Who is a Gastroenterologist?
A gastroenterologist is a specialist with expertise in the disorders and diseases that affect the digestive system — which includes the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus) as well as the pancreas, liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder.
Top Gastroenterologist In South Africa
While it’s difficult to determine the absolute “top” gastroenterologist in South Africa as it depends on various factors such as expertise, experience, patient reviews, and personal preferences, here are a few highly regarded gastroenterologists in the country:
Dr. Ian Martin:
Based in Cape Town, Dr. Ian Martin is a respected gastroenterologist with extensive experience in the field. He specializes in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, including colonoscopy and gastroscopy.
Dr. Nabeel Valli:
Dr. Nabeel Valli is a renowned gastroenterologist practicing in Johannesburg. He has expertise in various gastrointestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, liver diseases, and gastrointestinal cancers.
Dr. Charles Kriel:
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Charles Kriel is a well-regarded gastroenterologist in Durban. He is known for his expertise in therapeutic endoscopy, including advanced endoscopic procedures.
Dr. Jaco Bruwer:
Dr. Jaco Bruwer is a respected gastroenterologist based in Pretoria. He has a special interest in liver diseases, viral hepatitis, and gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Dr. Mike Thomson:
Dr. Mike Thomson practices in Cape Town and is recognized for his expertise in the management of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Dr. Theo de Wit:
Dr. Theo de Wit is a highly regarded gastroenterologist in Port Elizabeth. He has a broad range of expertise in gastrointestinal disorders and performs endoscopic procedures.
It’s essential to note that the selection of a gastroenterologist should be based on personal preferences, specific medical needs, and recommendations from healthcare professionals.
It’s advisable to consult with a primary care physician or seek referrals from trusted sources to find a gastroenterologist who suits individual requirements.
How many gastroenterologists are there in South Africa?
There are less than 100 medical gastroenterologists in South Africa so finding a medical gastroenterologist in your area may be difficult. A surgical gastroenterologist can also manage IBD.
What is the difference between a gastrologist and a gastrologist?
As per definition, a gastrologist is a person who specializes in gastrology. Gastrology involves stomach and stomach-related issues.
However, gastrology is not a recognized branch of study and hence, gastrologist is just another term used for gastroenterologists, since the latter is difficult to pronounce.
How long does it take to become a gastroenterologist in South Africa?
In South Africa a Gastroenterologist has trained from medical school, through an internship, community service, and then specialist training as a specialist physician first before being allowed to train as a gastroenterologist, to complete training after 15-16 years.