Medical Knowledge

1. A knowledge and understanding of the basic scientific principles including molecular biology, immunology, genetics, pharmacology, pathophysiology, clinical laboratory methods, and cognitive skills necessary to diagnose and treat patients with gastrointestinal and liver diseases.

2. Familiar with a broad range of GI and hepatic pathology and the clinical implications of the pathological findings in biopsies and in surgical specimens.

3. A knowledge of the broad range of gastrointestinal symptoms and their implications.

4. The ability to recognize gender differences in the pathophysiology of health and disease states and different responses to treatment.

5. An appreciation of the unique aspects of pediatric gastroenterology and an awareness of the clinical problems of pediatric gastroenterology.

6. A knowledge of the effect of age on the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal disease and response to treatment.

7. A knowledge and understanding of the methods of nutritional assessment, and the principles of enteral and parenteral nutrition necessary to diagnose and treat patients with nutritional disorders.

8. A basic understanding of liver disease.

9. A knowledge of the indications, contraindications, alternatives to, and potential complications of gastrointestinal endoscopy.

10. An understanding of when to biopsy, how it may aid the diagnosis, and what the limitations of biopsy are; an understanding of when and how biopsies should be submitted to the pathology laboratory for other than routine processing in formalin; and a familiarity with the mechanisms and the usefulness of new techniques, such as flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and tests based in molecular biology.

11. A basic understanding of liver disease, in general, including the signs, symptoms, diagnostic methods necessary to evaluate and treat these disorders.

12. A critical approach to the medical literature to facilitate review and assessment of the quality of reported scientific studies.

13. A knowledge of the design and conduct of clinical research projects.

14. Scientific writing skills needed to prepare and publish papers in peer-reviewed journals.

15. The ability to  plan and present continuing medical education lectures