By Lauren Mermod, DNP, Internal Medicine, Winona Health
If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between Family Medicine and Internal Medicine, you’re not alone — it’s one of the most common questions I hear.
Both types of providers focus on keeping people healthy and managing illness. The difference is that Family Medicine providers see patients of all ages, while Internal Medicine focuses on adults, typically 18 and older.
As an Internal Medicine provider, I specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of adult health concerns, from high blood pressure and diabetes to more complex conditions that often require coordination among multiple specialists. I look at the big picture — how different parts of your health connect — and help you manage them all in one place.
I want my patients to feel respected and empowered in their healthcare journey. Healthcare is done best when the focus is patient-centered, and I believe in shared decision-making. My role is to guide and support you, but I want you to feel in charge of your own health.
Having an Internal Medicine provider means having a partner in your long-term health journey, someone who helps prevent problems before they become serious, not just treat them when they arise. Same-day appointments at Winona Health make it easy to get care when you need it, whether it’s a sore throat, a sudden fever, or time for your annual checkup.
Internal Medicine providers also connect you with community resources and specialty care when needed, help you manage multiple conditions at once, and provide guidance to keep you healthy and out of the hospital.
Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, addressing a sudden concern, or staying proactive with preventive care, having a trusted Internal Medicine provider makes all the difference. At Winona Health, we’re here for you — with care when you need it, even today.
To schedule a same-day Primary Care appointment at Winona Health, call 507.454.3650 or visit winonahealth.org/sameday.
Lauren Mermod, DNP in Internal Medicine, talks about the difference between Family Medicine and Internal Medicine and the importance of having a Primary Care provider.