Before becoming a gastroenterologist, Ian Walsh completed an internship in internal medicine. He had many job offers, but he chose a residency program because of the work involved. He received advice from the chief resident in the GI department to spend half his time at the clinic, compared to the rest of his time. Today, some GI doctors don’t consult on patients in the hospital and use hospitalists to take care of them.
A career in GI is not for everyone. Besides seeing feces on a daily basis, gastroenterologists need to be comfortable working in a fast-paced field. They may have to rush to an emergency department (ED) when they see an acute GI bleed. They might also have to visit the procedure suite to perform scopes. So, what is the lifestyle of a gastroenterologist?
Most gastroenterologists are highly satisfied with their work. However, in private practice, physicians are required to take night calls. Even if this is not common, they will be tired the next day. A gastroenterologist should also schedule time for personal activities like meditation or yoga. Remember to schedule time for personal activities – and don’t cancel them or move them! The lifestyle of a gastroenterologist is a very demanding one, so making time for yourself is vital.
A gastroenterologist is required to be a good internal medicine physician. They must love medicine and have a wide knowledge base. They should have excellent interpersonal skills and enjoy building relationships with patients. This position is a hybrid of an internist and a surgeon. Because they do invasive procedures, gastroenterologists also need technical skills. They should also be able to be on call in case of emergencies.
A GI doctor’s education and training is extensive. In addition to treating complex diseases, gastroenterologists deal with difficult to diagnose conditions. Between 2.5 million and 3.5 million Americans visit a gastroenterologist each year for symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include gas, pain, and bloating. These conditions are common, but they are difficult to diagnose.
During an appointment, a gastroenterologist will review your diet to determine any food intolerances you may have. Sometimes, they will prescribe antibiotics to treat parasites, antacids for heartburn, and pain medication for abdominal pain. Some conditions require long-term medication, but in many cases, anti-diarrhoea or anti-nausea drugs can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription.
A gastroenterologist’s role is to treat diseases of the digestive tract and liver. They treat conditions such as colon cancer and irritable bowel syndrome. They can also perform routine colorectal cancer screenings. There are few jobs that can give you as much satisfaction and financial reward as a gastroenterologist. However, it is important to choose the profession that best fits your lifestyle and interests.
While a typical GI fellowship is an academic experience, it does require time, effort, and dedication. The first year is largely spent in consultations, while the second year is more research and elective. Even though the schedule is full, it can be a great time to be a young doctor who is the sole practitioner in the department. And, if you are looking to be a gastroenterologist, you will find yourself working in a vibrant and busy environment.