Gastroenterologists are physicians specialized in the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts, the digestive functions of the pancreas, and the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines). Gastroenterologists are trained in the normal functioning and diseases of these organs.

For example:

– Indigestion
– Abdominal pain
– Constipation
– Diarrhea
– Nausea
– Vomiting
– Bitter taste in the mouth (reflux)
– Burning sensation behind the chest not related to the heart (reflux)
– Inflammation in the stomach (often accompanied by a burning sensation in the stomach; gastritis, etc.)
– Stomach ulcers
– Duodenal ulcers
– Gastric bleeding
– Intestinal bleeding
– Specific intestinal diseases
– Diverticula
– Ulcerative colitis
– Crohn’s disease, etc.
– Polyps in the digestive system (colon, stomach, small intestine)
– Hemorrhoids
– Hepatitis
– Jaundice
– Gallstones in the bile ducts
– Food allergies and sensitivities (celiac disease, lactose intolerance, etc.)
– Pancreatitis
– Cancers (esophageal, stomach, intestinal, liver, bile duct, and pancreatic cancers) Screening for bowel cancer and polyps in the intestines
– Unexplained weight loss

Gastroenterologists are physicians specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of these and other complaints and diseases related to the digestive system. Furthermore, gastroenterologists are the most competent group of physicians for procedures such as upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, and ERCP. All scientific studies conducted on these topics and procedures indicate that more successful outcomes are achieved when these diseases and interventions are managed and performed by gastroenterologists compared to other physicians. This means that gastroenterologists have received longer training and are therefore more successful than other physicians dealing with these issues in providing solutions for your complaints, making accurate diagnoses, ensuring smooth procedure outcomes, and reducing hospital stays.

To become a gastroenterologist, one must undergo at least 13 years of education, including medical school. After 6 years of medical school, gastroenterologists, who become internal medicine specialists after at least 4 years of internal medicine residency by passing the medical specialization exam, then take a subspecialty exam that only a limited number of internal medicine specialists attempt and even fewer pass, to receive an additional 3 years of gastroenterology training. During this period, they are trained in interventional procedures such as upper and lower endoscopy and ERCP for at least 2 years.

At the end of this extensive training period, gastroenterologists, who possess significantly different skills and knowledge compared to other specialists, often work in large hospitals as physicians whom other doctors consult regarding these diseases, refer complex patients to, conduct special training, and participate in scientific research.