What is a Gastroenterologist?
A gastroenterologist is very skilled at diagnosing and treating a broad range of gastrointestinal illnesses because of their education and training. They are able to finish the diagnosis process and, in many circumstances, start an effective treatment plan since they are doctors and proceduralists.
A gastroenterologist must initially complete a three-year residency in internal medicine. After that, he or she is qualified for two to three years of further, specialized gastrointestinal training (fellowship). After medical school, this entails a total of 5–6 years of added specialized education.
The fellowship is a practical, demanding program that allows the student the chance to study closely with internationally renowned specialists and work to gain a thorough grasp of gastrointestinal illnesses.
The training includes both the examination of patients and their care in both the office and the hospital. Endoscopy (upper, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy), endoscopic biliary examination (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or ERCP), endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), and other endoscopic procedures are also covered during training.
They are trained to do advanced endoscopic procedures such as polypectomy, esophageal and intestinal dilatation, and hemostasis in addition to endoscopy. They receive training in the interpretation of imaging and pathology findings in order to formulate the best recommendations for the management of diseases.
The fellowship is overseen by national organizations such as the American Board of Internal Medicine, the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastroenterological Association, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Following completion of the fellowship, gastroenterologists are eligible to sit for the American Board of Internal Medicine's board certification exam in gastroenterology. They get "Board Certified" after passing this test successfully.
Cases
Specializations
- Pancreatic disease
- Endoscopic surveillance - An endoscopy is a non-surgical technique for seeing the digestive tract with a camera
- Transplants
- Hepatology - Treatment of diseases of the gallbladder, pancreas, liver, and biliary tree (the organs that produce and transport bile)
- IBS and chronic digestive tract inflammation
- Reflux esophagitis - Occurs when the stomach’s contents back up into your esophagus
Centers & Institutes
Healthcare Delivery by Gastroenterologist in the US
The focus of gastroenterology is on the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, or digestive system. The digestive system is in charge of breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste from the body. Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat diseases that affect the digestive system.
Specific components of the GI system are the focus of gastroenterologists. The esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and other organs are included in this. This somewhat overlaps with the services offered by general practitioners, otolaryngologists, upper GI surgeons, and colorectal surgeons.
Numerous procedures can be carried out by a gastroenterologist to identify gastrointestinal illnesses. These actions, however, are not surgical.
Medication, either short-term or long-term, is typically used as treatment. However, if surgery is necessary, gastroenterologists may refer the patient to a gastrointestinal surgeon.
Endoscopy is one of the main procedures carried out by a gastroenterologist. It makes use of tiny, flexible tubes that may be inserted into the intestines and have a built-in video camera. This aids in the diagnosis of intestinal diseases by allowing the doctor to see the interior of the tract.
If you have digestive issues, you should see a gastroenterologist. Chronic abdominal pain is typically one of the symptoms. Other typical digestive issues that may need to be evaluated by a gastroenterologist include bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Mild symptoms like nausea, upset stomach, etc. might potentially be a sign of a bigger issue. In rare cases, malabsorption illnesses like celiac disease or lactose intolerance may be indicated by stomach discomfort.
Future harm to the digestive system can be avoided by diagnosing and treating these illnesses. Extreme symptoms, such as blood in the stool, might occur in certain patients. Any new symptoms of digestive issues should be reported to a gastroenterologist.
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The material presented above is only meant to be informative and is not intended to take the place of advice from your doctor or another health care practitioner. We advise you to talk to your provider about any questions or issues you may have.
