Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the study of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver. This field of medicine involves a thorough understanding of the normal functioning and physiology of the gastrointestinal organs, including the movement of material through the digestive tract, digestion and absorption of nutrients, waste removal, and the liver’s role in digestion.
Gastroenterology encompasses a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to colon polyps and cancer, hepatitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, colitis, gallbladder and biliary tract disease, nutritional deficiencies, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and pancreatitis. Essentially, any normal activity or disease that affects the digestive organs falls under the purview of gastroenterology.
A gastroenterologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the digestive system. To become a gastroenterologist, a physician must first complete three years of medical residency after medical school, during which they treat a variety of diseases and conditions. Following this, they must complete three additional years of specialized study and training in gastroenterology, and receive certification as experts in gastrointestinal diseases and conditions. This certification allows them to perform certain exams and procedures related to digestive health.