Gastroenterology is the subspecialty of internal medicine that focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, management, and treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. To be a Gastroenterologist, one must complete four years of medical school, followed by three years of a residency in internal medicine, and an additional three years of training in a gastrointestinal medicine fellowship program.
Gastroenterology requires an extensive understanding of the entire gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, colon, and rectum. Additionally physicians practicing gastrointestinal medicine (“gastroenterologists”) are experts in how gastrointestinal disorders affect other organs and manifest themselves clinically.
You should see a gastroenterologist if you’re experiencing any of the following common symptoms:
