The demand for gastroenterologists is growing amid shortages, and with it, new ways to practice are taking hold. Locum tenens has emerged as a reliable solution for health systems facing urgent staffing gaps, but it is also becoming a deliberate choice for physicians who want more flexibility in their careers without compromising their clinical focus.

If you're a gastroenterologist thinking about aligning your work with the growing demand for GI care outside of a permanent position, locum tenens gastroenterology presents several advantages worth considering.

Six Benefits of Working Gastroenterology Locums

1. Spending more time on patient care and less on paperwork.

One of the most compelling advantages of locum tenens work is the ability to concentrate on what matters most—the patients. Locum tenens opportunities are temporary, so they typically involve fewer administrative responsibilities than permanent positions. That means less time buried in paperwork and more time delivering high-quality clinical care.

2. Enhancing work-life balance through scheduling flexibility.

In a 2025 Medscape survey, 43% of gastroenterologists reported experiencing burnout, with a notable 64% of those surveyed reporting they would accept less pay for better work-life balance. With a locum tenens career, you have the opportunity to enhance your work-life balance without compromising your pay. Choose when and how often you work, tailoring your professional life to your personal one, not the other way around.

3. Choosing clinical settings aligned with your career goals.

As a gastroenterologist, you bring specialized expertise that is in high demand across a range of care environments. Whether you prefer the complexity of inpatient hospital care or the continuity of outpatient procedures, locum tenens work allows you to choose the setting that best aligns with your clinical focus. From rural community hospitals to large urban health systems, you can select assignments that match your professional interests, allowing you to practice where you are most effective and most satisfied.

4. Improving access to care in areas facing gastroenterologist shortages.

A study published in the Gastroenterology journal found that nearly two-thirds of U.S. counties lack a practicing gastroenterologist. This gap leaves close to 50 million Americans without local access to essential GI care. By choosing locum tenens work, you can bring your expertise to communities that need it most. You play a critical role in improving access, reducing wait times, and ensuring that patients in underserved areas receive timely, specialized care that might otherwise be out of reach amid gastroenterologist shortages.

5. Working in regions you've always wanted to explore.

Working gastroenterology locum tenens assignments allows you to explore new parts of the country while getting paid for doing what you love. Whether you are drawn to the energy of a major city or the quiet charm of a rural town, you can choose assignments that align with your travel interests. Locum tenens work offers the flexibility to experience diverse clinical settings and communities, while expanding your professional network and broadening your personal horizons.

6. Increasing your earning potential.

Gastroenterologists working locum tenens often earn higher hourly rates than their counterparts in permanent positions. This pay differential is driven by the growing demand for GI services, especially in areas facing staffing shortages, as well as the premium placed on clinical flexibility. In addition, because you are not a full-time employee, your compensation is not offset by traditional benefits like paid time off or retirement contributions. Combined, these factors can lead to significantly greater earning potential compared to permanent positions.

The Benefits of Working Gastroenterology Locums with Medicus

Locum tenens work appeals to gastroenterologists for different reasons. For some, it offers the chance to expand access to care while enhancing their work-life balance. For others, it is a way to keep practicing while exploring new regions, new teams, or even new stages of life. Regardless of the reason, Medicus helps make the transition into locum work simpler.

Our recruiters work closely with you to understand what you are looking for, not just clinically but also personally. With a range of assignments across hospitals and outpatient centers nationwide, we focus on presenting opportunities that align with your goals rather than pushing what needs to be filled. Once an assignment is confirmed, we help coordinate the logistics, including travel and lodging, so your time is spent on care rather than coordination.

We also offer licensing and credentialing support to help ensure everything is in place before you arrive. Through our My Medicus Loyalty Program, you’ll have access to added travel benefits that make frequent assignments more comfortable. The result is a locum tenens experience that is easier to step into and more rewarding to sustain, backed by a team that ensures you have everything you need for a successful locum tenens career.

Interested in working as a locum tenens gastroenterologist with Medicus? Click here to view our open gastroenterology locum jobs, or complete the short form below to connect with a Medicus recruiter.