Internal Medicine in Barbados
Adult Medical Care That Looks at the Whole Picture
Internal medicine focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing medical care of adults.
As a Consultant Internist, Dr. Petra Crookendale cares for adults with a wide range of medical concerns — from a new symptom that needs investigating to chronic conditions that require ongoing management.
Internists are particularly helpful when symptoms are unexplained, several medical conditions occur together, or you need someone to step back and consider how different aspects of your health may be connected.
When Should You See an Internist?
You may benefit from an Internal Medicine consultation if you:
Have a new or unexplained symptom
Have received an abnormal test or laboratory result
Are managing one or more ongoing medical conditions
Take several medications and need them reviewed
Have symptoms involving more than one body system
Want a second opinion about a medical concern
Need further assessment after another healthcare professional has identified a concern
Want ongoing physician care for a chronic medical condition
You do not need to know exactly what is wrong before making an appointment. Part of the internist's role is working through symptoms and findings to determine what may be happening and what should happen next.
Conditions We Commonly Manage
Internal Medicine covers a broad range of adult health conditions, including:
High blood pressure
Diabetes and prediabetes
High cholesterol
Thyroid disorders
Anaemia
Kidney problems
Cardiovascular risk factors
Metabolic health concerns
Multiple or interacting chronic conditions
We also assess new symptoms and abnormal findings that may not yet have a diagnosis.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
Your consultation begins with a detailed discussion of your health concern, medical history, medications and relevant previous investigations.
Dr. Crookendale will perform a physical examination where appropriate and review any available results or medical records. Further testing may be recommended depending on your individual situation.
The aim is to leave you with a clear understanding of the next steps in your care.
New patients receive a personalised After-Visit Summary outlining key recommendations and next steps.
A Focus on Prevention, Too
Internal medicine isn't only about treating illness.
Where relevant, your consultation also considers opportunities to reduce future health risks through screening, blood pressure and cholesterol management, diabetes prevention, medication optimisation and practical lifestyle changes.
For patients who are well and are primarily seeking a proactive preventive health assessment rather than evaluation of a medical concern, our Lifestyle Medical may be the more appropriate appointment.