Despite operating in an increasingly strained healthcare environment, many gastroenterologists report that technology—particularly ambient AI and workflow automation—is helping them absorb demand, manage patient volumes, and blunt the day-to-day impact of physician shortages. According to Medscape’s Gastroenterology Practice Issues Report 2025, the specialty appears more resilient than headlines about shortages and burnout alone might suggest—but that resilience is uneven and fragile.
The survey, conducted between July and September 2025 among 131 practicing gastroenterologists, paints a nuanced picture. On the surface, most GI physicians say they are still able to function efficiently: 91% report they can add new patients without creating major management headaches, and just over half say they have few issues handling their current patient loads. This suggests that, at least for now, many GI practices have found ways to scale without breaking.