Gastroenterologist or Hepatologist – Which Specialist Should You Seek?
If you are diagnosed with a condition such as hepatitis, then your most urgent concern might be finding the right physicians to help you manage your condition. You may be wondering whether you should select a hepatologist or a gastroenterologist. People with other underlying issues such as HIV might need to loop in an infectious disease specialist in the treatment process as well. Gastroenterologist versus hepatologist Both practitioners are qualified to treat liver diseases, but they are trained somewhat differently. For instance, gastroenterology physicians are certified in both internal medicine and gastroenterology. In order to be a gastroenterologist, one must complete a two or three-year fellowship in gastroenterology. This program takes a closer look into digestive tract organs such as the liver, intestines, gall bladder, pancreas, and disorders that afflict them. On the other hand, hepatologists specialize in disorders of the liver and the associated organs suc...