Representation of Gastroenterologists in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Region: A 6-year Analysis

Aims Gastroenterology (GI) is a rapidly expanding specialty globally; however, data on its growth within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region remains limited. This study aims to assess recent trends in the field by analyzing the number and proportion of GI physicians and trainees in the GCC over the past six years. Our secondary aim is to provide insights into the current GI workforce in the region.

Methods We described the number of GI consultants/attendings and trainees (if applicable) in the GCC region. Data were retrospectively collected from respective medical licensing authorities in 4 GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi, UAE) from 2018 to 2023 and Kuwait (from 2019 to 2023).

Results The number of GI consultants showed substantial growth over the study period. The highest increase was observed in Saudi Arabia, where the number of female consultants in 2023 (n=60) was six times higher than in 2018 (n=11). Similarly, the number of male consultants doubled, rising from 189 in 2018 to 378 in 2023. In UAE (Abu Dhabi), male consultants increased from 26 to 75, and females from 3 to 11 over six years. In Bahrain, the growth was less prominent (2 to 5 for females and 13 to 17 for males in 2018 and 2023 respectively). Similarly in Kuwait, the growth of male consultants increased from 41 to 54 and females increased from 6 to 8 over five years. In Saudi Arabia, the largest country in the GCC, the percentage of female GI consultants increased from 5.5% in 2018 to 12% in 2023. The most rapid growth of female GI consultants was seen in Bahrain (notably the smallest country in the GCC), with 13.3% female GI consultants in 2018 and 26.1% in 2023. Saudi Arabia also has the largest GI fellowship program in the region, with a higher proportion of female adult GI trainees compared to that of female consultants. However, their growth rate was more gradual, rising from 21.4% (n=12) to 28.6% (n=36). Meanwhile, despite the increase in total number of male fellows, the percentage decreased from 78.6% (n=56) to 71.4% (n=126). The UAE is the only other country in the GCC with a GI fellowship program. Interestingly, in Abu Dhabi UAE, the fellowship program has become female-predominant, with an increase from 1 male and no females in 2018 to 6 females and 4 males in 2023. The GI workforce varied across the region, with a mean of 1 gastroenterologist per 144,020 population across the included countries in 2019, rising to 1 per 82,824 in 2023. Abu Dhabi, UAE had the largest workforce (1 per 48,966 in 2018; 1 per 19,110 in 2023) and Saudi Arabia the smallest (1 per 175,091 in 2018; 1 per 94,253 in 2023).

Conclusions The GI workforce in the GCC region demonstrated significant growth from 2018 to 2023, with Saudi Arabia leading in the rise in number of female consultants over the past six years. Despite variability across countries, the proportion of female to male GI consultants and trainees has grown, particularly in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi UAE respectively, indicating a positive trend toward gender balance in the region's GI workforce.

Publication History

Article published online:
27 March 2025