Gastroenterology Opportunity in Athens, GA

St. Mary's Medical Group | Athens, Georgia

St. Mary's Medical Group is seeking three (3) Board Certified or Board Eligible Gastroenterologists to assist in growing a new program within our well-respected medical group. Join a highly productive GI physician who is willing and ready to mentor, along with a senior APP and plans to add additional advanced practice support as the program expands.

This is a unique opportunity to build a thriving practice with immediate clinical volume, supported by an established referral network and a long-term strategic growth vision. The incoming physicians will benefit from more than 2,500 annual referrals, including referrals from two rural St. Mary's facilities serving the region.

Both general gastroenterologists and physicians with advanced endoscopy training are encouraged to apply. At least one advanced endoscopist is desired, with the understanding that some general GI work will be expected as advanced procedure volumes continue to grow.

The schedule for this opportunity is Monday through Friday, with shared call responsibilities on weeknights, weekends, and holidays. Call is currently capped at no more than 1:5, with continued improvement expected as the group expands.

Interested candidates must have completed a Gastroenterology Fellowship and be Board Certified or Board Eligible. Both new graduates and experienced gastroenterologists are encouraged to apply. A license to practice medicine in the State of Georgia is required, with full support provided for licensure and credentialing. Applicants requiring J-1 or H-1B visa sponsorship are welcome to apply.

Why Join Us?

• Practice Development: Be at the forefront of growing a gastroenterology program with full support from St. Mary's Medical Group and hospital leadership.
• Established Referral Network: Enjoy a steady patient volume from a large network of primary care physicians and specialists across St. Mary's Health Care System, generating more than 2,500 referrals annually.
• Regional Referral Base: Benefit from referrals originating from multiple service areas, including two rural St. Mary's facilities that feed into Athens.
• Advanced Endoscopy & Imaging Services: Access state-of-the-art endoscopic suites, advanced imaging capabilities, and robust hospital resources.
• Immediate Clinical Volume: Join a practice with significant community demand and no concerns regarding patient volume.
• Long-Term Strategic Growth: Participate in the continued expansion of gastroenterology services, including future facility enhancements and potential ambulatory surgery center (ASC) development opportunities.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible scheduling and shared call coverage support a sustainable and rewarding practice.

How You'll Practice

• Outpatient & Inpatient Balance: Perform endoscopic procedures and outpatient consultations while also providing inpatient gastroenterology consults at St. Mary's Hospital.
• Comprehensive GI Services: Manage a broad spectrum of digestive disorders, including GERD, IBS, IBD, liver disease, and colorectal cancer screenings.
• Advanced Procedures Available: Opportunity to perform EGD, colonoscopy, polypectomy, dilation, PEG placement, and additional advanced procedures based on training and experience.
• Efficient Practice Model: Target future workflow of approximately a 4:1 endoscopy-to-clinic ratio, with a goal of maximizing physician time in procedural care.
• Dedicated Endoscopy Resources: All procedures are currently performed in the hospital-based endoscopy center, supported by an experienced clinical and operational team.
• Team-Based Care: Join a growing team that currently includes a highly productive GI physician and a senior APP, with plans to add a second APP.
• Teaching Opportunities: Work alongside and mentor Internal Medicine residents during inpatient consult rotations.
• Strong Administrative Support: Benefit from engaged operational and physician leadership dedicated to supporting the growth and success of the program.

Culture & Environment

St. Mary's Medical Group fosters a collegial and supportive culture with highly engaged leadership and strong operational backing.

• Current GI physician provides active mentorship, making this an excellent opportunity for fellows and early-career gastroenterologists.
• Collaborative, team-oriented environment with strong physician and APP support.
• Highly engaged hospital and medical group leadership committed to the long-term success of the gastroenterology program.
• Strong administrative and operational resources allow physicians to focus on patient care and procedural excellence.

If you're looking for an exceptional opportunity to help shape the future of gastroenterology within a growing regional health system, we'd love to hear from you.

Recruitment Package

St. Mary's Medical Group offers a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

Compensation

• Guaranteed base salary with upside-only wRVU incentive model
• Competitive compensation with flexibility based on experience and productivity
• Sign-on bonus paid in phases between contract execution and start date
• Relocation assistance
• Early signing incentive/stipend available for fellows
• Loan repayment eligibility, including participation in Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Eligible residents may qualify for a monthly residency stipend while completing training, providing financial support prior to starting practice

Comprehensive Benefits Include

• Medical malpractice coverage, including tail coverage
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• CME time and expense allowance
• Paid time away from practice
• Retirement savings programs including 403(b) and 457 plans with employer contributions
• Full support for Georgia licensure, credentialing, and hospital privileges
• J-1 and H-1B visa sponsorship considered for qualified candidate