Gastroenterologist
How to Become a Gastroenterologist
Gastroenterologist Job Duties
Skills and Qualities Needed to Become a Gastroenterologist
Gastroenterologist Salaries
Influential Gastroenterologists
Leading Gastroenterologist Organizations
Top Cities for Gastroenterology Jobs
Other Careers of Interest
How to become a Gastroenterologist
Medical training is costly and time-intensive. In order to be considered for admission into medical school, a candidate must have a minimum of three years of undergraduate work, though most have at least a bachelor's degree and many have advanced degrees. Medical school is four years with the first two years spent in laboratories and classrooms. During the second two years of medical school, students spend time in clinics and hospitals under the supervision of experienced doctors. Following medical school, aspiring gastroenterologists must complete a three year residency in internal medicine before becoming eligible to continue training toward a gastroenterology specialty. Training toward a gastroenterology subspecialty, called a fellowship, takes two to three years and includes instruction in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions. Before becoming certified to practice gastroenterology, a physician must complete a minimum of thirteen years of formal classroom instruction and hands-on training.
What does a Gastroenterologist do?
A gastroenterologist is a physician who has had advanced, formal training in the diseases of the digestive system. Gastroenterologists often treat patients with abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, unexplained weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and rectal bleeding. They perform diagnostic testing including colon screening exams, esophageal and intestinal dilation, hemostasis, and polypectomy to diagnose and manage diseases of the digestive system including hemorrhoids, polyps, cancer, esophageal reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis, and hiatal hernia.
Many gastroenterologists work in private offices or clinics assisted by nurses and other support staff. Most work full time, with long and irregular hours that include some weekends. Gastroenterologists associated with hospitals will likely be included in an "on call" rotation. While "on call," a gastroenterologist can expect to discuss patient concerns over the phone and make emergency visits to hospitals and nursing homes.
Many gastroenterologists work in private offices or clinics assisted by nurses and other support staff. Most work full time, with long and irregular hours that include some weekends. Gastroenterologists associated with hospitals will likely be included in an "on call" rotation. While "on call," a gastroenterologist can expect to discuss patient concerns over the phone and make emergency visits to hospitals and nursing homes.
What skills or qualities do I need to become a Gastroenterologist?
People who hope to become gastroenterologists must first and foremost have a desire to serve patients and have a good bedside manner since their day to day responsibilities will involve patient care. Aspiring gastroenterologists must also have emotional stability and the ability to make sound decisions in an emergency or in a crisis because the very nature of their work will put them into such situations on a fairly frequent basis. Finally, it is important for those considering a career in gastroenterology to be willing to continue their education throughout their working years in order to keep up with the latest medical advances.
How much does a Gastroenterologist make?
Doctors are among the highest paid out of any occupation. Those who own part or all of their own medical practice have higher median incomes than those that are salaried, though they must provide for their own health insurance and retirement. Income also varies according to the number of years a doctor has been in practice, geographic region, number of hours worked, skill, personality, and professional reputation.
The current median annual salary for gastroenterologists is $315,000 a year with the middle fifty percent earning between $243,995 and $385,284 per year.
The current median annual salary for gastroenterologists is $315,000 a year with the middle fifty percent earning between $243,995 and $385,284 per year.
Who are some influential professionals in this field?
C.S. Pitchumoni is a world famous gastroenterologist and pancreatologist. He started and developed the Gastroenterology Fellowship Program at Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center in Bronx, New York in 1980. He is currently a professor of medicine at Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine and adjunct professor of medicine at New York Medical College. In addition, he holds the position of Chief of Gastroenterology at St. Peters University Hospital in New Brunswick while retaining a connection to Mercy Medical Center with the title of Chairman Emeritus. Dr. Pitchumoni has written 150 articles for well respected medical journals and 27 textbook chapters. He is an active teacher, researcher, and clinician who has been honored with several fellowships in professional organizations, including Mastership of American College of Gastroenterology.
Rodger C. Haggitt (1942-200) taught himself Gastroenterology Pathology because his interest in this subspecialty developed before there were formal pathology fellowships in this field. His strong desire to contribute to patient care was evident in the direct clinical application of his many publications. Dr. Haggitt co-authored one of the first long term follow up studies that gave evidence supporting the use of endoscopic surveillance to increase early detection and reduce mortality in ulcerative colitis cancer patients. He was an invited speaker to many gastroenterology meetings and was honored with several named lectureships and awards including the Medal of the Swedish Society of Physicians in 1999.
Rodger C. Haggitt (1942-200) taught himself Gastroenterology Pathology because his interest in this subspecialty developed before there were formal pathology fellowships in this field. His strong desire to contribute to patient care was evident in the direct clinical application of his many publications. Dr. Haggitt co-authored one of the first long term follow up studies that gave evidence supporting the use of endoscopic surveillance to increase early detection and reduce mortality in ulcerative colitis cancer patients. He was an invited speaker to many gastroenterology meetings and was honored with several named lectureships and awards including the Medal of the Swedish Society of Physicians in 1999.
What are some leading organizations in this field?
The American Gastroenterology Association is the oldest medical specialty society in the United States. It was founded in 1897 and has a membership of 15,500 physicians and scientists. The association publishes two journals each month (Gastroenterology and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology) and hosts the largest annual gathering of professionals in the field of gastroenterology.
The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) was founded in 1932, is based in Bethesda, Maryland, and boasts 10,000 members in 75 countries. This organization offers its members accurate and up to date scientific information through annual meetings, The American Journal of Gastroenterology, training courses, and research grants.
The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) was founded in 1932, is based in Bethesda, Maryland, and boasts 10,000 members in 75 countries. This organization offers its members accurate and up to date scientific information through annual meetings, The American Journal of Gastroenterology, training courses, and research grants.
What are the top cities for Gastroenterology jobs?
Those who hope to find employment in the field of gastroenterology will find open positions on the east coast of the United States. Top cities with open positions include Wilmington, Delaware, Sarasota, Florida, and Saint Cloud, Florida. Those who prefer Midwestern states should look for work in Saint Louis, Missouri or Fort Worth, Texas.
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