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Internist
Internists are medical doctors who have specialized as diagnosticians in internal medicine.
Internists study the basic bodily systems (digestive, circulatory, respiratory) to identify the causes of unusual internal disorders. Other doctors who have been unable to locate the source of the complaint refer patients to internists.
Internists perform tasks similar to those of general practitioners and often recommend laboratory tests and X-rays to aid diagnosis. Once the problem is defined it is treated by conventional medical methods.
Specialization within this field includes:
- Allergies
- Cardiovascular - heart and blood vessels
- Gastro-entomology -stomach and intestines
- Nephrology - kidneys
- Pulmonary - lungs
- Rheumatology - joints
Satisfying Aspects
- good working conditions
- high salaries and prestige associated with the profession
- great satisfaction helping people get well again
Demanding aspects
- the long, expensive period of training
- emergencies and last minute schedule changes
- being responsible for the life or death of others
Requirements
An internist should:
- have a strong desire to help the sick;
- inspire confidence;
- be emotionally stable;
- be able to make decisions in emergencies;
- be willing to study a great deal to keep up with the latest advances in medical science;
- have above average intelligence;
- have an aptitude for science;
- possess physical stamina to work long and irregular hours.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences, Languages
Training
Degree: MBChB - UP, US, UCT, Wits, UKZN, UFS, UL
- Theoretical training: 5 years.
- Student internship: 1 year.
- Practical work at a hospital: 1 year (also known as the house doctor year).
Postgraduate: Study for specialization as an internist involves:
MMed or FCP(SA): 4 years - e.g. UFS, UL, UP, Wits.
Before commencing post-graduate study for specialization as an internist the candidate must be:
- in possession of a MBChB degree for 2 years
- registered as a medical doctor with the Interim Medical and Dental Council (IMDC) of South Africa for 1 year.
On successful completion of the examination to qualify as specialist, the candidate must register with the IMDC as an internist.
Employer
- Private practice
- Hospitals
- Government departments
- Research laboratories
- Universities
- Self-employment, own practice or in partnership
Contact
Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
P O Box 205
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: (012) 338-9300
Fax:(012) 328-5120
www.hpcsa.co.za