How to Be Internist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 6, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The cause and effect of not having regular visits with an Internist can be significant. Without regular screenings, people are more likely to experience an increase in medical issues, including chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Over time, these conditions can worsen, leading to additional health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.

In addition, not having access to preventative care and the guidance of an expert can lead to delayed diagnosis, resulting in a decrease in quality of life and increased healthcare costs. having regular visits with an Internist can help to ensure optimal health and well-being.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. The first step in becoming an internist is to obtain an accredited four-year bachelors degree. This should include courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.
Take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). After obtaining a bachelors degree, aspiring internists must take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). This exam is a standardized test that measures a students knowledge of science and critical thinking skills.
Complete Medical School. The next step is to attend an accredited medical school and complete the four-year program. During this time, students will receive training in anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, and other medical sciences.
Complete a Residency Program. After graduating from medical school, internists must complete a residency program in internal medicine. This program can last anywhere from three to seven years depending on the program. During this time, interns will receive clinical training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions that affect the internal organs.
Pass Licensing Exams. After completing a residency program, internists must pass licensing exams in order to practice medicine. These exams include the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX).
Obtain Board Certification. Internists may also choose to obtain board certification in their specialty. To do this, they must pass an exam administered by the American Board of Internal Medicine or the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine.

Regularly attending continuing medical education (CME) courses and conferences is essential to keeping up-to-date and qualified as an Internist. CME courses provide Internists with the opportunity to stay current on the latest developments in their field and to sharpen their skills. By attending CME courses, Internists can gain knowledge, skills, and confidence to better evaluate and manage complex health care issues.

CME programs are often accredited by specialty boards, which helps Internists keep track of their requirements for board certification. Beyond CME courses, Internists should also stay abreast of the latest research and advancements in the field of Internal Medicine by reading medical journals and attending other conferences. By keeping updated on research and developments in the field, Internists can stay informed and better serve their patients.

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Job Description

Primary Care Physician
Hospitalist
Cardiologist
Endocrinologist
Gastroenterologist
Pulmonologist
Nephrologist
Neurologist
Oncologist
Infectious Disease Specialist

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of medical terminology
Ability to diagnose and treat illnesses
Understanding of preventive care and disease management
Ability to interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests
Expertise in medication management
Proficiency in communication and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of health care regulations, policies, and procedures
Expertise in geriatric medicine and gerontology
Ability to order and interpret imaging studies (x-ray, CT, MRI, etc. )
Proficiency in the use of electronic medical records (EMR) and other computer programs
Knowledge of legal and ethical standards in the practice of medicine

The ability to think critically is an essential skill for any internist, as it allows them to quickly and accurately diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions. Being able to identify and weigh the risks and benefits of various treatment options can make all the difference in the outcome of a patients health. having strong interpersonal skills is key for successful communication with patients and other medical professionals.

By being able to listen carefully and explain diagnoses and treatment plans clearly and concisely, internists can ensure that their patients fully understand their care plan and make informed decisions about their health. Furthermore, having a deep knowledge of the latest research and treatments in the field of internal medicine is important in order to provide the highest quality care. Lastly, staying up to date on current industry trends and regulations is essential for staying in compliance with legal requirements and keeping abreast of changes in the field.

All of these skills together form the foundation of being an effective internist.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in Internal Medicine?
What have been your most successful cases in Internal Medicine?
How would you handle a patient who is non-compliant with their treatment plan?
Describe your experience working with specialists in other areas of medicine?
What are some of the challenges you have faced in your current Internal Medicine practice?
How do you keep up with the latest developments in Internal Medicine?
What techniques do you use to diagnose and treat complex medical conditions?
How do you handle difficult conversations with patients regarding their medical care?
What strategies do you employ to stay organized and efficient when managing multiple patients?
What do you think sets you apart from other Internal Medicine practitioners?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Health Records (EHR). A digital version of a patient's medical history, allowing Internists to access and manage patient data quickly and efficiently (eg: Epic Health Records).
Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS). Software designed to help healthcare professionals make decisions about patient care based on medical evidence, research, and best practices (eg: UpToDate).
Diagnostic Imaging. X-ray, MRI, or CT scans used to diagnose medical conditions and diseases (eg: CAT scans).
Electronic Prescribing. A computer-based system used to transmit prescriptions directly to a pharmacy from a doctors office (eg: eRx Network).
Patient Portals. Online tools that allow patients to securely access their medical records, communicate with their doctors, and schedule appointments (eg: MyChart).
Data Analytics. Software used to analyze patient data to identify trends and improve care (eg: IBM Watson Health).

Professional Organizations to Know

American College of Physicians (ACP)
American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM)
American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)
American Society of Internal Medicine (ASIM)
Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM)
American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL)
American Medical Association (AMA)
National Medical Association (NMA)
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)

Common Important Terms

Internal Medicine. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and conditions associated with internal organs.
Primary Care Physician. A doctor who provides basic medical care for patients, such as diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, preventive care, and health education.
Cardiology. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and conditions related to the heart.
Pulmonology. The branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the lungs.
Endocrinology. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and conditions related to the hormones produced by the endocrine glands.
Gastroenterology. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and conditions related to the digestive system.
Nephrology. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and conditions related to the kidneys.
Infectious Disease. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases caused by infectious agents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Internist?

An Internist is a medical doctor who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and conditions that affect adults.

What type of degree do Internists have?

Internists typically have a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

What type of training do Internists undergo?

Internists undergo 3-7 years of additional training after medical school, depending on the specialty they choose, to become board certified in Internal Medicine.

What conditions do Internists diagnose and treat?

Internists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, asthma, infectious diseases, and mental health issues.

What is the average salary for an Internist?

The median annual salary for an Internist is $196,490 in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Web Resources

What is an internist? | Medical University of the Americas www.mua.edu
How to Become an Internist | AUC School of Medicine www.aucmed.edu
What Is Internal Medicine? An Inside Look at the Role of an Internist www.sgu.edu