If your child is having ongoing digestive problems, your GP or paediatrician may refer you to a paediatric gastroenterologist. But what does that mean — and why does it matter?

What Is a Paediatrician?

A paediatrician is a specialist doctor who has completed medical school followed by specialist training in general child health. They are qualified to assess and manage a broad range of health issues affecting children, from development and growth to infections, asthma, behaviour, and more. The FRACP (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians) qualification confirms they have completed this training.

A general paediatrician is often the first specialist to see your child and plays an important role in coordinating care.

What Is a Paediatric Gastroenterologist?

A paediatric gastroenterologist is a doctor who has completed:

Medical training

Specialist paediatric training (FRACP)

Additional subspecialty training in paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition — typically 2–3 years of advanced fellowship training in tertiary centres

Dr Harveen Singh FRACP completed fellowship training at the Children's Hospital Westmead (Sydney) and the Royal Children's Hospital (Melbourne), two of Australia's leading paediatric centres.

This subspecialty training covers the diagnosis and management of complex conditions of the digestive system, liver, and nutrition in children — including performing endoscopic procedures (gastroscopy and colonoscopy) under general anaesthetic.

When Should My Child See a Paediatric Gastroenterologist?

Your GP or paediatrician may refer your child to a paediatric gastroenterologist for:

Chronic or recurrent abdominal pain not responding to initial treatment

Suspected coeliac disease (especially if gastroscopy and biopsy are needed)

Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's or colitis)

Recurrent or projectile vomiting

Reflux not responding to medication

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) — especially difficulty swallowing

Chronic diarrhoea or blood in the stool

Faltering growth with a suspected gut cause

Paediatric liver disease or abnormal liver tests

Complex feeding disorders

In straightforward cases, your paediatrician may be able to manage the problem. In complex, recurrent, or treatment-resistant situations, a paediatric gastroenterologist's subspecialty expertise makes a real difference in reaching the right diagnosis and effective treatment.

Do I Need a Referral?

Yes — to see Dr Harveen Singh, you will need a referral from your GP or paediatrician. You do not need to visit your paediatrician first if your GP believes a gastroenterology referral is appropriate.

Last reviewed by Dr Harveen Singh FRACP, Paediatric Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist