most helpful answer a gastroenterologist is a licensed and highly-trained physician. many were primary care clinicians before they specialized. while a vaginal exam may not be integral part of his/her practice finding the underlying reason for undiagnosed abdominal pain may require more than just a short trip up the colon or down the throat to the stomach. pelvic causes for abdominal pain are really high on the list so this clinician is most likely being very thorough. they are definitely allowed to do this exam if there is a justifiable reason to do so. now if your podiatrist or a chiropractor wanted to do a vaginal exam i would call that highly-suspicious.
are gastroenterologist allowed to perform vaginal exams on a patient who complains about abdominal pain?