High School

Gastroenterologists, like other physicians, must complete eight years of education beyond high school—four years of undergraduate studies and four years of medical school. To begin preparing for the advanced education necessary, while in high school take college preparatory courses, including mathematics, biology, chemistry, physiology, health, and psychology. Also take English and speech courses to hone your communication skills.

Postsecondary Training

After completing medical school and becoming licensed to practice medicine, prospective gastroenterologists enter an internal medicine residency that lasts three years. Following residency, they spend an additional two to three years in a gastroenterology fellowship. Competition for these available openings is fierce. The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) offers information on fellowships at https://www.gastro.org/foundation

Other Education or Training

The AGA and the American College of Gastroenterology offer continuing education classes, webinars, and seminars on new treatment options, technology, and practice management issues. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

To become board-certified as a gastroenterologist, individuals must first become certified in internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Requirements for internal medicine certification include graduation from an accredited medical school, three years of postdoctoral training, proven clinical competency, and passage of a comprehensive examination. Additional requirements for certification in the subspecialty of gastroenterology include three years of training in gastroenterology, 18 months of clinical practice, and passing a comprehensive subspecialty exam. A dual certification in gastroenterology and transplant hepatology is also available. 

There is no way to obtain direct experience in high school, but its a good idea to take as many health and science classes as possible and participate in science clubs. During your medical training, you will gain experience by completing a three-year residency in internal medicine, and at least two years of training in a gastroenterology fellowship.

Gastroenterologists must be able to communicate effectively with other health care professionals and with patients. This includes being a keen listener. A large part of successful treatment is accurate diagnosis, which requires carefully taken patient histories, a detail oriented personality, and close analysis of symptoms. Gastroenterologists must also be able to work with all types of people, and have a deep sense of caring and compassion. Gastroenterologists who operate their own practice must have business and financial management skills and the ability to properly supervise other physicians.