INTERNIST 

DEFINITION: 

Under direction, performs varied medical services to patients, involving the diagnosis and 
treatment of diseases and injuries of the internal organ system.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS AND STANDARDS: 

An internist is a specialist in internal medicine with training and qualifications beyond that of a 
Public Health Physician.

TYPICAL TASKS

Reads and interprets electro cardiograms for all clinics of the jurisdiction.

Acts as an expert and consultant for all complicated medical problems referred by the Public 
Health Physicians or other medical personnel in order to establish proper diagnosis and need for 
hospitalization and to avoid indiscriminate hospital referral.

May be in charge of the chest clinic.

Examines patients for symptoms of organic or congenital disorders and determines nature and 
extent of injury or disorders, using diagnostic aids such as x-ray machines, blood tests, 
electrocardiograph, sphygmomanometer, and stethoscope.

Prescribes medication and recommends dietary and activity programs as indicated by diagnosis.

Refers patients to other medical specialists when indicated.

REQUIREMENTS 

License

Possession of a valid license to practice medicine in the state of New Jersey.

Certification 

Applicants must be certified as a member or be eligible for certification by the American Board of 
Internal Medicine.

Knowledge

Knowledge of the principles, standard practices, methods, techniques and latest developments in 
the field of internal medicine.

Knowledge of the specialized equipment, instruments, and materials required in all phases of 
internal medicine.

Knowledge of the procedures involved in detecting, analyzing, evaluating and interpreting 
manifestations and symptoms of diseases of the internal organs and the procedures involved in the 
prevention, correction, and treatment of such diseases.

Ability 

Ability to read, write, speak, understand or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties 
of the position. Communication may include such forms as American Sign Language or braille.

Ability to correctly diagnose diseases of the internal organs and to prescribe the most effective 
method of treatment.

Ability to work with realization that errors may have serious consequences for patients.

Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with patients and to secure their 
cooperation in following prescribed courses of treatment.

Ability to read and interpret wet films (x-rays) prior to official readings by a radiologist.

Ability to handle complex multiple problems concerning the health of patients.

Ability to determine which patients should be referred for hospitalization.

Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential 
functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the 
accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such 
persons may not be eligible.


This job specification is applicable to the following title code:
Job
Spec
Code
Variant
State,
Local or
Common
Class of
Service
Work
Week
State
Class
Code
Local
Class
Code
Salary
Range
Note
05197
L
U
  
N/A
N/A
-

This job specification is for local government use only.
Salary range is only applicable to state government.
Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions.

 2/26/82