OneOncology has partnered with OpenEvidence to integrate AI-powered clinical decision support directly into physician workflows across its national network of community oncology practices. Initially designed to provide rapid access to the latest clinical evidence and research at the point of care, the collaboration is expected to expand to include structured genomic data and clinical trial matching. The partnership reflects the growing adoption of AI as a real-time clinical assistant, helping physicians navigate increasingly complex treatment decisions while accelerating access to precision medicine and evidence-based care.
Author: Abhay Panchal
A large population-based study adds compelling real-world evidence that organized FIT-based colorectal cancer screening can significantly reduce deaths from colorectal cancer over time. Researchers found mortality began declining within three years of the program’s launch, with analyses suggesting a 42% relative reduction in CRC deaths compared with projected trends without screening. High participation rates, consistent annual follow-up, and timely diagnostic colonoscopy after positive FIT results were identified as key drivers of success, reinforcing the value of well-organized screening programs as colorectal cancer incidence continues to rise globally.
Microbiome therapeutics developer Vedanta Biosciences has secured $60 million in new funding as it advances its lead candidate, VE303, through Phase 3 clinical trials for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). The financing comes as the pivotal RESTORATiVE303 study surpasses 80% enrollment, with topline efficacy data expected in the first half of 2027. Designed as a defined, orally administered live biotherapeutic, VE303 aims to restore the gut microbiome and prevent recurrent CDI without relying on donor fecal material. The investment, coupled with new leadership appointments, signals continued confidence in microbiome-based therapeutics as a promising frontier for treating gastrointestinal diseases.
The hidden cost of administrative work extends far beyond unpaid overtime, according to a new commentary highlighting the “opportunity cost” physicians rarely calculate. Every hour spent on insurance verification, prior authorizations, documentation, or other non-clinical tasks represents time that could have been devoted to patient care, practice growth, research, or personal well-being. The author suggests practices should evaluate administrative work using the same financial logic applied to physician compensation and delegate tasks that do not require clinical expertise. As staffing shortages and administrative complexity continue to grow, the article reframes physician time as one of healthcare’s most valuable—and frequently undervalued—resources.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have identified ZFP36L2, a protein that acts as a molecular switch controlling how intestinal cells repair and regenerate after injury. The study found that colorectal cancer cells hijack this same repair mechanism to revert to a stem cell-like state, enabling them to spread to distant organs and form metastases. The findings not only reveal a fundamental mechanism behind colorectal cancer progression but also identify ZFP36L2 as a potential therapeutic target to prevent metastasis and improve treatment outcomes. Researchers also suggest the discovery could help identify patients at greater risk of developing treatment-resistant disease.
As physician shortages, private equity consolidation, and compensation pressures reshape gastroenterology, contract negotiations are becoming increasingly complex—and potentially more risky for physicians. In this interview, Dr. Rajiv Sharma explains why many gastroenterologists remain vulnerable to unfavorable contract terms, pointing to limited peer-to-peer transparency, wide disparities in compensation models, and opaque productivity metrics. The discussion underscores the importance of benchmarking contracts, sharing compensation insights, and strengthening collaboration within the specialty to help physicians negotiate fairer employment agreements in an evolving GI landscape.
The microbiome field is undergoing a fundamental shift—from cataloging which microbes are present to understanding what they actually do. Drawing on presentations from Nutrition 2026, this article examines growing evidence that microbial composition alone often fails to explain health, disease, or dietary response, while functional measures such as metabolomics and microbial metabolite production may provide more meaningful clinical insights. It explores why two individuals can have vastly different microbial communities yet produce similar biological outputs, challenging the value of composition-based stool testing. As researchers increasingly prioritize microbial function over taxonomy, the article highlights how this transition could redefine microbiome diagnostics,…
A positive Cologuard test followed by a negative colonoscopy may not always mark the end of the diagnostic journey. Researchers at DDW 2026 reported that some patients with false-positive multitarget stool DNA tests experienced a higher incidence of extracolonic aerodigestive cancers over long-term follow-up, challenging the assumption that no further workup is needed. Although the findings require additional validation, they could influence future screening strategies and post-test management for patients with unexplained positive results.
Private equity continues to reshape physician practice ownership, but not every investment opportunity is created equal. This practical guide explores the key questions physicians should ask before engaging with private equity—from practice valuation and clinical autonomy to investor motives, MSO structures, and regulatory risks. It also highlights how poorly structured partnerships can affect decision-making, practice culture, and long-term independence, making careful due diligence essential before signing any deal.
Professional coaching is emerging as a powerful but often overlooked investment for early-career gastroenterologists, offering structured guidance through career transitions, leadership opportunities, and the competing demands of clinical practice, research, and personal life. Rather than serving as a remedy for burnout or career setbacks, coaching is presented as a proactive tool for building self-awareness, improving decision-making, and shaping a more intentional and fulfilling career. The article also explores how coaching differs from mentorship and sponsorship, and why introducing it earlier in a physician’s journey could have lasting benefits for both professional growth and well-being.