Internal Medicine

The Department of Internal Medicine has 8 physicians and 2 nurse practitioners. They see patients in the Canandaigua office and are accepting new patients. See the services provided by the department of Internal Medicine.

Office telephone numbers

What is a medical specialist?

A medical specialist is a physician who has completed the usual four years of medical school plus three to six years of training in a residency program where there is extensive study and preparation for them to care for patients in specific areas of medicine. As a resident the physician spends full time in a hospital or ambulatory care setting under the supervision of teachers. During this time the resident cares for patients, attends conferences, and participates in research in the area of specialty being studied.  At the end of the residency the physician must complete a comprehensive evaluation and examination in order to receive certification. Some specialty boards also require re certification every seven to ten years to maintain the certification. In addition the physician must participate in yearly continuing medical education.

What is an Internist?

Internists are experts in adult medicine and care for the whole patient. They solve problems with chronic and multiple illnesses no matter how simple or complex. Of all primary care physicians, the "doctors of internal medicine" (also called "internists") are unique in their focus on adult medicine. They bring to patients an understanding of wellness (disease prevention and the promotion of health), women's health, substance abuse, mental health, as well as effective treatment of common problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system and reproductive organs. They are specially trained to solve complicated diagnostic problems. They handle severe chronic illnesses and situations where several different illnesses may strike at the same time.

Internists aim to take care of the patients for life ­ in the office or clinic, during hospitalization and intensive care, and in nursing homes. When other medical specialists, such as surgeons or obstetricians, are involved, they coordinate their care for the patients and manage difficult medical problems associated with that care. In fact, as medical consultants to physicians in other specialties that they have earned the nickname, "the doctor's doctor."

The doctors of internal medicine are also known as "internists" or "general internists." This should not be confused with "interns," who are doctors in their first year of training after medical school. Nor are they the same as "general practitioners" (GPs), or "family physicians" (FPs), whose practices may include surgery, obstetrics and pediatrics, and whose training is not solely concentrated on adults.

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered professional nurse with advanced education and clinical training in a health care specialty area. Nurse practitioners work with people of all ages and their families, providing information people need to make informed decisions about their health care and lifestyle choices. Nurse practitioners evaluate the health status of patients through history taking, physical examination and evaluation of laboratory tests. They provide comprehensive health care wellness evaluations as well as assess and manage acute minor illnesses and refer patients to physicians and other health care providers when necessary. The nurse practitioner prescribes medicines and other therapies when it is appropriate. At the Canandaigua Medical Group, your doctor reviews all notes of your visits with the nurse practitioner. The physician remains ultimately responsible for your health care. Through the nurse practitioner your doctor can be more responsive to your individual needs.

Nurse Practitioners have been in practice with the Canandaigua Medical Group (CMG) for over 20 years. Initially they practiced only in Internal Medicine but today they work within all the specialty areas of CMG.

The Nurse Practitioner movement began over 25 years ago in Colorado at a time of a severe physician shortage. Registered nurses were trained in advanced techniques of diagnosis and treatment to fill the need during that time. Today, most of our nurse practitioners have had at least 8 years of education and clinical practice before they take their first job. All of them had been practicing as registered nurses before they went back to school for their advanced education.

Here at the Canandaigua Medical Group, they are an integral part of the health care team. They practice in the collaborative relationship with our physician colleagues, diagnosing and treating both acute and chronic illnesses. They are able to prescribe medications, order, perform and interpret diagnostic studies and lab work, provide immunizations, perform physical exams, check ups and promote health seeking behavior and wellness. They counsel, educate, teach and treat individuals and families about their total health care needs.As professional health care specialists, they bring their years of nursing experience and education to the care of each individual and family.

There are more than 8,600 Nurse Practitioners certified to practice in New York State and some of the very best are here at the Canandaigua Medical Group as integral members of your health care team.