Pediatric Gastroenterologist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an age of advanced healthcare, the need for pediatric gastroenterologists has become increasingly critical.

As medical science evolves, the call for skilled professionals who can diagnose, treat, and manage the digestive, liver, and nutritional problems in children from infancy until age eighteen amplifies.

But let’s unravel the intricacies: What’s truly expected from a pediatric gastroenterologist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the requirements of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the inner workings of pediatric gastroenterology,

You’re at the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pediatric gastroenterologist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve into it.

Pediatric Gastroenterologist Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Gastroenterologists are specialized physicians who diagnose and treat digestive disorders in children, including conditions related to the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting detailed examinations and assessments of patients presenting symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders.
• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests such as blood tests, endoscopies, colonoscopies, or liver biopsies.
• Diagnosing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, acid reflux, food allergies, or more serious disorders like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, liver diseases etc.
• Prescribing treatments or therapies such as medications, diet modifications, or surgeries for complex gastrointestinal disorders.
• Performing procedures such as endoscopies or colonoscopies to diagnose or treat conditions.
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals including dietitians, surgeons, or pediatricians to ensure a comprehensive approach to patient care.
• Providing emotional support and advice to patients and their families, helping them to understand the child’s condition and treatment.
• Stay updated with latest research and advancements in pediatric gastroenterology and implementing them in patient care.
• Maintaining accurate and detailed patient records, including the history and symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes.
• Adhering strictly to healthcare laws, regulations, and medical ethics.

 

Pediatric Gastroenterologist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Pediatric Gastroenterologist to diagnose and treat digestive system diseases in children.

The responsibilities of the Pediatric Gastroenterologist include examining patients, interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medication, and performing endoscopic procedures.

Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of pediatric gastroenterology, excellent diagnostic skills, and a compassionate nature.

Ultimately, the role of the Pediatric Gastroenterologist is to provide high-quality medical care that addresses the specific health needs of our young patients.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluating patients’ symptoms and diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases and disorders in children
• Interpreting diagnostic tests and medical imaging results
• Prescribing suitable medication or recommending dietary changes for patients
• Performing endoscopic procedures to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal conditions
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care
• Developing treatment plans that address the specific health needs of patients
• Providing counseling and support to patients and their families
• Staying updated with the latest research and advancements in pediatric gastroenterology

 

Qualifications

• Medical degree and completion of a Pediatric Gastroenterology fellowship
• Board certification in Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Proven experience working as a Pediatric Gastroenterologist
• Expert knowledge of pediatric gastrointestinal diseases and treatment methods
• Excellent diagnostic skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and a compassionate nature
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work as part of a team

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Professional development opportunities
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Gastroenterologist
• Work Environment: Hospital or clinic setting. On-call and weekend hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the Pediatric Department.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $200,000 minimum to $400,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Gastroenterologist Do?

A Pediatric Gastroenterologist is a specialized medical professional who works to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal, liver, and nutritional problems in children from infancy until age 18.

They are experts in managing diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), peptic ulcers, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, colitis, nutritional disorders, and liver diseases in the pediatric population.

Pediatric Gastroenterologists use a range of techniques to carry out their work, including endoscopy procedures, imaging studies, and laboratory tests.

They conduct physical examinations, review medical histories, and interpret test results to accurately diagnose illnesses.

Additionally, these specialists often collaborate with dietitians, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive care plans for their young patients.

They also provide guidance and counseling to families, explaining conditions, treatment options, and how to manage their child’s symptoms at home.

In the case of patients with chronic conditions, Pediatric Gastroenterologists play a crucial role in managing the disease, monitoring progress, and making necessary adjustments to the treatment plan over time.

Education and prevention are key aspects of their work, including educating patients and their families about the importance of healthy diets, lifestyle choices, and the risks of certain behaviors.

Ultimately, their primary responsibility is to ensure the health and well-being of their pediatric patients in relation to gastrointestinal, hepatic, and nutritional issues.

 

Pediatric Gastroenterologist Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Gastroenterologist should possess the skills and qualifications that align with the job description, such as:

• Comprehensive knowledge in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition to accurately diagnose and treat digestive, liver, and nutritional problems in children.
• Exceptional patient care skills, with the ability to interact with children and their families in a compassionate and empathetic manner.
• Strong communication skills to explain complex medical information and treatment plans in a clear, understandable way to parents and children.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills for assessing patient conditions and determining effective treatment plans.
• Proficiency in performing endoscopic procedures, interpreting diagnostic tests, and managing patients with chronic gastrointestinal diseases.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team of healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, surgeons, dietitians, and others to provide comprehensive patient care.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and development to keep up with the latest advancements in pediatric gastroenterology.
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods during procedures and the ability to handle stressful situations.

 

Pediatric Gastroenterologist Experience Requirements

To become a pediatric gastroenterologist, candidates should start by earning a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field like Biology or Pre-Med.

Afterward, they should attend medical school, which usually takes around four years.

Upon graduating from medical school, candidates must complete a residency program in pediatrics, which typically lasts about three years.

This experience gives them the opportunity to gain hands-on experience treating children in a clinical setting.

Following the residency, candidates should complete a fellowship in pediatric gastroenterology.

This specialized training can last between two to three years and provides candidates with a deep understanding of the gastrointestinal issues that affect children, from infancy through adolescence.

After completing their fellowship, pediatric gastroenterologists are typically required to become board certified.

This involves passing an examination that tests their knowledge and skills in this specialized field.

Some roles may require the pediatric gastroenterologist to have more than 5 years of experience, which can include their time spent in the fellowship.

Those who hold leadership roles such as department heads or medical directors may be expected to have more than 10 years of experience.

In addition, pediatric gastroenterologists should have experience with specific procedures like endoscopies, colonoscopies, and liver biopsies.

They should also be familiar with conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Continual learning and staying updated with the latest medical research and advancements is also a crucial part of a pediatric gastroenterologist’s job.

Therefore, additional experience in research or teaching could also be beneficial.

 

Pediatric Gastroenterologist Education and Training Requirements

A Pediatric Gastroenterologist requires extensive education and training.

Initially, a four-year undergraduate degree, typically with a focus on the sciences, is required.

This is followed by four years of medical school to obtain a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree.

Post-medical school, a three-year pediatric residency program must be completed.

This provides general pediatric training and is often where an interest in gastroenterology may begin to be pursued.

Following this, an additional three-year fellowship in pediatric gastroenterology is required.

This fellowship involves specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal, liver, and nutritional disorders in infants, children, and adolescents.

At the end of these rigorous training and educational commitments, pediatric gastroenterologists must then pass a certification exam from the American Board of Pediatrics in both general pediatrics and pediatric gastroenterology.

Additionally, many pediatric gastroenterologists opt for further training in research, global health, or advanced therapeutic endoscopy.

Continuing education is also crucial in this field as medical advancements and new treatment techniques are continually evolving.

Therefore, ongoing learning and staying up-to-date with the latest research in pediatric gastroenterology is essential.

 

Pediatric Gastroenterologist Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Gastroenterologist earns an average salary of $294,000 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary considerably based on factors such as years of experience, the level of specialized training, location, and the type of healthcare facility.

 

Pediatric Gastroenterologist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Gastroenterologist need?

Pediatric Gastroenterologists need to possess excellent diagnostic skills and a deep understanding of gastrointestinal diseases that affect children.

These professionals also need exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to interact with children and their parents, providing them with the necessary medical information and emotional support.

They should also have patience, empathy, and a genuine interest in child health to excel in this field.

 

What kind of education is required to be a Pediatric Gastroenterologist?

To become a Pediatric Gastroenterologist, one must complete medical school, followed by a residency in Pediatrics.

Subsequently, they are required to undergo specialized fellowship training in Pediatric Gastroenterology.

In the United States, board certification in both Pediatrics and Pediatric Gastroenterology is typically required.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Gastroenterologist’s resume?

In a Pediatric Gastroenterologist’s resume, look for a medical degree from an accredited institution, followed by a completed residency in Pediatrics and a fellowship in Pediatric Gastroenterology.

Board certification in these areas is also critical.

Check for any additional certifications or training related to gastroenterology or pediatrics.

Consider the amount of experience they have in handling gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Gastroenterologist?

A good Pediatric Gastroenterologist is compassionate, patient, and has a good rapport with children and families.

They should have excellent diagnostic and therapeutic skills, and be able to communicate complex medical information to patients and their families in a way that is easy to understand.

They should also be up-to-date with the latest advancements in their field.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Pediatric Gastroenterologist?

Hiring a Pediatric Gastroenterologist can be challenging due to the high level of specialized training and experience required for this role.

Furthermore, the pool of qualified candidates is relatively small as it’s a highly specialized field.

This role requires a combination of unique skills, including medical proficiency, excellent communication skills, and a compassionate nature, which makes the recruitment process challenging.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the mysteries of what it truly means to be a pediatric gastroenterologist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about diagnosing and treating children with digestive disorders.

It’s about sculpting a healthier future for our children, one patient at a time.

With our pediatric gastroenterologist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to leap forward.

But why stop at just ready?

Plunge deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting pinpoint-precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient treated is a step towards a healthier future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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