A family or internal medicine physician is your main doctor and the one who coordinates health care for you and your family. Family and internal medicine physicians are very similar because they are the type of doctor to call if you or a family member needs care for a common illness or injury, or if you need a referral for specialized care. The family doctor specializes in treating children and older adults, as well as adults in general.

Family and internal medicine specialists treat patients in a holistic way. They build a long relationship with you and your family and track your overall health over many years. They get to know you in order to take good care of you. Your family doctor or internist understands your medical history, your needs, and the best way to help you when you have a short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) illness.