How to Become a Gastroenterologist

by Rob J. Quality Links

The human digestive tract is a complex system made up of several parts, including the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, as well as associated organs like the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. Gastroenterologists deal with both common and rare diseases involving them. They provide diagnosis, treatment, and health care plans to help patients with their illnesses.

So, some doctors take up gastrointestinal cancer CE courses and other programs to provide updated treatment for patients. Read on to learn more about how to enter this field.

Earn an Undergraduate Degree

To gain admission to medical school, students must take the required subjects, like science, math, chemistry, and humanities. Besides advanced coursework such as biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and cell biology, they'll have psychology, English literature, and composition classes. Taking these is a prerequisite during their undergraduate studies.

Pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

All aspiring health professionals must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to be admitted into medical schools. This exam is commonly done during their junior year in an undergraduate program. It assesses a pre-med student's capability in problem-solving and critical thinking and knowledge of the natural, behavioral, and social sciences.

Their scores will determine whether they'll be accepted into medical school. This exam is crucial, so students are advised to join study groups and take sample tests online to familiarize themselves with the questions asked in the MCAT.

Complete a Medical School Program

The first two years of med school focuses on classroom and laboratory coursework, where they'll discuss anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, medical ethics, and diagnosis. The later semesters involve clinical work and clerkships, during which they'll have hands-on experience.

Get Residency Training and Gastroenterology Fellowship

After finishing medical school, students should undertake 3 years of residency training. This will give them in-depth knowledge of the human body and prepare them for more specialized subjects in gastroenterology. Once they complete this, they must finish a three-year fellowship, where they'll learn about hepatology, clinical research, and in- and out-patient rotations.

Become Licensed

Gastroenterologists should be certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. To become licensed, doctors must take and pass examinations, among other requirements. Once verified, they need to renew their certification every 10 years.

Continue Learning

To keep up with advances in the medical field, doctors must continue their education. They can take advanced programs, such as oncology and gastrointestinal cancer CME courses. Finishing them is also optimal for when they renew their licenses and certifications.