Machine learning (ML) algorithms could reshape how we predict colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced polyps (ACPs) before a colonoscopy is even performed. A recent meta-analysis, published in Gastroenterology and summarized by Jessica Nye, PhD, reviewed 14 studies involving over half a million patients across Europe and Australia. These AI-driven tools demonstrated strong potential—particularly in CRC detection—with an average AUROC of 0.883, sensitivity of 83%, and specificity of 80%. However, the performance dropped when ACPs were included, and even more so when evaluating ACPs alone. The models varied widely, using everything from logistic regression to random forests and neural networks, and…
Author: Abhay Panchal
Diagnosing celiac disease might soon become significantly easier. A team from Australia’s Walter and Eliza Hall Institute has developed a simple IL-2-based blood test that can accurately detect celiac disease—even in patients already following a gluten-free diet. In the study, patients’ blood was exposed to gluten in vitro (in a test tube), triggering an immune response if gluten-specific T-cells were present. The WBAIL-2 assay showed 90% sensitivity and 95% specificity in HLA-DQ2.5+ patients, eliminating the need for patients to undergo weeks of gluten consumption or invasive biopsies. Experts like Dr. Christopher Cao from Mount Sinai call it “practice-changing,” though they…
The U.S. House has passed the Trump-backed “Big Beautiful Bill,” triggering a seismic shift in American healthcare. Over the next decade, Medicaid will see $930B in cuts. Work requirements will now apply to adults ages 19–64, and ACA enrollees must reapply annually—changes projected to leave 17 million people uninsured by 2034. Experts warn of cascading effects: ER overcrowding, rural hospital closures, and a collapse in community health centers that serve America’s most vulnerable. SNAP benefits will shrink for millions, and Planned Parenthood will be defunded for Medicaid patients. “The biggest immoral piece of healthcare legislation I’ve ever seen,” says bioethicist…
Zhi Cheng, MD, a gastroenterologist, has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing seven women, including three patients under his care at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens hospital, ABC News reported June 30. What happened?
CapsoVision is heading to IPO with a bold promise: to revolutionize gastrointestinal diagnostics using AI-powered capsule endoscopy. The company’s flagship, CapsoCam Plus, offers a non-invasive, sedation-free alternative to traditional scopes—an appealing upgrade for patients and physicians alike. The IPO seeks to raise $27.5M to scale production, complete regulatory hurdles (including for its colon-targeting CapsoCam Colon), and compete in the $6.87B GI diagnostics market. But giants like Abbott and Fujifilm aren’t sitting still, and FDA approval remains a major milestone to watch.
The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) released updated health maintenance guidelines for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), urging gastroenterologists to take a proactive role in vaccines, cancer screenings, bone health, smoking cessation, and mental health. Dr. Francis Farraye of Mayo Clinic emphasized that many IBD patients see their GI providers as primary care, especially younger patients on immunosuppressive therapies. The guideline highlights the importance of timely vaccines like Shingrix, RSV, and pneumococcal, dermatologic and cervical cancer screening, osteoporosis monitoring, and annual mental health evaluations. The update reflects a growing recognition that GI specialists must lead coordinated care efforts to…
In a groundbreaking study, Microsoft’s new AI tool, the Medical AI Diagnostic Orchestrator (MAI-DxO), correctly diagnosed 85% of complex medical cases from The New England Journal of Medicine — four times better than human doctors, who scored just 20%. The AI also did so 20% more cost-effectively. Unlike previous static models, MAI-DxO mimics the way doctors iteratively gather data, order tests, and reason through diagnoses — even emulating real-world consultations through an “orchestrator” system of multiple AI models like GPT, Claude, and Gemini. The project was advised by Dr. Eric Topol, a renowned physician-scientist, who called the findings “startling,” particularly…
In a landmark decision on June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the authority of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), preserving Affordable Care Act (ACA) provisions that mandate no-cost access to preventive healthcare services. The ruling stems from the Kennedy v. Braidwood case and reaffirms that USPSTF recommendations — such as colorectal cancer and hepatitis C screenings — must remain accessible without cost-sharing for patients. The Court validated that USPSTF operates constitutionally under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), with oversight retained by the HHS Secretary. While this is a win for public health and…
Gastroenterology has been ranked the highest-paid medical specialty in the AMGA’s 2025 Medical Group Compensation and Productivity Survey, which analyzed data from over 184,000 providers across 500 medical groups nationwide.
At DDW 2025, I shared a message I’ve felt building for years: the disruption in GI isn’t just technological—it’s existential. We’re not waiting for change—we’re already in it. The wave isn’t coming—it’s overhead. Most won’t realize it until it’s too late. The biggest barrier facing our field isn’t a lack of innovation. It’s our emotional and economic tether to single-procedure revenue streams like colonoscopy. We have to ask ourselves: Are we building a future-ready model—or clinging to a disappearing one? Though we spoke of the future, the talk was really about the uncomfortable present—and the decisions we keep postponing.A heartfelt thank you to American Gastroenterological…