An internist is a full Fledged doctor and is better and more trained and more knowledgeable than a family doctor
Internists must complete a three-year residency before they begin practicing internal medicine, and some take additional training in a subspecialty, such as neurology, endocrinology, oncology, psychiatry, dermatology, cardiology, geriatrics or rheumatology.
You would see an internist if your other doctor thinks you need more examination of your internal organs etc or if you want to see an internist on your own.
People who suffer from heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, diseases, chronic lung disease, Lung issues etc may need to see an internist.
An internist or internal medicine physician, is a doctor that specializes in the internal organs, including the heart, kidney, liver and lungs.
Internists routinely see patients with conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and chronic lung disease.
An internist may consult with doctors in other fields of medicine, or may be called to consult on a patient by another specialist.
When should you see an internist?
If you haven't chosen one as your PCP, you may still see an internist for certain problems.
Pain in the abdomen can have a variety of causes.
It could be from something relatively minor, such as a muscle strain or a stomach virus.
Most internists only treat adults and are uniquely qualified to work closely with patients to develop healthy habits that can prevent disease.
For example, an internist may help a patient maintain a healthier lifestyle by prescribing an exercise routine in addition to high blood pressure and cholesterol medications.
While internists typically diagnose and treat medical problems of greater complexity than family practitioners in both the office and hospital settings, family practitioners typically provide more 'well-patient' services in the office setting and don't treat as many hospitalized patients.