Practicing gastroenterology offers a healthy mix of patient care and research, making it an alluring option for many.
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: If you had it to do over, would you choose gastroenterology as a specialty again? If not, what other specialty would you consider?
Harry Aslanian, MD. Gastroenterologist at Yale School of Medicine (New Haven, Conn.): Almost all the gastroenterologists I know, myself included, continue to enjoy gastroenterology, — in particular endoscopy — and would do it all over again. Endoscopy provides the satisfaction of a visual and manual challenge that provides opportunities to expand your knowledge and performance, incorporate new procedures and technology, while enjoying a high-definition view of the human body and an opportunity to perfect routine procedures.