[Profession? Physician. Specialty? Internist. Is that all? Yes, that is all].

Different causes have hampered the image and appraisal of internists in Chile and abroad. This article emphasizes and underscores the unique features and conditions that render internists as essential conductors of health care in our society. The disappearance of general internists would be a serious and unmendable loss for the future development of high standard medical care.