Definition

Noun: A physician who specializes in internal medicine. An internist is a doctor for adults who focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of non-surgical diseases of the internal organs and systems of the body.

Usage

An internist is a type of medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who has completed specialized training in internal medicine. They are often primary care physicians for adults, managing complex and chronic illnesses, and coordinating care with other specialists when needed.

Examples

• After experiencing persistent fatigue, she decided to see an internist for a comprehensive check-up.
• My internist manages my diabetes and high blood pressure.
• He is not a surgeon; he is an internist who specializes in diseases of the heart and lungs.

Advanced Usage

• Hospitalist: A subset of internists who specialize in the care of hospitalized patients. While all hospitalists are internists, not all internists work as hospitalists.
  • During her hospital stay, her care was managed by the hospitalist, an internist who only works in the hospital.

Variants and Related Words

• Internal Medicine (n): The medical specialty dealing with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases.
  • She decided to pursue a residency in internal medicine.

Synonyms

• Physician (general term for a medical doctor)
• Doctor of Internal Medicine (more formal description)

Antonyms

• Surgeon (a physician who performs operations)
• Pediatrician (a physician specializing in the care of children)

Noun

1. a specialist in internal medicine