Author: Rutali Thakur

 As we approach the 100th anniversary of Crohn’s disease first being described, Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (CGH) is diving into the past, present, and future of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care. Its special issue covers groundbreaking advancements, ongoing challenges — such as rising treatment costs and the increasing global burden of IBD — and emerging strategies shaping the future of patient care. The special issue comprises a collection of articles selected by authors Edward Loftus, MD, of Mayo Clinic; Joana Torres, MD, of Universidade de Lisboa; Jason Hou, MD, of Baylor University; Charles Kahi, MD, of Indiana University; and Siddharth Singh, MD, of University of…

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From Stark law to prior authorization hurdles, gastroenterologist leaders see three major regulatory obstacles stifling industry growth and innovation. Payer reimbursement William Chey, MD, president-elect of American College of Gastroenterology and chief of the GI division at Ann Arbor-based Michigan Medicine, told Becker’s that payer reimbursement policies are significantly limiting the adoption of new technologies, particularly in the endoscopy suite. “Providers are forced to work with payers individually for any reimbursement, and payers will often deem new technology as ’emerging’ or ‘experimental,'” he said “Then, they use it as rationale for denying coverage or providing an inadequate reimbursement for the practice’s expense…

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Conducting clinical research as an early career gastroenterologist can take on many forms and has varying definitions of success. This article focuses on key factors to consider and should be supplemented with mentorship tailored to personal interests, goals, and institutional criteria for success. In this article, we will discuss selected high-yield topics that assist in early-career research. We will briefly discuss 1. Defining your niche, 2. Collaboration, 3. Visibility, 4. Time management, 5. Funding, 6. Receiving mentorship, and 7. Providing mentorship. We will conclude with discussing several authors’ experience in the research lab of the first author (FELD Lab –…

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Researchers at the Technical University of Munich and LMU University Hospital Munich have uncovered how exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN), a liquid diet used to manage Crohn’s disease, reduces inflammation by altering the gut microbiome. Their study found that medium-chain fatty acids in the formula promote beneficial gut bacteria, preventing inflammation. To extend the benefits of EEN, a clinical trial will test whether combining it with fecal microbiome transfer can sustain remission. If successful, this approach could revolutionize Crohn’s disease treatment by establishing a healthier, long-term gut microbiome.

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Could personalized care between office visits transform GI disease management? GI Alliance is betting on it. Partnering with Cosán, the nation’s leading physician-led GI network has launched an innovative Population Health Management Program, offering Chronic Care and Principal Care Management (CCM/PCM) across its footprint. The hybrid program brings together GI Alliance’s clinical expertise and Cosán’s advanced delivery infrastructure, ensuring enhanced patient compliance, real-time interventions, and concierge-level care. Patients with complex GI diseases and multiple comorbidities will now receive continuous support, medication management, and proactive care coordination—reducing hospital visits and improving long-term outcomes.

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Imagine checking your health status from blood, sweat, or even tears—without ever stepping into a clinic. Advances in digital diagnostics are making at-home testing a reality, allowing patients to analyze their bodily fluids with smart devices and wearables. From blood tests on menstrual pads (Qvin’s Q-Pad) to real-time hydration tracking via sweat (Epicore Biosystems’ Gx Sweat Patch), cutting-edge innovations are revolutionizing early disease detection, fertility tracking, and chronic disease management. Even at-home urine tests can now screen for kidney disease and UTIs with FDA-cleared kits like Healthy.io and Withings’ U-Scan. While some efforts—like Verily’s smart contact lenses for glucose monitoring—have…

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