By 2025, the United States is expected to face a shortage of up to 1,630 gastroenterologists. This deficit is attributed to an imbalance between the increasing demand for gastroenterologists and a series of contributing factors, including an aging population, early retirements, heightened burnout rates, and a growing desire for greater career autonomy among physicians.

In a survey conducted by Medscape, 50% of gastroenterologists reported experiencing burnout, ranking fourth as the most burned-out specialty. For physicians, the leading cause behind burnout is too many bureaucratic tasks, with the second being attributed to too many hours spent at work.

A career as a locum tenens gastroenterologist offers physicians a dynamic and flexible solution compared to working in permanent gastroenterology positions. Locum tenens not only help to address the current clinical workforce challenges but also offer gastroenterologists an array of benefits beyond the scope of traditional permanent practice.

Six Reasons to Work Gastroenterology Locums:

  1. Focus on Patient Care: Prioritize patient care and minimize your administrative burdens. Locum tenens work has fewer non-clinical tasks than a permanent position, allowing you to devote more time to patient care and less to paperwork.
  2. Increased Work-Life Balance: Achieving a healthy work-life balance can be a challenge at times. As a GI locum, you have greater flexibility with your schedule as you have the opportunity to choose when and how long you work. This allows you to make time for hobbies and personal interests outside medicine.
  3. Freedom to Choose Your Preferred Clinical Setting: Pursue a career in an academic medical center or provide inpatient care at a hospital. Medicus partners with a versatile portfolio of healthcare facilities across the United States. In turn, offering you the ability to find a gastroenterology locums job that meet your clinical interests.
  4. Help Communities with Limited Access to Specialty Care: GI locums play a vital role in helping communities that are experiencing a shortage of gastroenterologists. As a gastroenterologist locum, step in to fill GI shortages in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, ensuring uninterrupted access to gastrointestinal care.
  5. Travel Opportunities: Gastroenterology locum tenens assignments allow you to explore different locations nationwide. Enjoy working locum tenens in bustling cities or tranquil rural towns. When traveling with Medicus, we handle the logistics—expenses paid. In addition, our loyalty program features travel upgrades to enhance your travel experience.
  6. Higher Compensation: Locum tenens GI physicians typically earn higher hourly pay than those working in traditional permanent gastroenterology positions. This is due to the increased need for gastroenterology services in certain areas, leading to an increase in earning potential.


    If you’re a gastroenterologist interested in working locum tenens with Medicus, visit our job board.