A recent study at City of Hope found that adding circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing to standard imaging surveillance for patients with resected stage II–IV colorectal cancer offered minimal clinical benefit. About 30% of recurrences were missed by ctDNA but caught by imaging, and only 1.6% of patients benefitted from ctDNA leading to earlier curative treatment.
Author: Abhay Panchal
Gastroenterologist compensation declined by 3% in 2024, according to Medscape’s 2025 Physician Compensation Report, published on April 11. The findings are based on responses from 7,322 physicians across 29 specialties, surveyed between October 2, 2024, and January 14, 2025.
At the 2025 Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) Annual Meeting, Dr. Thinzar Min Lwin of City of Hope highlighted two exciting developments in GI cancer surgery: the increasing use of molecular diagnostics, including spatial transcriptomics and multiplex immunohistochemistry, to predict patient outcomes, and City of Hope’s trial of aerosolized intraperitoneal chemotherapy using mitomycin C for peritoneal surface cancers like colorectal and appendiceal carcinomatosis. These innovations could significantly improve prognostication and redefine treatment approaches for patients with advanced GI cancers.
Between 2012 and 2022, venture capital investment in gastroenterology surged to $33.34 billion across 3,419 deals, growing at a compound annual rate of 15.7%. The majority of funding went to biotechnology and pharmaceuticals (65%), followed by medical devices and supplies. Notably, there was a 141% spike in investment from 2019 to 2020, highlighting growing confidence in GI innovation.
Private gastroenterology practices, with their nimble operational models, are uniquely suited to drive innovation through collaborations with industry partners—especially in research, late-stage clinical trials, and technology adoption. Academic institutions also play a vital role by integrating these collaborations into education and cutting-edge development.
Today, we are exploring the future of healthcare with entrepreneur and futurist Praveen Suthrum. We are diving into gastroenterology and how AI and digital innovation are reshaping medicine—especially when it comes to the body. As the Viking Academy emphasizes mastery of mind, body, and spirit, this conversation focuses on rethinking healthcare and taking control of our well-being and our bodies. Praveen breaks down the shift from “sickcare” to true healthcare, highlighting how emerging technologies are changing patient care. If you’re interested in the future of medicine and its impact on the body, this episode is a must-listen.
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) has recommended tying annual physician reimbursement to the Medicare Economic Index (MEI) minus 1%—a shift praised by the American Medical Association (AMA) as a step toward stabilizing physician pay amid ongoing cuts. The AMA criticized current policy, noting a 2.83% reduction in 2025 payments despite rising costs and simultaneous pay increases for Medicare insurers. With private practices struggling and patient access—especially in rural areas—at risk, AMA President Dr. Bruce Scott urged Congress to heed MedPAC’s advice, stating: “Physicians are the foundation of health care, not insurance profits.”
In Q2 FY2025, Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) reported a 4.1% year-over-year sales increase to $38.6 billion and reduced its operating loss from $13.2 billion to $5.6 billion as it advances its turnaround strategy. While cost management and healthcare improvements buoyed performance, retail softness and legal settlements offset gains. Amid its pending acquisition by Sycamore Partners, WBA withdrew fiscal guidance and will go private later this year.
In Q1 2025, U.S. digital health funding surged to $3B across 122 deals, with an average deal size of $24.4M—up from Q4 2024. According to Rock Health, early-stage startups dominated deal volume, while late-stage megadeals like Innovaccer ($275M) and Abridge ($250M) drove funding totals. Companies are leveraging “leapfrogging” strategies—such as M&A, modular tech stacks, channel partnerships, and collaborations with disruptors—to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. One standout example: Eli Lilly’s partnership with Ro, illustrating how even healthcare giants are leaning into innovation through digital health startups.
GLP-1 medications have revolutionized obesity care, but as Dr. Michael Albert argues, true long-term success demands more than just prescribing injections—it requires a holistic, systems-based approach that addresses body composition, cardiometabolic health, inflammation, mental well-being, and health equity.