General Internal Medicine Overview

Internal medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in adults. It is one of the most common medical specialties and encompasses a broad range of medical conditions. Internists are medical doctors who have completed a residency program in internal medicine, which typically lasts three to five years.

The Journal of General Internal Medicine (JGIM) is a comprehensive journal that covers the broad scope of general internal medicine. It aims to promote advancements in clinical and health services research, medical education, and clinical practice in primary care, general internal medicine, and hospital medicine. The Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM) is a professional organization dedicated to improving patient care by promoting research, education, and advocacy in the field of general internal medicine.

Internal medicine subspecialties include but are not limited to cardiology, gastroenterology, and endocrinology. These subspecialties involve further training and certification after completing the internal medicine residency program. Internists may also earn a certificate of added qualification (CAQ) or its equivalent in special generalist fields. Subspecialists would typically diverge from internal medicine residency after 2 or 3 years.

The practice of internal medicine has been challenging due to factors such as increasing demands for productivity, brief visits, and administrative burdens. This has led to rising role strain for both practicing general internists in the community and academic general internists. The decline in primary care access, particularly for disadvantaged minorities, has further complicated the health care environment.

Despite these challenges, the future of general internal medicine holds potential for innovation and improvement. The SGIM established a task force to examine the domain of general internal medicine and define a paradigm shift guided by what is best for patients and the public. This shift has implications for clinical practice, teaching, and research, leading to recommendations for the field.

In conclusion, internal medicine plays a crucial role in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in adults. It encompasses a broad range of medical conditions and involves various subspecialties. While facing numerous challenges, the field is continuously evolving to better serve patients and the public.