in•tern•ist - A Board-certified, scholarly, self-effacing patient-advocate, umpire, organizer, consultant and teacher, who, cognitively, rigorously, individually and interpersonally counsels presentive medicine and, based on in-depth medical evidence, diagnoses and delivers comprehensive, intensive and longitudinal continuity of care of complex or severe multi-organ diseases - from adolescence through senescence.

Doctors of internal medicine, often called "internists," focus on adult medicine. They care for their patients for life-from the teen years through old age. Internists have had special study and training that focuses on the prevention and treatment of adult diseases. 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.

An internist, just like a family practice or general practice doctor, can serve as your primary care doctor. But internists are unique because they focus on adult medicine. Internists don't deliver babies, they don't treat children, and they don't do surgery. They do, however, have wide-ranging knowledge of complex diseases that affect adults. With in-depth training in adult medicine, an internist may be your best choice to help you navigate the increasingly complex world of medical care.

What is a Primary Care Physician?

Primary care is that care provided by physicians specifically trained for and skilled in comprehensive first contact and continuing care for persons with any undiagnosed sign, symptom, or health concern (the "undifferentiated" patient) not limited by problem origin (biological, behavioral, or social), organ system, or diagnosis.

Primary care includes health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, counseling, patient education, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses in a variety of health care settings (e.g., office, inpatient, critical care, long-term care, home care, day care, etc.). Primary care is performed and managed by a personal physician often collaborating with other health professionals, and utilizing consultation or referral as appropriate.

Primary care provides patient advocacy in the health care system to accomplish cost-effective care by coordination of health care services. Primary care promotes effective communication with patients and encourages the role of the patient as a partner in health care.