What does an Internist do?

Internal medicine physicians employ non-surgical methods and procedures to diagnose and treat patients’ medical conditions. They consult with patients to understand their symptoms and health concerns and diagnose and treat acute illnesses including bacterial or viral infections and chronic diseases and conditions including hypertension, heart disease, or diabetes. They prescribe or administer medication, therapy, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury. They administer immunizations, explain procedures, and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients.

Internal medicine physicians maintain detailed patient notes and write patient referrals when necessary. They research the testing and development of new medications, treatment methods, or procedures to prevent or control illness, disease, or injury. Internal medicine physicians need a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathic medicine degree, three-to-seven years of internship and clinical residency training, specialization in internal medicine, and successful completion of the internal medicine certification examination, and certification by the board of internal medicine.

What responsibilities are common for Internist jobs?
  • Accountable for coaching, mentoring, and role modeling to achieve the highest quality patient care in a safe, cost effective and customer focused environment.
  • Participate in medical student, and resident precepting and education.
  • Practice with a multi-disciplinary approach alongside other service providers to optimize patient experiences and outcomes.
  • Provide ongoing effective supervision to unit employees and monitors case management activities.
  • Daily review of new admissions, resident's report, resident journal club, core curriculum conferences, grand rounds, mandm (review of death and autopsy reports).
  • Clinical responsibilities will include managing a panel of patients in primary care as well as participating in call coverage with other members of the team.
  • Oversee and direct the operations of assigned department(s) to ensure appropriate use of resources, efficiency of workforce, and overall maintenance of department(s).
  • Serve as the primary role model for, directing, guiding and supporting them in such a way that promotes their growth and development.
  • Maintain employee schedules that provide adequate coverage to ensure safety for both clients and employees.
  • Conduct effective supervisory conferences and performance evaluations with employees, documents the content of such meetings and evaluations, and provide feedback to them.
  • Schedule employee training to ensure that all mandatory training requirements are met.
  • Schedule team meetings, plan and implement agendas, and implement activities to promote teamwork and communication within the unit.
  • Ill visits, preventive medicine visits, well women exams, and routine check-ups.
  • Review labs, ancillary tests, studies, and consultations from specialists and follow up.
  • 70% off shift schedule to support the night shift.
  • Their role is integral to the daily functioning of the internal residency program.
  • The position exemplifies the core values and mission of the organization, always exercising utmost discretion, diplomacy and tact in patient/staff interactions.
  • Participate in after-hours telephone triage coverage on a rotating basis (1-2 days per month).
  • Assist in peer review chart audits and other appropriate quality activities.
What are the typical qualifications for Internist jobs?
  • Medical Degree and certification or specialty to practice internal medicine and relevant training and experience.
  • Demonstrated leadership and attention to detail.
  • Sound critical thinking and problem solving skills.
  • Is willing to collaborate with others and confidently diagnose and provide risk assessment for patients and clients.
  • Experience working with measures including intubation, defibrillation, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
  • Experience with C, R Language, and Email software and systems.
  • Can assist in settings such as a hospital ICU.
Education--
Work/Life Balance
3.5 ★
Total Pay--
Career Opportunity
3.8 ★
Avg. Experience8+ years

How much does an Internist make near United States?

Confident
$231,315 /yr
Total Pay
$196,854
 /yr

Base Pay

+
$34,460
 /yr

Additional Pay

$231,315

 / yr
$134K$415K
Most Likely Range
Possible Range
See More Insights

Internist Career Path

Learn how to become an Internist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

Internist

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
11%
2 - 4
26%
5 - 7
3%
8+
60%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

Internist Insights

Read what Internist professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
Carilion ClinicCarilion Clinic
Internal Medicine Physician
Nov 10, 2021

“Less professional development and guidance for career paths after residency.”

Kasr AlAiny School of Medicine, Cairo University
Internal Medicine Doctor
Jan 25, 2022

“Good learning experience as a doctor”

Mayo ClinicMayo Clinic
Resident - Internal Medicine
Apr 24, 2021

“Good work life balance for residents”

Trefoil Tutors
Internist
Nov 14, 2022

“Good work life balance there”

BracewellBracewell
IM Specialist
Oct 30, 2021

“Good people to work with”

Cincinnati Children's HospitalCincinnati Children's Hospital
Integrative Medicine
Jan 13, 2023

“Salary was good.”

Sound PhysiciansSound Physicians
Intensivist/Critical Care Physician
Aug 18, 2023

“I enjoy working here and overall compensation is market average.”

Danish Refugee CouncilDanish Refugee Council
IM Specialist
Jul 4, 2022

“Good to learn for career”

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Internist Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of an Internist

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Internist Jobs