Your GI (gastrointestinal) tract is an assembly of organs that work together in harmony to digest food, and transport and absorbs nutrients from it. Indeed, The organ system performs essential functions of the body including the removal of waste products. Disorders and diseases of the GIT are diagnosed and treated by a gastroenterologist. In short, Gastroenterology is the study of the GI tract and its associated diseases.
What is a Gastroenterologist?
A gastroenterologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the digestive system. As with, a gastroenterologist is well versed in the normal functioning, as well as the disorders of the digestive tract.
What Does a Gastroenterologist Do?
Of course, Your primary health physician may refer you to a gastroenterologist if you have a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). In summary, a gastroenterologist is qualified to treat conditions of:
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Intestines
- Rectum
- In addition Colon
- Pancreas
- Gallbladder
- Bile ducts
- Liver
Treatments and Procedures Performed by a Gastroenterologist
Especially, a gastroenterologist can treat general diseases of the digestive system or specialize to treat specific areas of the GIT. As a result, the common conditions treated by gastroenterologists include:
- Peptic ulcer
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Malabsorption and other nutritional problems
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Gastric and esophageal cancer
- Colon polyps
- Colitis
- Jaundice
- Besides, Hepatitis
- Hemorrhoids
- Pancreatitis
- Pancreatic cancer
- Cholecystitis
- Achalasia
- Diseases of the biliary tract
- Gallbladder stones
- In conclusion, Liver transplantation
Gastroenterologists treat conditions of the GIT through medication or minimally invasive procedures known as endoscopy. With this intention, If surgical interventions are required, the doctor refers the patient to a gastrointestinal surgeon.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
The term, Endoscopy is a procedure in which the doctor inserts a long, narrow tube, with an inbuilt camera into your body. Especially, The minimally invasive procedure helps the doctor get a clear visual of the site under observation.
Furthermore, Gastroenterologists commonly use gastrointestinal endoscopy to evaluate the condition of various sites within the gastrointestinal tract. Commonly performed gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures include:
Gastroscopies or Gastroscopy Procedure
Thus, An endoscope is inserted into the body via the mouth to obtain visuals of the esophagus, stomach, and the duodenum (first part of the small intestine).
Colonoscopy
The endoscope, also known as a colonoscope, interested in the rectum to observe the rectum and colon. The procedure is most commonly carried out in patients with colon cancer or colon polyps.
Polypectomy
To sum up, The procedure is similar to colonoscopy and is used to remove polyps.
Endoscopic Ultrasounds
In other words, High-frequency sound waves are used to obtain a clear image of the linings and walls of the digestive tract.
Capsule Endoscopy
At the same time, The patient is asked to swallow a capsule that contains a camera. The camera within the capsule captures images as it passes through the digestive tract.
Sigmoidoscopies
An endoscope is inserted via the rectum to the large intestine in order to observe the sigmoid colon (part of the large intestine closest to the rectum). It is most often performed when the patient complains of rectal bleeding or abdominal pain.
Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Liver Biopsy
For instance, It is used to obtain a tissue sample of the liver. This relatively new method helps doctors perform a liver biopsy with limited adverse events.
When to Visit a Gastroenterologist?
You may consult a gastroenterologist if you display symptoms of a digestive disorder. Your primary healthcare physician might refer to a digestive system specialist who is better equipped to handle your case. In addition, Gastroenterologists have complete knowledge of the GI tract and are able to detect and treat ailments of the digestive tract better than other physicians.
Common symptoms indicating a digestive problem include:
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Chronic abdominal pain
- Stomach cramps
- Heartburn
- In addition, Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Gas
- Jaundice
Severe symptoms of digestive disorders include rectal bleeding and blood in the stool. Contact a gastroenterologist immediately if you experience such symptoms.
What to Expect on your visit?
Your gastroenterologist may ask you to lie on the exam table for a physical examination. They will press down the area around your belly to feel for any deformity that may exist. Most importantly, Depending upon your symptoms, they may also put a finger in your rectum area to check for any masses there.
Your gastroenterologist will likely perform a few tests to help associated the symptoms with the problem. As a matter of fact, The doctor might recommend an endoscopy, colonoscopy, or an X-ray to get a visual of the digestive tract.
The tests will help the gastroenterologist identify the source of the problem and create a condition-specific treatment plan.
Major Guidelines for Appointment
You can ask your primary physician for a professional gastroenterologist in your area. An online search can also help you find a good gastroenterologist.
It is always wise to make a list of questions you want to ask and/or symptoms you want to discuss with your doctor. Your job is Just to write everything on a paper or add a note on your mobile phone.
Furthermore, Try to provide as many details as you can about your symptoms and lifestyle as that will help your doctor incorrect diagnosis. Don’t be shy and feel uncomfortable in discussing things like gas, bowel movements, or pain in your rectum. In short, The more accurate information you provide to your doctor, the better treatment will you get.
What is Gastroenterology?
Gastroenterology is the discipline of medicine that deals with the study of the GI tract and its associated diseases. Understanding the normal physiological function of the organs and structures of the GIT is essential for gastroenterologists.
Gastroenterology explores the path of food from the moment of ingestion to the moment of excretion. Studying the motility of food throughout the digestive tract as it breaks down, gets absorbed, and is finally excreted by the body as waste material helps gastroenterologist detect, diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses.
The field of gastroenterology considered an internal medicine sub-specialty in the United States. Most gastroenterologists prefer to get certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine.
How to Become a Gastroenterologist- Education and Training
Bachelor’s Degree
The educational journey to gastroenterology begins by completing 4 years of college and earning a bachelor’s degree. Admission in a medical school does not require students to major in any specific subject. However, they must take biology, physics, organic and inorganic chemistry, and mathematics during their undergrad years.
Most medical schools look at both grades and extracurricular actives while giving admission to students. Taking part in extracurricular activities and volunteer work not only helps students have a more appealing application form, but it also helps them build confidence and social skills.
Volunteering at hospitals or local clinics can be a great option for undergrad students who intend to apply to a medical school. On the positive side Interaction with patients gives students a little experience and helps them develop communication skills.
MCAT
The next step in becoming a gastroenterologist is taking the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Such as, Every medical school has its own requirements of minimum grades for enrollment into different medical programs.
Students usually take the MCAT in their junior year of college.
Medical School for Gastroenterologist
You know that Medical schools offer a four-year program by the end of which students obtain the title of M.D (Doctor of Medicine). In the first two years, students spend most of their time in the classroom and labs learning the basics.
Most of the Classes and labs generally focused on physiology, anatomy, pharmacology, pathology, diagnosis, and medical ethics. Students spend these two years developing a strong foundation.
In the next two years, students spend more time doing clinical rotation and interacting with patients under the supervision of a licensed doctor. For example, Clinical rotations allow students to get more practical experience and learn more using a direct approach.
GI Specialist Obtaining a License for gastroenterology
In order to practice medicine professionally in any field, a physician must obtain a license. The U.S Medical Licensing Examination for acquiring a license held by the National Board of Medical Examiners and The Federation of State Medical Boards.
As a result, Passing this exam is imperative to obtain a license and practice in the field of gastroenterology.
Residency for Gastroenterology
Graduation from a med school followed by a three-year residency program in internal medicine. The residency program allows newly graduated physicians to work under seasoned gastroenterologists and gain experience. In fact, Residents extensively learn about the human body through hands-on experience from their clinical rotations.
Gastroenterology Fellowship
After completing the residency of basic requirements, you are eligible to apply for a Gastroenterology fellowship. Experienced gastroenterologists teach future gastroenterologists about the inner working of the digestive tract in detail. You will learn to associate the symptoms with the disease.
The 3-year fellowship consists of training future gastroenterologists about different endoscopic techniques, sedation, and reading test results of biopsies and other tests. In order to effectively treat digestive problems, a gastroenterologist must be capable of reading and interpreting test results.
The fellowship program aims to produce highly trained gastroenterologists who are capable of applying their knowledge to detect, treat, and prevent digestive problems.
Acquiring Board Certification
Although it is not a requisite, however, most gastroenterologists choose to become certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). To obtain this certification, gastroenterologists must first acquire certification in internal medicine, have a license to practice medicine, and then pass an exam held by ABIM.
Renewing Gastroenterology License
Gastroenterologists must continue their studies and learn about the discoveries and developments in their field in order to renew their license.