Gastroenterologists are doctors who specialize in treating digestive system conditions and diseases. These can include disorders of the stomach, intestines, colon, pancreas, esophagus, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver. Gastroenterologists typically see patients who have been referred by their primary doctors after showing gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, bleeding, and abdominal pain.
Their responsibilities might include:
Meeting with and assessing patients Running diagnostic tests Performing colonoscopies and endoscopies to see within the colon and digestive system Taking X-rays, MRIs, CT scans and ultrasounds Referring patients for surgery and continuing their treatment post-surgery Treating patients for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids, Crohn s disease, lactose intolerance, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease, ulcers, celiac disease, gallbladder disease and certain cancers Completing ad...