Section Resources
|
|
What is a gastroenterologist?
A Gastroenterologist is a physician
with dedicated training
and unique experience in the
management of diseases of
the gastrointestinal tract and liver.
What is gastroenterology?
Gastroenterology is the study of the normal function and diseases
of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum,
pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver. It involves a detailed
understanding of the normal action (physiology) of the gastrointestinal
organs including the movement of material through the
stomach and intestine (motility), the digestion and absorption
of nutrients into the body, removal of waste from the system,
and the function of the liver as a digestive organ. It includes
common and important conditions such as colon polyps and
cancer, hepatitis, gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn), peptic
ulcer disease, colitis, gallbladder and biliary tract disease,
nutritional problems, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and
pancreatitis. In essence, all normal activity and disease of
the digestive organs is part of the study of Gastroenterology.
Training
A Gastroenterologist must first complete a three-year
Internal Medicine residency and is then eligible
for additional specialized training (fellowship) in
Gastroenterology. This fellowship is generally 2-3 years long so
by the time Gastroenterologists have completed their training,
they have had 5-6 years of additional specialized education
following medical school.
Gastroenterology fellowship training is an intense, rigorous
program where future Gastroenterologists learn directly from
nationally recognized experts in the field and develop a detailed
understanding of gastrointestinal diseases. They learn how to
evaluate patients with gastrointestinal complaints, treat a broad
range of conditions, and provide recommendations to maintain
health and prevent disease. They learn to care for patients in the
office as well as in the hospital.
Gastroenterologists also receive dedicated training in endoscopy
(upper endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy) by expert
instructors. Endoscopy is the use of narrow, flexible lighted
tubes with built-in video cameras, to visualize the inside of the
intestinal tract. This specialized training includes detailed and
intensive study of how and when to perform endoscopy, optimal
methods to complete these tests safely and effectively, and the
use of sedating medications to ensure the comfort and safety of
patients. Gastroenterology trainees also learn how to perform
advanced endoscopic procedures such as polypectomy (removal
of colon polyps), esophageal and intestinal dilation (stretching
of narrowed areas), and hemostasis (injection or cautery to stop
bleeding). Importantly, Gastroenterologists learn how to properly
interpret the findings and biopsy results of these studies in order
to make appropriate recommendations to treat conditions and/or
prevent cancer.
Some Gastroenterologists also receive directed training in
advanced procedures using endoscopes such as endoscopic biliary
examination (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
or ERCP), removal of tumors without surgery (endoscopic
mucosal resection or EMR), placement of internal drainage
tubes (stents) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). This provides
them with the training necessary to non-surgically remove
stones in the bile ducts, evaluate and treat tumors of the
gastrointestinal tract and liver, and provide minimally invasive
alternatives to surgery for some patients.
The most critical emphasis during the training period is attention
to detail and incorporation of their comprehensive knowledge
of the entire gastrointestinal tract to provide the highest quality
endoscopy and consultative services. The final product is a highly
trained specialist with a unique combination
of broad scientific knowledge, general
Internal Medicine training, superior endoscopic
skills and experience, and the ability
to integrate these elements to provide
optimal health care for patients.
This advanced fellowship training is
overseen by national societies committed
to ensuring high quality and uniform
education. These groups include the
American Board of Internal Medicine, the
American College of Gastroenterology,
the American Gastroenterological
Association, and the American Society for
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. These groups
carefully scrutinize the educational experience
of each program to ensure that every Gastroenterology trainee receives the highest quality
training. Once fellows successfully complete their training they
are considered “Board Eligible.” They are then qualified to take
the Gastroenterology board certification test administered by the
American Board of Internal Medicine. Once they have successfully
completed this examination they are “Board Certified.”
FACG, FACP
What do all the letters after your doctor’s name mean?
Some Gastroenterologists receive special recognition from
national societies when they demonstrate extraordinary
achievement in research, teaching, or other unique service
to the field of Gastroenterology. The American College of
Gastroenterology and the American College of Physicians designate
such physicians as “Fellows” and the suffixes FACG and FACP
are added to denote these honors. This means that these physicians
have fulfilled the respective organizations’ rigorous requirements
to gain this added distinction.
>>Back top Top
|
