Internal Medicine

Comprehensive internal medicine in San Diego

Dr. Rio Dickens-Celestin, MD, Scripps Clinic Internal Medicine physician smiling while discussing treatment with a patient.

Rio Dickens-Celestin, MD, Internal Medicine, Scripps Clinic

Comprehensive internal medicine in San Diego

At Scripps, we put our patients at the center of everything we do. Our internal medicine doctors specialize in caring for adults 18 and older, establishing a long-term relationship with you. They have specialized training and expertise in managing your changing needs over the decades.

Caring for adults at every stage

Choose a Scripps board-certified internal medicine doctor as your primary care physician. Our internists provide the highest quality care customized to your medical needs and lifestyle in a compassionate environment. As well as focusing on general preventive care, internists often have specialized training in complex conditions. 


With more than 20 locations throughout San Diego County, Scripps has internists conveniently located near you. 


Find an internal medicine doctor

Answering your questions about internal medicine doctors

What is internal medicine?

Internal medicine doctors are also known as internists. They specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of conditions and diseases in adults 18 and older. Internal medicine physicians provide general medical care and help patients manage chronic and complex conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes. When needed, your internist will provide referrals to specialists and coordinate your care.

What do internal medicine physicians do?

As primary care providers, internal medicine physicians help you manage your health. Services include:


  • Preventive screenings
  • Routine, annual check-ups
  • Health risk assessment
  • Personalized counseling on maintaining a healthy lifestyle
  • Management of chronic conditions, such as diabetes, asthma and high cholesterol
  • Regular gynecological screenings, such as breast exams and Pap smears
  • Referrals to and coordination with specialists
  • Review of labs and tests

Locating internists near you

Scripps has internal medicine physicians at more than 20 locations throughout San Diego from North County to South Bay. At Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal Medical Center, many of our board-certified internists offer early morning, evening and Saturday hours to accommodate busy schedules. You can also schedule your appointment online through our Doctor Finder and MyScripps, our secure online patient portal. In addition, our internal medicine doctors offer telemedicine options, including video visits and e-visits.You can schedule your telemedicine visit online. If you need language assistance, qualified medical interpreters are available seven days a week at Scripps' locations during regular business hours.

Scripps Clinic internal medicine locations

Scripps Clinic internal medicine physicians provide the highest quality care for adults 18 and older. Scripps Clinic internal medicine doctors are trained at some of the most rigorous programs and are board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (AMIM). They provide thorough and comprehensive primary care, focusing on prevention, health maintenance and management of acute and chronic conditions. 


You can choose a Scripps Clinic internal medicine physician at:


Scripps Coastal Medical Center internal medicine locations

Scripps Coastal Medical Center internal medicine physicians provide expert, compassionate care for adults 18 and older. Our board-certified internists provide the full scope of primary care and believe in building a partnership with you and involving you in the decision-making process.  


You can find a Scripps Coastal Medical Center physician at:


Choosing an internal medicine doctor

At Scripps our doctors put you at the center of everything we do, and we’re here for you and your family. Getting the health care you need, when and where you need it, is easy at Scripps. When you search for internal medicine physicians in our doctor finder you can find, browse and choose a doctor who is right for you. 


Find an internal medicine doctor

Finding same-day care at Scripps

Many providers offer same-day appointments either in person or by video visit. Additionally, minor illnesses and injuries can be treated at one of our HealthExpress walk-in clinics. You can explore our virtual care offerings for same-day care using Video Visits and E-Visits. 

Virtual care

Virtual at Scripps allows you to receive care with a Scripps provider at your convenience from home or another location. Telemedicine options include video visits and e-visits; we also offer a free symptom checker so you can evaluate your symptoms and determine the best route of care.

Walk-in clinics

Scripps HealthExpress same-day, walk-in clinics provide care for minor illnesses and injuries and administer select vaccinations. HealthExpress clinics are open every day, including weekends and holidays. You can go online to view wait times at nearby HealthExpress clinics, then select the On My Way option to let us know you're on your way.

Urgent care

When you have a more serious illness or injury, but not serious enough for the emergency room, our three urgent care centers are available, including a 24-hour urgent care in La Jolla. 


Always go the emergency room when life or limb are at risk. The emergency physicians and staff are ready for any critical situation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.