Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that deals with the study of the digestive system and its disorders affecting organs from mouth to anus. Gastroenterologists are the doctors who are specialized in examining, diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and disorders related to digestive system organs.

A 5-year medical degree [MBBS] that is recognized by the General Medical Council and a 2-year foundation course of general training are the basic requirements for an individual to be a doctor. However, following are the specialties or extra qualifications required to be a Gastroenterologist:
Diplomate in Gastroenterology
CCST - GastroenterologyMRCS (UK)
DNB - Surgical Gastroenterology
Fellowship in Gastroenterology
MRCP (UK)
MCh - Surgical Gastroenterology/G.I.Surgery
MASGE
Ph. D - Gastroenterology & Human Nutrition Unit
DM - Gastroenterology
DNB - Gastroenterology
FRCP - Gastroenterology

A patient who is diagnosed with the digestive disorder should visit Gastroenterologist once in a month or as directed by the doctor. However, a healthy person must visit Gastroenterologist once in a year to check the condition of the digestive system.

Gastroenterologists and Proctologists are the same and the only difference is Gastroenterologists will do only diagnostic procedures whereas Proctologists can perform surgery related to the digestive system.