[The internist, today]

The crisis of Internal Medicine is universal, and its fragmentation in an increasing number of sub-specialties is still taking place, with the undesirable results of dehumanization, excessive technification and increasing costs. Recent data indicate the growing and worrisome shortage of general internists in our country. The Medical disadvantages of the predominant care by sub-specialists are analized. The main features of the modern general internist are described. Changes in medical education and health policies to increase their number and professional quality are suggested.