Dr. Michel Khoury

Internal medicine, also known as general medicine or internal medicine, is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of diseases affecting the internal organs of the body. Physicians specializing in internal medicine, known as internists or internal medicine doctors, provide comprehensive care for adult patients.

Internal medicine encompasses a wide range of different fields, including:

Cardiovascular diseases: Internists deal with the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and heart valve disorders.

Respiratory diseases: Internists handle the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

Kidney diseases: Internists are concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases such as kidney failure and kidney inflammation.

Gastrointestinal diseases: Internists address the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases such as gastric inflammation, peptic ulcers, and liver inflammation.

Rheumatic diseases: Internists deal with the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.

Infectious diseases: Internists are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases such as pneumonia, hepatitis, and urinary tract infections.

In general, internists are considered general experts in medicine. They evaluate patients comprehensively, relying on medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies to diagnose their conditions. Based on the diagnosis, internists provide comprehensive treatment plans that may include medication, dietary guidance, and lifestyle modifications.

Internists often serve as primary care physicians, coordinating and managing the overall health and well-being of their patients. They may also refer patients to specialists for further evaluation or treatment when necessary.