A gastroenterology specialist, also known as a gastroenterologist or a GI doctor, is a physician who specializes in the diagnoses, treatment, and prevention of diseases and disorders affecting the entire digestive system, including the mouth and salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and rectum. They treat acute diseases and chronic conditions of the GI tract, such as chronic diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, or difficulty swallowing. Gastroenterologists perform more gastrointestinal research, examinations, and procedures than other doctors do. They are trained to diagnose and treat problems in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract and liver, and they also do routine procedures such as colonoscopies, which look at the inside of your colon. If youre experiencing persistent abdominal pain or cramping, nausea, vomiting, bloody stools, or recurring bouts of diarrhea, you should consider seeing a gastroenterology specialist, as these are possible symptoms of a digestive condition.