Life As an Internist
Internist Example 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.
What Do Internists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Provide consulting services to other doctors caring for patients with special or difficult problems.
- Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, students, assistants, specialists, therapists, and other medical staff.
- Make diagnoses when different illnesses occur together or in situations where the diagnosis may be obscure.
- Plan, implement, or administer health programs in hospitals, businesses, or communities for prevention and treatment of injuries or illnesses.
- Collect, record, and maintain patient information, such as medical history, reports, or examination results.
- Monitor patients' conditions and progress and reevaluate treatments as necessary.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Internist?
Below is a list of the skills most Internists say are important on the job.
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
- Attending Physician
- Medical Doctor (MD)
- Pulmonologist/Intensivist
- Internist
- Associate Medical Director for Adolescent Services
What Kind of Internist Job Opportunities Are There?
In the United States, there were 49,800 jobs for Internist in 2016. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 2,100 job openings in this field each year.

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 typical yearly salary for Internists is somewhere between $57,420 and $208,000.

Internists who work in Alabama, Alaska, or Arizona, make the highest salaries.
How much do Internists make in each U.S. state?
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 & Technology 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 do I Become an Internist?
Individuals working as an Internist have obtained the following education levels:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Internists Sector

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Related Careers
Those interested in being an Internist may also be interested in:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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