An internal medicine doctor applies scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to treat and diagnose adults with a broad range of health diseases and conditions. “Internists,” as they are often called, are known as the “doctor’s doctor,” according to the American College of Physicians, because they are often called upon by other medical professionals for their ability to connect the dots and help solve problems, making their expertise vital to both medical professionals and patients.

Although both internal medicine doctors and general/family practice doctors are both primary care doctors, internists are not the same. One of their key differences is that internal medicine doctors only see adults, while family practitioners see both children and adults.

Internal medicine doctors are also trained to specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide variety of diseases and other health issues that affect adults. They are experts in the promotion of health and disease prevention. They can care for problems that are both simple and complex.