Disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI), previously referred to as functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), have been poorly understood historically. Although providers have observed these symptoms in their patients for hundreds of years, standard diagnostic capabilities have only emerged in the past several decades through the Rome criteria, moving from a simplistic and reductionist view to a more comprehensive biopsychosocial model.1,2 Initially viewed primarily as motility disorders, scientific understanding has shifted to encompass broader disturbances in neurogastroenterology,3 alterations in gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota and immune activation, and reactions to food—all acting through brain–gut interactions.4 These advancements have validated DGBI for patients and health…
Author: Abhay Panchal
A structured triage system for interventional GI referrals changed the originally requested care plan in nearly 1 in 4 cases, highlighting how frequently referral requests may not align with the most appropriate next step for patients. Presented at DDW 2026, the study found that specialist review often redirected patients between clinic consultation and direct procedures such as EUS or ERCP, while some referrals were rerouted entirely to surgery. Investigators noted that the process not only improved access and prioritization, but also helped avoid unnecessary high-risk procedures while expediting urgent interventions for patients who needed them most. The findings reflect a…
DDW 2026 showcased several studies that may meaningfully influence upper GI clinical practice, particularly in Barrett’s esophagus, EoE, gastroparesis, pancreatitis, and metabolic endoscopy. Among the notable findings, non-endoscopic tools like EsoCheck and EsoGuard showed potential for Barrett’s esophagus screening even in patients without GERD symptoms, while continuous budesonide therapy proved more effective than intermittent treatment for maintaining remission in eosinophilic esophagitis. Researchers also reinforced that symptom improvement alone may not reliably reflect histologic remission in EoE, supporting the continued need for objective monitoring. Several emerging therapies also drew attention. Tegoprazan demonstrated strong healing rates in erosive esophagitis, including severe disease,…
Pennsylvania has sued Character.ai over allegations that one of its chatbots impersonated a licensed psychiatrist and provided medical-style advice without authorization. According to the lawsuit, the chatbot claimed to have attended medical school, presented a fake Pennsylvania medical license number, and discussed depression treatment with an investigator posing as a patient. The case adds to growing regulatory scrutiny around AI chatbot platforms as states begin testing how existing medical practice and consumer protection laws apply to increasingly humanlike AI systems. The lawsuit also reflects a broader challenge facing healthcare AI: as conversational models become more sophisticated and trusted by users,…
A new analysis from the Physicians Advocacy Institute shows that physician independence in the U.S. continues to decline rapidly, with just 18% of doctors now practicing in physician-owned settings. According to the report, 82% of physicians are now employed by hospitals or corporate entities, reflecting a major acceleration in healthcare consolidation since 2018. Hospitals drove most of the physician employment growth, while corporate entities—including private equity firms, insurers, and pharmacy chains—continued aggressively acquiring practices. Rural markets were not spared, with more than 80% of rural physicians now working under hospital or corporate ownership. The findings also highlight growing concerns around…
Oshi Health has appointed healthcare and technology executive Danny Krifcher as President and COO as the company expands its nationwide virtual GI care platform. The move reflects Oshi’s broader push to scale virtual multidisciplinary gastroenterology care, combining GI specialists, dietitians, and gut-brain health support through a telehealth-first model. The company says its platform is now available to more than 63 million people nationwide and cites data showing improved patient outcomes alongside reduced healthcare costs. Oshi leadership also emphasized the growing role of AI and operational technology in expanding access to GI care, signaling how virtual-first specialty clinics are increasingly positioning…
As gastroenterology practices increasingly rely on advanced practice providers (APPs) to meet rising patient demand, leaders are recognizing that retention depends heavily on structured onboarding and long-term support. Experts speaking at DDW 2026 noted that nearly 30% of APPs leave within their first three years, often due to burnout, unclear expectations, and insufficient mentorship. The discussion emphasized that successful onboarding in GI requires more than basic orientation. Practices are adopting staged training models that gradually transition APPs from shadowing to supervised care and eventually independent patient management. Mentorship, regular feedback, protected teaching time, and exposure to manageable clinical complexity were…
A growing shift in diagnostics is turning smartphones into portable medical readers. A recent study highlighted that a smartphone-based fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for colorectal cancer screening achieved sensitivity and specificity comparable to conventional lab-based FIT systems, suggesting that consumer devices may increasingly support clinically meaningful at-home testing. The broader implication extends beyond colorectal cancer screening. Advances in smartphone cameras, computational imaging, and app-based analysis are enabling rapid tests to move from subjective visual interpretation toward quantitative digital measurement. Companies are now applying this model across gut health, infectious disease, cardiovascular monitoring, and women’s health, signaling a larger transition where…
Picture a statistician in Oslo in 2009, working backward from a mortality assumption to calculate the sample size her trial would need. The number she anchored on: a baseline colorectal cancer mortality incidence rate of 0.82% in the no-screening population. That figure was not invented — it reflected the epidemiological reality of the era. It became the load-bearing assumption beneath the entire NordICC trial, and thirteen years later, it collapsed. The observed colorectal cancer mortality in the no-screening group at 13 years came in at 0.47% — nearly half the projected rate. The trial was powered for a world that…
Researchers at the University of Twente have developed a swallowable soft robotic device called SeroTab that could one day reduce the need for traditional endoscopy in certain gastric evaluations. The electronics-free device is guided through the stomach using an արտաքին handheld magnet and can measure gastric acidity in real time while also collecting stomach fluid samples on demand. Unlike conventional endoscopy, the system does not require a camera tube or onboard electronics, relying instead on ultrasound imaging and magnetic control.