Internists oftain a four-year bachelor’s degree and a medical degree (M.D. or D.O.). After medical school, internists spend three years in residency focusing on the prevention and treatment of adult disease.

A hospitalist is an internist who cares for patients in the hospital. Hospitalists also must complete several years of graduate medical education (GME), including a one-year internship, plus three years of residency training.

Furthermore, all internists must pass the necessary medical certification and licensing exams, including all three steps of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and any state licensing exams. Most internists are also required to be board certified in internal medicine.

For more information on internal medicine, follow the links below:

• About Internal Medicine
• Internal Medicine and Subspecialties