Gastroenterology is the medical specialty that focuses on the study of the digestive tract, its disorders and abnormalities, and their treatment. The discipline is thus interested in different organs (the esophagus, the small intestine, the colon, the rectum, the anus), but also in the digestive glands (the liver, the bile ducts, the pancreas).

It should be noted that gastroenterology encompasses two main sub-specialties (which certain doctors practice specifically): hepatology (which concerns pathologies of the liver) and proctologie (who is interested in pathologies of the anus and rectum).

The gastroenterologist is most often consulted for:

• of the stomach pains (gastroesophageal reflux) ;
• a Constipation ;
• of the bloating ;
• of the diarrhea ;
• or abdominal pain. 

Many pathologies can cause digestive system disorders and require a visit to a gastroenterologist. These include:

• of the gallstones ;
• a bowel obstruction ;
• of the hemorrhoids ;
• a cirrhosis ;
• la Crohn’s disease (chronic inflammatory bowel disease);
• inflammation of the rectum (proctitis), pancreas (pancreatitis), appendix (appendicitis), liver (hepatitis), etc;
• a gastric or duodenal ulcer;
• of the intestinal polyps ;
• celiac disease;
• un irritable bowel syndrome ;
• or for tumors (benign or malignant) of the stomach, liver, esophagus, colon, etc.

Note that if the pains are acute and persist, it is strongly recommended to consult quickly.

Diseases of the digestive system are likely to affect everyone, but there are certain recognized risk factors, including:

• smoking, excessive alcohol consumption;
• age (for certain cancers, such as that of the small intestine);
• or a diet rich in fat.

The consultation with a gastroenterologist does not involve any particular risks for the patient. It is in any case the role of the doctor to clearly explain the modalities, the possible difficulties or even the dangers associated with the procedures, examinations and treatments that he will have to perform.

Note that some examinations performed by the gastroenterologist are uncomfortable. Even more so when it comes to the anus area. In this particular case, it is important to establish a dialogue of trust between the doctor and his patient.

Training as a gastroenterologist in France

To become a gastroenterologist, the student must obtain a diploma of specialized studies (DES) in hepato-gastroenterology:

• he must first follow 6 years at the faculty of medicine, after his baccalaureate;
• at the end of the 6th year, students take the national classifying tests to enter the boarding school. Depending on their classification, they will be able to choose their specialty and their place of practice. The internship lasts 4 years and ends with obtaining the DES in hepato-gastroenterology.

Finally, to be able to practice and carry the title of doctor, the student must also defend a research thesis.

Training as a gastroenterologist in Quebec

After college studies, the student must:

• follow a doctorate in medicine, lasting 1 or 4 years (with or without a preparatory year for medicine for students admitted with a college or university training deemed insufficient in basic biological sciences);
• then specialize by following a residency in gastroenterology for 5 years.

Before going to the appointment with a gastroenterologist, it is important to bring recent prescriptions, as well as any imaging or biology exams already carried out.

To find a gastroenterologist:

• in Quebec, you can consult the website of the Association des gastro-enterologues du Quebec (3);
• in France, via the website of the National Council of the Order of Physicians (4).

When the consultation is prescribed by an attending physician, it is covered by the Health Insurance (France) or the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec.