Who are gastroenterologists?
Medically Reviewed by Nassim Assefi, MD, on December 15th, 2023
Gastroenterologists prevent, diagnose, and treat gastrointestinal tract and liver disorders. These healthcare experts combine their knowledge of internal medicine with procedures like endoscopy to detect illnesses correctly and deliver optimal patient care.
Gastroenterology, as a medical branch, focuses on studying normal physiological functions and disorders within different segments of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). The human GI tract comprises the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts. The entire system plays an intricate part in food digestion, absorption of necessary nutrients, and elimination of waste products from the body.
Individuals commonly seek the expertise of gastroenterologists for issues such as heartburn (acid reflux), persistent constipation or diarrhea, the presence of blood in stools, difficulty swallowing, food regurgitation, and intense abdominal pain. Gastroenterologists have the expertise and tools to help patients understand the severity of their condition, providing complete support in managing gastrointestinal health.
What kind of education and training do gastroenterologists receive?
To become a qualified gastroenterologist, individuals must first obtain a science-heavy undergraduate degree and then graduate from a medical school, where they learn theories and gain practical clinical experience. After completing a four-year medical program, the next step involves undertaking a three-year residency in internal medicine. Throughout the residency, individuals work with veteran gastroenterologists and professional mentors to become familiar with treating diverse conditions and diseases.
Upon finishing the same, aspiring gastroenterologists pursue a fellowship in the gastroenterology specialty, typically spanning two to three years. This phase involves closely working under the guidance of recognized experts in the field. Completing this comprehensive training program certifies them as specialists in gastrointestinal conditions and sets them apart from general practitioners.
Several reputable institutions and boards oversee fellowships in gastroenterology, including the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the American Board of Internal Medicine, the American Gastroenterological Association, and the American College of Gastroenterology.
What conditions do gastroenterologists treat?
Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat a range of conditions, including:
- Celiac disease: Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder, causes your body to react to gluten, which is a protein that triggers your immune system to produce antibodies and damage the small intestinal lining. Its symptoms include stomach pain, gas, constipation, headaches, weakness, fatigue, and abnormal periods. Around 15% of people with celiac disease also develop dermatitis herpetiformis, a chronic skin condition, as a side effect. Also known as the 'gluten rash,' this condition manifests as an itchy rash that typically affects your scalp, knees, elbows, and buttocks.
- Stomach ulcers: Stomach ulcers are open sores in the lining of your stomach. While they are common and treatable, they can cause severe complications if left untreated. Not all stomach ulcers cause noticeable symptoms, but the ones that do can lead to nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, bloating, etc.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS is a group of symptoms that affect your digestive system. While it is a chronic condition, it does not cause tissue damage in your gastrointestinal tract or make you more susceptible to more serious conditions. Symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and excess bloating.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD refers to conditions causing chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Its symptoms may occur suddenly, including lower abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, fatigue, and unintended weight loss.
When should you see a gastroenterologist?
Given below are the key indicators that signal it's time for a consultation:
- Constipation: If you have bowel movements less than twice a week or are tough, minor, or difficult to pass, it may indicate constipation. Prolonged constipation warrants a visit to a gastroenterologist, who can detect the underlying cause and recommend lifestyle changes or medications to regulate bowel movements.
- Ongoing diarrhea: Liquid stools may indicate diarrhea caused by factors like specific foods, infections, or medications. It can also be a sign of digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome or small bacterial overgrowth, requiring evaluation by a gastroenterologist.
- Severe and frequent heartburn: Occasional heartburn is manageable at home, but if it occurs more than twice a week, it may signal GERD. Persistent GERD can lead to complications like scarring of the esophageal lining.
- Sudden or severe abdominal pain: Intense, sudden onset of abdominal pain that lasts for hours may indicate issues like peptic ulcers, gallstones, liver disease, or pancreatitis.
- Rectal bleeding: Blood during bowel movements may be due to treatable conditions like hemorrhoids, but persistent or worsening symptoms require evaluation by a gastroenterologist to rule out more serious issues such as colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Unusual bloating feeling: Persistent bloating may result from excessive gas production, colon trapping gas, or hypersensitivity. Bloating can signal conditions like lactose intolerance, gastroparesis, or irritable bowel syndrome, necessitating consultation with a gastroenterologist for proper identification and effective management strategies.
If you find yourself grappling with any of the symptoms mentioned above, consult a gastroenterologist immediately. If you feel more at ease discussing concerns with female doctors, opt for a female gastroenterologist near you.
What are some minimally invasive surgical procedures performed by a gastroenterologist?
A minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery involves performing procedures through small incisions using a tiny video camera for guidance. This approach offers several advantages, including:
- Reduced blood loss and pain
- Smaller, less noticeable scars
- Lower risk of infection
- Shorter hospital stays and faster recovery
Common gastrointestinal (GI) procedures performed using minimally invasive techniques include:
- Colon and rectal surgery: This addresses conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus.
- Nephrectomy: This is the surgical removal of a damaged or cancerous kidney.
- Adrenalectomy: This surgery eliminates tumors from the adrenal glands, which sit atop the kidneys and are essential for hormone production.
- Foregut surgery: This targets diseases in the upper digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and the beginning of the small intestine.
- Appendectomy: This surgery removes an inflamed or infected appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine.
- Splenectomy: This is the surgical removal of the spleen.
- Hiatal hernia repair: This surgery can correct paraesophageal and hiatal hernias, where abdominal organs push into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm, potentially causing discomfort, acid reflux, or breathing issues.
- Bariatric surgery: This can reduce stomach size to support weight loss efforts.
- Pancreatic surgery: This is used to treat various disorders of the pancreas.
- Cholecystectomy: This removes the gallbladder to address gallstones or related issues.
- Nissen fundoplication: This is a treatment for chronic acid reflux (GERD), it strengthens the valve between the stomach and esophagus to prevent acid from flowing upward, relieving symptoms like heartburn, throat irritation, and difficulty swallowing.
- Retroperitoneum surgery: This is often used to treat testicular cancer located in the retroperitoneal space.
How do you find the right female gastroenterologist near you?
The health of your digestive system significantly influences the functioning of your immune system, hormones, and overall well-being, contributing to the maintenance of a healthy heart and mind. Even minor concerns regarding your digestive health may signify more significant underlying conditions.
Seeking the expertise of a female gastroenterologist near you early on can aid in the timely detection of potential gut-related disorders, fostering long-term improvements in your overall health. However, finding a qualified healthcare provider that aligns with your schedule and preferences can be challenging and time-consuming. Zocdoc offers a convenient, fast, and secure solution for locating and scheduling consultations with healthcare providers in Forest Hills, New York, all from the comfort of your home.
To initiate your search, visit the Zocdoc website and input your condition or symptoms, location, insurance plan details, and the desired appointment date. The platform will present you with a list of providers that match your criteria, allowing you to refine your choices further based on factors such as hospital affiliation, languages spoken, and whether they cater to children. You may even filter the list according to the doctor’s gender if you want to see a female gastroenterologist near you.
Using Zocdoc’s insurance detector, you can easily identify in-network doctors. Adding an image of your medical insurance card can help you correctly pick your insurance plan on Zocdoc. However, that is not mandatory. If you do not want to upload the photo, you can add details about your insurance to your account by manually selecting your plan from a list. For more insurance-related queries, check Zocdoc’s patient help center.
You can delve into each doctor's profile in your quest for the best gastroenterologist tailored to your needs. This comprehensive overview includes their specialty, clinical experience, office location, certifications, licensures, and any awards they may have received. Moreover, you can access ratings and reviews other patients provide, offering valuable insights to help you make a well-informed decision.
Once you've identified the best female gastroenterologist near you, Zocdoc streamlines the process by allowing you to instantly book an in-person or virtual appointment at your convenience.
Booking all appointments on Zocdoc is easy, safe, and 100% free.
Gastroenterology statistics
According to a study by the National Library of Medicine, female representation in gastroenterology was low, with an average of 33.6% over ten years from 2009 to 2019.
The 2022 annual report from the American Cancer Society provides comprehensive statistics on the incidence and mortality rates of various cancers across all states and territories in the nation. According to the latest projections for 2023, the anticipated figures for colorectal cancer are 153,020 cases and 52,550 deaths. Pancreatic cancer is estimated to have 64,050 cases and 50,550 deaths, while liver and intrahepatic duct cancer may result in 41,210 cases and 29,380 deaths. Stomach cancer may account for approximately 26,500 cases and 11,130 deaths.
As for the states, California may have the most new cases and deaths of colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society data added that roughly 5,530 deaths may happen due to the cancer. Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New York also rank pretty high when it comes to the estimated deaths due to colorectal cancer. The District of Columbia, meanwhile, might have the least at 90, stated the report.
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Far North Surgery
