The field of gastroenterology is bracing for a worsening physician shortage, with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) projecting a deficit of 1,390 full-time gastroenterologists by 2037. This alarming trend is fueled by rising patient demand, an aging GI workforce, and burnout-driven attrition, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As nearly half of practicing gastroenterologists are over 55, impending retirements threaten to widen the gap, while GI fellowships struggle to replenish the workforce.
Author: Abhay Panchal
For decades, bioengineers have struggled to design biological systems with the precision of evolution, but Evo 2, a groundbreaking AI model for genomics developed by Arc Institute and NVIDIA, is changing that paradigm. Trained on 9.3 trillion nucleotides across 128,000 species, Evo 2 can predict pathogenic mutations, generate synthetic genomes, and design gene circuits with precision beyond human capabilities. Its unprecedented context window allows it to interpret long-range genetic interactions, addressing one of the biggest challenges in genomics. The model’s potential applications range from custom gene therapies to disease prediction, but its open-source nature also raises ethical concerns about biosecurity.
Physicians are increasingly turning to side gigs, with 40% now supplementing their income by an average of $34,000 annually, a trend explored in the latest Fixing Healthcare podcast featuring Dr. Jonathan Fisher. Rising burnout, financial strain, and shifts in career fulfillment are fueling this change, as doctors move from independent practice to hospital employment and grapple with the growing role of AI in healthcare. With medicine becoming less intellectually stimulating, many physicians seek creative and financial outlets beyond traditional practice. The episode raises a crucial question: Is this a symptom of a broken system, or the future of medical careers?
The Crohn’s & Colitis Congress 2025 unveiled groundbreaking advancements in IBD care, from AI-driven disease monitoring and non-invasive sweat-based diagnostics to evolving guidelines on pregnancy and obesity management. Experts emphasized the importance of medication adherence during pregnancy, the potential of GLP-1 drugs in IBD treatment, and the role of bariatric surgery in disease outcomes. Meanwhile, AI innovations like IBD Aware and Smart Notes are set to transform patient monitoring and clinical workflows. With these cutting-edge developments, the future of IBD care is shifting rapidly—but the real question remains: Are we ready to embrace this revolution in precision medicine?
While some physicians prefer the autonomy of working in private practice, working with a major health system, especially an academic one, can afford several opportunities to specialists. From more access to resources and research, to a focus on cutting-edge patient care, there are many pros to the practice setting.Benjamin Levy III, MD, a gastroenterologist from University of Chicago Medicine, told Becker’s what he enjoys most about practicing at the academic medical center.
New research highlights an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with both nonadvanced and advanced adenomas detected during colonoscopy. The study, leveraging data from the Minnesota Colon Cancer Control Study, found that individuals with adenomas had a greater risk of developing CRC compared to those with no adenomas, with advanced adenomas also linked to increased CRC mortality and all-cause mortality. The findings reinforce the importance of surveillance colonoscopy, particularly for those with advanced adenomas, to ensure early detection and intervention. The article gives insights on the necessity of frequent CRC screening and the implications for long-term patient outcomes.
A new study published in Gastro Hep Advances found that multitarget stool DNA (mt-sDNA) testing for colorectal cancer remains accurate regardless of whether patients are on anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. Researchers at Mayo Clinic analyzed data from over 11,000 patients and determined that medication use did not significantly impact the test’s positive predictive value (PPV), which stood at 31.4% for detecting advanced adenomas. These findings suggest that patients at risk for cardiovascular events can safely continue their medications while undergoing CRC screening. The article gives insights on the reliability of mt-sDNA testing in real-world settings.
Healthcare mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are expected to surge in 2025 as economic conditions improve and regulatory scrutiny potentially eases. Physician groups considering private equity transactions must weigh the financial benefits against long-term control and operational changes. Law firm Foley & Lardner wrote in a Feb. 10 article published in JD Supra that key factors include preparing for due diligence, securing group consensus, engaging experienced advisors, and addressing compliance risks early to protect deal value. Structuring transactions with favorable tax treatment, indemnification protections, and equity rollovers is critical. With deal volume rising, careful planning will be essential for successful practice…
Scientists at NUS have developed Gut-Microbiome on a Chip (GMoC)—a 3D microgut model that mimics human intestines, allowing researchers to study gut microbes and their role in health and disease more accurately. The chip replicates gut structures, oxygen levels, and food movement, making it a scalable, realistic tool for investigating microbial interactions, immune responses, and potential therapeutic targets. Researchers aim to refine and commercialize the technology, paving the way for breakthroughs in gut microbiome research and disease prevention. The article gives insights on how GMoC could transform microbiome studies.
New research on GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy, highlights their far-reaching health benefits beyond weight loss—such as reduced risks of substance use disorders, Alzheimer’s, and clotting issues—while also revealing side effects like nausea, dehydration, and pancreatitis. Physicians emphasize the importance of dosage timing, dietary adjustments, and hydration to minimize complications. Regular check-ins help monitor progress, adjust medications, and address metabolic improvements like resolved hypertension. The article gives insights on optimizing GLP-1 treatments while balancing their risks and benefits.