As of February 2024, there are 70,645 PG medical seats in India, including seats for MD (Doctor of Medicine), MS (Master of Surgery), and Diploma course. This includes 31,345 seats in government colleges and 21,418 seats in private/deemed colleges. while the rest, 18,229, are DNB seats.
At present very few seats in PG-FAMILY MEDICINE In india. there is dire need to raise these seats to minimum 5000 seats either as DNB or MD .
Family
medicine and internal medicine are both primary care specialties, and both can
treat common medical conditions and perform diagnostic tests. However,
they differ in the following ways:
Patient demographics
Family
medicine doctors treat patients of all ages, from birth to death. Internal
medicine doctors treat adults 18 years or older.
Work setting
Many
internists work in hospitals, while most family medicine doctors work in
outpatient settings.
Focus
Family
medicine doctors focus on preventative care and get to know patients over a
long time. Internal medicine doctors specialize in diagnosing, treating,
and preventing disease in their adult patients.
family
medicine emphasizes comprehensive care for patients of all ages, internal
medicine focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in
adults.
Family
medicine and internal medicine are two distinct medical specialties that often
cause confusion among patients and even some healthcare professionals. At first
glance, they may seem similar, as both deal with the prevention, diagnosis, and
management of various medical conditions and illnesses. However, there are
significant differences between these two disciplines, which impact their scope
of practice, patient population, and training requirements.
What is the difference between
internal and family medicine?
When
seeking medical care, it's essential to understand the differences between
various medical specialties. Two of the most commonly confused medical fields
are internal medicine and family medicine. While both internal medicine doctors
and family medicine doctors are primary care physicians, they have distinct
roles in the healthcare system. In general, family medicine provides outpatient
medicine while internal medicine primarily provides inpatient medicine.
However, some internists spend time in outpatient clinics as well. In this
article, we will further delve into the similarities and differences between
internal medicine vs family medicine, helping potential patients make an
informed decision when choosing a healthcare provider.
Family Medicine: A Broad Approach
to Patient Care
Family
medicine, also known as family practice, is a medical specialty that focuses on
providing comprehensive and continuous care to patients of all ages, from
infants to the elderly. Family doctors, sometimes referred to as primary care
physicians, are responsible for managing a wide range of health issues,
including acute and chronic conditions, as well as providing preventive medical
care and general health education.
Scope of Practice - Family medicine
physicians
Family
physicians are trained to diagnose and treat a broad array of medical
conditions across various organ systems. Their scope of practice encompasses
not only the physical aspects of health but also the emotional, social, and
environmental factors that can influence a patient's well-being. Family
physicians are skilled in managing both common and complex health problems and
are often the first point of contact for patients seeking healthcare. Family
medicine physicians often see patients in outpatient clinic settings. However,
some family medicine physicians may also visit their patients if they are
hospitalized.
Some common medical conditions that
Family doctors may diagnose and manage include:
·
Respiratory
infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia
·
Cardiovascular
diseases, including hypertension and coronary artery disease
·
Endocrine
and metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and thyroid disorders
·
Musculoskeletal
problems, including back pain and arthritis
·
Gastrointestinal
issues, like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS)
·
Mental
health services, including anxiety and depression
·
Patient
Population - Family medicine doctors
Family
medicine physicians care for patients of all age groups, from newborns to the
elderly. They often serve as a patient's primary care provider, establishing
long-term relationships with individuals and their families. These long-term
relationships allow family medicine physicians to gain a deeper understanding
of their patient's health history, lifestyle, and social context, enabling them
to provide personalized care tailored to each patient's unique needs.
Furthermore, family medicine doctors play a crucial role in coordinating care
for patients with complex or multiple medical care issues, ensuring they
receive appropriate medical services from specialists when needed. They also
provide preventive care services, such as immunizations, routine screenings,
and lifestyle counseling, to help patients maintain their health and reduce the
risk of future medical problems.
Training and Certification - Family
medicine doctors
Family
medicine physicians complete an undergraduate degree and four-year medical
degree, followed by a three-year residency program in family medicine. During
their residency, they receive training in various medical disciplines,
including pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, psychiatry,
and surgery, among others. This diverse training equips them with the skills
and knowledge needed to provide comprehensive care to patients of all ages and
with various medical conditions.
After completing their residency, family medicine doctors can obtain board
certification
The scope
of practice for an internal medicine doctor primarily involves the diagnosis
and treatment of diseases in adults, with an emphasis on internal organs and
body systems. Internists often collaborate with specialists to manage patients
with complex multisystem illnesses. They are skilled in diagnosing rare or
unusual diseases and are frequently consulted by other physicians for their
expertise in managing challenging cases. When a patient is hospitalized they
will commonly have their medical care provided by an internal medicine
physician. Most internists work only in hospital settings, however, there are
some internists that also practice outpatient clinic medicine.
Some common medical conditions that internal medicine doctors may diagnose and
manage include:
- Chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease
- Infectious diseases, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted infections
- Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
- Neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease
- Hematological disorders, including anemia and clotting disorders
- Oncological diseases, such as lung, breast, or colon cancer
Patient Population of Internists
Internal medicine physicians, also known as Internists, primarily care for adult patients, although some may also see adolescent patients. They typically do not provide care for pregnant women, children, or infants, as these populations fall outside the scope of internal med. However, some internists may choose to focus on geriatric medicine, providing specialized care for older adults with complex medical health care needs or age-related health issues.
Internist Training and Certification
Like a family medicine physician, an internist completes an undergraduate and four-year medical degree, followed by a three-year residency program. However, their residency training focuses exclusively on adult medicine, with rotations in various internal medicine subspecialties, such as cardiology, endocrinology, infectious diseases, and nephrology. This specialized training equips an internist with a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of adult medical conditions. After completing their residency, internal medicine doctors can obtain board certification .
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