Internal medicine: The foundation of diagnostics and therapy with Dr. Raphael Bruno

Internal medicine is the comprehensive medical specialty that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and aftercare of diseases of the internal organs and the entire organism. It forms the core of non-surgical medicine and is the basic discipline on which many other specializations are based. In our practice Internal medicine is the basis on which Dr. Raphael Bruno's specialized cardiological and sports medical care rests in order to guarantee you holistic and well-founded care.

The spectrum of internal medicine: more than just organs

The Internal medicine views the human being as a complex overall system in which all organs and metabolic processes are interconnected. It is not limited to a single organ system, but requires a broad knowledge of the diverse functions and potential disorders of the entire body. This broad spectrum enables the specialist in internal medicine to often act as a „medical detective“ in the case of unclear complaints and to recognize the connections between different symptoms.

To illustrate the range, internal medicine is divided into several specialties, which often exist as separate specialist qualifications:

This overview shows how fundamental and far-reaching the Internal medicine is.

The holistic approach to internal medicine

A core principle that the Internal medicine is its holistic approach. Instead of looking at a single symptom in isolation, the internist looks for systemic causes and interactions. High blood pressure is not just seen as a number on the meter, but is assessed in the context of kidney function, hormone status, cardiac performance and lifestyle factors. This approach is crucial, as many diseases are not limited to a single organ, but affect the entire body.

This approach of Internal medicine is essential in order to:

• Complex clinical pictures where several organs are affected.
• The cause behind a symptom instead of just treating the symptom itself.
• Drug interactions correctly.
• Preventive strategies that strengthen the entire system and not just address a single risk.

This ability to think in a networked way is the great strength of a comprehensively trained specialist in internal medicine.

Internal medicine and its specialties: From cardiology to sports medicine

The qualification of Dr. Raphael Bruno as a „Specialist for Internal medicine and cardiology“ means that he has both a broad knowledge of the entire specialist field and in-depth expertise in his main focus, the heart. This is of great benefit to you as a patient. Many heart diseases are closely linked to other internal problems such as diabetes, kidney disease or lipometabolic disorders. Dr. Bruno can recognize these connections directly and incorporate them into the treatment strategy.

His further qualifications in sports medicine, hypertensiology (high blood pressure) and lipidology (fat metabolism) are also deeply rooted in the Internal medicine rooted. They enable highly specialized and at the same time holistic care that focuses on a person's entire metabolism and physical performance.

Diagnostic pillars of internal medicine in our practice

The Internal medicine follows a proven and structured diagnostic process to move from a symptom to a confirmed diagnosis. This process is the basis of our daily work in the practice.

The four diagnostic pillars are:

1. Medical history: The structured, detailed patient consultation is the most important diagnostic tool. This is where the decisive course of action is set.
2. Physical examination: Systematic examination by listening, tapping, palpating and inspecting provides basic information about the condition of the organs.
3. Laboratory and functional diagnostics: Blood and urine tests provide information about metabolic processes, inflammation levels and organ functions. Functional tests such as the ECG or the lung function test measure the performance of the organs.
4. Imaging procedures: Methods such as ultrasound (sonography) allow a direct, non-invasive view of the internal organs in order to assess their structure and function.

Through the systematic application and combination of these methods, the Internal medicine high diagnostic reliability.

Frequently asked questions about internal medicine

Here you will find answers to general questions about the specialty of internal medicine.

What is the difference between internal medicine and general medicine?

General practice defines itself as the primary point of contact for patients of all ages with any health problem („family doctor“). The Internal medicine is a specialty that deals specifically and in depth with diseases of the internal organs in adults. A specialist in internal medicine has undergone a longer, more organ-focused training program. Many internists work as general practitioners and then offer general practitioner care with an internal medicine focus.

Which specialists belong to internal medicine?

To the Internal medicine include many specialists who you may know by their specialty name: Cardiologists (heart), gastroenterologists (gastrointestinal), pulmonologists (lung), nephrologists (kidney) and endocrinologists (hormones) are all specialists in internal medicine with an additional specialization in their respective field.

Does internal medicine also treat cancer?

Yes, the treatment of solid tumors and blood cancers is an important focus of the Internal medicine. This sub-field is known as hematology and oncology. The internal oncologist is the specialist for drug-based tumor therapy (e.g. chemotherapy, immunotherapy).

Why is internal medicine the „mother discipline“ of many subjects?

The Internal medicine provides a basic understanding of the functioning of the human body as a whole and of pathophysiology, i.e. the development and progression of diseases. This knowledge is the prerequisite for almost all other medical disciplines. It therefore plays a central and very extensive role in medical studies and further medical training.

Is the treatment of infectious diseases part of internal medicine?

Yes, infectiology is another important subfield of the Internal medicine. Internists diagnose and treat a variety of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi that affect the internal organs, such as pneumonia or myocarditis.

Is high blood pressure an issue for internal medicine?

Absolute. High blood pressure (arterial hypertension) is one of the most common and important widespread diseases and a core domain of the Internal medicine, especially cardiology and nephrology. Clarifying the causes and adjusting blood pressure are key internal medicine tasks for the prevention of secondary diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.

What does the term „conservative therapy“ mean?

„In medicine, “conservative„ means “non-surgical". The Internal medicine is the largest conservative specialty. Treatment here is carried out using medication, physical measures, diets and lifestyle changes, in contrast to the surgical specialties, which treat diseases through operations.

When should I go directly to an internal medicine specialist instead of my family doctor?

Your family doctor is always a good first point of contact. He will refer you to a specialist for Internal medicine if a suspected diagnosis requires specialized clarification, if it is a complex clinical picture or if a second opinion is required for a serious illness. Our practice specializes in specialist care on referral.

Does a „check-up“ at the doctor's office cover the spectrum of internal medicine?

A general health check-up, such as the „Check-up 35“, is an important preventive measure in the field of Internal medicine. It focuses on the early detection of major common diseases, in particular cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and kidney disease. However, it only covers a small part of the entire diagnostic spectrum of internal medicine.

My problem is very specific. Is internal medicine still the right area?

Just then! The great strength of the Internal medicine lies in the systematic treatment of unclear or rare clinical pictures. Thanks to their broad knowledge base, an experienced specialist in internal medicine can often help when other disciplines reach their limits and coordinate the necessary diagnostic steps.

Your foundation for comprehensive health

High-quality medical care is based on the solid foundation of the Internal medicine. Their principles of holistic thinking, systematic diagnostics and well-founded therapy are the core of our work at the Kardio Pro practice. On this basis, we offer you specialized care that covers your health in its entirety. If you would like a comprehensive internal medical assessment, please make an appointment.