Meaning & use
gastroenterologist
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountablemedical
A doctor who specializes in the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, and related organs.
Grammar: Countable; use 'a gastroenterologist' for one doctor and 'gastroenterologists' for several.
Patterns
- see a gastroenterologist
- refer someone to a gastroenterologist
My stomach pain was so persistent that my doctor sent me to a gastroenterologist.
She trained as a gastroenterologist and now works in a large hospital.
A gastroenterologist may perform an endoscopy to examine the gut.
nouncountablemedical
A medical specialist who diagnoses and treats disorders such as ulcers, liver disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Grammar: Often followed by 'for' plus the condition: a gastroenterologist for Crohn's disease.
Patterns
- gastroenterologist for something
- consult a gastroenterologist
The gastroenterologist prescribed a new treatment for her liver condition.
He was referred to a gastroenterologist for further tests.
Word forms
| plural | gastroenterologists |
|---|
Common combinations
- consult a gastroenterologist
- You should consult a gastroenterologist if symptoms continue.
- pediatric gastroenterologist
- A pediatric gastroenterologist treats children with digestive problems.
- refer to a gastroenterologist
- The family doctor referred him to a gastroenterologist.
- gastroenterologist appointment
- She has a gastroenterologist appointment next Tuesday.
Synonyms and how they differ
- GI doctor
- Informal abbreviation of the same specialist, common in American English.
- digestive specialist
- A plain-language way to describe the same role, not an official title.
Word family
- gastroenterology noun
- The branch of medicine dealing with the digestive system.
- gastroenterological adjective
- Relating to gastroenterology or its treatments.
- gastrologist noun
- An older, less common term for a specialist in stomach disorders.
Commonly confused: gastroenterologist or gastrologist? gastroenterologist or gastronomist?
gastroenterologist vs gastrologist
Sounds similar but focuses mainly on the stomach, while a gastroenterologist covers the whole digestive tract.
gastroenterologist vs gastronomist
Despite the similar sound, this person studies food and cooking, not medicine.
Practice
Who would you expect to treat a long-term problem with your intestines?
Choose one answer.
A gastroenterologist specializes in the digestive system, which includes the intestines. A dermatologist treats skin, an orthodontist straightens teeth, and an optician deals with eyesight.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “gastroenterologist”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.