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Internal medicine
Learning outcomes
- 1.
Describe the practice of internal medicine.
- 2.
Define the role of the physician assistant student on an internal medicine rotation.
- 3.
Describe the challenges and rewards of practicing in internal medicine.
Introduction
Internal medicine is a medical specialty that provides comprehensive health care to adult patients. This includes health prevention and the management of complex acute and chronic diseases. The nature of the practice of internal medicine allows health care providers to establish a long-term relationship with patients. Providers have the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of medical care, offering patients ongoing care for many years. Medical care most commonly takes place in an ambulatory outpatient clinic but can also include inpatient care during hospitalizations and in skilled nursing facilities.
Upon completing a 3-year residency in internal medicine, physicians are referred to as “internists” and practice general internal medicine. A hospitalist is a physician trained in internal medicine, whose primary focus is on caring for hospitalized patients. Subspecialists in internal medicine complete the 3-year residency and then a 2- or 3-year fellowship in an area of interest, such as allergy and immunology, cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, geriatrics, hematology, or oncology.
Physician assistants (PAs) with a strong interest in internal medicine may choose to broaden their knowledge base by enrolling in a postgraduate residency program. These programs are offered by medical institutions and are commonly 12 months in duration. Upon completion of a residency, the PA will receive a certificate indicating the completion of the postgraduate training in internal medicine.
Physician assistants in internal medicine
PAs in internal medicine can expect to encounter a broad range of health issues. Patients may present with health conditions that are relatively simple and straightforward, but other issues can be complex and involve multisystem disease processes. Preventive medicine is an important aspect of the practice of internal medicine and includes the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Practice settings for internal medicine PAs range from ambulatory outpatient clinics and hospitals to long-term skilled care facilities. Practicing in these different environments is advantageous because it allows the PA to follow a patient through a continuum of care. Continuity of care is essential to maintaining quality and consistency in dealing with chronic disease.
PAs in general internal medicine can expect an average annual base salary of $88,000 to $132,000 depending on multiple factors, such as years of practice and geographic location. Compensation packages and benefits depend on the institution or practice.
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