

That doesn’t mean a family doctor can’t treat patients in an inpatient setting, but most of their training focuses on outpatient services, with inpatient needs referred to specialists.

Internal medicine doctors are educated in general medical and health needs ( including preventive care) as well, but as noted, that training is focused on adults.While a few many have additional training in subspecialty areas, most family doctors have training that focuses on general outpatient care, including diagnosis and management of acute illnesses and chronic conditions, as well as preventive care.

Family medicine doctors receive broad-based training in health and medical issues affecting patients of all ages.And that means they’re focused specifically on the very unique needs and health risks adult patients face at every stage of their adult years. You know how a pediatrician treats only kids? Well, an internal medicine doctor (or internist) treats only adults. Internal medicine is focused on the unique needs of adult patients.That means when you schedule an appointment with a family physician, your provider will have a broad base of training in conditions and issues that affect patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. Family medicine focuses on treating patients of all ages.While there is some overlap between internal medicine and family practice, there are several important differences between the two. Lots of people are confused by the two terms – or more accurately, the differences between the two specialties. Wondering what the difference is between a family doctor and an internal medicine doctor? You’re in good company.
