When choosing a primary care doctor, two common specialties are internal medicine and family medicine. While both types of physicians are highly trained to manage your overall health, they differ in their training, patient focus, and scope of care.
Understanding these differences can help you decide which type of doctor is best suited to meet your healthcare needs. Dr. Anthony Wright, Jr and Dr. Gloria Wright at Total Health Primary Care in Selma, TX, can explain the difference between family medicine and internal medicine and which may be the best option for you.
Family Medicine Vs. Internal Medicine
Both internal medicine physicians (internists) and family medicine doctors complete four years of medical school and a three-year residency. However, their focus during residency and subsequent practice differs. Internists specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases in adults. Their residency focuses exclusively on adult medicine, providing in-depth training in managing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Internists are well-versed in complex medical issues and often work with patients who have multiple long-term health conditions.
Family medicine doctors receive training to treat patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Their residency covers a broad range of healthcare areas, including pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, geriatrics, and general internal medicine. Family medicine doctors are trained to provide comprehensive care for individuals and families, managing acute and chronic conditions.
Family medicine physicians in Selma, TX, focus on preventive care for all age groups. This includes well-baby and well-child visits, immunizations, adolescent health, and routine adult care. They provide screenings across the lifespan and strongly emphasize family dynamics and lifestyle factors that influence overall health.
Internists often coordinate care for patients with complex or multiple health issues, particularly if several specialists are involved. Their deep understanding of adult medicine allows them to act as a central point of communication among specialists, helping to manage medications, treatments, and follow-ups.
MD vs. DO: What’s the Difference?
In addition to choosing between family medicine and internal medicine, patients often encounter two types of physicians: MDs (Doctor of Medicine) and DOs (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Both are fully licensed physicians with similar training, including medical school and residency. However, there are a few key differences:
MD (Doctor of Medicine): MDs follow the allopathic approach, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases using evidence-based medicine, often relying on medications and surgery when necessary.
DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine): DOs take a more holistic approach to care, emphasizing the connection between the body's systems. In addition to traditional medical treatments, DOs receive specialized training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which involves using the hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. DOs prioritize preventive care and often focus on lifestyle changes to support overall health.
At Total Health Primary Care, both Dr. Anthony Wright, Jr. and Dr. Gloria Wright are DOs, meaning they bring a holistic and patient-centered approach to their practice, ensuring comprehensive care for every patient.
Contact Our Family Medicine Doctor Today
Make sure you’re choosing the right doctor for your needs. Contact Dr. Anthony Wright, Jr, and Dr. Gloria Wright at Total Health Primary Care in Selma, TX, to learn more about family medicine vs internal medicine. Call for more information and to schedule your appointment today at (210) 654-9300.