What is the difference between internal medicine and general physician?

There are two of the most common specialist that we have heard of in our everyday lives. They are either Internal medicine or general physician. Most people think that they are both the same but it's not true. To better understand their difference, we have created this article to assist our readers with some common features.

General Physician

Let’s first go through the general physician who is also known as a physician. These specialists provide non-surgical treatment by using medication management. Although if the patient with serious illness comes in for a consultation, they help them refer to a more specialist doctor that can better provide healthcare services.

Treat patients of all ages

One thing about general physicians is that they use medical management for patients of all ages. Whether the patients are old, newborn, or young, the general physician assists them in diagnosis and provides targeted treatment based on various medicine management.

Treat by providing medicine

This is the main treatment aid that is followed by a general physician. They make sure that any patient when comes for their consultation, and they offer instant relief medicine to provide treatment and relief. If there are certain illnesses, they ask for the relevant test through which they can better judge the issue and advise them through more directed medication.

Handle Broad-based medical issues

No matter which type of medical concern a patient has, the first doctor they should visit should be a general physician. They have an understanding of almost every issue based on symptoms although only the most basic illness which can be treated with medicine are usually treated through them.

Can work independently

Most general physicians work independently in their clinics. They operate by consulting patients and advising them on medicine with constant regular visits. Not only that but a general physician can also work within multi-disciplinary clinics and hospitals and provide medications that work for instant cases.

Patients visit them regularly

Every patient that visits a physician will often ask to come regularly to update them about the response from the medicine medication. One of the best features of regular visits for patients is to have a steady relationship with the healthcare provider so that they can visit them whenever they require.

Internal Medicine

Let’s discuss the second element of our article which is Internal medicine specialist. Defining most simplistically, internal medicine diagnose and treat more severe illness of various organs in the body. Most Internal medicine experts offer healthcare services for patients which are facing more than one illness in their body. Sometimes the treatment can also be carried out through the surgery process.

Deal with adults only

When compared with a general physician, the Internal medicine only deals with adults. The illness related to adults and their bodies is the main focus of this specialist. The adults usually start at the age of 18+. All of these concerns are covered either with the help of medications, surgery, or both.

Focused to treat body changes adults faced

During adulthood, the body takes various forms and because of it certain illnesses and complications are attached to it. One of the major roles of Internal medicine is to properly diagnose the issue by hearing the concerns of the patient and going through various tests and observations. That’s why Internal medicine is more suited for patients to visit once every year for their regular health checkups, which will help them to prevent any severe illness for the better.

Has specific training

Internal medicine has training for specific subjects. Usually, this training covers in a more broad sense that patients can have one window solution when they are visiting Internal medicine for the better. In most cases, Internal medicine provides treatment for critical issues related to various organs. Although those organs are over a certain level, they will refer to a specialized doctor.

Interested to visit a reputable healthcare clinic in Dubai for your regular checkup?

There is various illness that needs to be fixed by professional doctors that have experience and qualification through renowned institute. Northwest Clinic is regarded as one of the reputable medical center in Dubai that feature various specialist and Internal medicine experts such as Dr. Zia.

Bio:

Dr. Yasmin Sajjad is a triple accredited subspeciality trained consultant from United Kingdom in Reproductive Medicine/surgery, Andrology, Obstetrics & Gynaecology with over 30 years of clinical experience in the field.

Dr. Yasmin completed her Bachelor in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from Khyber Medical School Peshawar, Pakistan. She did her initial core Specialist training in Obstetrics and Gynecology from the Mersey Deanery region England and was awarded the MRCOG by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (RCOG) London, UK in 2004. After completing two years of research in IVF she went to acquire advanced subspecialist training in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery from Liverpool Women’s Hospital, UK. She was awarded the Certificate of completion of training (CCT) followed by the Certificate of completion of sub-specialist training (CCST) in Reproductive medicine & surgery by the General Medical Council and RCOG, London respectively. Her research in the field of assisted conception and Andrology culminated in the submission of doctoral thesis and was awarded an MD from the University of Liverpool, UK in 2008. She was given the fellowship (FRCOG) from the RCOG London in 2016.

Dr. Yasmin maintains specialist clinical and research interests in Reproductive Medicine and Andrology. She has published widely on many aspects of gynaecology and reproductive medicine and have presented as well as chaired many sessions both nationally and internationally on various aspects of her specialty. She have been involved in many systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials. She has many international publications of great repute to her credit and have written several textbook chapters and edited journals’ supplements.

Besides clinical and academic interest Dr. Yasmin has passion for teaching and training. She is organizer of many national and international courses and meetings in her field. She was the MRCOG part 2 and part 3 examiner for the RCOG London and MRCOG part 2-course convener for the same organization for five years. She is actively involved in promoting gynaecology education and training opportunities in UK and UAE. She was the RCOG UK, preceptor & examiner for ART sub-speciality advanced training. Currently, she is an accredited trainer and preceptor for the British fertility society, London both in UK & UAE.

Professor Dr Amer Awan is a UK trained Consultant Ophthalmologist at Northwest Clinic. Following his higher surgical training in Ophthalmology in UK, he has completed a fellowship in Vitreo-retinal surgery at the Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, Glasgow, UK. He is a fellowship trained retinal surgeon with a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) from the General Medical Council of the UK, practicing in Islamabad and now in UAE. The CCT is awarded when a doctor is assessed to have a very high standard of training in the UK and is allowed to practise without supervision.

He specialises in the medical and surgical management of retinal disorders, such as retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, retinal vein occlusion and macular degeneration. He has got a special interest in suture less vitrectomy, published and presented his work. He routinely performs advanced suture less small gauge (25 & 27 gauge) vitrectomy in simple and complex vitreo-retinal cases under local anaesthesia as a day case. It leads to significantly less postoperative discomfort and achieves significantly faster wound healing and visual rehabilitation.

He has expertise in the field of micro-incision cataract surgery that provides rapid wound healing and almost zero surgically induced astigmatism. He has got vast experience of dealing with advanced & complex cataracts, in addition to dealing with complications of cataract surgery. He has innovated in a technique of intraocular lens (IOL) exchange if IOL is damaged or need to be exchanged due to refractive surprise. He also performs Multifocal, Trifocal, Toric and Trifocal Toric intraocular lens implants.

He has got interest in refractive surgery and routinely carries out LASIK, PRK and ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) to get rid of glasses.

Professor Dr Amer Awan is also a Consultant Eye Surgeon (Cataract, LASIK Specialist) & Retinal Specialist based at Shifa International Hospital, Rawalpindi & Islamabad, Pakistan. He is passionate about teaching and has been appointed as Professor in Ophthalmology in Shifa College of Medicine (Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University). He is also teaching post graduate residents.

He has actively participated in research and has more than 50 publications and presentations in peer reviewed journals and various meetings.

He enjoys teaching post graduate residents and conducts various instructional courses for ophthalmologists and retinal surgeons. He has performed live retinal surgeries at different National Ophthalmology meetings to teach.

He is also an examiner for Fellowship in Ophthalmology on behalf of Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons, Glasgow.

Bio:

Ms. Mitun completed her post graduation in Nutrition & Dietetics from S.N.D.T University – India in 1999

Ms. Mitun is a Clinical Dietitian with more than 20 years of experience in nutrition management and counselling. She has extensively worked with patients with Obesity and endocrine health, conducting nutrition assessments and evaluating life style factors such as physical fitness, stress levels, medical diagnoses and medication usage.

She is a passionate Nutrition and Dietetics professional dedicated to improving dietary habits and long term health of people of all ages. Skilled at reviewing food journals, preparing nutrition recommendations and counselling clients.

She has gained experience from the renowned P.D. Hinduja hospital – Mumbai and VLCC weight management center.

Mitun pioneered, as Chief Dietitian & MD, Simply Healthy weight management & Diet meal delivery services in Dubai.

Mitun has special interest in weight management & lifestyle modification, diabetes, kidney and heart diseases, food intolerances, pregnancy & lactation.

Mitun helps with healthy tasty recipes to make dieting fun & long lasting experience.

She has a wide understanding of different cuisines ranging from Arabic, Indian, Pakistani, to Continental tastes.

In addition to being a dietitian and entrepreneur, Mitun is also a prolific nutrition writer and has an active social media presence. She has contributed in-depth articles and advice columns to Dubai’s leading publications.

Mitun is regularly featured in Gulf News, Khaleej Times, Friday Magazine, The National, Wknd Magazine, Better Health Segment by Gulf News, Masala Magazine, Yoga life and many more.

Mitun gets invited as a key note speaker by several big organizations like The Organic Expo Middle East , The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India , Abu Dhabi and Dubai Chapters , college of Pharmacy at the university of Sharjah , Several Banks such as Zurich, HSBC , Citibank , Standard Chartered Bank , Mashreq Bank , and many corporates.

She is a lifestyle and well being influencer and has a strong social media presence.

Mitun has developed and is the brand ambassador of Costa Coffees Healthy Food range Costa 4U launched in January 2020 all across 150 outlets in UAE . She was featured as the face of the campaign on their billboards and video ads featuring her were shown in all Costas across UAE.

Bio:

Dr. Hiba Malik is a Physiotherapy specialist with BsPT and DPT degrees from Karachi Pakistan and she is certified Orthopaedic Manual Therapist (OMT) from Prime Physio UK. She is also a Certified Dry Needling Practitioner from UK. She has worked as a Physiotherapist at Med care Hospitals and Medical Centers in Dubai and Aga Khan University Hospital Pakistan.

Dr. Malik belongs to various professional bodies including the DHA, the Pakistan Physiotherapy Association (PPTA) and the Orthopaedic Manual Therapy Academy UK.

She is experienced in the diagnosis and management of various acute and chronic orthopaedic and neurological disorders like cervical and lumbar radiculopathies, sports injury rehabilitation, pre and post operation musculoskeletal rehabilitation like tendon/ meniscal repair, ACL reconstruction TKR rehabilitation, post- fracture conservative management, impingement syndromes, posture related disorders, over use injuries and Arthritis.

When Dr. Malik is not working she enjoys cooking, painting and cycling. She can speak with her patients in English and Urdu.

Bio:

Dr. Naresh Sharma is a Specialist Paediatrician with more than 30 years of international experience in Paediatrics and 15 years in Paediatric Gastroenterology.

After graduation, he joined the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi to obtain a post-graduate degree in Paediatrics (MD) and served there as a registrar in Paediatrics. To continue his education further, he joined reputed hospitals in UK as a clinical fellow in Paediatrics and obtained his MRCP in Paediatrics from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, London. Later he was also awarded his FRCP.

After training in the UK, Dr. Sharma moved to the US to join the Paediatric Residency training program at Downstate Medical Center, Kings County Hospital and Children Medical Center in Brooklyn NY and obtained the American Board of Paediatrics Certification in 1995. Thereafter, he joined the Paediatric Gastroenterology training program at Babies Hospital, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center NY N for three years. This program provided exposure in understanding and treating the difficult disease problems of children in gastrointestinal, hepatic and nutritional fields.

Dr Sharma returned to Middle East and worked as Head of Paediatrics in a reputable hospital and is now available for consultations at Northwest Clinic.

Bio:

Dr Mohammed El Hommossany is specialized in family and cosmetic dentistry. Dr El Hommossany is the Head of the Dental Department at Northwest Clinic and has more than 20 years of global experience.

Dr El Hommossany attained a higher diploma specialty in ENDODONTICS and specialty post-graduate courses in MICRO ENDODONTICS and MICRO ENDOSURGERY courses from Boston University and North Carolina University.

In addition, he holds a Certificate from Temple University of Philadelphia, USA in IMPLANT DENTISTRY. In 2010, Dr El Hommossany was awarded a highly coveted Fellowship from the ICOI USA.

Dr. El Hommossany is a graduate of Cairo University of Dental Medicine.

Dr El Hommossany has practiced in the UAE for the last 12 years as a GP Dentist and Endodontist. To enhance and enrich his professional skills and knowledge, Dr El Hommossany refreshes his training by regularly attending Continuing Education programs Dental Associations on COSMETIC DENTISTRY, PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, CROWN AND BRIDGE, ROOT CANAL TREATMENT, and IMPLANTOLOGY in the UAE and Worldwide.

Bio:

Assoc. Professor Dr Sadia Malick, FRCOG is a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist and has been committed to this specialty for more than 25 years. She had worked in all aspects of this field and is skilled in both management of pregnant and non-pregnant women with gynaecological disorders. She has worked and trained in United Kingdom and was awarded the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) and was working as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in United Kingdom.

For the last 7 years she has been working as a Consultant in Corniche Hospital Abu Dhabi, where she was the lead clinician for Office Gynaecology and the Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU).

She established the first Recurrent Pregnancy Loss clinic, and the first Early Pregnancy Unit at the Corniche Hospital, according to international guidelines. These are the first ever services established by her in SEHA Abu Dhabi. Her special interest is Abnormal Uterine Bleeding management and performs advanced hysteroscopy procedures. She has a special interest in Office Gynaecology. She established the first office gynaecology unit at Corniche Hospital and performed outpatient hysteroscopy without anesthesia. She has a keen interest in menopause and prescribes treatment for women suffering from menopausal symptoms.

She is an author of the chapter on Recurrent Miscarriage in the highly acclaimed Obstetrics and Gynaecology Textbook High Risk Pregnancy by Professor James. She is a TED x Speaker and has extensively published in international journals and is also a reviewer for many journals. She has recently been awarded the Women’s Leadership Award in Dubai by the World Women’s Leadership Congress Awards for her leadership in establishing the first Early Pregnancy Unit of international standards for SEHA in Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Sadia was involved in teaching medical students all through her career. She received the REME Award (Recognising Excellence in Medical Education) by the University of Birmingham for undergraduate education.

Bio:

Dr. Aarti Javeri Mehta graduated from Imperial College London with a distinction in clinical practice and clinical science. She completed training in the field of Internal Medicine in India, after which she obtained her MRCP and SCE in the field of Endocrinology & Diabetes from the Royal College of Physicians.

Her passion for Diabetes, weight management, nutrition and lifestyle fostered during her early years as a doctor in India where she realized the need for more holistic, and sustainable management plans. Her role as the UAE’s first and only “Am I Hungry?” Mindful Eating Facilitator holds great promises to inspire patients to restore their relationship with food.

She has been commended as being extremely approachable, caring and empathetic towards her patients. She spends time with patients to establish the root of all concerns, to diagnose, to educate and subsequently derive management plans that are of an extremely high standard of care.

Bio:

Dr. Zia Ul Hasan’s current practice is mainly looking after patients with Diabetes and Insulin Resistance, Diabetes in pregnancy, Thyroid problems, Pituitary, Adrenal, Ovarian and Testicular hormones, growth and fertility concerns, blood pressure and weight problems related to hormones.

After acquiring Membership of the Royal College of Physicians London, he received further training as Registrar and Senior Registrar in Endocrinology and Internal Medicine at Teaching Hospitals in and around Manchester UK. Dr. Zia was then awarded to be in the Specialist Register of the GMC-UK. This enabled him to become Consultant Physician in Endocrinology in 1996. Dr. Zia served mostly in the Northwest of England until 2007 after which he moved to Dubai. Initially he worked at Medcare Hospital and since April 2009 he has been practicing at Northwest Clinic.