What is a pediatrician for adults called? Your Guide to Adult Primary Care

September 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the American College of Physicians, an internal medicine physician, also known as an internist, is the specialist for adults, distinct from a pediatrician. Understanding what is a pediatrician for adults called is the first step toward finding the right health partner for your adult years, moving beyond childhood care with confidence.

Quick Summary

The adult equivalent of a pediatrician is most commonly an internal medicine physician, or internist, who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating adult diseases. Another option is a family medicine doctor, who provides comprehensive care for individuals of all ages, including adults.

Key Points

Internist (Internal Medicine Physician): The term for a doctor who specializes exclusively in the medical needs of adults, similar to a pediatrician specializing in children.
Family Medicine Doctor: An alternative for adults, this type of physician is trained to provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.
Transition from Pediatrics: Most people transition from a pediatrician to an adult primary care provider between the ages of 18 and 21, as pediatricians are not trained for adult care.
PCP is Key: Regardless of the specific title, both internists and family doctors function as a Primary Care Provider (PCP), acting as the central point for all your health needs.
Choose Based on Needs: The best choice for you depends on your personal health profile—an internist for complex adult conditions or a family doctor for family-wide continuity of care.
Geriatrician Specialization: For older adults, a geriatrician is a specialist who focuses on the specific health challenges and needs of aging.

Your Transition to Adult Healthcare

For many young adults, moving on from a beloved pediatrician is a significant step in their healthcare journey. While a pediatrician is an expert in child and adolescent health, the needs of an adult patient are different and require a different kind of expertise. The term for an adult pediatrician is not a single, universal title, but rather refers to several types of primary care providers. This guide will help clarify your options and provide insight into finding the best doctor for your specific health needs.

The Internal Medicine Physician: A Specialist in Adult Health

An internal medicine physician, often called an internist, specializes in adult health. They are trained to manage complex medical conditions common in adults, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, focusing on the internal workings of the body. Internists provide routine and preventive care and are skilled at diagnosing complex medical issues. Unlike family doctors, they exclusively treat adults.

The Family Medicine Doctor: Care for All Ages

A family medicine doctor, or family practitioner, is another option for adult primary care, but their training covers all age groups. This makes them suitable for individuals who want one doctor for their entire family. They provide care for a wide range of common conditions and preventive services and understand family health histories across generations.

Other Specialists for Specific Needs

Beyond internists and family doctors, other specialists cater to particular adult health needs.

Geriatricians

Geriatricians are specialists in the health needs of older adults (typically age 65 and older). They manage complex conditions associated with aging, working with teams to coordinate care.

Internal Medicine-Pediatrics (Med-Peds) Doctors

Med-Peds doctors are certified in both internal medicine and pediatrics, allowing them to care for patients from childhood into adulthood, ideal for those with chronic conditions who prefer continuous care with one physician.

Making the Right Choice for Your Health

Choosing between a family medicine doctor and an internist depends on your individual health needs. The comparison table below highlights key differences.

Family Medicine vs. Internal Medicine: A Comparison Table


Feature	Family Medicine Doctor	Internal Medicine Doctor (Internist)
Age Range	Treats all ages, from infants to seniors	Exclusively treats adults (18+)
Scope	Broad training across all common conditions for all age groups	Deep specialization in adult-specific diseases and complex health issues
Training	Three-year residency focusing on a broad range of family health issues	Three-year residency with concentrated training on the internal systems of the adult body
Ideal for	Families seeking one doctor for everyone; general health maintenance	Adults with complex or chronic conditions; those preferring an adult-focused specialist
Setting	Predominantly outpatient settings	More likely to also provide hospital-based inpatient care

The Transition and Beyond

Transitioning from pediatric to adult care usually happens between ages 18 and 21. To ease this transition: discuss it early with your pediatrician, become involved in managing your health, and transfer your medical records to your new provider. Your primary care provider (PCP) acts as your central health coordinator, understanding your medical history and providing personalized care. The American College of Physicians emphasizes the importance of a PCP for individualized care. This ongoing relationship is vital for proactive health management.

Conclusion

While there isn't a single term like "pediatrician for adults," internal medicine physicians (internists) and family medicine doctors are the primary options. Internists specialize in adult health, while family doctors offer care across all ages. Your choice should align with your specific health needs and preference for adult-only specialization versus family-wide care. Establishing a relationship with a trusted primary care provider is crucial for maintaining your health throughout adulthood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, an internist is simply another term for an internal medicine physician. They are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases in adult patients.

The transition from a pediatrician to an adult doctor, like an internist or family doctor, typically occurs between the ages of 18 and 21. It's a good idea to start the process around age 18 to ensure a smooth transition.

Yes, a family medicine doctor is trained to care for patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. They can act as the primary care provider for your entire family.

The main difference is the age range they treat. Internists focus exclusively on adults, while family doctors treat patients of all ages. This means an internist has deeper training in adult-specific medical issues.

Geriatricians specialize in the complex health needs of older adults (65+). While many seniors are fine with an internist or family doctor, a geriatrician might be a better choice if you have multiple, complex health issues related to aging.

A PCP, whether an internist or family doctor, is your central point of contact for all non-emergency health needs. They manage your overall health, provide preventive care, and coordinate any necessary specialist referrals.

Consider your current and future health needs. If you have complex or chronic adult conditions, an internist's specialization might be beneficial. If you want one doctor for yourself and your family, a family doctor offers convenience and continuity of care.