How to Become a Gastroenterologist: Explore Pathways and Outcomes
For aspiring physicians, a career in gastroenterology offers a variety of opportunities to positively impact patients and communities.
With digestive diseases affecting millions of people around the world each year, gastroenterologists play a vital role in healthcare. If you’re considering a career in medicine and want to explore a specialty that combines diagnostic skill with hands-on procedures, gastroenterology could be the path for you.
But what does that path look like?
In this blog post, we’ll explore how to become a gastroenterologist, dive into what these specialists do, and outline the educational requirements and career prospects that await.
Let’s get started!
What Do Gastroenterologists Do?
In short, gastroenterologists diagnose and treat diseases related to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract – the digestive system. That includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, liver, pancreas and gallbladder.
From performing procedures like endoscopies and colonoscopies to managing conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and hepatitis, their work is essential to digestive health. They also provide preventive care through screenings and patient education, ensuring early detection and intervention for serious conditions like colon cancer.
Gastroenterologists blend expertise with compassion, collaborating with patients and other healthcare professionals to deliver life-changing care. It’s a career that demands precision and offers immense fulfillment.
What Is the Difference Between a GI Doctor and a Gastroenterologist?
The terms “GI doctor” and “gastroenterologist” are often used interchangeably, but there’s a subtle distinction. “GI doctor” is a more informal term, while “gastroenterologist” is the formal title for a board-certified physician who has completed fellowship training in the field.
Although gastroenterologists often perform procedures, they are not surgeons in the traditional sense. For major operations involving the digestive tract, a surgical specialist (like a colon and rectal surgeon) steps in. Gastroenterologists perform procedures like colonoscopies, which are less invasive than surgery and typically diagnostic in nature.
Another key distinction in terms you may come across is “gastroenterologist” vs “gastrointestinal”. “Gastrointestinal” refers to the system or tract itself, while “gastroenterologist” refers to the doctor who treats it.
How to Become a Gastroenterologist
This rewarding career requires dedication, as it takes several years to complete the education and training journey. Here’s a step-by-step overview to help guide you.
1. Complete a Bachelor’s Degree
First, you’ll usually earn a four-year undergraduate degree, ideally with coursework in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. Many students major in biology or another health-related field.
2. Take the MCAT
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized exam that tests your knowledge of science, reasoning and problem-solving skills – all crucial for a successful future in medicine. You can explore what MCAT scores are needed for medical school admission to start preparing effectively.
At St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine (SMUSOM), MCAT scores are required in order for students from the United States to apply for our 4-year MD program. We also recommend that students from other countries take the MCAT as well.
3. Apply to Medical School
Choose an accredited medical school with strong clinical rotations and student support. At SMUSOM, you’ll find intimate class sizes, experienced faculty and a collaborative international learning environment. Discover our admissions requirements.
4. Attend Medical School
Medical school usually lasts 10 semesters across four years. The first two years focus on foundational sciences (Basic Science) and the final two feature clinical rotations (Clinical Medicine) across core and elective specialties – including internal medicine, where gastroenterology begins.
5. Pass Your Medical Licensing Exams
In the U.S., you’ll need to pass the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) Step 1 and Step 2 CK exams to progress toward residency. At SMUSOM, students take the USMLE Step 1 after they complete their Basic Science studies, and the USMLE Step 2 CK after they complete their Clinical Medicine rotations.
6. Complete an Internal Medicine Residency
Gastroenterology is a subspecialty of internal medicine. After medical school, you’ll need to complete a three-year internal medicine residency in order to progress towards becoming a practicing gastroenterologist. Residency is the first step after medical school, where you’ll gain hands-on experience and focus on patient care in a hospital setting.
7. Complete a Gastroenterology Fellowship
Next comes a gastroenterology fellowship, which typically lasts another two to three years. During this time, you’ll receive advanced training in diagnosing and treating GI disorders, and in performing procedures like endoscopies and colonoscopies.
8. Obtain Board Certification in Gastroenterology
After completing your fellowship, you’ll be eligible to take the relevant board certification exam(s) in the location where you want to practice, such as from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) in the United States. Passing such an exam certifies you as a specialist in the field.
Gastroenterology Education Requirements
So, to summarize, the gastroenterologist education requirements include:
- 4 years of undergraduate studies
- 4 years of medical school
- 3 years of internal medicine residency
- 2 to 3 years in a gastroenterology fellowship
That’s approximately 13 to 14 years of post-secondary education – a long road, but a rewarding one. Your education will span everything from anatomy and pathology to advanced procedures and patient care.
Job Outlook and Salary of Gastroenterologists
Gastroenterologists are in high demand, particularly as the global population ages and chronic digestive conditions become more prevalent.
So, how much does a gastroenterologist make? According to recent data, the average salary of a gastroenterologist in the United States is around $400,000 USD per year, but this can vary depending on experience, location and practice setting.
With an above-average salary and a growing need for specialists, this field offers both financial stability and career satisfaction opportunities.
Why Choose St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine (SMUSOM) for Your Medical Education?
At SMUSOM, we’re committed to preparing future gastroenterologists for meaningful careers as practitioners and industry experts. Our curriculum emphasizes clinical readiness, with early hands-on training and personal mentorship.
Importantly, the St. Matthew’s University MD program is internationally accredited by the ACCM, our students undertake rotations in the U.S. (core rotations) and Canada (core and electives), and our supportive community helps ensure the future physicians can achieve their academic and personal goals.
To learn more about the SMUSOM student experience, view this testimonial video from a practicing physician:
Whether you’re aiming for a competitive specialty like gastroenterology or still exploring your options, SMUSOM provides the academic training and support you need to succeed. Learn more by contacting us or jump right in and start your application today!
FAQs About Gastroenterology
It typically takes 13 to 14 years after high school (secondary) to become a gastroenterologist. This includes undergraduate study, medical school, residency and fellowship. The timeline may vary slightly depending on your pathway and any additional research or certifications.
Gastroenterologists in the U.S. earn around $400,000 USD annually on average. This can vary based on experience, geographic location and whether you work in private practice or a hospital. It’s generally one of the most well-compensated medical specialties.
Yes, both are required. You must first complete a three-year internal medicine residency, followed by a gastroenterology fellowship lasting two to three years. This additional training prepares you for board certification and clinical practice.
Gastroenterologists perform procedures like colonoscopies and endoscopies, but they are not general surgeons. For invasive surgeries, they typically refer patients to surgical specialists. Their role is focused on diagnosis, treatment and management of GI disorders.