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Internal medicine includes specialists in various organs and systems, such as the heart, kidneys, and lungs. They diagnose and treat adult patients using drugs or therapies, but generally do not perform surgery. Subspecialties include oncology, nephrology, cardiology, gastroenterology, hematology, pulmonology, and immunology.
Internal medicine includes doctors who specialize in gastric, lung, circulatory system, and heart disorders. Some internists treat patients suffering from endocrine system diseases, while others deal with joint or soft tissue problems. General internists typically work with patients suffering from stomach, kidney, liver, or intestinal system disorders. Nephrologists treat kidney disorders, which might include treating patients on dialysis. Oncologists specialize in cancer and help the patient choose the best therapy.
This branch of medicine deals with any disturbance within the body, commonly performed by specialists trained in a specific system or organ. Doctors who practice internal medicine typically diagnose and treat adult patients for certain ailments. They receive further training and education in a specialty or subspecialty and are often consulted by other physicians. Internal medicine involves the use of drugs or other therapies to treat patients, but internists usually don’t perform surgery.
General internal medicine consists of physicians who might serve as the patient’s primary care physician, similar to general practitioners. They could be medical doctors (MDs) or osteopathic doctors (ODs). Osteopathic physicians generally employ holistic medicine and preventive care, but physicians in both of these fields of internal medicine also treat patients with medications and surgery. About half of all doctors working in internal medicine are generalists, typically treating an entire family.
An oncologist works in a subspecialty of internal medicine and diagnoses and treats cancer. A medical oncologist typically uses chemotherapy, while a radiation oncologist uses radiation to treat patients. A surgical oncologist determines the stage of cancer, takes biopsies, and repairs internal organs damaged by malignant tumors. An oncologist explains the disease to patients and helps them choose a treatment option. He or she also treats pain associated with cancer.
Nephrology is a type of medicine that deals with the kidneys and renal system. A doctor who works in this field might treat kidney stones or kidney failure. He or she also sees patients with fluid or electrolyte imbalances and those in need of kidney transplants. A nephrologist usually works closely with a urologist, but a nephrologist does not perform the actual surgery.
There are sub-specialties in many areas of internal medicine. Cardiologists deal with heart disease or artery disorders. They also treat birth defects of the heart.
Gastrointestinal tract specialists are called gastroenterologists, treating disorders of the esophagus, colon, and intestines, including ulcer formation. Hematologists deal with diseases of the blood and bone marrow, including leukemia. Pulmonologists treat the lungs, while immunologists deal with disorders of the immune system.
