Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology is the study of the digestive system and diseases affecting this system. More specifically, specialists in this field study ailments of the gastrointestinal tract. This tract from the mouth to the anus includes organs such as, the esophagus, stomach, gall bladder, liver, small intestine, and colon. Patients with diseases such as Cholera, Appendicitis, and liver failure may be referred to a Gastroenterologist for diagnoses and treatment.

Historically, physicians have been studying gastroenterology since the 18th century when it was discovered that there are gastric juices in the stomach that aid digestion. Since then, the field has improved using a number of standard procedures and tools to prevent, treat, and diagnose everything from a case of bad gas to gall stones, or even Hepatitis.

A patient experiencing chronic abdominal pain or frequent bouts of nausea might see a gastroenterologist to have an endoscopy, one of the most common procedures to help diagnose gastrointestinal tract disease. Although this routine, outpatient procedure is not technically surgery, having an endoscopy does require some pre-surgical preparations. A long, thin, flexible tube with a light source and a camera at the end, is placed inside the mouth and slowly guided down the esophagus and through the GI tract. This way, a specialist can have a clearer, unobstructed view of the patients’ gastrointestinal tract. Patients can expect to be heavily sedated, and must not eat 8 hours prior to having the exam. In addition to giving the physician a closer view of the GI tract to help diagnose certain issues, an endoscope can also remove foreign objects or polyps, take tissue samples, and treat bleeding. Read the rest of this entry »

The Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program for Gastroenterologists is patterned on the American Board of Internal Medicine MOC program. There are, however, recent changes that the AGA implemented. Before we go there, let us first discuss the old MOC program. In the process of talking about the MOC program, we will touch the subject of continuing medical education (CME) and its role on MOC.

So basically, in order for a physician who holds certification in Gastroenterology maintains his or her certification, he or she must go through three steps: 1.) Schedule and Take a Secure Exam; 2.) Earn CME points; and 3.) Have a Good Standing License.

Secure Exam

The ABIM Gastroenterology MOC secured exam is designed to assess one’s knowledge and skills on the different areas of Gastroenterology. Your clinical judgment, ethical standards, and professionalism may also be judged based on this exam. ABIM believes that passing this test could be equated to competence in clinical practice; specifically in the practice of Gastroenterology.

The test questions are developed and constantly revised by a team of gastroenterologists both in the clinical area and academics. The test questions are revised and improved every year to make sure that both the questions and the answers are still in line with our current practice. The exam further tests your skills on the diagnosis of rare and common gastroenterology diseases. One focus of you gastroenterology CME activities should be to stay up to date with these clinical diseases, their management, and treatment. Thus the CME requirement in gastroenterology is aimed at both making you a more competent physician and preparing you for the secure exam in gastroenterology. Read the rest of this entry »