Internal medicine is a specialty branch of medicine pertaining to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases affecting adults over the age of 18. Doctors who practice internal medicine are known as ‘internists’ and often serve as a patient’s primary care provider. Internists may work together with other physicians to ensure patients are getting optimum care.
Chronic disease is highly prevalent in the U.S. and requires ongoing medical oversight and clinical management. A chronic disease is any condition or illness that persists long-term. Examples of chronic diseases include diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol, asthma, Alzheimer’s, arthritis and many other medical conditions. These chronic diseases lead to poorer quality of life and often reduced lifespan if not properly treated. Many chronic diseases are ideally treated with lifestyle changes and if needed medications.
A major emphasis in my practice is prevention, screening for underlying diseases with noninvasive technology and helping with lifestyle changes.