Firstly, what is a Gastroenterologist?
A Gastroenterologist covers everything from your lips to ... the other end- so, anything bowel and digestion-related, including the solid organs like the pancreas and liver. Because this covers a huge territory, many Gastroenterologists sub-specialize to either the "hollow" bits (like stomach/bowel) or the "solid" bits (like liver and pancreas). Those who specialize in liver diseases are called Hepatologists. Even within these sub-specialities, Gastroenterologists often focus on specific conditions or techniques such as endoscopy.
Who am I and what areas do I specialize in?
Dr John Meenan MD PhD FRCPI FRCP Dip Stats
I qualified from the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin in 1986 (cum laude). I started my specialist training in Gastreonterology ("Registrar") at St. James' Hospital, Dublin in 1989 through to 1992. During this time I started research for my first doctorate (MD from Trinity College, Dublin- awarded 1998) which was into the role of the vitamin folic acid in the development of colon cancer. This work was done with the team that discovered the link between folic acid and preventing spina bifida (under Profs. Weir and Scott). I was also involved in the early drug trials for HIV. During this time, I was awarded my membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (MRCPI)
In 1992 I went to Amsterdam where I trained in advanced endoscopy (Endoscopic Ultrasound and ERCP) as well as starting my second doctorate (PhD from University of Amsterdam- awarded 1995) into the immunology of the gut and inflammatory bowel diseases. I was part of the team that discovered the value of a new type of drug (the "biologics") for the treatment of Crohn's disease.
I moved to Guy's & St. Thomas' Hospital, London, in 1996 where I was Senior Registrar until 1999, when I was appointed Consultant Gastroenterologist. I have worked there ever since and was Head of Service between 2007 and 2013. During this time, I found funding for and lead the team that built a new department/endoscopy unit as well as laying the foundations for a further community-based endoscopy unit. The other task that I worked on was to modernize and improve links between local GP's and hospital services.
I have continued to refine my skills by spending time abroad at centres of excellence, training in new endoscopic techniques: Paris (1999), Marseille (2001), Wiesbaden (2007), Tokyo (2008), Cleveland (2014) and Stuttgart (2015) as well as attending/presenting at annual international meetings and skills' workshops. The American Society for Endoscopy (ASGE) has twice awarded me their prize for developing new world-wide teaching programmes in 2007 and again in 2014.
My areas of interest are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid-reflux, endoscopy/colonoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound as well as general gastroenterology. I do not manage liver disease or Crohn's disease/ulcerative colitis.
My greatest bug-bear about bowel symptoms, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other conditions is that they are often treated with a "one-size fits all" plan. No one sits down to explain what the symptoms mean and how they are best tackled. I am very fortunate to have learned a lot from the patients that I have seen over many years and from being associated with excellent medical colleagues and a very pro-active Dietetic department.
I practice from London Bridge Hospital and Guy's & St. Thomas' Hospital. I am a "Preferred Provider" for BUPA and AXA and am recognized by all the other major medical insurance companies such as Vitality, Cigna, Aviva etc. All charges are in line with their guidelines.
On a final note, if it might suit your needs better to manage your IBS in your own time, you might be interested to look at www.eat2beatIBS.com. This is a self-managed, on-line diet programme that matches your symptoms to the correct diet. This programme was developed together with the London-based senior Specialist Dietitian, Tony Hirving,
I qualified from the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin in 1986 (cum laude). I started my specialist training in Gastreonterology ("Registrar") at St. James' Hospital, Dublin in 1989 through to 1992. During this time I started research for my first doctorate (MD from Trinity College, Dublin- awarded 1998) which was into the role of the vitamin folic acid in the development of colon cancer. This work was done with the team that discovered the link between folic acid and preventing spina bifida (under Profs. Weir and Scott). I was also involved in the early drug trials for HIV. During this time, I was awarded my membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (MRCPI)
In 1992 I went to Amsterdam where I trained in advanced endoscopy (Endoscopic Ultrasound and ERCP) as well as starting my second doctorate (PhD from University of Amsterdam- awarded 1995) into the immunology of the gut and inflammatory bowel diseases. I was part of the team that discovered the value of a new type of drug (the "biologics") for the treatment of Crohn's disease.
I moved to Guy's & St. Thomas' Hospital, London, in 1996 where I was Senior Registrar until 1999, when I was appointed Consultant Gastroenterologist. I have worked there ever since and was Head of Service between 2007 and 2013. During this time, I found funding for and lead the team that built a new department/endoscopy unit as well as laying the foundations for a further community-based endoscopy unit. The other task that I worked on was to modernize and improve links between local GP's and hospital services.
I have continued to refine my skills by spending time abroad at centres of excellence, training in new endoscopic techniques: Paris (1999), Marseille (2001), Wiesbaden (2007), Tokyo (2008), Cleveland (2014) and Stuttgart (2015) as well as attending/presenting at annual international meetings and skills' workshops. The American Society for Endoscopy (ASGE) has twice awarded me their prize for developing new world-wide teaching programmes in 2007 and again in 2014.
My areas of interest are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid-reflux, endoscopy/colonoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound as well as general gastroenterology. I do not manage liver disease or Crohn's disease/ulcerative colitis.
My greatest bug-bear about bowel symptoms, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other conditions is that they are often treated with a "one-size fits all" plan. No one sits down to explain what the symptoms mean and how they are best tackled. I am very fortunate to have learned a lot from the patients that I have seen over many years and from being associated with excellent medical colleagues and a very pro-active Dietetic department.
I practice from London Bridge Hospital and Guy's & St. Thomas' Hospital. I am a "Preferred Provider" for BUPA and AXA and am recognized by all the other major medical insurance companies such as Vitality, Cigna, Aviva etc. All charges are in line with their guidelines.
On a final note, if it might suit your needs better to manage your IBS in your own time, you might be interested to look at www.eat2beatIBS.com. This is a self-managed, on-line diet programme that matches your symptoms to the correct diet. This programme was developed together with the London-based senior Specialist Dietitian, Tony Hirving,
How are Gastroenterologists regulated?
Seems an odd question to deal with but it is important to know how safe practice is managed.
Most private Gastroenterologists also work in the NHS, but that work is completely separate. The NHS contract is for a specific number of "sessions" (equivalent to a half day) per week with an additional commitment to on-call work. Assessment of performance as well as job planning and appraisal is carried out each year. For those few who work entirely in the private sector, this appraisal is carried out by Governance staff of the private hospital in which they spend the most time. The annual appraisal process is an obligatory part of national registration with the General Medical Council (GMC), forming part of the "re-validation" process. Some of the factors reviewed at appraisal include Quality Indicators such as how well endoscopic test are performed (audited every six months).
Most private Gastroenterologists also work in the NHS, but that work is completely separate. The NHS contract is for a specific number of "sessions" (equivalent to a half day) per week with an additional commitment to on-call work. Assessment of performance as well as job planning and appraisal is carried out each year. For those few who work entirely in the private sector, this appraisal is carried out by Governance staff of the private hospital in which they spend the most time. The annual appraisal process is an obligatory part of national registration with the General Medical Council (GMC), forming part of the "re-validation" process. Some of the factors reviewed at appraisal include Quality Indicators such as how well endoscopic test are performed (audited every six months).