According to a recent study, nearly 40% of adults worldwide suffer from a functional gastrointestinal disorder, also known as digestive disease.  Another survey, conducted by Country Delight in collaboration with the Indian Dietetic Association in Mumbai reveals that 7 out of every 10 persons in urban India have digestive or gut health issues. According to the findings, 59% of people complain about it every week, and 12% suffer on a daily basis. This is where skilled gastroenterologists come in. In recognition of World Digestive Health Day, St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine, Grenada, in the Caribbean, explains who a gastroenterologist is, breaks down what their job entails and provides insights into how aspiring medical students can become practitioners of gastroenterology.

Who is a gastroenterologist?

As a subspecialty of internal medicine, gastroenterology involves the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive organs, including the stomach, bowels, liver, and gallbladder. Patients across multiple demographics rely on the expertise of these specialists to uncover the source of a range of uncomfortable symptoms.

What does a gastroenterologist do?

Patients are referred to a gastroenterologist when they are suffering from digestive issues. The work these specialists do requires a detailed understanding of the normal functions of the gastrointestinal organs—this helps them pinpoint abnormalities.

In their diagnostic efforts, gastroenterologists may observe the movement of material through the stomach and intestine, the digestion and absorption of nutrients into the body, the removal of waste from the system, and the function of the liver as a digestive organ. In doing so, they’re able to locate potential anomalies that may indicate common conditions, including colon tumor and cancer, chronic liver diseases, gastrointestinal reflux, intestinal ulcers, inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammation of the pancreas.

Gastroenterologists are trained extensively in endoscopy, which is the use of flexible scopes with built-in cameras to visualize the inside of the intestinal tract. This training includes detailed study of how and when to perform endoscopy, therapeutic interventions to intervene on various pathology, optimal methods to complete these tests effectively and safely, and the proper use of sedating medications to ensure the comfort and safety of patients.

These physicians are also trained in advanced procedures such as endoscopic biliary examination (including stone removal), endoscopic mucosal resection, placement of internal drainage tubes, and endoscopic ultrasound. Once a diagnosis is reached, gastroenterologists work in tandem with a patient’s primary care team to craft a treatment plan.