info on Professions
Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology is the medical specialty most broadly concerned with
diseases and conditions of the digestive system. Gastroenterologists treat
diseases occurring throughout the entire system, from the esophagus to the
rectum. These include common complaints such as recurrent heartburn or ulcers,
and longer-term chronic illnesses such as Crohn's or celiac disease.
Gastroenterologists first qualify in internal medicine, then spend three further
years in a gastrointestinal fellowship.
Liver, Pancreas and Biliary Specialists
The liver and pancreas have a profound influence on the digestive system
through their regulation of bile and insulin levels. These organs are studied
and treated by hepatologists and endocrinologists. Hepatologists are specialists
in liver conditions, often working collaboratively with surgeons or oncologists
to provide care before and after transplants, tumor removal, or other
procedures. Endocrinologists treat disorders of the glandular systems, and often
focus on conditions of the liver, pancreas and biliary system that affect
digestion.
Oncologists and Radiation Oncologists
Oncologists are specialists in surgical and non-surgical treatment of
cancers. Many cancers occur in the digestive tract, from tumors of the throat
and stomach to lethal pancreatic cancers. Oncologists treat cancers surgically,
or through alternatives including chemotherapy and radiation. Radiation
oncologists specialize in the application of radiation therapy, working
carefully to minimize damage to healthy tissues. Treatment is often
collaborative, with gastroenterologists or hepatologists advising the oncologist
and providing care to the patient before and after these procedures.
Surgeons
Aside from cancers, the digestive system is subject to a number of conditions
that lend themselves to surgical correction, from anal fissures to
diverticulitis and obstructions of the bowel. These are typically treated by
general surgeons or colorectal surgeons, though surgeons from other specialties
such as oncology or otolaryngology might also be consulted or invited to
participate as needed.
Gastroenterology is the medical specialty most broadly concerned with
diseases and conditions of the digestive system. Gastroenterologists treat
diseases occurring throughout the entire system, from the esophagus to the
rectum. These include common complaints such as recurrent heartburn or ulcers,
and longer-term chronic illnesses such as Crohn's or celiac disease.
Gastroenterologists first qualify in internal medicine, then spend three further
years in a gastrointestinal fellowship.
Liver, Pancreas and Biliary Specialists
The liver and pancreas have a profound influence on the digestive system
through their regulation of bile and insulin levels. These organs are studied
and treated by hepatologists and endocrinologists. Hepatologists are specialists
in liver conditions, often working collaboratively with surgeons or oncologists
to provide care before and after transplants, tumor removal, or other
procedures. Endocrinologists treat disorders of the glandular systems, and often
focus on conditions of the liver, pancreas and biliary system that affect
digestion.
Oncologists and Radiation Oncologists
Oncologists are specialists in surgical and non-surgical treatment of
cancers. Many cancers occur in the digestive tract, from tumors of the throat
and stomach to lethal pancreatic cancers. Oncologists treat cancers surgically,
or through alternatives including chemotherapy and radiation. Radiation
oncologists specialize in the application of radiation therapy, working
carefully to minimize damage to healthy tissues. Treatment is often
collaborative, with gastroenterologists or hepatologists advising the oncologist
and providing care to the patient before and after these procedures.
Surgeons
Aside from cancers, the digestive system is subject to a number of conditions
that lend themselves to surgical correction, from anal fissures to
diverticulitis and obstructions of the bowel. These are typically treated by
general surgeons or colorectal surgeons, though surgeons from other specialties
such as oncology or otolaryngology might also be consulted or invited to
participate as needed.