Why do I need a Gastroenterologist?

What is a Gastroenterologist and why would I need one?

If you eat or excrete, you need a gastroenterologist now or you will someday!

A gastroenterologist is a doctor that specializes in the digestive tract, sometimes called the gastrointestinal or GI tract. This includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, liver and pancreas. This means that if you experience discomfort when you eat -- heartburn or upset stomach -- or when using the bathroom you might want to see a gastroenterologist.
 
To become a gastroenterologist, your doctor has completed additional education and training over and above that of a general practitioner or internist. A physician who has attended medical school and successfully completed an internship is qualified to treat you for a variety of conditions. Because your regular doctor treats a wide variety of illnesses, they are a generalist. When you have a specific problem that the generalist may not see frequently, you need a specialist. 
 
Gastroenterologists must complete a three-year residency after medical school, followed by a fellowship focused on gastroenterology (fellowships usually last two or three years). After finishing their medical training, gastroenterologists are considered “board eligible” and are qualified to take the Gastroenterology Board Certification test administered by the American Board of Internal Medicine. After passing the exam, a gastroenterologist is “board certified.” All of the doctors at Blount Gastroenterology Associates are board certified. 

Why Blount Gastroenterology Associates?

You have a choice for who you see for care and we want to be your first choice. Learn about our state of the art facility, our friendly, convenient office, and our experienced and accredited physicians.  Let us show you that we are big enough to deliver the care you need and small enough to care about you as a person.

What symptoms do you treat?

Whether you have frequent heartburn or are uncomfortable sitting, there are specific symptoms others come to a gastroenterologists to treat. This page lists commonly treated symptoms and possible causes.

What procedures do you perform?

Perhaps someone you know has had an upper endoscopy and you are wondering what that was and why it was done. Maybe your doctor recommended a colonoscopy and you would like to know more before you schedule your appointment. Take a look at our procedures page for more information.