Read about this clinical area and download the syllabi for both sub-specialty and for generic specialty training.
Introduction to this sub-specialty
A paediatric gastroenterologist is a clinician who provides tertiary services for the diagnosis and long-term management of rare disorders and complex cases of more common disorders that affect the gastrointestinal tract. Gastroenterologists provide nutritional support for patients, including those with temporary or permanent intestinal failure, and manage services for home parenteral nutrition.
Paediatric hepatologists provide both tertiary and national hepatology services in designated centres. They diagnose and manage paediatric liver diseases, such as acute and chronic liver failure, and are co-located with transplant services to provide care for liver and small bowel transplantation patients.
Paediatric gastroenterologists and hepatologists often provide specialist advice in a model of shared care. They are co-located in regional units with key services such as paediatric surgery and paediatric intensive care. They understand the indications, benefits and risks of procedures for diagnostic evaluation and possess specialised skills in performing and interpreting the results of tests, such as gastrointestinal endoscopy and liver biopsy.
Training in this sub-specialty
In summer 2023, we launched RCPCH Progress+, our updated, two-level paediatric training programme in the UK.
Paediatricians start in core training, and then move on to specialty training - when some choose to apply to train in a paediatric sub-specialty, such as paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition (PGHAN).
The Progress+ curriculum provides a framework for paediatric training, and outlines the Learning Outcomes and Key Capabilities required at each stage before attaining the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).
The RCPCH Progress+ syllabi support the curriculum with further guidance on how the Learning Outcomes can be achieved and demonstrated, with sub-specialty Learning Outcomes. You can download the Progress+ syllabi for this sub-specialty and for specialty training (generic) below.
Trainees due to CCT by September 2024 continue to use the Progress curriculum and syllabi; you can also download the the Progress syllabi below.