General Medicine

General Medicine Physicians (known as ‘Internists’ in the United States) are specialists in the care of patients with multiple or complex problems.

They can assist with diagnosis of difficult problems, management of interacting conditions or medications, and the assessment and preparation of patients with serious medical issues requiring surgery. General Medicine is distinguished by a holistic approach to patient care, making it different from single-organ focussed specialties.

General Medicine physicians usually work in hospitals but may also see outpatients who are referred to them by other doctors.

The Internal Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand and the American College of Physicians have more information on the role of General Medicine Physicians.