Gastroenterology Clinical Trials is the study of normal function and disease of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver.
What is gastroenterology?
It includes a detailed understanding of the normal functioning (physiology) of the gastrointestinal organs including the movement of material through the stomach and intestines (motility), the digestion and absorption of nutrients into the body, the removal of waste from the system, and the function of the liver as a digestive organ.
It covers common and important conditions such as colon polyps and cancer, hepatitis, gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn), peptic ulcer disease, colitis, gallbladder and bile duct disease, nutritional problems, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and pancreatitis. Basically, all normal activity and diseases of the digestive organs are part of the study of gastroenterology.
Training of Gastroenterology Clinical Trials
A gastroenterologist must first complete a three-year residency in internal medicine and is then eligible for further specialized training (fellowship) in the field of gastroenterology. This fellowship is usually 2-3 years long, so by the time gastroenterologists have completed their training, they have had 5-6 years of additional specialized training after medical school.
Gastroenterology fellowship training is an intensive, rigorous program where future gastroenterologists learn directly from nationally recognized experts in the field and develop a detailed knowledge of gastrointestinal diseases. They learn how to evaluate patients with Gastroenterology Clinical Trials problems, treat a wide range of conditions, and provide recommendations for health maintenance and disease prevention. They learn to care for patients in the doctor’s office and in the hospital.
What are Gastroenterology Clinical Trials?
Gastroenterologists also receive specialized training in endoscopy (upper endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy) by expert instructors. Endoscopy is the use of narrow, flexible lighted tubes with built-in video cameras to visualize the inside of the intestinal tract.
This specialized training includes detailed and intensive study of how and when to perform endoscopy, the optimal methods to complete these tests safely and effectively, and the use of sedative medications to ensure patient comfort and safety. Gastroenterology trainees also learn how to perform advanced endoscopic procedures such as polypectomy (removal of colon polyps), esophageal and intestinal dilation (stretching of narrowed areas), and hemostasis (injection or cauterization to stop bleeding).
Importantly, gastroenterologists learn how to properly interpret the findings and biopsy results of these studies in order to make appropriate recommendations for treatment of conditions and/or cancer prevention. Some gastroenterologists also receive supervised training in advanced procedures using endoscopes, such as endoscopic examination of the bile ducts (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or ERCP), non-surgical removal of tumors (endoscopic mucosal resection or EMR), placement of internal drainage tubes (stents), and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS ). This provides them with the training necessary to non-surgically remove gallstones, evaluate and treat tumors of the Gastroenterology Clinical Trials tract and liver, and provides some patients with minimally invasive alternatives to surgery.
What to look for during training?
The most important emphasis during the training period is attention to detail and incorporating their comprehensive knowledge of the entire gastrointestinal tract to provide the highest quality endoscopy and consultation services. The end product is a highly trained specialist with a unique combination of broad scientific knowledge, general training in internal medicine, superior endoscopic skills and experience, and the ability to integrate these elements to provide optimal patient care.
This advanced fellowship training is overseen by national societies committed to providing a high quality and consistent education. These groups include the American Board of Internal Medicine, the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastroenterological Association, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. These groups carefully review each program’s educational experience to ensure that each gastroenterology trainee receives the highest quality training.
Board Eligible
Once members have successfully completed their training, they are considered “board eligible”. They are then qualified to take the Gastroenterology board certification exam administered by the American Board of Internal Medicine. After passing this exam, they are “Board Certified”.
FACG, FACP – What do all the letters after your doctor’s name stand for?
Some gastroenterologists receive special recognition from national societies when they demonstrate outstanding achievement in research, teaching, or other unique service to the field of gastroenterology. The American College of Gastroenterology and the American College of Physicians refer to such physicians as “Fellows” and the suffixes FACG and FACP are added to denote these honors. This means that these doctors have met the strict requirements of the respective organizations to receive this additional distinction.
How are gastroenterologists different?
The unique training that gastroenterologists receive gives them the ability to provide high-quality, comprehensive care to patients with a variety of gastrointestinal conditions. Gastroenterology Clinical Trialsperform the majority of research involving gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures as well as interpretation of results and are considered experts in the field. Studies have shown that gastroenterologists perform better colonoscopy examinations and comprehensive consultation services compared to other doctors.
This translates into more accurate polyp and cancer detection by colonoscopies when performed by gastroenterologists, fewer procedural complications, and fewer hospital days for many gastrointestinal conditions managed by trained gastroenterologists. It is this ability to provide more complete, accurate and thorough care for patients with gastrointestinal diseases that distinguishes gastroenterologists from other doctors who provide some similar services.
Doctors focus on the parts of you that move/digest your food, absorb nutrients, and remove waste. Gastroenterologists are able to treat medical conditions (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon) as well as the liver, pancreas, and biliary system can affect the digestive system (gallbladder and bile ducts).
GI doctors can evaluate symptoms without surgery
Simply put, GI doctors help their patients feel better. First, you assess your patients’ symptoms through a consultation, and then, after diagnosing GI problems, you can perform endoscopic procedures for further treatment. The best gastroenterologists can perform colon cancer screening along with treatment for the above diseases (also known as colonoscopy). GI doctors work in a variety of medical settings, including group practices, hospitals, individual and outpatient settings.
Trained and certified gastroenterologists after graduating from high school are require to undergo professional training for a minimum of 13 years. This includes a four-year bachelor’s degree, four years of medical or graduate school, and a three-year internship.
All doctors at our clinic are board certified in gastroenterology and have a fellowship training program, which means they have spent 2-3 years studying patients with specific gastrointestinal conditions. This includes detailed endoscopy training, a non-surgical procedure that allows gastroenterologists to inspect the GI tract. It also treats constipation, ulcers, liver disease, diarrhea, gallbladder problems, and more.
To ensure that they are current with the latest medical technologies and breakthroughs, each physician must receive an annual medical continuing education (CME) credit each year.
While gastroenterologists prefer to work in their clinical setting, some also engage in clinical research through clinical trials, observational outcomes, and published results.
Schedule a consultation with the best gastroenterologist
In addition to national quality standards, the Digestive Disease Specialist is accredit by the Ambulatory Healthcare Accreditation Association and has CMS certificate. TEC accepts both in-network and out-of-network vendors and offers a variety of discounts and payment plans. In addition, TEC offers convenient shuttle and pick-up locations and accessible parking. Schedule your endoscopy procedure today at the Vial with the best gastroenterologist.
Note: This blog content does not offer medical advice and does not create any patient-care provider relationship.
Also read:- Preclinical Oncology CRO Market Outlook 2022