difference between doctors

[young guy np]

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i have a question about two types of doctors.
i have yet to find any distinct difference between internal medicine and family practice. i know that IM is a specialty but my general doctor is an IM and he treats my whole family. anything anybody can say to help me out with the differences would be grately appreciated.

young guy np

 

[2003]

family docs can do obstetrics and set fractures whereas IM docs normally spend time learning to deal with more complex medical problems

 

[Lee]

Family practice physicians are trained to treat anyone that walks into their office; "from womb to tomb" as some physicians put it.

Internal Medicine physicians are not trained in OB/Gyn or pediatrics. IM is usually adult medicine only, with an emphasis on inpatient (hospital) management.

IM and FP physicians are otherwise very similar.

 

[Nik]

I think IM docs are trained in basic gynecology, as they are primary care physicians. The only difference I KNOW exists between the two is that Family Docs treats every one of all ages. Internal Medicine docs treat patients between the ages of 18-65..they are in a line along with pediatricians (under 18) and geriatricians (65+)