You might be curious about how to become Gastroenterologist in Pakistan? Well, the path taken from the medical entrance exam to the conquest of the specialist title is long, but dedication and all the effort are rewarded. Study hours and exam preparation nights become the foundation for quality care for future patients.
Gastroenterology is a broad and challenging specialty. Just keep reading to learn what you need to do to get the title of Gastroenterologist.
Table of Content
Who is a Gastroenterologist?
The Gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive system. In addition, to diagnose and treat the diseases, they also work to prevent them. Thus, gastroenterologists must also be dedicated to studying all the organs that make up this system.
Among the most varied diseases diagnosed and treated by this specialist are gastritis, appendicitis, stomach ulcers, and ulcers in the duodenum. These are, without a doubt, the most common and frequent diseases in Gastroenterology.
In general, advances in Medicine and Science allowed these specialists to diagnose a large number of diseases. Not only have new diagnostic techniques been discovered, but new drugs have also been developed. They prove to be more effective in the treatment of many digestive diseases. In some cases, these medications can prevent even possible surgery.
A doctor needs extensive knowledge about gastric and digestive diseases and pathologies as they may involve different organs, such as the mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, etc.
If you are interested in finding out more about this profession, then continue reading this article to find out what gastroenterologists do, their functions, how they work, and what path you have to take to enter this medical specialty.
Are There Any Subspecialties in Gastroenterology?
There are two subspecialties or areas of particular interest in gastroenterology. These are Hepatology (treating liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis B and C, cirrhosis, etc.) and proctology which deals with affections of the anus and rectum (hemorrhoids, fissure, abscess).
What Does a Gastroenterologist Do?
Gastroenterology is a medical specialty dedicated to the study of the digestive (digestive) system. Because it treats the digestive system as a whole, the Gastroenterologist treats several problems in many organs, such as:
- Mouth – Tumors, thrush
- Esophagus – Esophageal varices, esophagitis
- Liver – Hepatitis, cholecystitis, liver cirrhosis, tumors
- Stomach – Hiatal hernia, gastritis, peptic ulcer
- Bowel – Hemorrhoids, enteritis, appendicitis, diverticulitis
- Pancreas – Tumors, pancreatitis
And they do the following procedures for these problems:
- upper digestive endoscopy
- colonoscopy
- rectosigmoidoscopy
- enteroscopy
- endoscopic capsule
- retrograde endoscopic cholangiopancreatography
- conventional and high-resolution esophageal manometry
- anorectal manometry and biofeedback
- 24-hour esophageal pHmetry and impedance testing
- upper abdominal ultrasound
- transparietal liver biopsy
- fibroscan
- respiratory tests (bacterial overgrowth, lactose intolerance).
To diagnose the various diseases, they perform a series of tests, such as endoscopy or colonoscopy.
Pediatric Gastroenterologists
Gastroenterology is not a specialty that serves only adults or the elderly. Children and young people also suffer from intestinal problems and need a professional to treat their illnesses.
It is a situation that causes several disorders in the first years of life, as the digestive system is still in formation, requiring special care.
Thus, Pediatric Gastroenterology is a medical specialty that works to prevent, diagnose, and treat gastrointestinal diseases that affect children and adolescents.
Thus, this professional care for everything related to;
- mouth
- pharynx
- esophagus
- stomach
- the small and large intestine
- liver
- gallbladder
- and pancreas
Pediatric Gastroenterology is a specialty that helps the pediatrician care for children. It covers symptoms related to;
- digestive tract
- such as nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- food allergies
- abdominal pain
- constipation, and others
Pediatric gastroenterologists can also help their patients to take better care of their health when it comes to weight.
What Are The Functions of a Gastroenterologist?
The Gastroenterologist performs several roles in your daily life. Medical appointments consume most of the time of this specialist doctor’s work.
They evaluate the symptoms presented by the patients, perform the necessary tests, and give the diagnosis. This prescribes the best treatment to be followed, according to the particularity of the clinical picture.
This professional can also be a surgeon performing gastric surgeries to treat patients who need an intervention of this size.
Also, they advise the patients to adopt healthier lifestyle habits with a balanced and regulated diet. Also, they suggest the practice of regular and constant physical exercise.
Requirements to Become a Gastroenterologist
To be a gastroenterologist, the first thing you have to be clear about is your passion for the human body and, Medicine. Also, you have to be clear about what your specialty will be. In this case, you must choose the branch of the digestive system, its operation, and how to solve its possible problems.
You need to have an official Degree in Medicine and choose to study the specialty of Gastroenterology. Also, you can choose to know a little about the world of this specialty and Medicine in general in the courses.
How to Become Gastroenterologist in Pakistan?
To enter a career as a gastroenterologist in Pakistan, you must first complete your integrated Masters’s in Medicine. This duration lasts four years. At the end of the master’s degree, you have to complete medical school in four years.
After medical school, you will enter a medical residency, lasting three years. In the end, you undergo an assessment of a theoretical, practical, and curricular component.
FAQs
1- How many years does it take to become a gastroenterologist?
To be a gastroenterologist, you must have a doctor’s degree (4 years). Then you will follow four years of specialization in the boarding school of one of the recognized hospitals.
2- What qualities should I have to become a gastroenterologist?
Gastroenterology requires a scientific mind and an interest in biology and digestive mechanics. The evolution of the discipline also requires showing curiosity and adaptability.
3- What is a gastroenterologist degree name?
Gastroenterologist degree name is “Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree.”
4- Is gastroenterologist an interesting field?
Yes, it is an interesting field as it treats problems related to the digestive system.
Book an appointment now, to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with the top gastroenterologists in Pakistan through Marham by calling at Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
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