Gastroenterologist shortage is forecast

The United States will face a severe shortage of gastroenterologists as the population ages and the demand for colorectal cancer screening increases, according to study by the healthcare consulting firm The Lewin Group. At current rates of cancer screening, the United States will need an additional 1,050 gastroenterologists by 2020, according to the study. If colorectal cancer screening rates were to increase by 10%, the nation would need as many as 1,550 additional gastroenterologists by that time, the firm found.