The demand for gastroenterology services continues to rise as rates of colorectal cancer and other GI diseases remain high and hospitals and health systems expand investments in the specialty — and recent data indicates that some workforce gaps may be closing.
Here are five notes on where the GI workforce stands in 2026:
1. Gastroenterology pay hit $530,000 in 2025, according to Medscape’s Physician Compensation Report published April 11. The specialty saw a 3% increase in pay, up from $513,000 in 2024.
2. The specialty is also becoming more consolidated. Between 2012 and 2020, the number of GI practices decreased by more than 650, 14%, even as the total number of gastroenterologists grew, according to a new study published February in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
3. The 2026 National Resident Matching Program’s Specialties Matching Service confirmed gastroenterology as one of the most sought-after fellowships in graduate medical education. Of 759 positions offered across 254 programs, 755 were filled, placing GI among the highest-demand subspecialties in the SMS. Only four programs had at least one unfilled position.
4. By 2036, the U.S. is projected to have a near balance of colorectal surgeons nationwide, with a supply of 3,360 physicians compared to demand for 3,380, a shortfall of just 20 surgeons, or 99% adequacy overall, according to projections from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resource.
5. By 2036, the U.S. is projected to have a shortfall of around 630 GI physicians. The shortage, however, is not evenly distributed. While several large and mid-Atlantic states — including New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania — are projected to have sizable surpluses, much of the South and Mountain West is expected to see significant deficits. Nevada, Wyoming, Alaska and Montana are projected to meet just 33% to 50% of demand, and states such as Oklahoma, South Carolina, Arkansas and Mississippi are forecast to operate at less than 70% adequacy.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.