A gastroenterologist is a medical practitioner who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a patient affected by problems related to gastrointestinal organs (also known as digestive system) like small intestine, gallbladder, colon, Bile duct, pancreas, stomach and other related parts. Treating problems of the liver is also an integral part of a Gastroenterologist job description.
A gastroenterologist is also responsible for diagnosing and treating functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome besides cancers of the gullet and pancreas. These professional uses various techniques like biopsy and endoscopy to examine the oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestine etc. for diagnosing any possible ulcer, cancer or inflammation and its possible medicinal cure.
Although Gastroenterologists are apt to cure most of the problems related to gastrointestinal organs yet one may choose to sub-specialize in any one or more areas such as the treatment of bile ducts, liver problems and difficulties affecting the pancreas.
Increasing use of contaminated natural resources like water and air, intake unhygienic and junk food is the main cause of increasing cases of patients suffering from diseases related to gastrointestinal organs in the recent past and these problems become monstrous due to unhygienic living conditions and filthy surrounding in the rural and slum areas. Going by the trend of urbanization and increasing population in the small area these problems are bound to increase in the coming times thereby creating an urgent need of a large number of qualified Gastroenterologists both in rural as well as urban areas to cater to the need of patients of these diseases.
As gastrointestinal organs diseases are quite tough to diagnose and spread very fast the Gastroenterologists should be well qualified and have the knowledge of all the latest prevailing causes and treatment of diseases relating to these organs.
Thus the aspiring Gastroenterologist should have a broad knowledge of the medical discipline, have critical analytical skills, excellent communication skills and ability to work for long hours along with a desire to help patients overcome their medical problems. With these qualities and good education of the field, you can have good opportunities in the medical field.
Gastroenterologist Eligibility
The minimum qualification to become a Gastroenterologist in India is a 5½ years MBBS degree followed by 2 years MD (Medicine) Course further followed by 3 Years DM (Gastroenterology) course - specialization of the fields.
Gastroenterologist Required Skills
- Gastroenterologists should have skills like excellent communication, interpersonal, computer, research, teaching, and the ability to multi-task and the ability to work long hours.
- They also possess a broad knowledge of gastrointestinal anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology; a sound understanding of microbiology, oncology, nutrition and immunology.
- They must have an understanding of psychological aspects of the disease as symptoms often impact on the patient's lifestyle and procedural skills.
- They also possess an excellent communication and interpersonal skills; compassion and empathy; self-motivation and the willingness to commit to ongoing study.
How to become a Gastroenterologist?
Candidates interested in making their career in Gastroenterology have to follow the below-given steps.
Step 1
Students who have opted for Physics, Chemistry and Biology as main subjects in their senior secondary (+2) level have to appear in a Medical Entrance Tests conducted by the various state and Independent bodies like AIPMT conducted CBSE to admit candidates in various medical institutions affiliated with it providing MBBS degree course.
For taking admission in Top Medical Colleges like AIIMS, GMCH, AFMC Pune etc. the students have to take Entrance Exams conducted by respective institutes separately.
Step 2
After doing MBBS degree course and one year and six months compulsory training the aspiring candidates have to get admission in M.D (Medicine) – Master’s degree – must requirement to get admission in DM (Gastroenterology).
Aspiring MBBS doctors have to appear in Post Graduate Medical Entrance Tests like All India Post Graduate Medical/Dental Entrance Exam and Jawaharlal Institute of Post-graduate Medical Education and Research Entrance Exam to take admission in MD (Medicine) Course.
However, some institutes also provide admission on the basis of marks obtained in MBBS course and work experience of the aspiring candidates.
Step 3
After completion of 2 years of MD (Medicine) course, the aspiring Gastroenterologists have to get admission in DM (Gastroenterology). Admission to this doctorate level course is provided with both on basis of performance in the qualifying exam as well as on the basis of performance in the entrance test, varying from institution to institution.
Armed with specialized qualification and requisite registration from Medical Council of India the budding Gastroenterologist can get jobs in reputed Government and Private Hospitals like AIIMS, MAX etc. A gastroenterologist can also open their own Clinic and provide services to the patients.
Gastroenterologists Job Description
Gastroenterologists job description include evaluation, diagnosis, management, and treatment of the diseases related to the digestive system of human beings including abdominal pain and discomfort, bleeding in the digestive tract, cancer, constipation and diarrhoea, Gallbladder diseases, Hemorrhoids, Inflammation in the digestive tract and Liver disease to name a few.
Gastroenterologist Career Prospects
Increasing in gastrointestinal organs problems especially to the people living in the suburban and rural area has increased the demand for Gastroenterologist in the recent past. Thus there are ample job opportunities for young Gastroenterologists not only in the government dispensaries and hospital in rural as well as semi-urban areas but also big corporate hospitals. Moreover, enterprising Gastroenterologists can also open their own Gastro Clinic. Teaching in Medical Colleges is another good option for those interested in academics and research activities.
Gastroenterologist Salary
Gastroenterologist in Government sector can expect to get nearly Rs.40,000 to Rs.50,000, depending upon his experience. Besides, they are also entitled to government accommodation and other perks as admissible. However, experienced Gastroenterologist working in the Corporate sector can expect anything between Rs.60,000 to Rs.80,0000 per month. Private practitioners can make huge money working in their own clinics.
