Last updated: July 6, 2025
Internal Medicine Lifestyle & Career Insights
Discover what it's really like to be a Internal Medicine physician. Real insights from practicing doctors about work-life balance, career satisfaction, and daily life in this specialty.
4.1/5
Average Satisfaction
8
Real Physician Insights
What Internal Medicine Physicians Love About Their Specialty
Based on insights from physicians who would choose Internal Medicine again:
"The relationship with your patients "
- Internal Medicine Physician
"7 on 7 off "
- Internal Medicine Physician
"Lack of specialist support "
- Internal Medicine Physician
"Challenge of Diagnosis, challenge of working with people, seeing patients improve, agency of changing the institution from inside out"
- Internal Medicine Physician
"Everything. Jack of all trades, master of none. "
- Internal Medicine Physician
Areas for Improvement in Internal Medicine
Honest feedback from physicians about challenges in the specialty:
"Less admin burden, better hours, no nights"
- Internal Medicine Physician
"Less patient census, more sub specialty coverage/help, less admits per day"
- Internal Medicine Physician
Work-Life Balance in Internal Medicine
Real descriptions of daily life and work-life balance from practicing Internal Medicine physicians:
"Work at office plus APPs plus work at snfs with directorships"
- Internal Medicine Physician
"Work 12 hr shifts 7 on 7 off "
- Internal Medicine Physician
"7 days/ month, In house 8-5 most days, on pager 7-7. Average 10-14 census 1-2 admits/day.
5 nights a month 4pm-6am. Nights 8-10 admits, cross coverage 200 beds. Closed ICU no procedures"
- Internal Medicine Physician
"7on 7off schedule. 12 hour shifts with lots of time at home taking calls as opposed to in house. No nights or night calls. Opportunities to teach medical students and residents. Very manageable patient load and wide scope of practice in rural area. Can work ER and ICU for extra pay. None. 170 shifts per year. Flexible scheduling."
- Internal Medicine Physician
"8-5p or 8-8p days
7p-7a nights every 2-3 months"
- Internal Medicine Physician
"Flexible schedule, allows for extra shifts for more comp, teaching students and Residents is rewarding "
- Internal Medicine Physician
Making the Right Career Decision
These insights come from real Internal Medicine physicians who've shared their experiences anonymously.
75% of Internal Medicine physicians in our database say they would choose this specialty again,
with an average satisfaction rating of 4.1 out of 5.
Consider these factors when deciding if Internal Medicine is right for you:
- Career Satisfaction: 4.1/5 average rating from practicing physicians
- Work-Life Balance: Varies significantly based on practice setting and subspecialty
- Compensation: Median salary of $350,000
- Long-term Outlook: 75% would choose this specialty again
Help Future Physicians Make Informed Decisions
Share your Internal Medicine experience anonymously and help build the most comprehensive physician lifestyle database.
Share Your Experience