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Biography

A Consultant Physician, a specialist in internal medicine, is a doctor who is trained in the diagnosis and management of conditions involving the internal organs of the body. These conditions include those that are acute, needing inpatient care and those that are sub-acute or chronic, needing an outpatient appointment.

The training of a Consultant Physician involves the completion of a graduate medical degree, followed by an intern year in a teaching hospital and a further two years of residency at a teaching hospital. Then, the trainee has five years of training through the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

A GP may refer a patient to a Consultant Physician for a variety of reasons. Examples are where there are symptoms with an unclear cause or there is need for overview of multiple complex conditions. Specialists in Internal Medicine are trained to assist patients with their choices in investigations, medications and treatments.

Consultant Physicians see adults of all ages. Young adults may be seen with a parent or guardian from the age of 16. Older patients may need assitance with symptoms of memory loss.