The demand for gastroenterology services is outpacing the available workforce. By the end of 2025, gastroenterology is projected to face a deficit of 1,630 full-time equivalent gastroenterologists, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration’s National Center for Health Workforce Analysis. The growing shortage is prompting healthcare leaders to reevaluate how care is delivered, supported, and sustained.
The imbalance between demand and supply presents both a challenge and an opportunity: a challenge to meet patient needs in the short term, and an opportunity to reimagine staffing models, strengthen workforce planning, and build a more resilient future for GI care.
The Increasing Demand for Gastroenterology Services
An Aging Population & Workforce
The United States is experiencing a significant demographic shift, with the number of adults aged 65 or older projected to reach 77 million by 2034 according to the United States Census Bureau. As the population ages, demand for specialized care is increasing—especially in gastroenterology, where age-related digestive issues are becoming more common.
Currently, 40% of patients seeking care from a gastroenterologist are 60 years or older, and this percentage is only anticipated build. The increase in demand is occurring alongside changes in the GI workforce, creating a growing imbalance between supply and demand.
Nearly half of gastroenterologists are 55 or older, putting a large portion of the workforce on track to retire within 15 years. Alongside this, gastroenterology fellowship programs are struggling to keep pace to meet growing demand, putting additional strain on an already limited workforce.
A Rise in Colorectal Cancer
The demand for gastroenterologists is also being driven by a rise in early-onset colorectal cancer. Rising colorectal cancer rates in younger adults prompted the recommended screening age to drop from 50 to 45—adding about 19 million more people to the screening pool.
This change, along with the rising risk of colorectal cancer (1 in 24 men and 1 in 26 women according to the American Cancer Society), is increasing the need for GI specialists. As screening volumes grow and more patients require diagnostic and treatment services, the demand for gastroenterology care will continue to rise at a pace that outstrips the available workforce.
Limited Number of Gastroenterology Fellowship Positions
While demand for gastroenterology services continues to grow, the number of new specialists entering the field remains constrained by a limited number of fellowship positions. Despite strong interest in the specialty, training opportunities have not expanded to meet the need.
In the 2025 Gastroenterology Fellowship Match, 99.6% of available positions were filled, yet 35% of qualified applicants did not match, primarily due to a limited number of spots. With more applicants than available training positions, the pipeline of new gastroenterologists remains restricted, further contributing to the growing workforce gap.
2025 Gastroenterology Fellowship Match Summary:
- 727 positions offered
- 1,121 applicants
- 724 matches
- 99.6% filled
- 3 positions unfilled
Financial Impact of the Gastroenterologist Shortage for Healthcare Facilities
Gastroenterologists are among the top five physician specialties driving hospital revenue—generating, on average, $2.9 million annually per provider, or seven times their salary. As demand continues to outpace supply, the shortage is creating significant clinical and financial pressure.
When gastroenterology coverage falls short, hospitals face more than just care delays. Backlogged procedures, reduced throughput, and lost downstream revenue can quickly erode margins. The inability to keep pace with patient demand not only disrupts operational efficiency but may also compromise outcomes and patient satisfaction—impacting long-term growthB and reputation.
Bridging the Gastroenterologist Supply and Demand Gap
To address the growing gastroenterologist shortage, healthcare organizations are adopting strategies that enhance workforce flexibility and optimize care delivery. One approach gaining traction is the GI hospitalist model, which provides dedicated inpatient coverage. With many gastroenterologists focusing solely on outpatient care, this model ensures that hospitalized patients receive timely, specialized GI services while allowing hospitals to better allocate resources, improve efficiency, and reduce delays in care.
For organizations aiming to implement a GI hospitalist model or stabilize gastroenterology staffing, leveraging a project-based consulting approach like the Medicus Transition Program can help secure reliable gastroenterology coverage. The Medicus Transition Program can get a team of gastroenterology locums recruited and credentialed within 60 days, ensuring healthcare facilities maintain consistent coverage while adapting to evolving staffing demands.
Additionally, as provider turnover, attrition, and recruitment challenges persist, leveraging gastroenterology locums remains a critical solution for maintaining access to GI care. By integrating locum tenens gastroenterologists, hospitals can prevent patient backlogs, ensure uninterrupted services, and avoid the financial strain associated with staffing shortages.
Gain Additional Insights into the Gastroenterologist Shortage
As the demand for GI care continues to outpace the supply of available gastroenterologists, healthcare organizations must take a proactive approach to workforce planning. Our white paper, Addressing the Gastroenterologist Shortage, provides an in-depth look at the key factors driving this imbalance and explores actionable strategies to help organizations navigate these challenges effectively.
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