Gastroenterology

A Gastroenterologist evaluates patients with digestive complaints, orders and interprets diagnostic tests, performs endoscopic procedures, prescribes treatment plans, manages chronic GI conditions, and provides preventive care such as cancer screening.

By offering accurate diagnosis, minimally invasive procedures, early cancer detection, and long-term disease management, Gastroenterologists significantly improve quality of life and survival outcomes.

They should be proficient in upper GI endoscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP (basic exposure), liver biopsy interpretation, endoscopic biopsy, and therapeutic endoscopic interventions.

Management includes long-term medication, dietary counseling, lifestyle modification, periodic monitoring, patient education, and coordination with dietitians and surgeons.

Success requires procedural precision, analytical thinking, patient communication, endurance, ethical practice, continuous learning, and adaptability to evolving endoscopic technologies.

To become a Gastroenterologist in India, the required pathway is:

MBBS → MD/DNB in General Medicine → DM/DNB in Gastroenterology.

All degrees must be from recognized institutions with NMC registration. Fellowship training in advanced endoscopy or hepatology is optional but beneficial.

A Gastroenterologist may work as a consultant gastroenterologist, interventional gastroenterologist, hepatologist, endoscopy specialist, academic faculty member, clinical researcher, or gastrointestinal disease specialist, depending on experience and area of focus.

Gastroenterologists work in government and private hospitals, corporate and super-specialty hospitals, endoscopy and day-care procedure centers, medical colleges, research institutions, and international healthcare organizations. Many also run private clinics or specialty gastrointestinal centers.

In India, a Gastroenterologist typically earns between ₹18 lakh and ₹60 lakh per annum. Earnings depend on experience, procedural workload, hospital type, city, and private practice involvement. Senior consultants with high procedure volumes may earn substantially more.

Yes, Gastroenterologists can work abroad after clearing the respective country’s licensing and credentialing requirements. This usually includes exams such as USMLE for the United States, PLAB for the United Kingdom, AMC for Australia, DHA or HAAD for the UAE, and MCC pathways for Canada. Advanced procedural training and fellowship experience significantly improve international opportunities.