Internists are physicians who specialize in the prevention, detection, and treatment of illnesses in adults. Dr. Harter has 25 years of experience in internal medicine treating such illnesses as diabetes, heart and lung disease, chronic headaches, and more. She was board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in 1988, and has maintained that certification ever since. She was a part-time instructor in the 80's and 90's at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, training Hopkins medical students in the art and science of comprehensive and compassionate medical care for adults, before moving to the Valley in 2000.

The following information is provided by the American College of Physicians and is provided for educational purposes. If you have additional questions about Internal Medicine please contact us at (623) 748-8300.

Doctors of internal medicine focus on adult medicine and have had special study and training focusing on the prevention and treatment of adult diseases. At least three of their seven or more years of medical school and postgraduate training are dedicated to learning how to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases that affect adults. Internists are sometimes referred to as the "doctor's doctor," because they are often called upon to act as consultants to other physicians to help solve puzzling diagnostic problems.

Simply put, internists are Doctors of Internal Medicine. Doctors for Adults.® But you may see them referred to by several terms, including "internists," "general internists" and "doctors of internal medicine." But don't mistake them with "interns," who are doctors in their first year of residency training. Although internists may act as primary care physicians, they are not "family physicians," "family practitioners," or "general practitioners," whose training is not solely concentrated on adults and may include surgery, obstetrics and pediatrics.

Internists are equipped to deal with whatever problem a patient brings -- no matter how common or rare, or how simple or complex. They are specially trained to solve puzzling diagnostic problems and can handle severe chronic illnesses and situations where several different illnesses may strike at the same time. They also bring to patients an understanding of wellness (disease prevention and the promotion of health), women's health, substance abuse, mental health, as well as effective treatment of common problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system and reproductive organs.

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