Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders or\and focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and disease related to the gastrointestinal tract. The name is a combination of three Ancient Greek words gaster (gen.: gastros) (stomach), enteron (intestine), and logos (reason).
Diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the organs from mouth to anus, along the alimentary canal, are the focus of this specialty. Physicians practicing in this field of medicine are called gastroenterologists. They have usually completed the eight years of pre-medical and medical education, the year-long internship (if this is not a part of the residency), three years of an internal medicine residency, and from two to three years in the gastroenterology fellowship. Some gastroenterology trainees will complete a "fourth-year" (although this is often their 7th year of graduate medical education) in Transplant Hepatology, Advanced Endoscopy, motility or other topics.
Gastroenterology is not the same as colorectal or hepatobiliary surgery, which are specialty branches of general surgery.
The Department of Gastroenterology provides a comprehensive range of gastroenterology services for the management of patients with all types of gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases.
In addition to providing a general gastroenterology clinic, the Department conducts a number of subspecialty clinics addressing specific needs, and provides a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal service that includes an open-access facility for local practitioners to refer patients for endoscopy and colonoscopy.
The Department undertakes clinical and biomedical research, provides undergraduate and specialist education. It also provides comprehensive gastrointestinal services for the diagnosis and integrated care of adult patients. The team of doctors and specialist sisters are committed to the prevention, diagnosis, and management of all types of digestive disease. They are to serve the needs of the local population and also, in a number of subspecialty areas, act as a regional and national referral centre.
Gastroenterology nurses provide care and treatment to patients suffering from intestinal and digestive conditions such as abdominal bleeding, acid reflux disease, ulcers, and cancer. They examine patients, obtain medical history, and provide the necessary care. They often prepare patients for diagnostic and treatment procedures and provide follow-up care after procedures. They also assist doctors in determining a diagnosis and with many different procedures, and some may independently perform procedures. Some gastroenterology nurses assist doctors with specialized procedures including endoscopies and surgery. Gastroenterology nurses are often responsible for maintaining and cleaning specialized equipment. They typically work closely with many healthcare professionals.
Gastroenterology nurses must have a solid understanding of a variety of conditions related to the gastrointestinal tract and many different treatment options. Patience, determination, detail orientation, and good problem solving skills are necessary characteristics. Gastroenterology nurses must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to help patients feel at ease. They must be able to effectively work as part of a team.
