Gastroenterology Expert Witnesses
The expertise you need for injuries involving the digestive system
Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that studies the digestive system and its disorders. Physicians in this specialty are called gastroenterologists or GI doctors. They diagnose and treat conditions related to the digestive tract, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
In the United States, aspiring GI doctors must complete medical school, a three-year residency in internal medicine, and a two- to three-year fellowship in gastroenterology. Some GI doctors complete an additional year to specialize in transplant hepatology, advanced endoscopy, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), motility, or another sub-specialty. Gastroenterologists in the United States are Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).
Gastroenterology covers a variety of medical conditions and procedures, including:
- Gastrointestinal cancers: colon, rectal, pancreatic, liver, and esophageal cancer.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Hepatology: liver diseases such as hepatitis B and C, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, as well as diseases of the pancreas and biliary tree.
- Endoscopy: colonoscopy, gastroscopy, ERCP, and endoscopic ultrasound.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): acid reflux, heartburn, and esophagitis.
Gastroenterology is not the same as colorectal or hepatobiliary surgery, which are specialty branches of general surgery.
What is gastroenterology malpractice?
Gastroenterology malpractice can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life due to the central importance of the digestive tract. Some examples of gastroenterology malpractice include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of conditions such as colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or celiac disease.
- Surgical errors during endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopies.
- Failure to communicate with the patient’s primary care physician or provide a referral to another specialist.
The role of a GI doctor as an expert witness
Many types of accidents or injuries can cause damage to the digestive system, liver, or pancreas. For instance, abdominal injuries are common in car accidents, and damage to digestive organs is a common result of surgical errors. A GI doctor can evaluate the extent of the injuries and provide testimony on how those injuries have affected the plaintiff’s quality of life. A gastroenterologist can also opine on the long-term consequences of injuries to the digestive tract and the likelihood that the plaintiff will need additional medical procedures in the future.
An experienced gastroenterology expert witness can make all the difference
If you’re dealing with a legal matter involving GI malpractice or an injury to the digestive system, you need the right expert witness to get to the truth. Our national network includes experienced, Board-Certified gastroenterologists who are prepared to testify in depositions and at trial. If you need a gastroenterology expert witness, contact us today for a free case summary review.