American Board of Internal Medicine guidelines for training in hematology and medical oncology.

A general internist is a physician who provides scientifically based, empathic care for the nonsurgical illnesses of adolescents and adults. This care tends to be characterized by a mutual personal commitment between doctor and patient, by stability over time, by substantial breadth, by availability, and by an appropriate attention to elements of human support, sensitivity, and concern. It is marked by technical sophistication and major professional expertise. The general internist functions as a consultant to other specialists and is competent to handle critically ill patients and nonsurgical disorders in adolescents and adults seeking aid in the emergency room setting. The well-trained internists are unique in their ability to deliver with broad competence primary, secondary, and tertiary care. The general internist provides continuing, comprehensive care for common and complex multisystem illnesses in the ambulatory as well as the hospital setting. The internist serves as the patient’s advocate and accepts responsibility for all the patient’s health needs, obtaining assistance from other specialists and from allied health professionals as required. One of the hallmarks of the general internist is a continuing personal interest in the patient. The practice of internal medicine requires the knowledge and application of advances in the science and technology of medicine. The internist provides care which combines the scientific and technologic successes of recent decades with the empathic care of the patient. Progress in technology may complicate the relationship between the patient and physician. Therefore the personal and caring relationship takes on even greater significance.