A groundbreaking study from the University of Maine has revealed how artificial intelligence stacks up against human clinicians when handling complex and emotionally sensitive medical questions. While AI impressed in delivering accurate, fact-based answers, it faltered when empathy, nuance, and context were needed most. Published in the Journal of Health Organization and Management, the study analyzed over 7,000 real-world medical queries from the U.S. and Australia. AI models performed well with procedural or diagnostic tasks but struggled with emotionally charged “why” or “how” questions—and showed inconsistencies when the same queries were repeated later.
Author: Abhay Panchal
Once thought to be rare, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is now diagnosed in 1 out of every 700 Americans — a fivefold increase since 2009. This chronic, allergy-linked condition is quietly reshaping GI practice and straining the healthcare system, with annual costs exceeding $1.3 billion. New data published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology reveal staggering growth across all age groups, with prevalence especially high in men and younger populations. Common symptoms? Dysphagia, abdominal pain, and strictures. Most patients also battle other allergic diseases — making EoE a multisystem challenge.
From million-dollar verdicts to revoked licenses, 2025 has seen a wave of legal action shaking the gastroenterology world. Among the cases:
At the 2025 AGA Tech Summit, an unexpected innovation stole the show—and it wasn’t AI or robotics. It was Twistomy, a low-profile, twist-to-empty ostomy device designed to replace the traditional pouch system that hasn’t evolved in 70+ years. Created by Devon Horton and Lily Williams from the University of Colorado, the device aims to eliminate leaks, odors, and the emotional toll of current systems. Judges unanimously voted Twistomy the Shark Tank winner, calling it a “deeply empathetic solution” that could save $80,000 per patient in complications. With FDA approval on the horizon and a 3D-printed prototype already tested, the team…
Here’s a quick glimpse of highlights from the June 2025 issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology:
Michael Warne, CEO of Associated Gastroenterologists of Central New York in Camillus, joined Becker’s to share his perspective on the growing financial pressures facing independent ASCs — and why some may turn to hospitals for support despite concerns over operational impact.
A growing number of physicians are turning to locum tenens—temporary medical staffing—as a way to reclaim flexibility, boost income, and reduce burnout. As detailed in a recent Healio piece by Dr. Sanjeev Bhatia and attorney David B. Mandell, this centuries-old practice is becoming a modern-day strategy for doctors seeking change. Locum tenens assignments allow physicians to work where and when they want, often with higher per diem rates and fewer administrative burdens. It’s especially appealing to doctors looking to explore different practice settings or maintain work-life balance.
At the 2025 National Lipid Association conference, a compelling shift emerged: GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic) may protect the heart and kidneys regardless of weight loss. Traditionally seen as weight-loss and diabetes drugs, new data suggest they might do far more. The SELECT trial showed a 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events—even in patients without diabetes. Meanwhile, the FLOW trial revealed significant kidney protection, including slower disease progression and reduced risk of kidney failure—effects observed even before patients lost weight. What’s driving this? Experts point to semaglutide’s anti-inflammatory properties, which may mitigate systemic inflammation linked to both cardiovascular…
In a provocative conversation on the Heart of Healthcare podcast, Eric Jon Larsen—President of TowerBrook Advisors and former president of The Advisory Board Company—argues that U.S. healthcare may be the most unprepared sector for the generative AI revolution, despite being the one that needs it most. Larsen, a veteran healthcare strategist and investor, points out that no other industry combines so much unstructured data with so many labor inefficiencies. He draws parallels between GenAI and transformative technologies like the microprocessor and the internet but emphasizes that unlike past tech waves, this one might finally force change in a healthcare system…
A quiet crisis is unraveling the promise of modern obesity and cardiometabolic care—not due to drug inefficacy, but due to poor adherence. Despite breakthrough therapies like GLP-1s and SGLT2s, real-world persistence remains alarmingly low, with up to 70% of patients discontinuing by year three. Dr. Pankaj Rajvanshi challenges the system-wide failure: what if adherence was part of the disease—not a patient flaw? By embedding behavioral support, digital nudges, simplified regimens, and real-time tracking into care design, we could transform outcomes. Adherence benefits everyone: patients stay healthier, providers hit value-based metrics, payers cut costs, and pharma sees sustained use. So, who…