Before selecting the doctor and making an appointment with them, it is important to know whether the services they provide come under the field of internal medicine or family medicine. The fundamental difference between the doctors trained in internal medicine and family medicine is that internists are well-trained to deal with the problem of adults; while, the family practitioner can treat ailments in patients of all ages. Further, internists are more focused on the specific needs of adults. Family medicine doctors are specialized to give general outpatient care, manage acute illnesses, and flare-ups of chronic disorders.
Internists can have further training and improve their skills in the management of the disorders of a particular organ system. They provide their services in-patient and manage complicated emergency situations in hospitals. Also, an in-depth understanding of various pathologies makes them perfect for outpatient services too.