Internist vs. Endocrinologist: What Are the Differences?

Both internists and endocrinologists are medical doctors who specialize in the treatment of diseases and disorders. However, their focus and scope of practice differ. Internists are generalists who provide care for a wide range of conditions, while endocrinologists specialize in disorders of the endocrine system. In this article, we compare and contrast these two medical professions, including their education requirements, job duties and career outlook.

What is an Internist?

Internists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of diseases and injuries of adults. They provide comprehensive care for their patients, including physical examinations, laboratory testing and diagnostic imaging. Internists also order and interpret the results of tests and counsel patients on diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes to prevent or treat health conditions. They may also prescribe medications to treat their patients’ conditions. Internists typically work in private practices or hospitals, and some may also teach or conduct research.

What is an Endocrinologist?

Endocrinologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the endocrine system. The endocrine system includes the glands that produce hormones, which are chemical substances that regulate the body’s growth, metabolism and sexual function. Endocrinologists often treat patients with diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis and disorders of the pituitary gland. They may also provide treatment for hormone imbalances caused by puberty, menopause or other conditions. In addition to treating patients, Endocrinologists may also conduct research to develop new treatments for endocrine disorders.

Internist vs. Endocrinologist

Here are the main differences between an internist and an endocrinologist.

Job Duties

Internists and endocrinologists share some of their job duties, such as conducting physical exams, ordering lab tests and diagnosing illnesses. However, the daily tasks of an internist and endocrinologist differ in regards to treatment. An internist treats general diseases and conducts screenings for common ailments like high blood pressure or diabetes. An endocrinologist diagnoses conditions related to hormones, such as infertility or growth disorders. They also treat patients with thyroid disease and manage hormone replacement therapy.

Job Requirements

Internists must first complete a four-year undergraduate degree before attending medical school. They then complete a three-year residency in internal medicine, followed by a one- to three-year fellowship in their chosen subspecialty. Endocrinologists typically complete the same educational path as internists, but they also complete a fellowship in endocrinology, which can take an additional two to three years. After completing their training, both internists and endocrinologists must obtain licensure from the state in which they plan to practice and pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination.

Work Environment

Internists and endocrinologists work in a variety of environments, depending on the type of practice they choose to join. Endocrinologists often work in hospitals or private practices that specialize in treating patients with hormonal disorders. They may also work for pharmaceutical companies where they test new drugs and provide feedback to improve their effectiveness.

Internists typically work in hospital settings, but some may choose to open their own private practices. These internists can treat patients who have a wide range of illnesses, from minor infections to life-threatening conditions.

Skills

Both internists and endocrinologists need to have excellent communication skills. This is because they will be interacting with patients on a regular basis, and they need to be able to explain medical concepts in layman’s terms. They also both need to have strong bedside manner skills, as they need to be able to put their patients at ease and build trust.

Internists benefit from having strong problem-solving skills. This is because they are often the first point of contact for patients with medical concerns, and they need to be able to quickly assess the situation and determine the best course of action. Endocrinologists also need to have strong problem-solving skills, as they often need to find creative solutions to complex medical problems.

Both internists and endocrinologists need to have a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology. However, endocrinologists also need to have a strong understanding of the endocrine system, as this is their area of specialty. They also need to be familiar with the various hormones produced by the endocrine system and how they impact the body.

Salary

Internists earn an average salary of $176,593 per year, while endocrinologists earn an average salary of $212,344 per year. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the location of the job, the size of the company and the level of experience the physician has.