More than 2,100 U.S. counties lack a single gastroenterologist. That’s nearly 50 million Americans—many older, poorer, and rural—forced to travel 25 miles or more for care that could detect cancer, manage IBD, or even save lives. Why does this gap exist, and what can be done? While patients in remote counties wait or rely on overburdened primary care, the FDA is charging forward. Recent months saw landmark approvals: the first-ever blood test to screen for colorectal cancer, new biologics for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s, and rapid diagnostics for hepatitis C—all signaling a leap in innovation. But can technology outpace the…
Author: Abhay Panchal
Olympus just received FDA clearance for its EZ1500 endoscope series, featuring the much-anticipated Extended Depth of Field (EDOF™) technology. This innovation promises ultra-clear images that could redefine how endoscopists detect and diagnose GI conditions. But the real story lies in how these scopes blend cutting-edge optics with ergonomic design and enhanced visualization tech like TXI™, RDI™, and NBI™. Could this be the next leap in endoscopic precision? Dive into the full announcement to see what’s changing in your endoscopy suite.
Lawrence Kim, MD, AGAF, has officially begun his term as the 120th president of the AGA Institute. A leader in community-based practice, Dr. Kim is a partner at South Denver Gastroenterology, an independent gastroenterology practice in Colorado.
On The Scope Forward Show, Matt Schwartz—Founder and CEO of Virgo—unveiled EndoML, a clinician-facing platform built on Virgo’s massive foundation model, EndoDINO. This isn’t just another AI update—it’s a turning point for gastroenterology.With more than 2 million full-length endoscopy videos and a platform that lets any clinician train models using their own technique, Virgo’s trajectory signals a fundamental shift—from industry-led tools to clinician-owned AI.This isn’t an update. It’s a wake-up call.Matt lays out a bold vision: Imagine any endoscopist building a CADx system tuned to their own hands, their own diagnostic eye. Picture AI not as a separate assistant, but as…
Groundbreaking research has spotlighted IgA-coated vesicles as pivotal contributors to the chronic inflammation characteristic of ulcerative colitis, offering a transformative perspective on disease dynamics and therapeutic prospects.
A new machine learning tool developed by Ohio State scientists may have just cracked the code. By analyzing over 1,000 blood samples, the platform—dubbed PANDA—can detect subtle shifts in metabolism linked to colorectal cancer and even its genetic risk factors. What makes it even more compelling? It might monitor how well treatments are working—before traditional methods catch up. The tool isn’t meant to replace colonoscopies—yet. But could a few drops of blood eventually flag cancer’s earliest whispers? The future of diagnosis might just lie in your metabolism.
A new drug-free capsule is shaking up how we treat chronic idiopathic constipation—and quite literally. Designed to stimulate the colon through timed mechanical pulses, this vibrating capsule is gaining attention for its safety, tolerability, and surprising patient satisfaction. In a study spanning 800 patients, side effects were minimal, with no serious adverse events reported. But here’s what really turns heads: over 70% of users said they were satisfied, and less than 2% experienced diarrhea—often a deal-breaker with conventional treatments. Could this be the beginning of a non-drug revolution in motility care?
A new drug-free capsule is shaking up how we treat chronic idiopathic constipation—and quite literally. Designed to stimulate the colon through timed mechanical pulses, this vibrating capsule is gaining attention for its safety, tolerability, and surprising patient satisfaction. In a study spanning 800 patients, side effects were minimal, with no serious adverse events reported. But here’s what really turns heads: over 70% of users said they were satisfied, and less than 2% experienced diarrhea—often a deal-breaker with conventional treatments. Could this be the beginning of a non-drug revolution in motility care?
Gastroenterology practices are standing at a crossroads. Rising labor costs, payer pressure, and mounting regulatory demands are squeezing margins—while demand for procedures like colonoscopies continues to climb. The contradiction is striking: opportunity has never been greater, yet so has the pressure to evolve. In a revealing new advisory from Ziegler’s Andrew Colbert, five strategic routes are emerging—each with its own tradeoffs, rewards, and risks. Some practices are doubling down on independence. Others are taking unexpected routes toward capital, partnerships, or scale. The question is no longer if change is coming—it’s which direction will you choose when it arrives? Explore the…
As AI rapidly advances across industries, medicine often lands in its crosshairs. With large language models passing licensing exams and AI outperforming in diagnostic tasks, the question is no longer “can AI replace doctors?”—but rather, “how will it reshape them?” In a compelling Forbes Technology Council piece, Dr. Sanjay Juneja argues that the future of medicine lies not in AI displacing physicians, but in evolving their role into high-level integrators. AI may power digital tumor boards and surface patterns, but it’s the doctor who must interpret contradictions, weigh emotion, and make the final call. Because when it comes to hope,…