Yes, an internist is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health.
Internists, or internal medicine physicians, are trained to prevent, diagnose, and treat a wide range of adult diseases. They are considered one of the main types of primary care providers (PCPs), alongside family medicine doctors and general practitioners.
What Internists Do:
Internists offer:
- Preventive care, such as annual physical exams and vaccinations
- Diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses and complex conditions
- Chronic disease management, including diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and heart disease
- Health screenings for cancer, cholesterol, blood pressure, and more
- Coordination of care, referring to specialists when needed and managing follow-ups
They are trained through a 3-year residency in internal medicine after medical school. This extensive training allows them to understand the interconnected systems of the adult body and provide long-term care across various medical needs.
Internist vs. Other Primary Care Doctors:
- Internists focus only on adult patients (18 years and older).
- Family medicine doctors treat patients of all ages, from children to seniors.
- Pediatricians are primary care doctors for children and adolescents.
So if you’re an adult seeking a long-term healthcare partner to manage your overall health, an internist is a highly qualified choice.
Summary:
- Yes, internists are primary care doctors for adults.
- They specialize in diagnosing and managing adult medical conditions.
- Internists offer preventive care, treat both simple and complex diseases, and coordinate specialist referrals.
- They differ from family doctors, as they typically don’t treat children or adolescents.
At Discovery Medical NYC, our internists are committed to whole-person care, helping adult patients stay healthy through every stage of life. Whether you need a checkup or chronic disease management, we’re here to guide you with compassion and clinical excellence.