Gastroenterologists have expertise in the prevention, investigation, diagnosis, and management of diseases and disorders that affect the digestive system.

Gastroenterologists have strong clinical reasoning and decision-making skills, and work with a variety of patients with acute and chronic conditions to:

Diagnose, treat, and manage gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders. Some of the common conditions include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver disease (e.g. hepatitis or metabolic disease), pancreatic and biliary disease, disorders affecting function and motility, digestive health issues, gastrointestinal cancer, congenital or genetic conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, and gastrointestinal manifestations of psychiatric disorders.

Provide acute care for gastrointestinal emergencies. Certain gastrointestinal disorders can be life threatening and require emergency treatment. Gastroenterologists need to make robust decisions under pressure to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Gastroenterologists apply the latest evidence-based technologies to assess, diagnose, treat, and manage gastrointestinal conditions. General gastroenterologists may perform a range of non-surgical investigations and procedures.

Work with patients to improve nutrition. Gastroenterology focuses on the health of the digestive system or the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal system is responsible for the digestion of food, absorption of nutrients, and removal of waste from the body. Achieving and maintaining good nutrition is a key component of managing the troubling symptoms of gastrointestinal and liver (especially fatty liver) conditions.

Gastroenterologists are compassionate and non-judgemental. They demonstrate this with all patients, including those with eating disorders, conditions secondary to substance abuse, and patients who may be embarrassed to seek help. To deliver safe patient care, gastroenterologists have a focus on leadership, education, and research, including:

  • Leading and/or working as an integral member of multidisciplinary teams

    Gastroenterologists collaborate with other health professionals to make balanced and objective clinical decisions, and ensure each patient receives the best available treatment and management.

  • Educating patients and communities, and advocating for disease prevention

    Gastroenterologists play a key role in educating patients and communities, and in advocating for public health and disease prevention (e.g. hepatitis B vaccinations and awareness of fatty liver disease).

  • Managing resources for the benefit of patients and communities

    Gastroenterologists apply a biopsychosocial approach to ensure the delivery of efficient, cost-effective, and safe care for the benefit of their patients and communities.

  • Applying a scholarly approach

    Gastroenterologists conduct academic research to discover better ways of understanding, diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. They apply research to improve the treatment and management of patients.

  • Demonstrating a commitment to teaching and learning

    Gastroenterologists are committed to maintaining lifelong excellence in practice through continuous professional development and fostering the learning of other health professionals through mentoring, supervision, and teaching.

Last modified: Friday, 27 September 2024, 3:23 PM