What are your tips for finding a good gastroenterologist?

I think this honestly can be such a hard task. Over the years I've found that personality and bedside manner, are to me, very important in the GI I'm going to have a relationship with.

My best advice would be:

1) Have a list of questions, concerns, and health highlights when you are seeing a new doctor.
2) Think about new doctors like a job interview. If you don't get a good feeling, perhaps there is another GI in the practice you might click better with, or perhaps another practice might have a doctor that feels like a better fit.
3) Be clear about your expectations for the patient/physician relationship - what things are important to you (easy to send/receive messages, easy to refill prescriptions, on staff at a certain hospital, associated with a certain ER, philosophies about surgery, western v. eastern medicine, etc.)

If possible, I definitely recommend talking other IBD patients in your area to hear their GI experiences!

-Amanda (team member)

This is a great question. I second what Amanda has said, this can be a bit tricky to maneuver and it takes patience to find a good doctor.

Throughout my diagnosis I have lived in two different states, so I have seen many gastroenterologists. For me, it's important that I get "good vibes" from the doctor. If I don't mesh with their personality, then already I know it's not going to be an easy road. It is so important that I feel comfortable with them and that I establish trust.

It is also important that your doctor believes in the goal(s) you want to achieve with your health. For example, it was important to me that I find a doctor who approved of me using holistic and natural approaches to help heal IBD. I have met with doctors that have been so dismissive of me speaking about diet, using essential oils, probiotics, and supplements. If they aren't on the same page with your needs and how you feel comfortable tackling this disease, then keep it pushing and find a doctor that will get in your corner.

My biggest tip would be, don't waste your time trying to make things work. Chances are that if you don't like the doctor from the jump, it's going to remain that way. It's better to move on to another than try to make things work. You will only be unhappy with your consultations, and feel stressed. Just go for a second opinion, always.

Always dancing,
Elizabeth (team member)

It is hard to find a gastroenterologist that meets your needs. It can be a process of interviewing a few. I have found some good ones over the years but it was only through trial and error.

Usually, I get recommendations first and then see them myself to see if my own opinion matches. Also, at certain points, you may need to change doctors and start the process all over again. I'm on my fourth g.i. or so but I've seen a ton of others over the years that weren't my principal doctor. Hope this helps!

Best,
Matt (Team Member)