Overview:
A gastroenterologist has a particular interest in diseases digestive tract. To become proficient in the treatment and management of these conditions, a gastroenterologist must undergo training in both internal medicine and advanced training in problems of the digestive tract.
Training:
A gastroenterologist must first complete a 4-year college degree followed by 4 years of medical school at which time they receive a medical degree. The next step is a 3-year residency in internal medicine. At that time a physician may elect to continue on to a specialty in gastroenterology.
A gastroenterology fellowship is 2 to 3 years during which a physician learns to evaluate and manage digestive diseases. This training encompasses conditions that may be seen in an office or in a hospital setting and instruction in how to perform diagnostic endoscopy procedures, such as colonoscopy. In all, a gastroenterologist has undergone a minimum of 13 years of formal classroom education and practical training before becoming a certified gastroenterologist.
Expertise:
A gastroenterologist that is certified by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery must have proficiency in diagnosing and treating the following conditions:
Conditions- Anorectal conditions
- Hemorrhoids
- Colonic neoplasms
- Cancer
- Polyps
- Diverticulosis
- Esophageal reflux
- Gastritis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Hepatitis
- Hiatal Hernia
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Ulcers
A gastroenterologist must also be proficient in treating and managing the following signs and symptoms:
Signs and Symptoms- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal x-ray findings
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty swallowing
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Jaundice
- Liver Disease
- Malabsorption
- Nausea
- Post-operative colon tests
- Rectal bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting
And in performing the following tests:
Diagnostic testing- Colon screening exams
- Esophageal and intestinal dilation
- Hemostasis
- Polypectomy
Locate a Gastroenterologist:
American College of Gastroenterology
The American Gastroenterological Society
North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
UCompare Healthcare - Gastroenterology
Sources:
American College of Gastroenterology. "What is a Gastroenterologist?" American College of Gastroenterology 2006. 20 Mar 2008.
