What inspired you to choose your subspecialty in GI?
The ability to intervene in someone’s disease course with your hands (endoscope) really inspired me to pursue interventional endoscopy. While every specialty is equally important in medicine, this feeling is what made me choose interventional endoscopy.
What does a typical day look like in your practice?
My day is mostly spent in the endoscopy laboratory. I review all of my patients scheduled for the next day, the day before, reviewing anticipated equipment used, as well as reviewing imaging, prior diagnostic work up (manometery, MRI scans, prior endoscopies) and consultant notes. Procedures involve informed consent, performing the procedure, followed by procedure notes and reviewing findings with family and patient. I will also round on patients and l do half day outpatient clinic every week.
What are the biggest rewards and challenges in your subspecialty?
My passion is in GI cancer prevention. So, removal of early GI cancers in a minimally invasive incisionless fashion is extremely rewarding to me. Challenges typically include the unpredictability of certain procedures and hence as an interventional endoscopist, one needs to be adaptable.
How does your subspecialty impact your work–life balance and career growth opportunities?
There are so many advancements happening in interventional endoscopy right now and all these opportunities present an exciting time in our field. So I feel this really fuels a lot of career growth opportunities.
What advice would you give GI fellows who are exploring subspecialty options today?
My advice is to envision what subspecialty you can feel at home with. Of course every specialty has its challenges but if you feel the work you are doing rewarding 80% of the time, it is a blessing.
Author
Mohammad Bilal, MD, F¶¶Òô´ó¹Ï, is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus where he also serves as Director of Third Space Endoscopy & Bariatric Endoscopy and Associate Program Director of the Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship. Dr. Bilal is passionate about innovations in endoscopy, advanced tissue resection and medical education. Dr. Bilal has over 240 peer-reviewed publications.