Internal Medicine (IM) Physicians specializes in simple and complex adult medicine. IM physicians are trained to solve acute and chronic health issues in adults and adolescents above the age of 12. They always strive to see the “big picture” when treating patients and provide comprehensive care to the best of their ability.
Their understanding of how every organ systems are inter-related stems from their in-depth training and knowledge of the entire human body. Their knowledge of diseases afflicting various organs in the human body ranges from the Nervous System (brain, spine, nerves), Circulatory System (heart, blood vessels, hypertension, blood and lymphatics), Respiratory System (ears, nose, throat, lungs), Gastrointestinal System (liver, spleen, pancreas, gut), Urinary System (kidneys, bladder), Endocrine System (Pituitary Hormones, Thyroid Hormones, Adrenal Hormones, Reproductive Hormones), Musculoskeletal System (skin, bone, joints), Metabolic Disorders (Diabetes mellitus, Hyperlipidemia) and others.
In order to fully understand the health issues that a patient have, IM physicians will perform clinical assessments (history taking and physical examinations) as well as run diagnostic procedures e.g. lab tests, imaging tests etc to identify the problems and their associated issues. They are fully aware that fixing one organ system without managing the other related system (s) may lead to incomplete recovery.
IM physicians are often called upon by other medical professionals for their ability to connect the dots and help solve complex medical and sometimes non-medical problems and identify solutions for optimal patient health outcomes. Because IM physicians focus on a holistic approach to treating patients, many relevant parties are often included in patient management e.g. pharmacists, dietitians, physiotherapists etc. IM physicians also deal a lot with the patients’ families and their support systems. All this is part of the IM physician’s objective to ensure that patients continue to receive appropriate care outside the clinic/ hospital setting.
Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider for personal concerns. If you experience urgent symptoms, seek immediate medical attention or call 999.
