Gastroenterology

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Gastroenterology is a fast-moving and hugely varied speciality. Using both medical therapies and endoscopy, gastroenterologists investigate and manage illnesses involving multiple different organs, affecting patients of all ages and ranging from the acute life-threatening to chronic lifelong conditions.

Gastroenterology - trainee characteristics

Trainees should consider a career in gastroenterology if they:

would like a specialty with a varied working week
enjoy a mix of life-threatening illness and chronic disease management
enjoy practical skills
are hard-working and motivated
would like a career in a rapidly evolving field with potential to sub-specialise
would like to work in a multi-disciplinary team.

Summary of the specialty

Gastroenterology is an exciting and challenging practical medical specialty, dealing with conditions affecting the entire GI tract as well as liver and pancreas, and including the investigation and management of malignant, acute life-threatening and chronic conditions for which there is an array of effective medical and endoscopic interventions.

Division of practice & sub-specialties

Currently, consultants are commonly divided by their main practice into hepatologists, luminal gastroenterologists and academics; but the speciality is developing rapidly, and it is now possible to sub-specialise in advanced endoscopy and nutrition.

All trainees learn endoscopy and most consultants continue to perform procedures, ranging from straightforward diagnostic to complex therapeutic work. Gastroenterology also offers the opportunity to care for patients ranging from adolescence to old age and to develop lasting relationships with patients with chronic conditions.

Potential for out-of-programme-experience

Many trainees choose to develop additional skills whilst training, often done with a period of time out of programme – something encouraged by the speciality. Commonly these include a period of research, advanced hepatology / IBD / endoscopy / nutrition training or teaching or management experience.

Prospects

With gastroenterology present in all acute hospitals, being a net income generator for NHS trusts, and already one of the largest medical specialities, there are good job prospects at the end of training.

With the advent of the national bowel cancer screening programme, the planned introduction of flexible sigmoidoscopy screening, and the increasing burden of liver disease, there are several drivers to generate consultant jobs in the speciality, an important consideration when evaluating a speciality. With sessional elements to the job it is also suited to less-than-full-time work.

Securing an ST3 post in gastroenterology

Aspiring gastroenterologists need to demonstrate excellence in their career to date. Full membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) is an essential requirement to work at ST3 level. Demonstration of commitment to the specialty is advantageous. Clinical exposure to the specialty and some experience of related practical procedures is desirable.

Higher training - What to expect

Training in gastroenterology is usually combined with training in general (internal) medicine leading to dual accreditation which remains essential for the majority of consultant posts.

Training takes a minimum of five years to complete (or pro rata if training less than full-time). All trainees rotate through secondary and tertiary centres and at some point should participate in a specialist out of hours ‘bleeder’ rota.

Furthermore, there are likely to be opportunities during the programme to spend at least one year of training in acquiring advanced clinical skills such as in hepatology, endoscopy and nutrition.

Applying to ST3 gastroenterology

All applications to ST3 gastroenterology posts in 2012 will be processed via the single cascadable application (SCA) model. Applicants need only complete and submit one single application form, stating (up to) four preferences of deanery/UoA at which they would wish to be considered.

Following the close of the application window, under the SCA model applications will be allocated to deaneries/UoAs based upon the candidates' stated preferences, the scores awarded to application forms, and the available interview capacity at deaneries/UoAs.

For more information on applying to gastroenterology, please visit the recruitment process section of this website.