Gastroenterologist

10th

12th (PCB Compulsory with 60% marks)

• To get admission into the MBBS course, candidates have to register and qualify National Eligibility Entrance Exam (NEET).
• National Eligibility Entrance Exam (NEET) exam is conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in May/June.
• The candidate should be of 17 years of age at the time of admission.

Official Website for Registration to NEET: https://neet.nta.nic.in/

• To become a GASTROENTEROLOGIST, the candidate should hold an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) degree recognized by the Medical Council of India.

• After completing 4.5 years of the MBBS program, candidates must complete a one-year hospital internship in internal medicine or family practice. During internship and residency, the student is subject to be posted in multiple clinical departments on a rotatory basis to learn the necessary clinical experience in all the major disciplines. Completing the rotatory internship is a prerequisite for obtaining a medical license. Also, a Compulsory Rotatory Residential Internship (CRRI) is a necessary eligibility criterion for pursuing post-graduation studies.
• Candidates can work under a team of top doctors during their internship. The candidates have a chance to work with patients who require different diagnoses. The candidates must gain good knowledge and skills when completing their internship.

• Admission into a postgraduate degree, i.e., MD in Gastroenterology. 

Official Website for Registration to NEET PG: https://ntaexam.net/neet-pg-2023/

• Admission into the MD (Doctor of Medicine) in Gastroenterologyis based on the candidates' performance in the NEET PG entrance test or institute-specific examination (if specified). However, it may vary from college to college; check the particular college rules and regulations before applying.
• Some institutes also provide admission based on marks obtained in the MBBS course and the work experience of the aspiring candidates.
• The study of MD requires three years of college dedication.

• After the MD (Doctor of Medicine) postgraduate program in General Medicine, the candidate has to appear for a super-specialized advanced course of DM in Gastroenterology. The system requires three years of studying before the candidate becomes a Gastroenterologist, Doctor,/ Physician.

Official Website for Registration to NEET SS: https://www.natboard.edu.in/viewnbeexam?exam=neetss

• After doing an internship, it is now essential for the candidate to register with the Medical Council of India. To register with the Medical Council of India., the candidate must have an MBBS degree, one year of internship, an MD PG Degree, and a DM in Gastroenterology. Registering with the country's medical council to start practicing as a doctor is essential.
• After registering with the Medical Council of India, candidates can begin their careers and practice as a doctor in India.

Official Website for registration: https://www.nmc.org.in/registration/

Who is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a doctor who treats diseases related to the digestive system, including the oesophagus, intestines, pancreas, and colon, and their accessory glands in the human body. Gastroenterology is medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders. Diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract, which include the organs from the mouth into the anus along the alimentary canal, are the focus of this specialty. Physicians practicing in this field are called gastroenterologists.

JobResponsibilities of a Gastroenterologist

• Gastroenterologists have a prime duty of Diagnosing and treating GI disorders, including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive diseases.
• Gastroenterologists perform endoscopic procedures, such as ERCPs, colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, upper endoscopies, duodenoscopies, gastroscopies, and barium swallows.
• Gastroenterologists research to advance knowledge about gastrointestinal diseases and treatments.
• Gastroenterologists prescribe medications to treat digestive disorders and perform surgery to remove polyps or other abnormalities in the colon or rectum.
• Gastroenterologists perform diagnostic tests, such as blood and stool tests, to determine the cause of a patient's symptoms.
• Gastroenterologists provide medical care to patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes or hypertension, to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Career Scope of a Gastroenterologist

• Once candidates complete DM in Gastroenterology, candidates have numerous options of either joining government hospitals or ever-increasing private hospitals. In addition, candidates can also set up their care centers and can work independently.
• A gastroenterologist can work in a variety of sectors. The following is a list of possible career paths for Gastroenterologists:

• Primary Health Care Attendant: This is government employment in which the primary responsibility is to look after patients who come to the local primary health care institution. Other essential tasks include visiting dispensaries to maintain the standards of hygiene. 
• Medical Officer: The position necessitates the person's super visionary ability. The candidate is appointed the head of any public health institution or agency. The essential tasks allocated to an officer are to maintain coordination among authorities and to ensure that the medical procedures run smoothly in that institution.
• Surgeon: In this sector, a surgeon's role includes operating on tumors or tissues related to the human body's gastrointestinal system and treating them. Taking regular follow-ups and assisting in improving the overall healthcare of society are the other responsibilities.

Salary/Income of a Gastroenterologist

The salary of a Gastroenterologist largely depends upon the standard and level of the organization/Hospital the candidate is associated with, especially at the starting level. The starting salary of a Gastroenterologist ranges from Rs. 4-8 lacs per annum. The experienced Gastroenterologist may earn from 10 lakhs to 15 lakhs per annum.Salary in government hospitals is based on the pay scale and grade decided by the government. However, there is no upper-income limit for enterprising Gastroenterologists who opt to open their clinic Centers.