Find a Doctor

On this page you will find general information on how to select a gastroenterologist; information regarding members of your allied health care team; and how to prepare for your GI specialist appointment.
 

Or, from here you can access a world wide listing of gastroenterologists

Gastroparesis and motility disorders/diseases represent frustrating digestive problems that may create chronic, possibly debilitating, symptoms. Standard diagnostic tests may all come back as normal. For these reasons it is essential to learn as much as possible about your particular digestive motility problem in order to advocate for yourself or for your child. As with any chronic illness, establishing a good working relationship with your primary care physician and specialist(s) is essential.

Examples of specialists who may be involved in your care:

• Diabetologist (a doctor specializing in diabetes).

• Endocrinologist (a doctor specializing in the care of organs such as the thyroid gland, adrenal gland, pancreas, etc).

• Internist

• Family practitioner

• Kidney specialist

• Pediatrician (a doctor specializing in the care of children)

• Psychiatrist/psychologist

• Dietitian

• Nurse specialist

Gastroenterologists, what are they?
Gastroenterologists are doctors of internal medicine who have taken three years of fellowship training in the subspecialty of gastroenterology. This area of discipline covers all aspects of the digestive tract, liver, and pancreas.

Gastroenterologists can further sub-specialize in the area of gastrointestinal motility. One such program is offered at the Mayo Clinic.

Some gastroenterologists have not taken a specific course in gastrointestinal motility, but instead have taken an interest in this area and advanced their knowledge through seminars, symposiums and other academic means. The American Neurogastroenterology & Motility Society offers courses to physicians in various aspects of gastrointestinal motility training.

Pediatric gastroenterologists, who have specialized in gastrointestinal (digestive) motility diseases/disorders, are very rare and difficult to find. Historically, there has been insufficient funding for this type of training.

Where to begin.
Check out your doctor’s credentials:

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)

is a not-for-profit organization that oversees physician certification in various specialties. Check their site to find out if your doctor is Board-certified.

You may also go to your local library for The Official ABMS Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists, not only to check on the certification of a specific doctor, but also to assist you in finding potential specialists in your area. You may also choose to order the ABMS directory on-line.

You can call your state or provincial medical licensing board to find a physician specialist, or to inquire if a physician specialist is in good standing with their professional board

Your initial visit:

• Try to get an appointment when you are not in a health-care crisis.

• Jot down your questions and provide a succinct history.

• Be sure to have copies of your own medical records.

• Be sure to take an advocate with you.

• Don't be afraid to ask how many patients they have cared for who have similar problems as your own.

• Your doctor may honestly report that he or she does not understand your illness, but is willing to work with you to learn more. This is a key ingredient to a good working relationship.

• Finding the doctor you are comfortable with, and who is interested in helping you to optimize your symptom management should be your goal.

A special note to Canadians who suffer from GI motility problems:
Accessing a gastroenterologist, once you have been referred, can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months. Then you are not assured you will find a specialist who has training in gastrointestinal motility problems, especially in regards to idiopathic gastroparesis. The problem is even worse for pediatric patients who suffer with motility-like symptoms of:

• Abdominal bloating,

• Nausea/vomiting/retching,

• Failure to thrive,

• Constipation,

• Reflux, and

• Recurrent abdominal pain.

These motility-like symptoms are attributed—often mistakenly—to a variety of diagnostic labels. As for older children, they are often referred to a psychologist as the primary treatment plan. While psychological support may be appropriate, it may prove an ineffective primary treatment and the child endures persistent suffering with inadequate medical guidance. More research funding is desperately needed to correct the confusion of misinformation.

The wait to consult a gastroenterologist is bad enough, but the lack of medical guidance once you gain access can be devastating. Asking to be referred to another GI specialist may leave you feeling vulnerable. Furthermore, the Canadian health system is not easily portable from one province to another. Yet, you have a right to continue your search for a physician with whom you feel comfortable and who is willing to provide you with medical guidance; someone to advocate on your behalf at physician visits would be most beneficial in this regard.

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As long as our Canadian patient population remains quiet, no one in a leadership capacity will know there is a problem. You can advocate politically for yourself.

You are encouraged to write, phone, or fax the Minister of Health—both federally and provincially—as well as copying to your MP and MLA.

Canadian Health Minister 

Alberta Minister of Health

Your voice adds up to action. Don't remain quiet.
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Definitions used in this text:
Motility: The overall gut neuromuscular action of churning, processing and moving food through the digestive tract.

Digestive motility disorders encompass a family of disordered gut neuro-muscular function. Some examples:
            Recurrent abdominal pain
            Functional abdominal pain
            Dyspepsia
            Functional dyspepsia
            Non-ulcer dyspepsia
            Functional constipation
            Slow-transit constipation
            Functional dysphasia
            Irritable bowel syndrome

Motility diseases represent a more severe form of the same problems listed above. Some, but not all, can progress to digestive failure and represent an unknown, or idiopathic, disease process usually felt to be auto-immune. Some examples:

           Achalasia
           Gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying)

           Small intestinal pseudo-obstruction

           Colonic inertia