Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
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.
Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Internship/residency
Projected Growth: 2.5% (average)
Annual job openings: 2 100
Direct AI exposure: 29% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 46% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine. According to the wage tables, average income is $311K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $126K per year | NA per year | $311K per year | NA per year | $607K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $246K above the national average. | ||||
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.
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.
In Canada, the pathway to becoming a General Internal Medicine physician typically involves completing four years of undergraduate education, followed by four years of medical school leading to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Graduates then complete a four-year residency in internal medicine, and many pursue additional training in general internal medicine or a subspecialty, which can take one or more additional years.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
