Gastroenterologist

Gastroenterologist

        A gastroenterologist is a physician specializing in the subspecialty of internal medicine that diagnosis’ and treats conditions and diseases pertaining to the digestive system.2 They specialize in the care of the esophagus, stomach, small intestines, large intestine (colon), rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver.1 It is a specialty that involves problem solving and data analyze requiring mental and physical diagnostic skills.2

        A gastroenterologist can be part of a health care team but is not usually a primary-care physician.  They provide diagnostic and therapeutic care to patients.  The conditions that they treat are a broad range that include but are not limited to the following, colorectal cancer, colorectal polyp(s), Crohn’s Disease, hepatitis, hiatal hernia, gastroenteritis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), hyperbilirubinemia (jaundice), hepatic disease, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERDS), hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, Malabsorption Disorder, esophageal reflux, gastritis, peptic ulcers, and ulcerative colitis.2

Patients that visit gastroenterologists can vary in ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics.  Gastroenterologists in Canada primarily work in private offices and clinics, but they also work in hospitals, research units, nursing homes/seniors’ residences, long term care facilities, and universities. 2  

They have an understanding of intestinal motility and digestion, “including the absorption of nutrient and the removal of waste product”.1 Gastroenterologists don’t perform surgery but they do preform techniques such as biopsies and endoscopy examinations of the digestive system. Gastroenterologists commonly work with surgeons to determine the best operation based on the patient diagnosis.2 The types of treatments provided by a gastroenterologists can treat existing conditions, provide recommendation for preventative care and nutrition therapy to help with healthy eating habits.

        To become a gastroenterologist graduation from Medical school (which is 4 years) and the completion of a residency (which is 2 to 5 years)4 specializing in General Internal Medicine must all be completed.1 Then additional 6 years training is required, these must be Royal College approved programs; followed by a 1 to 2 years gastroenterology training.2 

        In Canada gastroenterology is a small specialty of study, with the total number of physicians being 765 as of 2015. Alberta is number 3 in ranking for the top number of gastroenterologists, having 118 physicians. Ontario is number 1, with 272 physicians and Quebec is number 2, with 224 physicians.2