Think all types of doctoring are created equal? You might just want to rethink that stance. In most medical schools across the country, internal medicine is seen in quite a different light than other specialties. The reason? Most regard internal medicine as being the “intellectual” medical specialty. Unlike other medical professions, internists tend to diagnose and treat based on lengthy discussions with patients one on one. Other doctors rely less on communication and more on ordering extensive testings and procedures. Both can help, but internal medicine practices tend to be less invasive.

To bridge the gap between intellectual and methodical, most internists choose to become board certified in internal medicine and another specialty such as cardiology. This enables internists to have a general practice bu tot also be experts in a different field of internal medicine. Much like family practice, internal medicine is all about building close and long-term relationships with their patients. By having a specialty in addition to being a certified internist, those patients can stay in their care even if they require more coordinated treatments. This is something patients tend to appreciate, as it allows them a trusted partner in health.

Does this sound like your idea of a dream doctor-patient relationship?