Gastroenterologists

There is no way to obtain direct experience in high school, but it's a good idea to take as many health and science classes as possible and participate in science clubs. During your medical training, you will gain experience by completing a three-year residency in internal medicine, and at least two years of training in a gastroenterology fellowship.

Gastroenterologists must be able to communicate effectively with other health care professionals and with patients. This includes being a keen listener. A large part of successful treatment is accurate diagnosis, which requires carefully taken patient histories, a detail oriented personality, and close analysis of symptoms. Gastroenterologists must also be able to work with all types of people, and have a deep sense of caring and compassion. Gastroenterologists who operate their own practice must have business and financial management skills and the ability to properly supervise other physicians.