Internists and adolescent medicine.

Internists can assume a greater role in the provision of health care to adolescents. Adding an understanding of adolescent development to the skills and knowledge already possessed by internists will allow internists to interact more comfortably and effectively with adolescent patients. Learning about specific areas of importance such as adolescent morbidity and mortality, consent and confidentiality, interviewing techniques, and preventive health care will further enhance an internist's knowledge regarding adolescent health. There are numerous resources available to help intensive care for adolescent patients.