psychiatry, dermatology, ophthalmology, office gynecology, otorhinolaryngology, non-operative orthopedics, palliative medicine, sleep medicine, geriatrics, and rehabilitation medicine. By encompassing these areas, internists are equipped to provide comprehensive care for adult patients, fulfilling the vision set forth by the American College of Physicians (ACP).
How long is the residency training for family medicine and internal medicine?
The residency training duration for both family medicine and internal medicine is three years. However, there is a distinction between the two specialties. Internal medicine primarily focuses on adult patients, while family medicine encompasses care for patients of all ages, from birth to death. Therefore, in order to treat children, internists must acquire additional pediatric training alongside their internal medicine training. Family physicians undergo extensive training beyond medical school, including a three-year residency program and comprehensive instruction, all aimed at providing the highest quality patient care throughout the entire spectrum of life stages.
Are family medicine and internal medicine physicians considered general practitioners?
Can the term general practitioner apply to both family medicine and internal medicine doctors?
Yes, the definition of a general practitioner may be applied to both family medicine and internal medicine doctors.
What is the definition of a general practitioner or general practice doctor?
A general practitioner is a versatile physician who does not specialize in one field of medicine.
Are family medicine and internal medicine physicians considered general practitioners?
Yes, a general practitioner, or general practice doctor, is a versatile physician who does not specialize in one field of medicine.
What is the scope of family medicine and internal medicine?
What is the difference in emphasis between family medicine and internal medicine in terms of outpatient and inpatient care?
Family medicine involves more outpatient care, while internal medicine has more of an emphasis on inpatient care. At least one year of internal medicine training must involve caring for hospitalized patients, with training in intensive/critical care settings.
What other disciplines do medical students need to gain experience in to comprehensively care for adults?
Medical students need to gain adequate experience in psychiatry, dermatology, ophthalmology, office gynecology, otorhinolaryngology, non-operative orthopedics, palliative medicine, sleep medicine, geriatrics, and rehabilitation medicine to comprehensively care for adults.
What subspecialties are included in the training for internal medicine?
Internal medicine training includes subspecialties such as endocrinology, rheumatology, infectious diseases, and significant experience in neurology.
What is the age range of patients that family physicians and internal medicine doctors treat?
Family physicians treat patients of all ages, from birth to death. Internal medicine doctors specifically treat adults who are 18 years or older.
