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Winter 2009

Focus on Physicians: Just What is 'Med-Peds'?

Some doctors are known as med-peds, which is a shorthand term for combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics—a medical specialty that has been around for more than 40 years. A med-peds doctor is someone who is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. A physician who completes training in med-peds is eligible for certification as both an internist (adult specialist) and a pediatrician—which means that a med-peds doctor can treat patients of all ages. These physicians can practice as an internist, a pediatrician, or both.

HOW IT DIFFERS FROM FAMILY PRACTICE

Unlike family practice training, which includes more time with surgery and obstetrical patients, med-peds programs train physicians in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. A med-peds physician has an additional four years of training after medical school, with time equally divided between the two specialties. Family practice physicians have a three-year residency training that includes pediatrics, family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and obstetrics/ gynecology, equally divided between these multiple specialties.

Each med-peds physician is highly qualified to provide primary care. A med-peds doctor can provide services including:

  • Primary internal medicine
  • Primary pediatric medicine
  • Annual gynecologic examinations

SPECIALIZED CARE

Med-peds physicians have been trained extensively in the management of patients with complicated chronic diseases and in critical care. Med-peds physicians may also complete additional training to become specialized in one of more than 20 areas (such as cardiology, gastroenterology, and pulmonology).

MEET THE DOCTOR

Bert J. Smith, M.D.
Blue Ridge Primary Care
1021 West Oakland Ave., Suite 301
Johnson City, Tenn.
423-952-8000

Dr. Smith is a med-peds physician who is board certified in internal medicine. He graduated from James H. Quillen College of Medicine. He completed his residency in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Dr. Smith served as chief resident during his last year of residency and has received numerous honors and awards. He has also published several articles in peerreviewed journals. Dr. Smith welcomes patients of all ages, from newborns to older adults.



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