Gastroenterology - Something to Digest
Gastroenterology is a division of medicine that looks into the digestive system and complications with it. The name is a combination of three Ancient Greek words gaster (stomach), enteron (intestine), and logos (reason). In the U.S., Gastroenterology is an Internal Medicine Subspecialty certified by the ABIM. Diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tracts that include the organs from mouth to anus along with the alimentary canal are the focus of this subspecialty.
Physicians practicing in the field of Gastroenterology are referred as gastroenterologists. They have must complete the eight years of pre-medical and medical education, the yearlong internship, three years of an internal medicine residency, and two to three years in the gastroenterology fellowship. Some gastroenterology trainees will complete a "fourth-year" in Transplant Hepatology, Advanced Endoscopy, IBD, motility or other related topics.
Therefore, gastroenterologists usually have 14-16 years of education and training, including a science or health related bachelors degree, a medical degree (D.O. or M.D.) from an accredited institution or medical college, an internship which may or may not be included in the residency program, usually an internal medicine residency program, and concluding with a gastroenterology fellowship.
Beginning with the mouth, ending with the anus, and all that's in between, this system is very complex and very vital, so there's no doubt why there is an entire branch of medicine devoted to it. The gastrointestinal tract is an organ system comprised of many organs that process food, break it down into usable nutrients and waste, and consequently absorbs the usable nutrients, and expels the waste. The main components of the system are, in order, the mouth, the esophagus, the stomach, the small and large intestines, the rectum, and the anus. Some vital glands that aid in digestion are the salivary glands, the gallbladder, the liver, and the pancreas.
The gastrointestinal system also plays a major role in the immune system, the system responsible for keeping us healthy and fending off disease and illness. The stomach has a natural pH between one and four, which kills most harmful microorganisms that are ingested. The muci of the tract also contain IgA antibodies that nullify many more of the microorganisms that would make us sick. Many of the enzymes in spit and stomach bile are yet another way the body fights illness.
There are quite a few illnesses that affect the digestive tract, such as celiac disease, appendicitis, peptic ulcer disease, pancreatitis, IBS, IBD, giardiasis, gastroenteritis, enteric duplication cyst, diverticulitis, colorectal cancer, and cholera. The symptoms of these vary, and if you suspect you might be coming down with one, you should consult your doctor or gastroenterologist.
Though it is important to go to a specialist at the first sign of a problem, it is also imperative you research your options. Seek a reputable and experienced gastroenterologist from a hospital with a proven track record to ensure your health.
Physicians practicing in the field of Gastroenterology are referred as gastroenterologists. They have must complete the eight years of pre-medical and medical education, the yearlong internship, three years of an internal medicine residency, and two to three years in the gastroenterology fellowship. Some gastroenterology trainees will complete a "fourth-year" in Transplant Hepatology, Advanced Endoscopy, IBD, motility or other related topics.
Therefore, gastroenterologists usually have 14-16 years of education and training, including a science or health related bachelors degree, a medical degree (D.O. or M.D.) from an accredited institution or medical college, an internship which may or may not be included in the residency program, usually an internal medicine residency program, and concluding with a gastroenterology fellowship.
Beginning with the mouth, ending with the anus, and all that's in between, this system is very complex and very vital, so there's no doubt why there is an entire branch of medicine devoted to it. The gastrointestinal tract is an organ system comprised of many organs that process food, break it down into usable nutrients and waste, and consequently absorbs the usable nutrients, and expels the waste. The main components of the system are, in order, the mouth, the esophagus, the stomach, the small and large intestines, the rectum, and the anus. Some vital glands that aid in digestion are the salivary glands, the gallbladder, the liver, and the pancreas.
The gastrointestinal system also plays a major role in the immune system, the system responsible for keeping us healthy and fending off disease and illness. The stomach has a natural pH between one and four, which kills most harmful microorganisms that are ingested. The muci of the tract also contain IgA antibodies that nullify many more of the microorganisms that would make us sick. Many of the enzymes in spit and stomach bile are yet another way the body fights illness.
There are quite a few illnesses that affect the digestive tract, such as celiac disease, appendicitis, peptic ulcer disease, pancreatitis, IBS, IBD, giardiasis, gastroenteritis, enteric duplication cyst, diverticulitis, colorectal cancer, and cholera. The symptoms of these vary, and if you suspect you might be coming down with one, you should consult your doctor or gastroenterologist.
Though it is important to go to a specialist at the first sign of a problem, it is also imperative you research your options. Seek a reputable and experienced gastroenterologist from a hospital with a proven track record to ensure your health.
