Internmedicin

Internmedicin, or internal medicine, is a medical specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and non-surgical treatment of adult diseases. Internists typically manage patients with complex multisystem disorders and undifferentiated symptoms, emphasizing comprehensive evaluation and long-term care rather than surgical interventions. The field covers a broad range of conditions, from acute illness to chronic organ dysfunction, and forms the foundation for hospital-based medicine and outpatient subspecialty care.

Training in internmedicin generally begins after completing medical school and requires a residency program in internal medicine lasting several years, followed by optional fellowship training in one or more subspecialties. Internists are trained to perform detailed physical examinations, interpret laboratory tests and imaging, manage complex pharmacotherapy, coordinate multidisciplinary care, and guide preventive strategies. They often work as hospitalists, consultants to other specialties, and primary physicians for adults in outpatient settings.

Major subspecialties include cardiology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, nephrology, rheumatology, pulmonology, hematology/oncology, infectious diseases, and geriatrics, among others such as hepatology, allergy/immunology, and palliative medicine. While internal medicine is focused on adults, it intersects with family medicine and pediatrics in care principles but differs in the emphasis on adult multisystem diseases and hospital-based practice. Internists play a central role in diagnosing complex presentations, improving outcomes in chronic diseases, and leading multidisciplinary teams.

Research and education are central to internmedicin, with contributions to evidence-based guidelines, clinical trials, and the integration of pathophysiology with patient care. The specialty serves as a broad clinical foundation for medical practice and often acts as a gateway to subspecialized care for adults.