ABP Pediatric Gastroenterology study guide
ABP Pediatric Gastroenterology · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Pediatric Gastroenterology Subspecialty Certifying Exam is the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) examination through which a pediatrician who has completed accredited subspecialty training can earn board certification in pediatric gastroenterology. It is intended for fellows completing pediatric gastroenterology training and for physicians seeking initial subspecialty certification; the ABP lists Pediatric Gastroenterology among its subspecialty certifications, with admission requirements, non-standard pathways, and scholarly activity expectations set at the subspecialty level. The ABP Pediatric Gastroenterology study guide has 9 sections and about 2,086 words.
01Clinical Pediatric Gastroenterology: Core Approach
Pediatric gastroenterology questions reward a disciplined clinical method more than memorized lists. Anchor every vignette on age, growth trajectory, stool pattern, and red flags (bilious vomiting, hematemesis, weight loss, nocturnal symptoms, fever, peritoneal signs).
276 words, about 1 min02Growth, Development, and Nutritional Assessment
Growth is the pediatric equivalent of vital signs. Questions test whether you can interpret anthropometrics, recognize malnutrition phenotypes, and choose the right nutritional intervention.
266 words, about 1 min03Esophagus and Stomach Disorders
This domain covers GERD, eosinophilic esophagitis, achalasia, gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, H. pylori, and gastric motility disorders.
255 words, about 1 min04Intestinal Disorders, Malabsorption, and Mucosal Disease
Covers celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease overlap, short bowel syndrome, carbohydrate malabsorption, and infectious enteritis. Celiac disease: IgA tissue transglutaminase with total IgA; duodenal biopsy showing villous atrophy and crypt hyperplasia; strict gluten-free diet.
232 words, about 1 min05Pancreatic and Biliary Disorders
Acute and chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic insufficiency (cystic fibrosis, Shwachman-Diamond), biliary atresia, choledochal cysts, and gallstone disease. Acute pancreatitis: requires two of three-characteristic pain, lipase 3× upper limit, or imaging findings.
232 words, about 1 min06Liver Disease and Transplant Hepatology
Neonatal cholestasis, autoimmune hepatitis, Wilson disease, metabolic liver disease, portal hypertension, and post-transplant care. Cholestasis: direct hyperbilirubinemia requires prompt evaluation; differential includes biliary atresia, metabolic disease, infection, and Alagille syndrome.
211 words, about 1 min07Inflammatory and Immunologic Disorders of the Gut
Covers Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP), eosinophilic gastroenteritis, and immunodeficiency-associated enteropathy. IBD phenotypes: Crohn is transmural, skip lesions, perianal disease, granulomas; ulcerative colitis is mucosal, continuous from rectum, with bloody diarrhea.
223 words, about 1 min08Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures, Including Endoscopy
Upper and lower endoscopy, liver biopsy, manometry, pH-impedance testing, and therapeutic interventions such as polypectomy and variceal banding. Endoscopy indications: GI bleeding, dysphagia, chronic diarrhea, suspected IBD, and foreign body removal.
198 words, under 1 min09Core Knowledge, Scholarship, and Professionalism
This domain tests evidence-based practice, study design interpretation, and professional conduct in pediatric gastroenterology. Evidence appraisal: distinguish sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and likelihood ratios; understand how prevalence affects PPV.
193 words, under 1 min