General Internal Medicine Physician

Your Fit

Income

$299K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

2.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a General Internal Medicine Physician?

A General Internal Medicine Physician, commonly known as an Internist, specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of illnesses in adult patients. They focus on comprehensive care for the whole person and are not limited to specific organs or diseases.

Sample job titles:

Internal Medicine Physician (IM Physician), Internist, Medical Doctor (MD), Physician

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Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with General Internal Medicine Physician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does a General Internal Medicine Physician earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is General Internal Medicine Physician.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$121K per year	NA per year	$299K per year	NA per year	$613K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $234K above the national average.

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What does a General Internal Medicine Physician do?

Work environment

Internists typically work in hospitals, private clinics, or group medical practices. Some may work in academic settings as teachers or researchers. Their work often involves regular office hours, but hospital-based internists might have to work in shifts, including nights and weekends.

Quick task list

Diagnoses and treats a wide range of medical conditions.
Conducts routine check-ups and health screenings.
Prescribes and manages patients' medications.
Provides personalized counseling on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Coordinates with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Cardiology: Specializing in diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Endocrinology: Focusing on hormonal imbalances and glandular problems.
Gastroenterology: Dealing with disorders of the digestive system.
Infectious Disease: Concentrating on complex infections.
Rheumatology: Addressing autoimmune diseases and joint disorders.

Description

General Internal Medicine Physicians are pivotal in the healthcare system, serving as primary care providers for adult patients. They treat a broad spectrum of illnesses, from acute conditions like infections to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Their comprehensive approach to patient care involves not only treating specific ailments but also considering the patient's overall well-being, including physical, mental, and emotional health.

Internists are known for their diagnostic skills, often acting as medical detectives. They are adept at solving complex diagnostic problems and can handle severe chronic illnesses and situations where multiple illnesses may strike at the same time. They also play an essential role in prevention and health maintenance, guiding patients on lifestyle choices and preventative measures to avoid disease.

Their practice requires excellent communication skills, as they need to explain medical conditions and treatments to their patients effectively. Internists often build long-term relationships with their patients, providing care over many years. They must stay current with the latest medical research and treatments, which involves ongoing learning and professional development.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Building long-term patient relationships and positively impacting their health.
Intellectual stimulation from diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions.
The variety and challenge of dealing with complex medical cases.

You might make a good General Internal Medicine Physician if you are...

Intrigued by a broad spectrum of medical conditions.
A problem solver who enjoys diagnosing and treating complex health issues.
Compassionate and empathetic, with strong communication skills.
Interested in forming long-term relationships with patients.
Committed to lifelong learning and staying current in medical advancements.

Pros:

Diverse and intellectually challenging work.
High demand and job stability in healthcare.
The fulfillment of having a significant impact on patients' lives.

Cons:

Lengthy and expensive educational process.
Potential for long and irregular hours, especially in hospitals.
High responsibility and pressure associated with patient care.

How to become a General Internal Medicine Physician

Typical education

The pathway to becoming an internist includes completing a 4-year undergraduate degree, 4 years of medical school, and a 3-year residency in internal medicine. Some internists pursue additional fellowship training in a subspecialty, which can take 1-3 years.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced science courses (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) for foundational knowledge.
Mathematics for analytical and problem-solving skills.
Health and human anatomy to understand basic medical concepts.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at healthcare facilities or in community health programs.
Shadowing professionals in the medical field.
Participating in science clubs or health-focused organizations.

Preparation after high school

Completing a bachelor's degree, preferably in a science-related field.
Attending medical school to obtain a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).
Completing a residency program in internal medicine.
Obtaining a medical license and board certification in internal medicine.

More resources

American College of Physicians (ACP) - Offers resources, education, and advocacy for internists.
The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) - Provides certification and maintenance of certification for internal medicine physicians.
Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM) - A national medical society of internists focused on clinical research, teaching, and patient care.
Medscape Internal Medicine - A resource providing the latest news and research in internal medicine.

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