INTERNAL MEDICINE
Internal medicine is a specialized field of medicine dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases in adults. All internal medicine physicians undergo a rigorous residency program, which entails an additional three years of training after completing medical school. They are recognized as primary care doctors, equipped with the expertise to address diseases across various body systems.
Many doctors opt to pursue further specialization through additional training beyond their residency. This process is known as sub-specialization. Within internal medicine, there exist several sub-specialties, including:
> Allergy and immunology
> Dermatology
> Neurology
> Psychiatry
> Pediatrics
> Geriatrics
> Endocrinology
> Rheumatology
> Endocrinology
> Cardiology
> Gastroenterology
> Obstetrics
> Gynecology
> Oncology
Can internal medicine doctors refer patients to specialists?
Internal medicine doctors can refer patients to specialists when necessary. As primary care physicians specializing in adult medicine, they are well-equipped to diagnose and treat a broad range of medical conditions. However, there are instances where a patient's condition may require specialized care beyond the internal medicine doctor's expertise. In such cases, they can refer the patient to a specialist who has advanced training and knowledge in a specific area of medicine. This collaboration ensures that patients receive the specialized care they need while the internal medicine doctor continues to oversee their overall management and treatment plan.
