Responsibilities:

1. Diagnose Digestive Disorders:

o Identify and evaluate diseases affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

o Use diagnostic techniques such as endoscopy, colonoscopy, imaging tests (CT scans, MRIs), and biopsies to assess and diagnose conditions.

2. Perform Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures:

o Conduct procedures such as endoscopies (upper and lower), colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, biopsies, and treatment of polyps or ulcers.

o Perform ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) and EUS

(endoscopic ultrasound) procedures to diagnose and treat certain conditions.

3. Develop and Implement Treatment Plans:

o Prescribe medications, lifestyle modifications, or surgical interventions depending on the diagnosis.

o Treat conditions like acid reflux (GERD), peptic ulcers, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), and cancers of the digestive system.

4. Collaborate with Other Specialists:

o Work with other healthcare providers such as surgeons, oncologists, and primary care physicians to coordinate comprehensive care for patients with complex conditions.

5. Patient Education:

o Educate patients on preventive health measures, such as dietary changes or regular screenings (e.g., colon cancer screenings).

o Discuss test results, treatment options, and long-term management plans with patients.

6. Manage Chronic Conditions:

o Provide long-term care for chronic conditions like hepatitis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.

o Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.

7. Documentation and Administrative Duties:

o Maintain accurate medical records, update patient charts, and document procedures, diagnoses, and treatment plans.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

- Medical Degree: Must have an MD, MBBS(Medicine), DM (Gastroenterology) degree with a focus on internal medicine, followed by specialized training in gastroenterology.

- Attention to Detail: Ability to accurately diagnose and manage complex conditions.

- Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills for patient interaction and collaboration with healthcare teams.

- Empathy and Compassion: Sensitivity toward patients dealing with potentially severe digestive disorders.

Work Environment:

- Typically work in hospitals, clinics, outpatient care centers, or private practice settings.

- Gastroenterologists may also have an on-call schedule to address urgent patient needs, especially in hospital settings.