How to Become a Gastroenterologist

Gastroenterology is a subspecialty of internal medicine, dealing with digestive problems. A gastroenterologist is a doctor trained in the diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases in the colon, esophagus, stomach, pancreas and liver. Becoming a gastroenterologist requires a minimum of 13 years including classroom study and on-the-job training. Keep your eyes on the goal and you can have a valuable, lucrative and fulfilling career.

Instructions

1. Excel in college for 4 years. You must get good grades in order to get into medical school. Develop excellent skills in writing and communication.

2. Enroll in medical school. You must complete four years and get a medical degree. If you pick gastroenterology as your specialty, prepare to focus on internal medicine.

3. Complete a 3-year residency in internal medicine. You must have a general knowledge of how all the organs of the body function and relate to each other.

4. Participate in a 2 to 3-year fellowship program. You must get on-the-job training in evaluating and managing digestive tract disorders. You must get hands-on experience with patients in both an office and a hospital setting.

5. Learn to perform diagnostic tests. Endoscopy procedures must be practiced and mastered, the most common of which is colonoscopy.