GI Bill for GIs
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is frequently called the "most preventable" cancer, but it is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths for men and women. Only approximately 60 percent of at-risk adults (those over the age 50) are currently screened for CRC in accordance with national guidelines. Efforts to improve awareness have resulted in a gradual increase in screening, yet colorectal cancer remains largely undiagnosed, leading to unnecessary costs and burdens to families and the U.S. healthcare system.
A critical issue that must be overcome to continue expanding access to CRC screening is the pending shortage of gastroenterologists (GIs). According to a new report commissioned by Olympus, the United States will face a shortage of 1,050 GIs by 2020 based solely on the growth of individuals aged 50 and older.
Olympus is committed to increasing access to CRC screening and ensuring that there is a sufficient supply of trained gastroenterologists. The GI Bill for GIs is an innovative legislative initiative lead by Olympus to overcome the looming shortfall of trained gastroenterologists. The proposed legislation will leverage federal resources to increase gastroenterology fellowship opportunities across the country, resulting in newly trained GIs who can provide access to CRC screening for more people.
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