Addressing The Impending Gastroenterologist Shortage (Medicus Healthcare)

By 2037, the U.S. faces a projected shortfall of ~1,390 gastroenterologists, driven by rising patient demand, limited fellowship positions, and uneven geographic distribution. Currently, there are ~19,200 gastroenterologists, including ~1,600 pediatric specialists, with about 1 in 6 working in locum tenens roles to fill coverage gaps. Recruitment is challenging, with median vacancy times of 186 days, and each gastroenterologist generates ~$2.9 million in annual hospital revenue. Key strategies to mitigate shortages include GI hospitalist models and integrating locum tenens gastroenterologists to maintain access, improve patient flow, and sustain hospital revenue, particularly in underserved regions.