What is an Internist?
Job Description & Duties Physicians who diagnose and provide non-surgical treatment of diseases and injuries of internal organ systems. Provide care mainly for adults who have a wide range of problems associated with the internal organs.
Daily Life Of an Internist
- Collect, record, and maintain patient information, such as medical history, reports, or examination results.
- Conduct research to develop or test medications, treatments, or procedures to prevent or control disease or injury.
- Prepare government or organizational reports on birth, death, and disease statistics, workforce evaluations, or the medical status of individuals.
- Provide consulting services to other doctors caring for patients with special or difficult problems.
- Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioner when necessary.
- Treat internal disorders, such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, or problems of the lung, brain, kidney, or gastrointestinal tract.
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Qualities of an Internist
These are the skills Internists say are the most useful in their careers:
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- General Internist and Physician Leader
- Associate Medical Director for Adolescent Services
- Emergency Room Doctor (ER Doctor)
- Clinic MD Associate (Clinic Medical Doctor Associate)
- General Internist
Job Outlook for Internists
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 49,800 jobs in the United States for Internist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 7,200 new jobs for Internist by 2026. The BLS estimates 2,100 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Internist are Arizona, Oregon, and Maryland. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Rhode Island, or North Dakota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of an Internist
The salary for Internists ranges between about $57,420 and $208,000 a year.

Internists who work in Alabama, Alaska, or Arizona, make the highest salaries.
How much do Internists make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $236,850 |
Alaska | $226,770 |
Arizona | $217,820 |
Arkansas | $220,010 |
California | $207,050 |
Colorado | $220,070 |
Connecticut | $236,460 |
Delaware | $182,950 |
District of Columbia | $150,430 |
Florida | $204,230 |
Georgia | $111,250 |
Hawaii | $212,360 |
Idaho | $195,330 |
Illinois | $195,610 |
Indiana | $197,370 |
Iowa | $211,250 |
Kansas | $197,440 |
Kentucky | $194,150 |
Louisiana | $194,910 |
Maine | $236,220 |
Maryland | $177,670 |
Massachusetts | $246,240 |
Minnesota | $251,310 |
Mississippi | $240,050 |
Missouri | $230,620 |
Montana | $205,220 |
Nebraska | $259,500 |
Nevada | $260,100 |
New Hampshire | $265,930 |
New Jersey | $249,200 |
New Mexico | $267,630 |
New York | $195,250 |
North Carolina | $260,860 |
North Dakota | $191,700 |
Ohio | $219,910 |
Oklahoma | $216,910 |
Oregon | $251,050 |
Pennsylvania | $208,400 |
Rhode Island | $195,430 |
South Carolina | $223,900 |
South Dakota | $287,890 |
Tennessee | $208,860 |
Texas | $145,230 |
Utah | $229,850 |
Vermont | $221,310 |
Virginia | $224,700 |
Washington | $220,150 |
Wisconsin | $251,480 |
Wyoming | $275,350 |
What Tools do Internists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Internists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Email software
- MEDITECH software
- Scheduling software
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Epic Systems
- Billing software
- GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
- Practice management software PMS
- eClinicalWorks
- Allscripts Professional EHR
- e-MDs software
- SOAPware EMR
- ChartWare EMR
- Novell GroupWise
- Practice Partner Total Practice Partner
- Medical reference software
- MedcomSoft Record
How to Become an Internist
Education needed to be an Internist:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where do Internists Work?

The table below shows the approximate number of Internists employed by various industries.

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming an Internist might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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