What is a doctor of internal medicine? 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. 
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 is your best choice to help you navigate the increasingly complex world of medical care.
An internist can treat you for something as routine as the flu or fatigue, or provide in-depth care for diseases such as diabetes, cancer, or heart disease. Internists often coordinate the many sub specialists a patient might see in the process of treating an illness. Internists' patients like knowing that they have a relationship with a physician who is equipped to deal with whatever problem the patient brings—no matter how common or rare, or how simple or complex.
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