How to Be Internal Medicine Specialist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 2, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The prevalence of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity is rising in the US, and this is having a major effect on the demand for internal medicine specialists. As the demand for these specialists increases, so too does the need for them to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest treatments and technologies, in order to provide the highest quality of care. Additionally, the rising number of chronic illnesses is leading to an increased strain on healthcare systems due to the need for more frequent and longer visits, as well as more intensive and expensive treatments. This, in turn, is leading to an increased need for more internal medicine specialists to provide these services.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming an internal medicine specialist is to earn a bachelors degree in a medical field. Courses in medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and medical ethics are highly recommended.
Take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). After obtaining a bachelors degree, the next step is to take and pass the MCAT, which is a multiple-choice exam that assesses a students knowledge of biological and chemical sciences, as well as critical reading and writing skills.
Complete Medical School. Once accepted into medical school, students will study for four years to gain the knowledge and skills needed to practice medicine. During this time, students will learn about various diseases, treatments and other medical topics that will help them become an internal medicine specialist.
Complete Residency Training. After graduating from medical school, students must complete a residency program in internal medicine. During this time, they will learn how to diagnose and treat illnesses, perform medical procedures and provide patient care in a hospital setting.
Pass the American Board of Internal Medicine Examination. After completing residency training, prospective internal medicine specialists must pass the American Board of Internal Medicine Examination in order to become certified in the specialty.
Obtain a License. Finally, internal medicine specialists must obtain a license from the state they wish to practice in. This requires passing an exam that covers topics such as medical ethics and laws.

Being a successful internal medicine specialist requires a combination of skills and abilities. The most important one is the ability to think critically and assess complex situations. A good internal medicine specialist should also possess strong communication skills, have extensive knowledge of the medical field, and be an effective problem solver.

In addition, they should have excellent interpersonal skills to be able to effectively interact with their patients and colleagues. they must have a great work ethic and a passion for helping others by providing the highest quality care. Finally, they should have an in-depth understanding of the latest medical technology and treatments.

All these skills and abilities are essential for an internal medicine specialist to be successful in their profession.

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Job Description

Diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.
Manage and coordinate patient care with other healthcare professionals.
Order laboratory tests, X-rays and other diagnostic tests as necessary for patient assessment and care.
Perform physical examinations and interpret the results.
Prescribe medications, therapies and other treatments as needed.
Monitor patient progress and adjust treatments as necessary.
Educate patients on preventative health measures and medical treatments.
Document patient medical histories and treatment plans.
Counsel patients and their families on diet, hygiene and disease prevention.
Stay up to date with current developments in medicine through continuing medical education and attending conferences.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of diagnostic tools and medical terminology
Understanding of common medical conditions, diseases, and treatments
Ability to interpret lab results and patient history
Ability to perform physical examinations
Ability to diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses
Ability to develop treatment plans and preventive care programs
Excellent communication skills and bedside manner
Knowledge of current medical protocols and guidelines
Ability to collaborate with other specialists
Knowledge of pharmacology and the safe administration of medications
Understanding of cultural differences in healthcare
Ability to explain diagnoses, treatments, and procedures to patients
Skill in managing multiple patient cases simultaneously
Proficiency in the use of electronic health records (EHR) systems

Good communication is an essential skill for any Internal Medicine Specialist. Being able to communicate effectively with both patients and other healthcare professionals is key to providing high-quality care. This involves being able to explain complex medical information in a way that is easy to understand, being able to answer questions and provide guidance, and being able to build rapport with patients.

good listening skills are necessary in order to accurately assess a patient's condition and determine the best course of action. Being able to collaborate with other healthcare professionals is also important in order to provide comprehensive, coordinated care. Effective communication and collaboration are essential for successful diagnosis and treatment of patient conditions, which will ultimately lead to better patient outcomes.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as an Internal Medicine Specialist?
What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of practicing Internal Medicine?
What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy and quality in your work?
How do you stay up to date on the latest developments in Internal Medicine?
How have you used technology to enhance patient care?
How do you handle stressful situations when diagnosing or treating a patient?
What techniques do you use to build rapport with patients?
What challenges have you encountered while practicing Internal Medicine and how did you overcome them?
How do you collaborate with other medical professionals to provide the best care?
What makes you an ideal candidate for this Internal Medicine Specialist position?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Software. A software system designed to store, manage and analyze patient medical records. (Eg: Epic, Cerner)
Telemedicine Platform. A platform that allows physicians to diagnose, treat and manage patients remotely. (Eg: Teladoc, American Well)
Disease Management Software. Software designed to help physicians and healthcare professionals improve patient outcomes by managing chronic diseases. (Eg: HealthEC, Care360)
Patient Management System. A system designed to help physicians and staff manage patient visit scheduling, billing, follow-up and other administrative tasks. (Eg: Practice Fusion, NextGen)
Clinical Decision Support System. Software that provides physicians and other healthcare professionals with evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases. (Eg: UpToDate, DynaMed)
Clinical Documentation System. A system designed to help physicians capture and document patient encounters accurately and efficiently. (Eg: MEDITECH, Allscripts)
Data Analytics Platform. Software designed to collect, analyze and report on the data from a variety of sources, including EMRs and claims information. (Eg: IBM Watson Health, Cerner Millennium)
Laboratory Information System. A system designed to help physicians and staff manage laboratory testing and reporting of results. (Eg: Sunquest, Epic Beaker)

Professional Organizations to Know

American College of Physicians (ACP)
American Medical Association (AMA)
American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM)
American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM)
Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS)
American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)
European Federation of Internal Medicine (EFIM)

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Common Important Terms

Cardiology. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Endocrinology. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions related to the endocrine system.
Gastroenterology. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions related to the digestive system.
Hematology. The branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of blood diseases.
Infectious Diseases. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
Nephrology. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases.
Neurology. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the nervous system.
Oncology. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Pulmonology. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders involving the respiratory system.
Rheumatology. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the joints, muscles, and bones.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Internal Medicine Specialist?

An Internal Medicine Specialist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions related to the internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, and digestive system.

What kind of education does an Internal Medicine Specialist have?

An Internal Medicine Specialist typically has a minimum of 11 years of education and training, including four years of medical school, three years of residency training in Internal Medicine, and additional years of training for a subspecialty such as cardiology or pulmonology.

How often should someone see an Internal Medicine Specialist?

It depends on the individual's health needs. In general, adults should have an annual physical with their primary care doctor, and follow up with an Internal Medicine Specialist if they are referred for a specific condition or concern.

What conditions can an Internal Medicine Specialist diagnose and treat?

An Internal Medicine specialist is trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions related to the organs of the body, including heart disease, lung disease, digestive issues, diabetes, hypertension, and more.

What types of treatments can an Internal Medicine Specialist provide?

An Internal Medicine Specialist can treat their patients with a range of medications, lifestyle modifications, diagnostic tests, and other treatments. They may also refer a patient to a specialist or perform a procedure as needed.