Although this section of IMpact explores the subspecialty and combined training careers on internal medicine, it's worth emphasizing what makes internal medicine unique. Internal medicine physicians see things differently. Holistically. And in a unique way that allows them to analyze, lead, and humanize health care in a variety of different settings and roles. See all the career opportunities Internal medicine can provide.
Adolescent Medicine
The Discipline
Adolescent medicine focuses on the physical, psychological, social, and sexual development of adolescents and young adults. Adolescent medicine involves understanding the unique medical and behavioral issues associated with this patient population, and may include preventive, acute, and chronic care of these individuals. Problems typically encountered include abnormalities in growth and development, vision and hearing disorders, learning disabilities, musculoskeletal problems (often sports related), allergies, acne, eating disorders, substance abuse, psychosocial adjustment problems, sexually transmitted diseases, contraception and pregnancy, and sexual identity concerns. In addition, adolescent medicine emphasizes the management of chronic diseases that begin in childhood and continue into adulthood, such as diabetes, asthma, cystic fibrosis, congenital heart disease, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Many internal medicine physicians who pursue additional training in adolescent medicine are primary care clinicians who wish to gain additional expertise in working with this specific group of patients.
Training
Adolescent medicine training is an additional two years beyond initial residency training.
Certification in adolescent medicine is jointly administered by the American Board of Internal Medicine, the American Board of Family Medicine, and the American Board of Pediatrics. Therefore, certification in adolescent medicine is available to physicians who have completed basic residency training in any of these specialties.
Training Positions
In the 2022-2023 academic year, there were 34 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited training programs in adolescent medicine with 92 trainees.
Major Professional Society
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- American Academy of Pediatrics
- American Academy of Family Physicians
- Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine
- International Association for Adolescent Health
See all the career pathways open to internal medicine physicians.
Back to the June 2023 issue of ACP IMpact