In this moderated session featuring perspectives from top gastroenterology (GI) executives, panelists explored the thriving state of marketing and dealmaking in this field.

Session panelists included:

• Robbie Allen, Chief Executive Officer, One GI

• Matt Devine, Chief Executive Officer, Allied Digestive Health

• Michael Kroin, Chief Executive Officer and managing partner, Physician Growth Partners

• Samuel Vaill, Chief Development Officer, United Digestive

• Moderator: Amanda Jester, Partner, McDermott Will & Emery

Top takeaways included:

1. Gastroenterology continues to be an attractive specialty for investment. This is due to a number of factors, including gastroenterology’s diverse revenue streams that can provide income repair for physicians and generate alignment among stakeholders. The increased push for outpatient surgical care to lower costs of care and the decreasing age of patients seeking colonoscopies and other gastroenterology procedures provide investors with significant runways to drive growth.

2. As labor costs increase and challenges in the healthcare industry continue, physician practice management organizations provide gastroenterology groups with economies of scale, the ability to develop ancillaries and strong recruiting programs, as well as leverage against disruption by payors, hospital systems and competitors. Other advantages include access to expansive clinical data for research and development and improved point-of-care support.

3. Culture is an oft-overlooked factor in gastroenterology transactions. Because transactions are intended to foster long-term arrangements, ensuring cultural alignment is key for the future success of a platform. Physicians should also consider the ways in which the platform focuses on the physician and the support of their practice as well as the role of physician leadership and governance.

4. Hospitals can serve as critical partners for gastroenterology platforms on outpatient services. Platforms should expect more interest from hospitals as they look to participate in the continuum of care outside the hospital.