When you’re looking for medical care, you’ll need a doctor. Yet with so many kinds of doctors out there, how can you tell if you’re choosing one that will meet your needs?
Understanding the differences between “internal medicine doctors” and “regular doctors” can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare.
Let’s break down the distinctions so that the next time you search for the best internal medicine doctors near me, you’ll be better equipped to make the best choice!
What is a “Regular Doctor”?
A “regular doctor” is a term commonly used to describe general practitioners or family medicine doctors. They serve as the primary point of contact for patients, offering broad healthcare services across various age groups.
Regular doctors are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of ailments, manage chronic conditions, and provide preventive care, vaccinations, and routine check-ups. Family physicians, a subset of regular doctors, have specialized training that enables them to care for entire families, from newborns to the elderly.
The Role of Internal Medicine Doctors
Internal medicine doctors, often called internists, specialize in diagnosing and treating adult health conditions. They undergo extensive training in adult medicine and focus on managing complex diseases and chronic illnesses that affect adults.
After completing medical school, internists undergo a rigorous residency program, focusing on comprehensive and specialized care for adults. They excel in diagnosing rare or complex conditions and coordinating treatment plans involving multiple specialties.
Key Differences Between the Internal Medicine Doctors and Regular Doctors
Let’s examine some of the factors that differ between these two healthcare professionals.
Patient Demographics
While regular doctors treat patients of all ages, internal medicine doctors specialize in treating adults exclusively.
Scope of Practice
Internal medicine doctors focus on a range of adult health concerns, from common illnesses to complex conditions. Regular doctors have a wider scope of knowledge, including pediatrics, gynecology, and geriatrics.
Training and Specialization
Internists receive training exclusively in adult medicine and often pursue further specialization in areas such as cardiology, gastroenterology, or infectious diseases. Regular doctors have more generalized training across multiple disciplines.
Preventive Care
Both provide preventive care services, but internists often focus on adult-specific issues like cancer screenings and cardiovascular health, whereas regular doctors emphasize a more holistic approach to preventive care across all life stages.
When to Choose Which Doctor
If you’re an adult with a complex or chronic condition, or if you require a specialist’s insight into a specific adult health issue, an internal medicine doctor may be the best choice.
For families needing comprehensive care across all age groups, a family doctor may be more suitable.
Ultimately, choosing between an internal medicine doctor and a regular doctor depends on your specific healthcare needs.
Get Started on Your Healthcare Journey
Looking for a doctor who caters to your needs and is dedicated to treatment and prevention? Choose Dr. Guy Delorefice, the leading practitioner in Sonoma County.
Contact us today at (707)938-1255 and learn more about the benefits of personalized healthcare.
MD, Board-Certified Internist, Concierge Medicine Physician
Dr. Guy Delorefice has been practicing in Sonoma County since 1999 as a board-certified internist. He earned a degree in Biology from St. Mary’s College of California, then completed his medical degree at Creighton University. While at Creighton, he launched medical clinics in third-world countries and became fluent in Spanish. His internship and internal medicine residency were completed at Providence St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Portland, Oregon. After finishing his training, he relocated to Sonoma County to be closer to home and family. Dr. Guy has built a reputation for exceptional patient care and has been voted by peers as a top physician in his specialty in consecutive years.
Outside medicine, he is deeply family-oriented — married to Rebecca, father to Lani and Capri, with a black lab named Hank. He’s passionate about the outdoors and spends time mountain biking, road biking, abalone diving, fishing, hunting, and skiing. He’s often seen biking around Sonoma with his family.