People are often confused about the main differences between internal medicine and family medicine. There are many similarities and differences between these two specialties but also some notable differences. We will talk about the differences between them.
Skills
Family medicine doctors have different skill sets than internal medicine doctors. The family doctor focuses on identifying and treating patients belonging to all groups, while the internal doctor gets specialized training to treat adults with different health problems. Doctors can recognize and treat different conditions affecting a single patient with internal medicine.
Family medicine doctors are more capable of diagnosing and treating multiple conditions than internal medicine doctors are. They are also more likely to handle patients of different ages. They typically perform outpatient procedures such as the placement of IUDs and biopsies. In addition, they have more training in other specialized fields such as women’s health and pediatrics.
Besides being able to diagnose and treat multiple conditions, internal medicine and family medicine doctors also need the necessary skills to manage multiple patients. This is because both must assess and treat patients with different symptoms at varying times. This is because they often work under intense pressure.
Family medicine conferences allow both internal medicine and family medicine doctors to improve their skills. Since each specialty requires different levels of expertise, attending these conferences can help enhance the skills of practicing physicians.
Education
Family medicine and internal medicine doctors are required to finish medical school. They then start their residency programs in different training formats. For example, internal medicine doctors usually look after individuals who have been hospitalized for three years. During their residency, they also receive training in critical care and other sub-specialties.
Family medicine doctors can also complete the same inpatient training as internal medicine doctors. However, they have to split their time between outpatient disciplines such as OB/GYN and pediatrics. Internal medicine doctors typically work a more demanding schedule depending on their location and the type of education institution they attend.
Due to the specializations of family and internal medicine, internal medicine doctors can receive training in various specialty areas. Once the educational requirements of family medicine and internal medicine doctors are met, they can then take advantage of continuing education opportunities that are available in different formats.
Patients
Family medicine and internal medicine can provide patients with the best possible care. Family medicine specializes in treating all types of conditions and issues in all ages, every licensed family physician is well-equipped to identify and treat the unique needs of their patients. While internal medicine mainly focuses on treating adults.
The type of setting in which family medicine and internal medicine doctors practice differs. While internal medicine doctors work in hospitals, family medicine practitioners can be found in outpatient settings.