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Purpose and Mission
Gastroenterologists are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions relating to the digestive system. They typically work with patients who have hepatitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, as well as colon or rectal cancer.
These internal medicine specialists are trained in a wide variety of treatment modalities, including endoscopy to help diagnose or treat a broad range of diseases. Gastroenterologists also frequently work with other healthcare professionals including surgeons and dietitians.
Many gastros choose to focus on treating people in specific age groups, such as geriatric gastroenterologists, who only work with aged populations.
Reports To
Given that most gastros work in a private practise, they typically do not have a direct supervisor. Those that are actual employees of hospitals, clinics and retirement facilities are typically supervised by a department head or service chief.
Supervisory Responsibilities
More senior gastroenterologists often perform a number of supervisory roles, especially regarding training and evaluating residents and other employees of the practice or department. Partners also frequently serve on the management boards of their practices.
Qualifications
Doctors complete an undergraduate degree and then graduate from medical school to earn an MD. After medical school, new doctors typically complete a three- or four-year clinical residency program working with experienced colleagues.
Gastroenterologists must undertake another two- or three-year specialized training program in internal medicine after their residency to earn a fellowship in the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP).
All doctors must register with the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) to practise in Australia, as well as with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), which provides administrative and policy support to the National Health Practitioners Boards.
Responsibilities of a Gastroenterologist
A gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver. Gastros frequently treat conditions including colon polyps and cancer, hepatitis, gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn), peptic ulcer disease, colitis, gallbladder and biliary tract disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and pancreatitis.
One of the primary responsibilities of gastros is performing endoscopies (upper endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy). Endoscopy involves narrow, flexible lighted tubes with built-in video cameras to take images of the intestinal tract. These specialists learn how and when to perform endoscopies, optimal methods to complete these tests safely and effectively, and the safe use of anaesthetics. Gastroenterologists also perform advanced endoscopic procedures such as removal of colon polyps, esophageal and intestinal dilation, and various types of hemostasis (injections or applying heat to stop bleeding).
