What is Internal Medicine?
"Internal
Medicine" has its origins in a German term “Innere Medizin,” used to describe
physicians who combined the science of the laboratory with the care of
patients. Early 20th century American doctors who had their medical education
in Germany brought this term to the United States. Internal medicine can be
defined as the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and
non-surgical treatment of diseases that affect the internal organs of the
body, especially in adults. In the United States, a physician who practices
internal medicine is called an “internist.”
Internal medicine, alternately called general medicine, comprises the
following branches : cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology,
hematology,
infectious diseases, medical oncology, nephrology, pulmonology, and
rheumatology. Internal medicine specialties include adolescent medicine;
clinical cardiac electrophysiology; critical care medicine; geriatric
medicine; interventional cardiology; sports medicine; transplant hepatology;
allergy/immunology; and nuclear medicine.
Cardiology deals with diseases of the heart and treatment options.
Endocrinology is the study of the glands and hormones in the body and their
disorders. Gastroenterology relates to the diseases of the stomach, intestines
and assoicated organs. Hematology is the study of blood and blood producing
organs. Oncology deals with the clinical study and treatment methods of
cancer. Nephrology is the science that deals with the kidneys, their
functioning and disorders. Pulmonology deals with the diseases of the
respiratory system; rheumatology is the branch dealing with rheumatic diseases
and their treatment.
In the United States, primary health care is given by family practice
physicians or general internal medicine physicians. Medical history of the
patient and physical examination are of prime importance in internal medicine.
Based on visible signs and symptoms, the doctor can identify the nature of
disease. Internal medicine doctors depend to a great extent on blood tests, X
rays, medical imaging and such other tests. Once the basic tests are
conducted, the doctor will have made his diagnosis; in case he needs to make
clarifications, he might order other comprehensive tests as well.
Internal medicine treatments mainly focus on diagnosis and medication. Some
sub-specialties like gastroenterology, nephrology and oncology recommend non
surgical procedures such as endoscopy, dialysis and radiation therapy.
