Jobi.ngGastroenterologist: The term gastroenterology is known to be the study of normal function and diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder.
It is also the branch of medicine that focuses on the health of the digestive system, or gastrointestinal tract.
Who is a gastroenterologist?
A gastroenterologist is a specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver in both men and women.
They don’t perform surgery. They primarily work in a clinic or hospital setting.
What are the conditions managed by gastroenterologists?
What Kind of Condition Does a Gastroenterologist Treat
There are several conditions a gastroenterologist can treat and manage, below are the types of conditions:
Frequent Heartburn
Occasional heartburn is likely nothing to be concerned with, but frequent heartburn may indicate Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Barrett’s Esophagus, and possibly, even oesophageal cancer.
If acid reflux occurs often, you may also be diagnosed with GERD and begin receiving medication to alleviate your discomfort, and have testing to confirm the diagnosis.
Abnormal Bowel Movements
Constipation: If you pass fewer than three bowel movements per week, your constipation may be due to blockage, neurological issues, muscular or hormonal malfunction, diet or other factors. A gastroenterologist may also help you determine which the cause is.
Diarrhea: If runny stool persists for more than a few days, it could be due to a virus, parasite/bacteria, lactose intolerance, a reaction to medication(s), or it could be indicative of other digestive disorders, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, just to name a few. .
Rectal Bleeding
Causes of blood in the stool can vary in severity but generally means there is bleeding somewhere in your digestive tract.
This may be caused by an anal fissure (a small cut or tear in the tissue lining the anus), hemorrhoids, or it could be something requiring medical attention, such as cancer.
Esophageal Pain or Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
Certain ailments could cause you to experience difficulty swallowing, or inability to swallow.
If you experience frequent oesophageal pain or difficulty swallowing, or if difficulty swallowing intensifies over time, a gastroenterologist may conduct a procedure known as an upper endoscopy to determine the cause of your discomfort and begin administering treatment.
Abdominal Pain and Bloating
Occasional, mild abdominal pain and bloating may not be cause enough to see a specialist.
However, if abdominal pain or bloating occurs after nearly every meal you eat or is accompanied by nausea, or painful bowel movements, be sure to inform your physician of those particular discomforts, as they may then decide to refer you to a gastroenterologist for further tests.
You’re of Age to be Regularly Screened for Colorectal Cancer (50+ Years)
A screening test is a preventative measure and should be administered before symptoms present. Colorectal cancer often begins as precancerous polyps that can be detected and removed during a colonoscopy.
The Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) in the U.S. advises adults aged 50 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. Some patients need screening colonoscopies earlier. For example, African Americans should start the screening process at age 45.
Read also: How to Become a Child Psychologist and Salary
How to Become a Gastroenterologist
To become the best gastroenterologist, you must have a minimum of 13 years of education and extensive training.
Students interested in gastroenterology should also focus on undergraduate courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
After attaining an undergraduate degree (e.g., Bachelor of Science) or a postgraduate (advanced; e.g., Master’s) degree, most students attend a 4-year medical school
The next step gastroenterology doctors take is a 3-year program of special study and training called a general internal medicine residency.
After completion of this residency, the internist may continue to specialize in gastroenterology by entering a gastroenterology fellowship.
The gastroenterology fellowship is an intense 2- or 3-year program, during which the internist receives extensive training in diseases and conditions of the digestive tract.
Once you’ve completed your training, you must pass a specialty certification exam for gastroenterologists. The American Board of Internal Medicine certifies you upon the successful completion of the exam.
Which Organizations Produce the Best Gastroenterologists?
Organizations such as
- American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
- World Gastroenterology Organization
- American College of Gastroenterology
- British Society of Gastroenterology
- United European Gastroenterology
- American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
- American Gastroenterological Association
The organizations above oversee gastroenterology fellowships to ensure a high quality of education and training.
What is the Salary of a gastroenterologist?
A gastrologist’s salary is based on many factors, like the geographical area of the gastrologist, the setting of the health care, and gender.
However, we have listed the factors that affect the Gastroenterologist’s salary below:
By Geographic Area:
Setting:
By Gender:
Read also: 10 Effective Qualities Of a Successful Student
Conclusive: 11 Vital steps
In conclusion, pursuing a career as a gastroenterologist demands commitment, a thorough education, and specialized training.
It is also a gratifying and intellectually fulfilling professional choice. To start their journey, aspirants should take these 11 vital steps:
1. Academic Excellence
Build a solid foundation by achieving academic excellence in high school and undergraduate studies, with an emphasis on science and biology courses.
2. Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree:
To fulfill the requirements for medical school, pursue a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, such as biology, chemistry, or pre-medical studies.
3. Attend medical school:
To earn an M.D. or D.O. degree, one must be admitted to and successfully graduate from medical school.
4. Complete Residency:
Finish a residency program to specialize in internal medicine. Residency programs typically last three years.
5. Choose a gastroenterology fellowship:
After finishing your internal medicine residency, apply for a gastroenterology fellowship, which offers specialized training in digestive problems and often lasts three years.
6. Obtain Medical Licensure and Board Certification:
Become licensed to practice medicine on your own and work for gastrointestinal board certification.
7. Continue Your Professional Development:
Attend conferences, take part in CME, and engage in intellectual pursuits to stay up-to-date on the most recent medical discoveries and research in your specialty.
8. Build Effective Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
To effectively communicate with patients and cooperate with medical teams, build outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
9. Gain Experience:
Amplify your clinical knowledge of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in gastrointestinal.
10. Consider Subspecialties:
To increase career chances, research additional gastrointestinal subspecialization alternatives, such as hepatology or interventional gastroenterology.
11. Maintain Work-Life Balance:
Maintaining a successful and rewarding career in gastroenterology requires balancing the responsibilities of work with one’s personal well-being.
Aspiring gastroenterologists can join the ranks of accomplished gastroenterologists by following these instructions and exhibiting a real love for gastrointestinal health. They can then use their knowledge and compassion to improve the lives of patients.
thank you for this vital information, very helpful
I’m very impressed with the way and manner the topic is presented. It is very good, well explained and eye opener.
Thank you, Adeyemi