Gastroenterologists are physicians who specialize in the treatment of chronic digestive conditions. These conditions can affect the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and colon. A few gastroenterologists also specialize in hepatology, which is the treatment of liver disease. Becoming a gastroenterologist in Jacksonville is a difficult task that requires many years of schooling and training. If you are interested in this field of expertise, you will have a long road ahead of you, but you will be fulfilled and well compensated.
Gastroenterologists must complete four years of undergraduate studies, four years of medical school, and three years of residency. Gastroenterologists must also complete three years of fellowship training in the field of gastroenterology. Gastroenterologists can earn a large salary depending on how effectively they do their job and whether they own their own firm. Many gastroenterologists choose to work in hospitals, but some desire to open their own practice. The average pay for a gastroenterologist is $496,139 per year. However, there are some gastroenterologists who earn far more than the average, earning up to $775,000. So, as you can see this field pays quite nicely, but only if you’re willing to put in the effort.
Many gastroenterologists enjoy this field because they not only get to see patients in a normal office setting, but they also get to perform procedures as well. This field is ideal for a physician who cannot decide whether he or she prefers being in the office or performing surgery. Gastroenterologists can do both, so there is no need to choose. Essentially, it is the best of both worlds for the doctor who can’t decide between the two.
As a gastroenterologist, you will perform numerous endoscope procedures. They will be used to inspect the upper and lower digestive tracts. Some scopes are used to see and diagnose problems, while others are used to treat polyps and tumors. You, as the doctor, insert the scopes into the patient’s mouth and the digestive tract. These scopes have small cameras on the ends that allow you to see what is going on inside the patient. Using these scopes, you will be able to diagnose and treat stomach/digestive tract issues, and help patients become healthier.
If you want to advance from your current physician position into a specialty, you should consider becoming a gastroenterologist and treating patients with problems that a typical doctor cannot solve. For more information visit Digestive Disease Consultants.
