How many times has a patient asked you what probiotic to take? What about interpreting a direct-to-consumer microbiome test? Gastroenterologists often are assumed to be the go-to doctor to ask these questions, but due to the fast pace of development and relative lack of educational resources, many may not feel up-to-date and confident to counsel patients in this field.
Gastroenterologists need to have a basic understanding of the current state of microbiome science and how to apply it in everyday practice. Although microbiome research is in many ways still in its infancy, there is already a substantial base of literature to help guide gastroenterologists in understanding what many call the most fascinating organ and living ecosystem in our bodies—and likely one of the cornerstones of future therapy.