Working as a gastroenterologist isn’t for everyone. You’ll see feces on a daily basis, and you’ll likely have to deal with the fast pace of the field. You may need to whiz to the ER if you have an acute GI bleed, or you may need to run to the procedure suite to do a scope. But it’s worth it in the end.
A lifestyle as a gastroenterologist depends on the type of practice you choose. A community gastroenterologist works in a smaller hospital and is likely to see less complicated cases than an academic gastroenterologist. Inpatient gastroenterologists spend their days in the clinic, but are often on call for emergencies. They may also work at night. Some gastroenterologists choose to work in academia or teach medical students.
If you have a passion for medicine and the human body, gastroenterology is a great specialty to pursue. You’ll have the opportunity to work in acute and chronic settings, treat patients with a variety of disorders, and work with a diverse group of people. Because gastroenterologists perform invasive procedures, they’ll also have to be able to perform a variety of procedures.
As a gastroenterologist, you’ll spend approximately 13 hours a day on your job. Your average sleep is seven hours. You’ll have about four hours of free time, so you’ll need to manage your time accordingly. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to avoid burnout and avoid becoming a statistic. Using more user-friendly EHR technology, eating regular meals, and scheduling personal time are just a few of the ways to stay sane.
