General Internal Medicine
Nature of the work
General internal medicine, focuses on the
management of patients who develop urgent or life-threatening
medical problems. It covers a full range of adult medical illness,
with responsibility mainly for acute emergencies and ongoing
care.
Working in general internal medicine
One of the great attractions of general
internal medicine is that specialists see a wide spectrum of
clinical problems. General internal medicine may be
practiced on its own where the physician plays a leading role
managing urgent and emergency patients, or in combination with
another medical specialty such as gastroenterology or respiratory
disease. Some physicians may combine acute medicine with academic
research or a non-clinical role.
The specialty is expanding rapidly, and it’s
estimated a minimum of 700 consultant posts will be required within
the next 10 years. This figure may increase further as those
practicing general internal medicine together with another
specialty concentrate more on their second specialty.
Common procedures / interventions
A wide range of procedures may be needed,
including airway management, insertion of lines and drains, and
diagnostic procedures such as echocardiography and
bronchoscopy.
Associated sub specialties
General internal medicine is a specialty in
its own right, but will often be practiced by doctors whose main
specialty is:
- Geriatric medicine.
- Gastroenterology.
- Respiratory medicine.
- Cardiology.
- Endocrinology.
- Diabetes.
Further information
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