In the largest randomized controlled trial of its kind (BOSS Trial, Gastroenterology, 2025), over 3,400 UK patients with non-dysplastic or low-grade dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus were followed for a median of 12.8 years. The study compared scheduled endoscopic surveillance every 2 years versus endoscopy only when symptoms emerged. 🔍 Key Findings: 📌 Clinical Insight from Dr. Zhou:While the trial was a critical step in evidence generation, its interpretation demands caution. The similar endoscopy frequency across groups, lack of IM in 25% of patients, and limited power to detect cancer-specific mortality differences all cloud definitive conclusions. U.S. clinicians should consider
Author: Abhay Panchal
With colorectal cancer screening rates still lagging, blood-based liquid biopsy tests are emerging as a promising strategy to improve adherence, especially among those reluctant to undergo traditional screening methods. However, these tests come with some challenges that may limit their real-world effectiveness. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to discuss these potential benefits and barriers is Dr. Brennan Spiegel, a Professor of Medicine in Public Health and the Director of Health Services Research at Cedar-Sinai in Los Angeles.
A groundbreaking study from the University of Alberta used AI and “network medicine” to map extraintestinal conditions in 30,000+ inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Published in npj Digital Medicine, the research reveals that 57% of IBD patients suffer from additional autoimmune, mental health, or cardiovascular conditions—often overlooked in routine GI care.Led by gastroenterologist Dr. Daniel C. Baumgart, the project offers an interactive tool to help clinicians screen beyond the gut, reinforcing that IBD is a systemic inflammatory disorder, not just a GI issue.
Physicians face unique financial and legal risks—making early estate planning essential, not optional. In this practical guide, financial advisor John S. Gardner outlines the must-haves: revocable and irrevocable trusts, asset protection strategies, succession planning for medical practices, and tools like durable powers of attorney. Key insight: Start early. Planning ahead allows for better tax efficiency, stronger asset protection, and a lasting legacy—especially as estate tax exemptions are set to shrink by 2026. Gardner, whose wife is a gastroenterologist, emphasizes: “Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s how you protect your purpose.”
Private equity interest in physician practices is surging—but before signing any deal, physician-owners should dig deeper. In a conversation with Jonathan Leffert, MD, attorney Peter A. Bogdanow outlines key questions to ask in the discovery phase: Bogdanow emphasizes: successful deals aren’t just about payout—they depend on alignment, transparency, and the operational strength of the platform’s MSO.
A recent study in Gastroenterology Nursing analyzed the top TikTok videos on IBD, revealing that 83% were personal stories, often touching on ostomies, advocacy, and disease management. Despite the platform’s popularity among young adults with IBD, none of the most-viewed content came from healthcare providers. The study found poor quality scores overall—signaling a major opportunity for clinicians to engage and educate directly through this powerful medium.
In May, Lawrence Kim, MD, began his term as the 120th president of the American Gastroenterological Association Institute. A private practice partner based in Denver, Dr. Kim has spent years prioritizing diversity in gastroenterology and spearheading the creation of a joint venture in gastrointestinal pathology, helping to establish South Denver Gastroenterology as one of the founding groups of the Digestive Health Physicians Association, the first organization focused on advocacy for independent gastroenterology practices.Dr. Kim spoke with Becker’s about his efforts in the GI space and his plans for his term as AGA president.
The AGA has released a living guideline for ulcerative colitis (UC), reshaping treatment protocols as new therapies emerge. Key updates include refined treatment algorithms, disease severity stratification, and guidance on step-up/step-down therapy. Dr. Adam Gluskin, a gastroenterologist with GI Alliance of Illinois, emphasizes the need for continuous learning as rapid drug approvals outpace clinical workflows and insurance adoption. Staying current is essential as precision medicine and emerging treatments begin to redefine UC care.
A groundbreaking care model is reshaping how we treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Through a collaborative effort between UPMC, Cleveland Clinic, and Mount Sinai, the Specialty Medical Home (SMH) approach integrates gastroenterology, nutrition, and behavioral health into a unified care team. At the forefront: Dr. Eva Szigethy, a psychiatrist specializing in gastropsychiatry, and Dr. Benjamin Cohen, gastroenterologist at Cleveland Clinic. Together, they’re addressing the gut-brain connection head-on—recognizing that anxiety, depression, and stress can worsen IBD outcomes just as much as inflammation can.
Fecal microbiota transplants (FMT), once heralded as a miracle fix for gut-related diseases, may come with unintended consequences, according to new research from the University of Chicago published in Cell. While FMT is FDA-approved only for recurrent C. difficile infections, it’s increasingly being explored for conditions like IBD, obesity, diabetes, and even autism. But researchers led by Dr. Eugene Chang and Dr. Orlando DeLeon warn that transplanting microbes from the colon into other gut regions—like the small intestine—can result in mismatched colonization, metabolic shifts, and even behavioral changes. The study found that these “regional mismatches” persist for months and may…