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What is Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a physician who specializes in disorders and conditions of the gastrointestinal ("GI") tract, also called the digestive tract. After completing their general medical education, gastroenterologists train for at least two years to attain Board Certification in Internal Medicine. Then, gastroenterologists study for an additional 2 - 3 years specifically for conditions of the GI tract.

Gastroenterologists are frequently asked to evaluate the following problems:

	Abdominal pain
	Constipation

	Diarrhea
	Difficulty swallowing
	Gallbladder disease
	Heartburn
	Indigestion
	Liver problems
	Pancreas problems
	Rectal bleeding

Some diseases that are diagnosed and treated by a gastroenterologist include:

	Acid reflux
	Cirrhosis
	Colon polyps
	Crohn's disease
	Diverticulosis
	Gallstones
	Gas
	Hepatitis
	Irritable bowel syndrome
	Pancreatic disease
	Peptic ulcer disease
	Ulcerative colitis

Gastroenterologists may perform the following procedures in order to make an accurate diagnosis:

	Upper GI endoscopy
	Colonoscopy
	Esophageal dilatation
	Flexible sigmoidoscopy
	ERCP