Internal medicine is a rather broad area of practice that includes many subspecialties. Whether you’re just starting a residency or have been working as a physician for years, it is useful to learn about the types of internal medicine. Chances are high that you’ve interacted or consulted with one of these specialties, so it’s important to fully understand their role as a physician. Whether you’re considering taking on a new role in internal medicine, or just curious about their job responsibilities – you’ve come to the right place! Let’s explore the types of internal medicine. Generally speaking, internal medicine doctors, often called internists, diagnose and treat many diseases and illnesses affecting patients. At times, internal medicine is also referred to as general medicine due to this wide-reaching area of practice. They routinely see patients with diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and other internal diseases. How does one get into internal medicine? Well, after earning a four-year undergraduate degree and graduating from medical school, internal medicine professionals enter their residency. Students are required to complete a 3-year internal medicine residency program. Students can then choose to continue to specialize in an internal medicine subspecialty, which often require an additional 1-3 years of training. Usually, after a one-year internship and three years working as an internal medicine resident, physicians take a written and oral exam to become board certified in internal medicine. Now that you know exactly how to become an internist, let’s explore the subspecialities of internal medicine. There are many subspecialties to choose from, so let’s get right into exploring the types of internal medicine! Types of Internal Medicine Subspecialties Oncology The first internal medicine subspecialties we’ll discuss is oncology. Oncologists work with general internists to identify and diagnose forms of cancer. The responsibilities of these physicians vary depending on the setting. Those working directly with patients provide diagnosis and treatment plans. Treatment plans may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other methods used to treat this disease. Oncologists often work with other physicians to provide expert consultations. It is also common for oncologists to engage in clinical research. Educating patients about their specific disease, while providing emotional support is a key element for a physician in this role. Pulmonary Medicine Another one of the top internal medicine subspecialties to consider is pulmonology medicine. This specialty focuses on the diseases affecting the respiratory system. They are responsible for helping patients manage difficult and complicated pulmonary diseases. Things commonly seen by pulmonologists include; asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and tuberculosis. Since these diseases are common, pulmonologist physician jobs are in high demand. Internal medicine physicians specializing in pulmonology diagnose and treat a variety of diseases. They also help their patients manage their diseases, as these are often long-term cases. Gastroenterology This internal medicine subspecialty focuses on identifying and treating disorders in the gastrointestinal track. There are many organs that fall under a GI doctors expertise, including; esophagus, stomach, colon, liver, and pancreas. This subspecialty often requires additional training in nutrition to fully be able to understand the gastrointestinal track. Common health issues you’ll encounter are reflux disease, ulcers, colitis, or Crohn’s disease. While specialists in this area do not perform surgeries, they do perform procedures like endoscopies to examine the intestines. Becoming board certified in gastroenterology requires a two to three-year fellowship following an internal medicine residency. Geriatrics While no two patients are exactly alike, it’s often the case that older patients come with their own unique concerns in terms of internal medicine. Geriatric physician jobs deal with the health and well-being of older adults. A major part of a geriatrician’s job is identifying specific conditions that...