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Gastroenterology vs. Hematology and Oncology: Which Specialty is Right for You?

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by Yousmle Staff in Career

Gastroenterology vs. hematology-oncology is one of the debates among medical students interested in physiology. Both specialties allow you to explore the complex workings of the human body and use your skills to improve patient outcomes. However, they also have significant differences, such as the scope of practice, the work environment, and the training requirements.

How do you decide which one is right for you? In this article, we will provide helpful information and tips to help you make an intelligent decision on urology vs. hematology-oncology and find a fulfilling career that matches your interests and abilities. We will also help you evaluate practical factors such as job availability, salary, and training duration.

Gastroenterology vs. Hematology-Oncology: Salary and Job Security

If you want to earn a lot of money and have a steady demand for your service, gastroenterology and hematology-oncology are ideal specialties to consider. But be prepared for a competitive job market, even if you graduate from a prestigious program

Both gastroenterology and urology offer stable job prospects. You can easily find a hospital that needs gastroenterologists or hematology-oncologists, and the career outlook is positive. That being said, gastroenterology and hematology-oncology are high-paying medical specialties, but gastroenterologists typically earn a slightly higher average salary. According to recent data, gastroenterologists earn an average annual salary of $501,000, while hematologist-oncologists have a slightly lower average salary of $463,000.

Gastroenterology vs. Hematology and Oncology Estimated Physician Average Yearly Salary by Medical Specialty in the US

Gastroenterologists earn $501,000 per year on average, while hematologist-oncologists earn less with $463,000 annually

Gastroenterology vs. Hematology-Oncology: Competitiveness

Here we can assess the competitiveness of a specialty by looking at the unmatched rate – the % of people who apply and do not match into their preferred specialty.

To pursue a career in gastroenterology or hematology-oncology, you must first match into an internal medicine residency. Among US Seniors, the unmatched percentage for internal medicine residency was only 2%, making it less competitive than other residencies. However, this does not mean that gastroenterology or hematology-oncology is less competitive. After completing your internal medicine residency, you will still need to match into a fellowship, which is generally more competitive than matching into a residency. 

Cardiology vs. Gastroenterology

Below is the unmatched percentage among non-pediatric fellowships with >100 applicants. The gastroenterology fellowship had an unmatched percentage of 20.6% for US seniors, making it highly competitive compared to most fellowships with more than 100 applicants. In comparison, the unmatched percentage of US seniors applying to hematology-oncology was 11.9%, making it less competitive than gastroenterology.

Gastroenterology vs. Hematology and Oncology

Training Path: Fellowship vs Residency

To become a gastroenterologist, you must complete a three-year fellowship in gastroenterology after completing a three-year internal medicine residency. Similarly, hematology-oncology involves a three-year hematology-oncology fellowship after completing a three-year internal medicine residency.

A gastroenterology fellowship is typically more competitive than a hematology-oncology fellowship. Your USMLE scores, med school, and research are the main things for residency applications. Research is also a big thing for fellowship applications, and your residency program counts more, but your USMLE scores matter much less.

Gastroenterology vs. Hematology-Oncology: Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is a crucial factor for many medical professionals. Both gastroenterologists and hematologist-oncologists have demanding schedules with long hours and on-call responsibilities. However, due to the nature of their work, hematologist-oncologists may have a slightly better work-life balance compared to gastroenterologists.

Both gastroenterologists and hematologist-oncologists work an average of 52.3 and 52.6 hours per week respectively, placing them in the middle of all medical specialties.

Gastroenterology vs. Hematology and Oncology Estimated Physician Weekly Working Hours by Medical Specialty in the US

Gastroenterologists work an average of 52.3 hours per week, while hematologist-oncologists work almost similar hours, at 52.6 per week.

Gastroenterologists require less documentation, such as referral letters and diagnostic tests, resulting in an estimated 13 hours of admin/paperwork per week. In comparison, hematologist-oncologists spend more hours, approximately 18 hours per week, due to extensive diagnostic and follow-up tests.

Estimated Physician Admin/Paperwork Hours by Medical Specialty in the US

Gastroenterologists work on admin/paperwork an average of 13 hours per week, while hematologist-oncologists work longer hours, at 18 per week.

Training Duration and Subspecialties

The training duration is a key aspect to consider when choosing between gastroenterology vs. hematology-oncology. Hematology-oncology requires three years of fellowship training after completing a three-year internal medicine residency. Similarly, gastroenterology requires a six-year training period, which includes three years of internal medicine residency followed by a three-year gastroenterology fellowship.

Additionally, gastroenterologists often pursue more subspecialty training in fields like advanced endoscopy or hepatology because of the scarce job opportunities. This can increase the length of your gastroenterology training.

Gastroenterology vs. Hematology-Oncology: Job Satisfaction and Burnout Rates

Job satisfaction plays a significant role in career fulfillment. According to various studies, both gastroenterologists and hematologist-oncologists tend to have high job satisfaction rates, with many professionals expressing contentment with their career choice and would choose it again if given the chance.

According to recent data, both gastroenterology and hematology-oncology are highly ranked among medical specialties, with 92% of gastroenterologists and 94% of hematologist-oncologists stating that they would choose the same specialty again.

Job Satisfaction Rate By Medical Specialty in the US

Gastroenterologists reported a 92% job satisfaction rate, while hematologists-oncologists reported higher satisfaction with 94%

The burnout rates for gastroenterology and hematology-oncology were both at 52%, which is in the middle of all medical specialties.

Burnout Rate By Medical Specialty in the US

Gastroenterologists and hematologists-oncologists have a burnout rate of 52%

Gastroenterology vs. Hematology-Oncology Comparison

To provide a visual overview, here’s a table comparing gastroenterology and hematology-oncology:

AspectGastroenterologyHematology and Oncology
Average SalaryGenerally high salary as demand grows for procedures like colonoscopies.High but slightly lower than gastroenterology
Job SecurityHigh demand due to the prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders
High demand due to the prevalence of blood disorders and cancer, aging population
Training PathTypically involves 3 years of internal medicine residency followed by a 3-year gastroenterology fellowship


Typically involves 3 years of internal medicine residency followed by a 3-year hematology-oncology fellowship
LifestyleTypically regular working hours, but may also have on-call duties
More predictable work schedule and increased opportunities for time off, but may involve on-call responsibilities
Administrative PaperworkModerate documentation requirements for patient records and surgical plans Higher documentation requirements including detaied patient records and treatment plans
Job SatisfactionHighSlightly higher
Burnout RatesModerateModerate
PersonalityStrong communication skills for patient education
Strong analytical skills, empathy, ability to deliver difficult news, handle emotional situations

Please note that this table serves as a general comparison. To determine the most suitable career for you, consider your personal and career priorities and goals.

Concluding Thoughts

Choosing the right specialty between gastroenterology vs. hematology-oncology depends heavily on your priorities. To determine this, try reverse engineering your ideal life and identify your top priority. A helpful exercise is to write down the top five things you want to achieve in your career and personal life. Knowing these priorities will make finding a career that aligns with them easier. Often, the biggest obstacle is not a lack of knowledge about different fields but a lack of self-awareness about our own preferences.

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Cardiology is key for impressive USMLE scores. Master cardiology from a Harvard-trained anesthesiologist who scored USMLE 270 with these 130+ high-yield flash cards. You’ll be begging for cardio questions - even if vitals make you queasy.

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