Fujifilm Healthcare Americas has transferred its exclusive U.S. distributorship of EndoGel—a cutting-edge endoscopy simulation model—to EndoSim, expanding access to this advanced training tool. EndoGel mimics human tissue, enabling endoscopists to practice complex procedures like ESD and POEM more effectively. This move aims to enhance training opportunities for endoscopy professionals in the U.S., bridging an educational gap in minimally invasive procedures. Fujifilm and EndoSim’s partnership reinforces their commitment to advancing endoscopic education and patient care. Learn more at endosim.com.
Author: Abhay Panchal
Gastroenterology physicians are grappling with significant financial pressures as declining reimbursement rates fail to keep pace with the rising costs of medical practiceHere are 10 numbers illustrating the ongoing decline in GI physician pay:
There have been 30 physician practice bankruptcies since 2019, according to a report on Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings from healthcare restructuring advisory firm Gibbins Advisors.Here are the physician practice or clinics that filed for Chapter 11 protection, along with the date of the filing, according to the report: 2024:
People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) face a heightened risk of colorectal cancer, yet early detection remains a challenge. Researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research in London have developed a new genetic test that can predict bowel cancer risk in IBD patients with over 90% accuracy, potentially eliminating unnecessary surgeries and reducing patient anxiety.By analyzing DNA changes in pre-cancerous cells, this test offers a more precise approach than traditional colonoscopy-based surveillance, which can miss early warning signs. Experts praise the innovation as a game-changer in IBD care, with potential future adaptations into blood or stool-based tests for even less…
Could smarter follow-up strategies transform post-colonoscopy care? Two new studies from ACG 2024 reveal how automated text and email outreach doubled patient engagement, reducing staff workload and improving efficiency, while a direct nurse hotline enhanced accessibility but didn’t lower ER visits. With gastroenterology clinics handling thousands of procedures annually, optimizing communication could mean better patient outcomes and fewer unnecessary hospital visits. Are digital tools the key to more effective post-procedure care?
Medicine is entering a new era of artificial intelligence (AI)—one where AI is no longer just a passive tool, but an active agent in healthcare. While today’s AI-powered medical models remain reliant on human input and interpretation, the future of AI lies in its evolution from a sophisticated calculator to a true healthcare teammate. From AI Tools to AI Agents: To unlock AI’s full potential, clinicians must embrace AI not just as an assistant, but as a partner—one that can enhance precision, reduce cognitive burden, and improve patient outcomes.
Could a bispecific antibody revolutionize inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment? Mozart Therapeutics is presenting new preclinical data on MTX-201, an immune-modulating therapy that selectively targets CD8 regulatory T cells (Treg) to reduce inflammation and epithelial damage in IBD patients.
Managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a challenge, with flare-ups and symptoms often unpredictable. But could a wearable device provide real-time monitoring and better disease management?Dr. Shalini Prasad and Dr. Sriram Muthukumar, co-founders of EnLiSense, have developed an innovative wearable that tracks inflammation markers in IBD patients, offering continuous, non-invasive monitoring.Dr. Prasad, Head of Bioengineering at the University of Texas at Dallas, and Dr. Muthukumar, CEO of EnLiSense, discuss how this technology could revolutionize patient care, allowing early detection of flare-ups and personalized treatment adjustments.
A new predictive model warns that metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) will see a dramatic rise in the U.S., with cases increasing from 33.7% of adults in 2020 to 41.4% by 2050. This translates to 122 million Americans living with MASLD, making it a growing public health crisis. Key Projections:
Burnout among physicians remains a persistent issue, and a new study suggests electronic health record (EHR) documentation after hours—known as “pajama time”—is a major contributor.A study led by Lisa Rotenstein, M.D., of UCSF Health, analyzed over 10,000 family physicians between 2017 and 2023 and found that while burnout rates have remained high, efforts to reduce them have made little progress. Physicians often struggle to balance meaningful patient interactions with the administrative burden of documentation, leading many to complete records outside of work hours, further exacerbating stress and emotional exhaustion.