Diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment for a wide range of diseases and injuries of internal organ systems. Provide care mainly for adults and adolescents, and are based primarily in an outpatient care setting.
SOC: 29-1216.00
Common Job Titles
Internal Medicine Physician (IM Physician)
Internist
Medical Doctor (MD)
Physician
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeEvaluate complex diagnostic information including laboratory results, imaging studies, and clinical presentations in outpatient care settings to formulate evidence-based treatment plans for adult patients.
Advanced
KnowledgeSynthesize current medical literature and clinical guidelines to maintain expertise across a wide range of internal organ system diseases and injuries.
Advanced
KnowledgeFormulate differential diagnoses and individualized treatment strategies through critical thinking and complex problem solving for patients with multiple comorbidities.
Advanced
KnowledgeDesign comprehensive care plans and coordination strategies integrating electronic health record systems such as Epic or MEDITECH to ensure continuity of care.
Advanced
KnowledgeAnalyze multi-system disease processes and patient symptoms integrating knowledge of medicine, biology, and therapy to determine appropriate nonsurgical interventions.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care principles with evidence-based medical protocols when establishing therapeutic relationships with adolescent and adult patients.
Proficient
Hands-onPerform comprehensive physical examinations and diagnostic procedures using specialized medical equipment including stethoscopes, EKG machines, and ultrasound imaging scanners.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for patient health outcomes and preventive care measures when counseling patients on disease management and lifestyle modifications.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret complex medical data and clinical findings to communicate diagnoses and treatment recommendations to patients, families, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
Proficient
MindsetBalance ethical considerations with clinical efficacy and patient preferences when navigating complex treatment decisions involving psychological, social, and medical factors.
Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for General Internal Medicine Physicians (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
66,640
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $70,100. 25th percentile: U.S. $135,240. 50th percentile: U.S. $236,350. 75th percentile: U.S. $239,200. 90th percentile: U.S. $239,200. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$70,100
10% of workers earn the following or more
$239,200+
Workers on average earn
$262,710
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Medicine and Dentistry4.9/5
Biology4.5/5
Therapy and Counseling4.4/5
Psychology4.3/5
Education and Training4.2/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
