Once an individual turns 18 years of age, they could consider scheduling regular health checkups with an internist. Why? First of all, prevention is key. Doctors of internal medicine focus on preventive care can drastically increase your lifespan because it allows you to catch things early and preventing existing health conditions from worsening. Second of all, the earlier an illness is detected, the better the potential ability to treat and ultimately allow the patient to enjoy a healthy life. Internists apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of minor to major illnesses. They also coordinate care given by other subspecialists to manage chronic illnesses. They are your “go-to physician” facilitating referrals, hospital transfers, and other interoffice communications.

It is ultimately in an individual’s best interest to establish a relationship with an experienced, compassionate, doctor of internal medicine that will have in-depth knowledge of their unique health and continuously be proactively involved in seeking out their wellness for a better quality of life.