Definition of a Proctologist
A proctologist is a medical professional who is responsible for working with diseases and disorders in the rectum, colon and anus. Proctologists meet with patients and discuss their medical history, while discussing any possible symptoms present in the body. While meeting with a patient, these doctors will diagnose diseases and disorders by using techniques and instruments to inspect the rectum and colon. Proctologists treat disorders with prescription medications or surgically remove or repair the diseased parts infecting the body.
Other People Are Reading
-
Education
-
Prospective proctologists must graduate from an accredited college or university with a degree in chemistry or biology. After receiving a Bachelor's of Science degree, students will go on to medical school, followed by two to four years of residency. While in residency, students learn about general surgery and begin their training on the colon and rectum.
Certification
-
Every state has different requirements when it comes to proctology certification and licensing. No matter what state an applicant lives in, the certification and licensing exams cover a lot of material and can be very tedious. According to the American Osteopathic College of Proctology, the certification consists of oral, written and clinical examinations.
-
Skills
-
Proctologists must have excellent communication skills, because they have to be able to listen to patient concerns and answer their questions. It's important for proctologists to be able to explain any possible diseases to their patients and help them understand the course of treatment they will endure.
Specialization
-
Proctologists specialize in Anorectic conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, Endoscopy of the colon and rectum and anal cancer and tumors. These doctors are also responsible for treating colon cancer, hemorrhoids, Crohn's disease and polyps.
Salary
-
The Health Care Training Center shows that the average salary for proctologists depend on location, experience and their practice. The average salary for proctologists with fewer than two years of experience is $226,000, but after three years the average salary increases to $291,000. The top salary for a proctologist is $520,000 per year.
-
