Internal Medicine

Find an expert internal medicine physician 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

Find an expert internal medicine physician in San Diego

Scripps board-certified internal medicine physicians are a good choice for your primary care provider to help you get well and stay healthy. We put our patients at the center of everything we do. It’s been that way for more than 100 years, and still is today. With more than 20 locations throughout San Diego County, Scripps has internal medicine doctors convenient to you. As well as focusing on preventive care, internists often have specialized training on the aging process and geriatrics. 

Internal medicine at Scripps

We put our patients at the center of everything we do. Scripps internal medicine physicians establish a long-term relationship with you, focusing on wellness and prevention with annual exams, screenings and vaccines. Internists also manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, partnering with specialists if needed. 


Staying within your health care system for all your needs isn’t just convenient, it’s also critical when faced with the unexpected. Scripps is here for good, with personalized care and a vast network of specialists and state-of-the-art facilities. When you choose a Scripps internal medicine physician, you also have access to nationally renowned specialty care and award-winning hospitals and programs. Ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report, Scripps is here for you. If you need to see a specialist for diabetes, heart care, oncology or orthopedics, your Scripps internal medicine doctor will coordinate your care with specialists, so all your doctors stay informed of your progress.

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 internal medicine doctor will provide referrals to specialists.

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


Our internists are board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and many have additional training or a clinical interest in men's health, women's health, sports medicine and geriatrics.

Which Scripps-affiliated medical groups offer internal medicine?

Scripps Clinic, Scripps Coastal Medical Center and Scripps-affiliated medical groups offer internal medicine specialists. Affiliated medical groups include Scripps Physicians Medical Group, Mercy Physicians Medical Group and Scripps Mercy Physician Partners.

Where are internal medicine doctors located at Scripps?

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 or call your physician’s office to schedule your visit. 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:


Where can I get 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 also explore our virtual care offerings for same-day care using E-Visits and Video Visits. 

Virtual care

Virtual Care 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 be added to the queue of patients waiting to be seen.

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.

How do I find an internal medicine physician?

Scripps is the provider San Diego turns to for excellence in health care. Let us be there for you. It is important to have a primary care physician as they act as your personal physician, providing annual exams to monitor your health, completing annual screenings and managing vaccinations. They are also the first doctor you see for any health problems you may experience. As the quarterback for your health care, internists help you get and stay healthy, and they’ll coordinate any specialty care you might need. If you’re considering an HMO or managed health care plan, you’ll need to choose a primary care physician as part of your enrollment.


Our Doctor Finder can help you choose the internal medicine doctor who is right for you. Whether you’re looking for an internist who speaks a certain language or has specific expertise in nutrition, women’s health or sports medicine, our Doctor Finder can help.


The Doctor Finder tool can be used to search for a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant by name, specialty, hospital affiliation, gender, language and practice location. Many of our physicians have videos online to help you get to know them.


Find a doctor

How can I get more help?

Our physician referral specialists can be reached at 800-727-4777 Monday - Friday, 7 am - 7 pm, for more information about our doctors, services and classes.


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