A gastroenterologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the digestive system. This includes organs such as the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They often perform procedures like endoscopies to examine the digestive tract and can help manage conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Gastroenterologists typically complete several years of training after medical school, including a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in gastroenterology. They work closely with patients to develop treatment plans, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery, depending on the specific condition being treated.