Board Certified Internal Medicine and Pediatrics

Combined internal medicine and pediatrics (usually referred to as Med-Peds) residency programs provide concurrent, dual training in both internal medicine and pediatrics, and allows board certification and independent practice in both disciplines.

Pediatrics is the specialty of medical science concerned with the physical, mental, and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. The discipline considers the biological, social, and environmental influences on the developing child and the impact of disease and dysfunction on development. Children differ from adults anatomically, physiologically, immunologically, psychologically, developmentally, and metabolically and require a dedicated approach. (American Academy of Pediatrics)

Internal Medicine physicians routinely see patients with chronic conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and pulmonary disease. Often, other medical professionals call upon Internal Medicine Physicians for their ability to connect the dots, help solve problems, and identify solutions. Along with general medical conditions, internists gain significant experience in each of the internal medicine subspecialties (such as endocrinology, rheumatology, and infectious diseases) and neurology. Trainees must also gain adequate experience in psychiatry, dermatology, ophthalmology, office gynecology, otorhinolaryngology, non-operative orthopedics, palliative medicine, sleep medicine, geriatrics, and rehabilitation medicine to comprehensively care for adults. (American College of Physicians)

With their in-depth knowledge of both internal medicine and pediatrics, Med-Peds physicians can synthesize their clinical knowledge into care for patients spanning the spectrum from birth until death. They encounter a wide variety of patients and clinical scenarios: high-risk deliveries, newborn assessments, well-child visits, common childhood illnesses, acute and longitudinal care of children and adult patients, and adult and pediatric intensive care. Because of their dual training, Med-Peds physicians are uniquely qualified to care for adolescent patients, particularly children with complex and chronic conditions as they transition to adulthood.