What is a Gastroenterologist

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician who manages diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas. Gastroenterologists undergo dedicated training and have unique experience in the management of these diseases.

Gastroenterologists are also the specialists who focus on endoscopy as a core part of their practice. So whilst other specialists may carry out endoscopy as part of their practice, gastroenterologists are specifically trained and focused on diagnostic endoscopy and therapeutic endoscopy.

Diagnostic endoscopy is aimed at finding problems whilst therapeutic endoscopy allows treatment of these problems in a minimally invasive way, avoiding surgery.

TRAINING

Following 6 years of medical school Mark, Geoff, Animesh and Mohammad have undertaken further specialised training to become gastroenterologists. All have undergone general internal medicine training for 3-4 years followed by specialised gastroenterology training for 3-4 years. This period of focused training and supervision forms the basis for their practice today, along with an ongoing commitment to continuing professional development in their years of specialist gastroenterology practice since that time.

Mark, Geoff and Animesh have all undertaken intense, rigorous training to learn how to evaluate and treat a broad range of gastrointestinal complaints as well as helping patients maintain health and prevent disease. They have also honed their endoscopic ability under specialist supervision and have developed significant expertise in routine and emergency endoscopic procedures.

The training of all gastroenterologists in Australia is overseen by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians whose role it is to certify those deemed fit for independent specialist practice. All of our doctors have worked hard to earn and maintain this qualification.

WHAT MAKES GASTROENTEROLOGISTS DIFFERENT?

The unique nature of gastroenterology training allows our doctors to provide you with high quality comprehensive care. Studies have shown that gastroenterologists provide higher quality endoscopic procedures and consultation services in medically managing patients with a wide variety of gastrointestinal complaints, compared to other physicians and surgeons who provide some similar services.

However Mark, Geoff, Animesh and Mohammad also understand the valuable skills that their colleagues can bring in helping you manage your ailments. Therefore they have a philosophy of collegiate practice and will judiciously refer you to other colleagues as needed to optimise your health care.

We would like to acknowledge that some of this information was taken from the American College of Gastroenterology website.