Internist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving world of healthcare, the role of internists has never been more essential.

As medical advancements continue, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can diagnose, treat, and manage our internal health conditions.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an internist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager creating a profile for the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the inner workings of internal medicine,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable internist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Internist Duties and Responsibilities

Internists are physicians specializing in the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of internal diseases.

They work on a broad range of conditions, primarily in adults, from common illnesses to complex health problems.

The duties and responsibilities of an Internist include:

• Examining adult patients to ensure proper injury care and disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
• Requesting necessary tests, and follow-up visits, and referring patients to specialists, as necessary.
• Providing comprehensive care to patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or digestive disorders.
• Advising patients on health maintenance and disease prevention.
• Documenting patient care services by charting in patient records.
• Developing a personalized care plan for each patient, taking into account their unique health conditions, needs, and goals.
• Staying updated on the latest developments, treatments, and medication in internal medicine.
• Communicating with other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.

 

Internist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly skilled, experienced Internist to join our growing healthcare team.

The internist will diagnose, treat, and provide compassionate care to adults who suffer from illnesses or injuries.

Internist responsibilities include examining patients, conducting diagnostic tests, providing referrals, and developing effective treatment plans.

Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of internal medicine, excellent patient management skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations calmly and efficiently.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide primary care to patients, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and referral for specialist care when necessary.
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests and lab results.
• Develop effective, personalized treatment plans for patients.
• Maintain detailed notes of appointments with patients, including comments, tests and/or treatments prescribed, and test results.
• Provide education to patients regarding their health, treatments, procedures, and possible outcomes.
• Stay current on the latest developments in internal medicine through continuous professional development.

 

Qualifications

• Medical degree and state license to practice medicine.
• Board certification in Internal Medicine.
• Excellent ability to ensure patient satisfaction and comfort.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a variety of medical conditions in a diverse patient population.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Internist
• Work Environment: Hospital or private practice setting. This role may require working nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Medical Director or Lead Internist.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $200,000 minimum to $320,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and copies of your licensure and certification to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Internist Do?

An Internist, also known as an Internal Medicine Physician, provides specialized medical care to adult patients, often acting as their primary healthcare provider.

Internists handle a broad and comprehensive spectrum of illnesses that affect adults and are recognized experts in diagnosis, treatment of chronic illness, and health promotion and disease prevention.

They also manage and treat common and complex diseases by providing non-surgical treatment to their patients.

On a typical day, an Internist may examine patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and offer advice on preventative health care.

They may also refer patients to medical specialists when needed.

Internists often have regular patients whom they monitor over the long-term, managing their chronic conditions and ongoing medication needs.

They often work in a hospital setting, private practice or clinics, providing continuous, comprehensive care.

They work in collaboration with a team of healthcare professionals, such as nurses and physician assistants, to ensure optimal patient care.

It’s also part of their role to stay updated with the latest advancements in internal medicine and integrate them into patient care when appropriate.

 

Internist Qualifications and Skills

Internists, or internal medicine doctors, must possess a range of clinical knowledge, practical skills, and personal qualities to provide comprehensive care to adults, such as:

• Extensive medical knowledge in internal medicine and its sub-specialties to diagnose and manage a broad range of diseases and health conditions.
• Strong clinical skills to conduct physical examinations, interpret medical tests, and perform procedures in accordance with best practices.
• Excellent diagnostic skills to accurately identify and treat diseases based on symptoms, medical history, and test results.
• Sound decision-making abilities to develop effective treatment plans and make critical decisions in complex and emergency situations.
• Exceptional communication skills to clearly explain medical conditions, treatment options, and preventative measures to patients and their families.
• High level of empathy and interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with patients, ensuring they feel comfortable and understood.
• Commitment to lifelong learning and staying updated with the latest medical research and advancements in internal medicine.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, including nurses, specialists, and therapists, to coordinate patient care.
• Good organizational skills to manage multiple patients, keep accurate medical records, and prioritize tasks efficiently.

 

Internist Experience Requirements

Becoming an internist starts with obtaining a Bachelor’s degree, followed by four years in medical school.

After graduating from medical school, they must complete a residency program in internal medicine, which typically lasts about three years.

Therefore, at the point of qualification, an internist would have about 7 years of theoretical and practical experience.

Following their residency, some internists opt to specialize further in a specific area of internal medicine, such as cardiology, gastroenterology or rheumatology.

This would involve a fellowship program which usually takes another 2 to 3 years, thus adding to their experience.

Entry-level internist candidates are expected to have at least 3 years of experience from their residency program.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have completed a fellowship program or have worked as a general internist.

Internists with more than 10 years of experience often have a substantial patient base and have gained extensive knowledge and skills in diagnosing and treating a wide range of diseases.

They may also have experience in medical research or teaching and could be ready for a leadership role such as a department head or a residency program director.

 

Internist Education and Training Requirements

An internist, also known as a doctor of internal medicine, typically requires a minimum of seven years of higher education and specialized training.

The initial step towards this career is to obtain a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a science-related field.

This is then followed by a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from an accredited medical school.

The medical school education typically lasts four years.

Internists need to complete a residency program in internal medicine after graduating from medical school.

This residency program normally lasts three years and involves supervised hands-on training in a hospital or clinic.

After completion of the residency, they are eligible to take the certification examination by the American Board of Internal Medicine or the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine.

Passing this examination is a requirement to practice as a board-certified internist.

Continued medical education is necessary to maintain certification and to keep up with developments in the field of internal medicine.

Many internists also choose to specialize in areas such as cardiology, endocrinology, or rheumatology, which requires additional fellowship training.

 

Internist Salary Expectations

An Internist earns an average salary of $200,380 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary based on the level of experience, geographical location, and the healthcare facility they are employed in.

 

Internist Job Description FAQs

What skills does an internist need?

Internists should have excellent diagnostic and problem-solving skills to identify and treat diseases in adults.

They should possess good communication skills, as they will often need to discuss complex medical issues with patients.

A good internist should have empathy and understanding, as they are often dealing with patients suffering from multiple illnesses or chronic conditions.

 

What is the educational path for an internist?

The path to becoming an internist is extensive.

It typically includes four years of undergraduate studies, four years of medical school, and three years of residency in internal medicine.

After residency, some internists choose to sub-specialize in a particular area of internal medicine, which requires additional fellowship training.

 

What should you look for in an internist’s resume?

Firstly, ensure the candidate is board-certified in internal medicine, indicating they have completed the requisite education and training.

Look for any specialized training or fellowships in the area of internal medicine.

Review their work history to see the type of medical environments they have worked in, such as hospitals, private practices, or clinics.

Also, check for any research or publications, indicating a commitment to ongoing learning and advancement in the field.

 

What qualities make a good internist?

A good internist should be attentive, patient, and thorough, taking the time to understand each patient’s unique health situation.

They should also be empathetic and able to discuss sensitive health issues with patients.

Furthermore, they should be committed to ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest medical advancements in internal medicine.

 

What is the difference between an internist and a general practitioner?

While both internists and general practitioners are primary care physicians, the main difference lies in the population they serve.

General practitioners see patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Internists, on the other hand, specialize in the treatment of adults and are trained to handle complex illnesses and diseases that can affect multiple organ systems.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

We’ve just unveiled the reality of what it means to be an internist.

Surprise!

It’s not just about diagnosing diseases.

It’s about building the pathway to health, one patient at a time.

Armed with our handy internist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take your next step.

But don’t stop there.

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your perfect tool for creating precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient is a part of the bigger picture of health.

Let’s build that healthier future. Together.

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