Family Medicine vs. Internal Medicine: Who Should You Choose?

When we talk about primary care doctors, the names of family medicine doctors and internal medicine doctors often come to mind. However, this is where confusion arises: what is the difference between the two, and for which purposes should each be consulted? While both are essential to the healthcare system and focus on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, they serve slightly different purposes. In today's blog, we will explore these two professions and understand when and why you should consult each specialist.

It is commonly said that:

"Your health is your greatest asset. Choose a physician who treats you, not just your symptoms."

You may also want to know about "How to Become a General Physician in Pakistan?"

What is Family Medicine?

Family medicine, also known as family practice, treats people of all ages, from young children to the elderly. They care for patients throughout their entire lives and often look after multiple generations of the same family at the same time.

To practice family medicine, a doctor must complete a three-year residency after MBBS (medical school), receiving training in various departments such as:

• Pediatric medicine (بچوں کی طب)

• Gynecology and obstetrics (زچگی اور امرا ِض نسواں)

• Internal medicine (باطنی طب)

• Emergency medicine (ہنگامی طب)

• Surgery (سرجری)

• Psychiatry (نفسیات)

• Radiology (ریڈیالوجی)

• Ophthalmology (امراض چشم)

• Urology (پیشاب کے نظام کی طب) 

• And more

Family physicians provide care across four main branches of medicine:

• Pediatrics (بچوں کی طب)

• Adolescent medicine (نو عمر بچوں کی طب)

• Adult medicine (بالغوں کی طب)

• Geriatrics (بزرگوں کی طب)

Because they care for patients of all age groups, they must be trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases and medical conditions. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP):

"Family medicine is the only medical specialty that provides comprehensive care regardless of age or gender."

Features of a Family Medicine Doctor:

• Comprehensive Care: Covering a broad range of health conditions, treating all people irrespective of age.

• Continuity of Care: They build long-term relationships with the patient and their whole family.

• Preventive Focus: Emphasis is placed on preventive care, including vaccinations, health screenings, lifestyle counselling, and early detection of diseases.

• Holistic Approach: Treat the patient, considering physical, emotional, psychological, and social factors when diagnosing and treating health issues.

• Broad Scope of Practice: They are trained to deal with acute illnesses, chronic diseases, mental health issues, and minor surgical procedures.

What Is Internal Medicine?

Internal medicine, also known as general medicine, is a medical specialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in adults, with an emphasis on internal organs and body systems.

Some common medical conditions that internal medicine doctors may manage:

• Chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease

• Infectious diseases, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted infections

• Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis (مرض کا گٹھیا) and lupus (ایک خودکار قو ِت مدافعت کا مرض)

• Neurological disorders, for example, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease

• Hematological disorders, including anemia (کمی کی خون) and clotting disorders (خون جمنے کی خرابی)

• Oncological diseases, such as lung, breast, or colon cancer (سرطان کا آنت)

Internal medicine physicians, also known as internists, primarily care for adult patients, although some may also see adolescent patients. They typically do not provide care for pregnant women, children, or infants. An internist completes an MBBS (medical degree), followed by a three-year residency program focusing exclusively on adult medicine in the following departments:

• Cardiology (امرا ِض قلب)

• Endocrinology (غدودوں اور ہار ُمونز کی طب)

• Infectious diseases (جراثیمی بیماریاں)

• Hematology (خون کی طب)

• Neurology (دماغ اور اعصاب کی طب)

• Nephrology (گردوں کی طب)

According to the American College of Physicians (ACP):

"Internal medicine is the discipline that applies scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness."

Features of an Internal Medicine Doctor:

• Adult-Focused Care: Diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases in adults, typically aged 18 and older

• Treat Complex Conditions: Manage complex and chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disorders, hypertension, respiratory issues, etc.

• Continuity and Coordination: Care providers for adults, especially those with multiple ongoing health issues, coordinate care with specialists when needed

• Extensive Medical Knowledge: Includes cardiology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, infectious diseases, rheumatology, and more

• Not Typically Pediatric or Surgical: Internists usually do not treat children and do not perform surgeries

Family Medicine vs. Internal Medicine:

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Conclusion:

Ultimately, whether you choose a family medicine physician or an internal medicine specialist comes down to your personal needs, medical history, and stage of life. If you're looking for a one-stop doctor for your family or prefer a holistic approach, family medicine might be the way to go. If you're managing complex conditions and want a specialist in adult diseases, internal medicine may be a better fit.

Based on your healthcare needs, you can consult a family medicine or internal medicine physician through Pakistan's top digital health platform, Apka Muaalij, by visiting the website or online application. For quick consultation, call 0423-2377001.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Which doctor is better for preventive care?

Family medicine doctors are generally better suited for preventive care across all age groups, including children, women’s health, and geriatrics.

Who is better for regular checkups and preventive care?

Family physicians, since they treat all ages and are trained in continuity of care throughout a patient’s life.

How much money can family medicine make?

According to the Medscape Physician Compensation Report 2024, family medicine doctors earn an average of between PKR 100,000 to 300,000 per month.

How much money can internal medicine make?

Internal medicine doctors earn slightly more on average, around $264,000 per year, depending on location and specialization.