Health

Differentiate Between an Internistand A Family Medicine Doctor in Houston 

Both being primary care medical services, internal medicine, and family medicine confuse a lot of people. You might be thinking what difference does it make. When You search for Houston internal medicine doctors, you mainly want medical service for patients over 18 years of age. The Fulshear Medical Associates also have their internal medicine doctor, Dr. Syed Abrar, MD. They provide comprehensive care along with annual physical check-ups. 

Now, check out the details and decide whom to choose between an internal medicine doctor and a family medicine doctor.

Who Can Become an Internal Medicine Doctor?

An internal medicine doctor is also called an internist. You should not confuse it with the term intern. Interns are doctors in training, but internists are full-fledged practitioners having completed the necessary training and certification.

After graduating from medical school, the person needs to work as a three-year internal medicine resident. Upon completion of the residency, the doctor can opt for more subspecialities. They would have board certification or license to practice.

How Do They Differ From Family Medicine Doctors?

  1. The first difference would be that the doctor practicing internal medicine would only treat adults and sometimes children only if they also have training in pediatrics. But a family medicine doctor can provide care to patients of all ages.
  2. Internists have to carry out both inpatient and outpatient services. Whereas, a family medicine doctor focuses more on outpatient service.
  3. Since family medicine doctors treat patients from all age groups, they need to train for knowledge in diagnosing, treating, and preventing a wide range of medical conditions and diseases.
  4. The internist would provide in-depth care for any adult diseases or conditions. They have training in subspecialities like infectious diseases, endocrinology, rheumatology, neurology, oncology, or psychiatry.

An internal medicine doctor would treat and manage conditions like –

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Cholesterol
  • Allergies
  • Obesity
  • Flu

Conclusion

It is difficult to decide whether you would go for an internist or a family medicine doctor. you should keep in mind that a family medicine doctor does not only provide medical service to ‘family’. If you are an adult you can go to both doctors without any hesitation. The point that matters is how comfortable you are with the service provided and the practitioner.

You should always focus on quality service. You also have to think about the availability of a reputed facility near your residence. So that accessibility is convenient at times of emergency.

Show More

Related Articles

Back to top button