Gastroenterologist is a person who looks after the digestive system, or the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They perform endoscopic procedures, in which they use specialized instruments to view the GI tract and make a diagnosis. They look after the commonly recurred diseases in the present lifestyle. It includes common and important conditions such as colon polyps and cancer, hepatitis, gastro esophageal reflux (heartburn), peptic ulcer disease, colitis, gallbladder and biliary tract disease, nutritional problems, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and pancreatitis. In essence, all normal activity and disease of the digestive organs are part of the study of Gastroenterology. Physicians practicing in this field are called gastroenterologists.The problems in gastrointestinal are very recurring to our present life style. Therefore, the demand in gastroenterology is also increasing. A person can start practicing as a gastroenterologist after five years in medicine and three years in Gastroenterology as PG.There is also a wide increase in the consultation of gastrologist , irrespective of age.
The student must pass 12th std with major subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology to write the NEET exam (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test). NEET exam will determine the eligibility of a person to pursue MBBS course.
Step 1 Enroll for MBBS course in a recognized Medical college after passing NEET medical entrance exam.
Step 2 After finishing the course , pass the NEET PG medical entrance for Hematology
Step 3 Complete the three years long MD Course in Hematology
Gastroenterologists have plenty of opportunities in private as well as government hospitals.They are employed in medical research institutes and medical colleges/schools as faculty members. More over enterprising Gastroenterologists can also open their own Gastro Clinic.
The remuneration for a Gastroenterologist will be one of the best in the medical field. It is due to its high demand in the hospitals. The starting salary of a gastroenterologist is Rs 30,000-Rs 40,000.The salary will rise according to the number of patients and the expertise in treatment .
