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Contact: Amy Blaser

(COLUMBUS, Neb.) – Chronic heartburn, abdominal pain and digestive bleeding are just a few
conditions that may lead someone to seek care from a gastroenterologist.

Gastroenterologists, also called GIs, specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases of the digestive
system, which includes some of the most vital organs in the body.

They are trained to evaluate, diagnose and manage disorders that affect the gastrointestinal system.

Their expertise includes:

• The esophagus, stomach and small intestine.
• The colon and rectum.
• The pancreas, liver and gallbladder.
• The bile ducts.
• Digestive conditions such as ulcers, reflux and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

These highly specialized doctors care for adult patients across the spectrum of digestive health, from
chronic disorders to acute concerns. They use advanced, minimally invasive tools such as endoscopy and
colonoscopy to diagnose many conditions and perform therapeutic procedures.

To become a gastroenterologist, a person must first complete four years of medical school and a threeyear residency in internal medicine. After residency, doctors continue their education with a fellowship
in gastroenterology that typically lasts three years. The fellowship allows them to develop deep,
specialized expertise in digestive health.

Some gastroenterologists pursue additional subspecialty training in areas such as:

• Advanced endoscopy.
• Hepatology.
• Inflammatory bowel disease.
• Motility disorders.

Many gastroenterologists seek board certification through organizations such as the American Board of
Internal Medicine. Certification is voluntary, but those who achieve it have demonstrated the highest
standards of knowledge and training in their field.

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Dr. Tyler McVay is a board-certified gastroenterologist at Columbus Community Hospital