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Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the digestive tract, gallbladder, liver, bile ducts, and pancreas. A doctor who specializes in these fields is called a gastroenterologist, also referred to as a GI specialist or a GI doctor.

Gastroenterologists, sometimes called "gastros" for short, are trained to diagnose and treat problems in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract and liver. These doctors also do routine procedures such as colonoscopies, which look at the inside of your colon. They get 5-6 years of specialized education after medical school. You will often see a gastro after a referral from your regular doctor.

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There are several branches of gastroenterology. Within gastroenterology, a gastroenterologist handles the workings of the stomach and intestine, including the digestion and absorption of nutrients, waste removal from the system, and the function of the liver as a digestive organ. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and pancreatitis would fall under what a gastroenterologist covers.

Hepatology focuses on the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas. You may be referred to someone in hepatology if you have liver disease resulting from medication, jaundice, or enzyme defects, or if your blood tests indicate liver issues. You may also deal with a hepatologist if you need a liver transplant.

Proctology is the practice of treating the anus, colon, and rectum -- parts of the large intestine.

Gastroenterology is a medical field that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of digestive system disorders. G

A gastroenterologist specializes in treating issues in your stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and intestines. (Photo Credit: E+ / Getty Images)

Gastroenterology is a medical field that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of digestive system disorders. G

Gastroenterologist Education and Training

Gastroenterologists are internists, meaning that they specialize in what’s going on inside the body. Like other physicians, gastroenterologists start their professional education with medical school. Then, they go on to complete their residency and fellowship training.

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To become a board-certified gastroenterologist, the requirements include:

  • 3 years of an internal medicine residency

  • Board certification in internal medicine

  • 36 months of fellowship training, including at least 18 months of clinical training

  • Successful completion of the Gastroenterology Certification Exam

Board certification isn’t required for a gastroenterologist to practice, but it's an important credential to look for. It proves that the doctor has expertise and training in the specialty.

Some gastroenterologists may choose to complete an additional year of training in research or patient care. That year can include subspecialty training in areas such as pediatric gastroenterology (care for children’s digestion) or transplant hepatology (care of people who may need liver transplants).

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Symptoms to tell your gastroenterologist

Your regular doctor may also refer you to a gastroenterologist if you have:

  • Trouble swallowing

  • Heartburn

  • Food coming back up after you swallow

  • Chronic or severe diarrhea

  • Constipation

  • Unexplained weight gain or weight loss

  • Rectal bleeding

  • Gas

  • Bloating

  • Nausea

These could be minor health concerns or signs of a serious condition. Gastroenterologists have the tools and expertise to diagnose you correctly. A few of the diseases and conditions they manage include:

  • Crohn’s disease

  • Ulcerative colitis

  • Hepatitis

  • Cancer of the esophagus

  • Colon polyps that may turn into cancer

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Food allergies and intolerances

  • Lactose intolerance

  • Cow's milk protein allergies

  • Irritable bowel diseases

  • Malnutrition

  • Nutrition conditions requiring tube feeding

  • Hirschsprung’s disease

  • Short bowel syndrome

Feeding disorders

  • Infant colic

  • GERD

  • Upper airway and upper digestive tract disorders (aerodigestive disorders)

  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

  • Indigestion (dyspepsia)

  • Congenital disorders of the esophagus

  • Cyclic vomiting syndrome

Gastroenterologist vs. proctologist

A proctologist, known for treating the lower gastrointestinal tract, is now usually referred to as a colorectal surgeon. The term "proctologist" refers to the anus and rectum, while "colorectal" refers to the colon and rectum. Either way, these surgeons specialize in treating all parts of your large intestine.

Colorectal surgeons may do surgeries such as gallbladder removal. They may also treat conditions such as anal fissures, gallstones, constipation, hemorrhoids, hernias, and Crohn's disease.

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Why Would I Be Referred to a Gastroenterologist?

You might go to a gastroenterologist for health concerns with your:

  • Esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach

  • Stomach

  • Belly

  • Small intestine

  • Colon

  • Rectum

  • Pancreas

  • Gallbladder

  • Bile ducts

  • Liver

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What Does a Gastroenterologist Treat?

Gastroenterologists have the tools and expertise to treat various types of diseases, including:

Gastrointestinal diseases

  • Celiac disease

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

  • Food allergies and intolerances

  • Diverticulitis

  • Appendicitis

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

  • Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

  • Hemorrhoids

  • Stomach ulcers

  • Colorectal polyps

Pancreatic, biliary, and gallbladder diseases

  • Cholecystitis

  • Gallstones

  • Pancreatitis

Liver diseases

  • Viral hepatitis

  • Toxic hepatitis

  • Fatty liver disease

  • Cirrhosis

Esophageal disorders

  • Esophagitis

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

  • Hiatal hernias

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