Gastroenterology focuses on the physiology and disorders of the alimentary tract, liver, pancreaticobiliary system, and nutrition. The spectrum of disease encountered includes gastrointestinal bleeding, gastroesophageal reflux disease, acute and chronic diarrhea, inflammatory bowel diseases, hepatitis, pancreatitis, malignancy such as colorectal cancer, and many others. The field depends heavily on astute bedside diagnostic skills while also utilizing innovative technologies such as wireless capsule endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound.
Learning Objectives
Recognize typical clinical presentations of various etiologies of abdominal pain (peptic ulcer disease, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, etc)
Recognize typical clinical presentations and distinguishing features of various forms of hepatitis
Describe an appropriate evaluation of abnormal liver function tests
Recognize typical and atypical features of gastroesophageal reflux disease and identify complications
Describe the evaluation of dysphagia
Understand the importance of H. pylori and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in GI pathology
Differentiate upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding and describe appropriate management strategies
Understand the basic causes of diarrhea and outline an appropriate work-up for both acute and chronic diarrhea
Recognize irritable bowel syndrome and outline an appropriately limited work-up
Understand the role of endoscopy for both screening and therapeutic purposes
Recognize GI manifestations of systemic illness (vasculitis, CREST, neuroendocrine tumors, adrenal insuffiency, diabetes mellitus, etc.)
Learning Opportunities
Bedside teaching is done during daily team rounds (inpatient service) or in clinic (outpatient service). Additionally, informal didactic sessions are held throughout the rotation focusing on topics/cases proposed by the student/housestaff.
Conferences held on a weekly or biweekly basis include:
Clinical case conference GI clinical research conference Pancreaticobiliary conference Liver biopsy conference Various GI tumor boards (multidisciplinary incl. surgery, oncology, radiology) GI Grand Rounds often featuring a nationally prominent guest
Those rotating are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the procedural aspects of GI through observing and participating in endoscopy/liver biopsy/paracentesis on their patients in the endoscopy unit as appropriate.
2009 Best Hospitals Announced: Gastroenterology,Nephrology, Pulmonary and Rheumatology Recognized in the annual Best Hospitals edition of US News and World Report
