Internal Medicine vs. Family Medicine

Let’s talk about the differences between Internal Medicine and Family Medicine. These specialties are often practiced interchangeably in various countries, however, there are essential differences in the USA career path.
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Salaries are similar:

• An Internal Medicine doctor may average between $200,000 to $270,000 annually.
  
• A Family Medicine doctor may average between $200,000 to $250,000 annually.
  

Subspecialty options:

• Internal Medicine residents commonly pursue fellowship specialties such as Cardiology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, and Nephrology.
  
• Family medicine often includes subspecialties like Sports Medicine and Geriatrics.
  

Number of Available Positions:
For the 2024 Match, 

• Internal Medicine had more than 10,000 available positions 
  
• Family Medicine had over 5,200 available positions
  

However, note that there are less applicants for FM than IM as well.

Average Scores:
As of the 2022 Match data,

• Internal Medicine average Step 2 CK score for matched non-US IMGs: 245
  
• Family Medicine average Step 2 CK score for matched non-US IMGs: 231
  

Because Internal Medicine has a higher number of applicants and available positions, it also boosts a higher average step score. However, this does not mean that Family Medicine is not a competitive specialty.

Work environment:
Residency is equally challenging across all states and specialties This time comes up as a drastic change in work life balance for most med students. However, there are some noticeable differences in the work life of an Internal Medicine doctor vs. a Family Medicine doctor.

Internal Medicine:

• Focuses on adult patients with complex, chronic conditions
  
• Often work in inpatient settings and coordinate with other specialists
  
• Emphasis on diagnostic and long-term management
  

Family Medicine:

• Often work in private practices or community health centers
  
• Treat patients of all ages, from infants to elderly
  
• Emphasis on preventive care and holistic health
  
• More likely to work in an outpatient setting with a more regular schedule as compared to an Internal Medicine specialist.
  

Conclusion
Taking into consideration the many similarities and differences between IM/FM such as salary, work-life balance, settings, and growth opportunities, one may be able to narrow down which specialty is better for them. Many may argue one field is better than the other, but we do have to evaluate all the pros and cons of each in order to decide which field may be the best fit for you. Both specialties are equally important and unique making it sometimes confusing to decide which path to pursue. I hope this blog helps you to decide and dedicate yourself to a bright future in medicine!