The gastroenterology industry is poised for significant changes in the next decade. Dr. Sheldon Taub, a gastroenterologist at Jupiter (Fla.) Medical Center, shared his insights on the future of the industry:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI will play a crucial role in decision-making processes, especially in radiology, pathology, and endoscopy.
- Patient Care: The approach to patient care will evolve, with most patients being assigned a team comprising a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant, pharmacist, physical therapist, and a psychologist to ensure holistic care.
- Foreign Medical Graduates: There will be an increase in foreign medical graduates in the US, driven by government initiatives to make their integration easier.
- Telehealth: Telehealth will become a staple, especially for wellness visits, colon screenings, and uncomplicated GI questions. However, more complex issues will still necessitate in-person consultations.
- Changes in Physician Groups: While private, concierge-type practices will persist, there will be a rise in government-run practices, practices managed by corporations like Walmart, Amazon, and Costco, and an increase in private equity groups and hospital-run groups. Pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens might also include gastroenterologists in their teams.
- Robotic Assistance: The future might see robots replacing human nurses in procedure rooms.
In summary, the gastroenterology industry is on the brink of a transformative phase, with technology, patient care approaches, and the structure of medical practices all set to undergo significant shifts.