A Gastroenterologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the digestive organs. The digestive organs include the digestive tract -- esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine -- as well as related organs -- the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

Symptoms related to digestive diseases may arise from diseases of the digestive organs themselves or sometimes from other areas. An example is motion sickness which causes nausea and vomiting but is caused by an inner ear imbalance. A full history from the patient and sometimes family members is needed as well as a complete and thorough exam of the body. The typical training received by a gastroenterologist includes: College -- 4 years Medical School -- 4 years Specialty training in Internal Medicine -- 3 years Specialty training in Gastroenterology -- 3 years

Board Certification in Gastroenterology requires prior certification in the specialty of Internal Medicine (Adult Medicine).

Symptoms frequently evaluated by a gastroenterologist include: · Abdominal Pain · Persistent nausea and vomiting · Diarrhea · Constipation · Rectal Bleeding · Heartburn · Swallowing trouble · Weight loss · Jaundice

Diseases typically treated by a gastroenterologist include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach and duodenal ulcers, Crohn's disease, Ulcerative colitis, hepatitis A, B & C , pancreatitis, Celiac Sprue, Intestinal polyps and cancers, irritable bowel syndrome, bile duct stones and tumors, and blood loss anemia.

Recent advance in testing and treatment also permit prevention of many diseases. Inherited disorders can be identified early and treatment started so that symptoms never develop. Diseases such as colon cancer can be prevented by routine screening in both regular and high risk patients.