Gastroenterologist compensation has seen steady growth in recent years, while burnout has slightly decreased. Here are 10 key insights into the GI workforce in 2024:
Author: Abhay Panchal
In 2024, over 18,700 gastroenterologists were practicing in the U.S., treating conditions involving the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and other GI organs. Most procedures are performed in outpatient settings, offering significant sales opportunities for medical devices and supplies.Below is a list of 20 hospitals ranked by outpatient gastroenterology procedure volumes, as provided by Definitive Healthcare.
Mainz Biomed N.V., a company specializing in early cancer detection, has reported growing demand for its enhanced ColoAlert colorectal cancer (CRC) screening product, launched in July 2024. This advanced DNA biomarker-based test is being adopted by laboratory partners across Europe and select international markets. One of the first adopters is GANZIMMUN Diagnostics, a leading German laboratory, which will fully implement the enhanced ColoAlert by early 2025. The updated product features improved sample processing and usability, reducing retesting rates and offering quicker results, typically within 2–3 days.
Denmark’s Zealand Pharma and German partner Boehringer Ingelheim have received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their experimental weight-loss drug, survodutide, aimed at treating non-cirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a type of fatty liver disease. This designation allows for a speedier review process, indicating the drug’s potential to address a significant unmet medical need.
New research offers hope for improving the lives of those living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, conditions that affect as many as three million Americans. Matt Baker, who has lived with ulcerative colitis since college, describes the often crippling pain associated with the disease. While medications helped initially, Baker eventually enrolled in a clinical trial at University Gastroenterology to test Ozanimod, a once-daily pill that reduces intestinal inflammation. Since starting the trial, Baker has experienced significant improvements in his quality of life, with fewer and milder flare-ups.
In a recent video, Dr. Craig Munroe highlighted how updated quality indicators for colonoscopy, set by the ACG and ASGE, could enhance patient outcomes by raising procedural standards. Key updates include benchmarks for adenoma detection rate (ADR), sessile serrated detection rate, appropriate use of screening intervals, bowel prep adequacy, and cecal intubation rate. Munroe emphasized that the new 35% ADR threshold can help prevent colon cancer by ensuring more thorough examinations. Additionally, advancements in medical technology, he noted, play a crucial role in improving colorectal cancer detection, treatment, and follow-up.
After the FDA approved a new blood test called Shield for detecting colon cancer, health providers in Oregon are cautioning that this test should not replace a colonoscopy. While Shield can detect late-stage colon cancer, specialists warn that by that stage, the disease may require more aggressive treatments like chemotherapy or surgery, and the chances of curing it are reduced. In contrast, a colonoscopy can identify and remove pre-cancerous polyps during the procedure, offering a more effective means of preventing colon cancer.
At Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2024, a study addressing the colonoscopy backlog and highlighting the need for increased colorectal cancer (CRC) screenings was presented. With 40% of the eligible U.S. population not up to date with their screenings, the research focused on how stool-based CRC screening options could help bridge this gap. To explore the study’s findings and their practical applications, Dr. Jennifer Caudle will speak with Dr. Mark Fendrick, a Professor at the University of Michigan, covering how these options can be incorporated into clinical practice to improve screening rates.
In the next 20 years, the practice of gastroenterology will likely be transformed by new treatments and devices aimed at improving care for patients with digestive disorders. This future is being shaped by years of research, supported by the AGA Research Foundation through its Research Awards Program. The foundation provides essential funding to both emerging and established investigators in GI and hepatology, fostering breakthroughs that will advance the understanding and treatment of digestive conditions. With continued support from AGA members, the community is driving the scientific progress needed to empower clinicians with better tools for tomorrow’s care.
Pandora Health has announced its acquisition of OLVI Health, marking a major milestone in its mission to revolutionize chronic disease management through technology. This partnership will enhance resources and support for women managing chronic conditions, with a particular focus on gut health, a critical area linked to many diseases. Pandora Health’s data-driven approach will combine with OLVI’s innovative expertise to accelerate research and provide more personalized care.