General Internal Medicine Physicians
General internal medicine physicians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries affecting internal organ systems in adults and adolescents. They work primarily in outpatient settings such as clinics and private practices, providing nonsurgical care for a wide range of conditions. The role requires extensive medical training and ongoing clinical decision-making.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against general internal medicine physicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves seeing patients in clinic appointments, conducting physical examinations, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Physicians review medical histories, discuss treatment options with patients, prescribe medications, and coordinate referrals to specialists when needed. Administrative tasks include documenting patient encounters, responding to lab results, and handling insurance-related issues. Some time may be spent on continuing education to stay current with medical advances.
Who this work suits
Holland code ISR. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy investigative work if you're drawn to solving diagnostic puzzles and understanding how body systems function. You probably value social connection and find satisfaction in building relationships with patients over time, helping them navigate health decisions and improve their wellbeing through direct interaction and counseling.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $182,620 | $425,460 | $581,750 | 5,440 |
| Rhode Island | $231,670 | $379,490 | $379,490 | 300 |
| Minnesota | $310,320 | $373,700 | $481,170 | 2,270 |
| Wisconsin | $326,040 | $367,160 | $404,720 | 1,450 |
| Alaska | $201,970 | $366,080 | $366,650 | 110 |
| South Carolina | $219,460 | $359,500 | $414,270 | 1,260 |
| Idaho | $287,940 | $355,390 | $379,970 | 130 |
| Washington | $321,320 | $340,010 | $371,980 | 1,100 |
| North Dakota | $333,130 | $338,400 | $351,580 | 200 |
| Utah | $214,840 | $331,720 | $381,810 | 210 |
| Mississippi | $185,980 | $325,610 | $334,330 | 390 |
| Maine | $231,590 | $316,880 | $453,840 | 270 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Internal Medicine / Emergency Medicine / Critical Care Medicine (IM/EM/CCM) — American Board of Internal Medicine
- Internal Medicine / Family Medicine — American Board of Internal Medicine
- Emergency Medicine / Internal Medicine (EM/IM) — American Board of Internal Medicine
- Board Certification in Internal Medicine — American Board of Physician Specialties
- Internal Medicine and Dermatology — American Board of Internal Medicine
- Internal Medicine — American Board of Internal Medicine
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against general internal medicine physicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1216.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.