GI & Hep News
The Latest
Single-molecule biosensor may enable earlier detection of high-risk pancreatic cysts
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by Doug Brunk
The device is designed to detect biomarkers at extremely low concentrations, delivering rapid results.
Practice update: Refractory constipation
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by Doug Brunk
Longstanding concerns about chronic stimulant laxative use are described as unfounded.
2025 Sherman Prize Recipient Oriana Damas advances equity and innovation in IBD care
"What we've discovered has been transformative. Our environmental and genetic studies revealed that environmental factors matter more than genetics in determining when IBD presents in this population."
When gut-brain disorders affect eating in adults
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by Doug Brunk
"Restrictive eating in DGBI is common beyond specialist clinics and highlights the need for integrated multidisciplinary care."
ACA expansion linked to better liver disease outcomes
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by Doug Brunk
The analysis is believed to be the first of its kind.
VCTE vs histology in MASLD, study findings
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by Doug Brunk
The study included 3,532 adults with MASLD.
Cirrhosis, age may shape HCC risk in PSC
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by Doug Brunk
Investigators followed 3,071 patients for a mean of 12.5 years.
Infliximab levels predict ASUC outcomes
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by Doug Brunk
Higher early clearance, especially by day 7, was strongly associated with nonresponse, treatment failure, and colectomy.
Task force touts greener endoscopy units
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by Doug Brunk
Reducing unnecessary procedures, supplies, and ancillary resources offers the greatest environmental benefit relative to effort.
AGA strengthens payor ties to ease admin burden
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by Doug Brunk
“We view this as an opportunity to work together to alleviate some of these burdens, and I will say that hearing the perspective from payors has been very eye-opening.”
Building effective community-based IBD care: Key challenges and opportunities
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by Doug Brunk
“I fear practices will lose their relevance if they do not start building systems and processes for cognitive care pathways like IBD."
GLP-1 drugs pose no cancer risk, review finds
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by Doug Brunk
A large systematic review and meta-analysis was limited by a median follow-up of 70 weeks.
'Chaos scheduler' boosts endoscopy utilization
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by Doug Brunk
“We were surprised by how much of an impact just one additional staff member on our scheduling team was able to have on the utilization rate at our endoscopy centers."
Histologic remission: A lifeline in IBD?
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by Doug Brunk
Even during clinically quiescent periods, histologic inflammation remained associated with increased mortality.
Index of severity for eosinophilic esophagitis: Growing body of evidence supports use
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by Andrew Dickerson, MD , Tesuo Shoda, MD (1), Corey Ketchem, MD (1), Carey Cotton, MD (1)
To standardize assessment, the AGA facilitated the development of the Index of Severity for Eosinophilic Esophagitis (I-SEE).
GI experts debate ESG, GLP-1 roles in modern obesity treatment strategies
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by Gyanprakash A. Ketwaroo, MD, MSc, Marianna T. Papademetriou, MD, Dan Maselli, MD, D-ABOM, Eric J. Vargas, MD, MS, D-ABOM
Dr. Marianna Papademetriou makes a strong case for embracing medical weight loss medications. Drs. Eric Vargas and Dan Maselli counter with an equally compelling defense of ESG, arguing that endobariatrics remains a vital, underused tool.
Index of Severity for Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Growing body of evidence supports use
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by By Andrew Dickerson, MD, Tesuo Shoda, MD, Corey Ketchem, MD, Carey Cotton, MD
I-SEE aims to provide a more comprehensive assessment that goes beyond eosinophil counts to include symptom frequency, complications, and signs of remodeling.
Mirikizumab shows promise for kids with ulcerative colitis
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by Doug Brunk
"This is the first published clinical trial data on IL-23 inhibitors in children with UC and shows mirikizumab to be safe and effective for this population.”
IBD specialist champions patient care, mentorship, and women’s health advocacy
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by Sierra Rendon
As a clinician, educator, and mother of three, Dr. Richa Shukla approaches these efforts with a mix of honesty and practicality.
Ranitidine’s return 'unlikely to provide greater clinical benefit'
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by Doug Brunk
New formulation incorporates stronger manufacturing controls and stability measures to prevent NDMA from forming.
New credential elevates GI nutrition collaboration
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by Doug Brunk
To earn credential, dietitians must complete at least 2,000 hours of GI-focused practice and pass a specialty exam.
Evaluating the benefit-risk profile of upadacitinib in IBD
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by Doug Brunk
Across multiple IBD trials, “upadacitinib consistently outperforms placebo with a generally favorable safety profile across diverse patient subgroups."
Mediterranean diet beats traditional dietary advice in IBS
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by Doug Brunk
Researchers say the diet could serve as a first-line dietary option for people with IBS.
AGA unveils new clinical practice guideline for Crohn's disease
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by Doug Brunk
The guidelines are living documents that “will be updated quarterly, allowing for rapid evolution as new data become available.”
Positive trends in chronic HCV mortality
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by Doug Brunk
“DAAs have revolutionized the management of HCV by making it a curable disease.”
Tirzepatide tops semaglutide for cardiometabolic protection in MASLD
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by Doug Brunk
The study authors recommend prospective head-to-head trials to validate the findings.
ALD-related HCC mortality surges
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by Doug Brunk
The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies among high-risk group.
New score challenges old predictors
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by Kerri Miller
"MERAGE has superior performance for predicting return to drinking (RTD) compared to HRAR in AH."
ED drugs tied to lower gastric cancer risk
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by Kerri Miller
Large retrospective study finds 30% reduction in gastric malignancy among men taking erectile dysfunction medications.
Gastric microbiome shifts track H pylori virulence
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by Kerri Miller
Pathogenic bacterial genotypes correlate with distinct microbial communities; overall α-diversity is unchanged, but virulent strains show greater diversity within subgroups as atrophy progresses
Exercise patterns and GI cancer risk
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by Kerri Miller
Consistently meeting—but not exceeding—recommended activity levels offers maximal protection against digestive cancers, new research suggests.
CRC screening: Smartphone-based stool test matches lab accuracy
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by Amy Pfeiffer
The findings point to a new tool for enhancing participation in CRC screening programs—particularly among younger, tech-savvy patients under 60 years who demonstrated higher adoption rates.
Microbiome: COVID-19's hidden factor?
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by Kerri Miller
Pre-pandemic microbiome composition influences severe disease outcomes years later in a population study.
AGA issues updated guidance on HDV management
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by Amy Pfeiffer
An AGA panel recommended universal HDV screening for all patients with chronic HBV infection.
Bariatric surgery vs GLP-1s: GERD risk
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by Kerri Miller
Propensity-matched analysis of over 80,000 patients reveals bariatric surgery nearly doubles five-year esophageal complication rates compared with GLP-1 RA therapy.
Sarcopenia, thrombosis, and renal dysfunction dominate cirrhosis complication updates
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by Kerri Miller
New diagnostic approaches and treatment controversies emerge for managing advanced liver disease complications.
GLP-1s and tirzepatide: Similar GI risk
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by Kerri Miller
Real-world data show similar rates of severe GI events with semaglutide, dulaglutide, and tirzepatide, reinforcing comparable safety across agents in routine care.
'Don’t take shortcuts,' endoscopy researcher advises
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by Jennifer Lubell
Dr. Jovani compared two different types of needles for tissue acquisition with endoscopic ultrasound.
Mediterranean vs traditional diet for IBS
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by Kathryn Wighton
The Mediterranean diet demonstrated greater symptom relief and patient adherence than traditional dietary advice.
Does ESD equal TAMIS for early rectal neoplasms?
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by Amy Pfeiffer
“ESD was associated with fewer technical constraints, higher procedural success, shorter hospitalization, lower cost, and greater patient acceptance."
Lower GI mistakes: Postop Crohn's, vaccine gaps, colonoscopy errors
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by Kerri Miller
"There's no such thing as a routine colonoscopy. Every colonoscopy has a potential for mistakes."
Endoscopist skill found to predict short-term post-colonoscopy cancer
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by Julian Upton
In the short term, the quality of the endoscopist is a stronger driver of cancer risk than polyp characteristics.
Nutritional IBD screening tools ranked
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by Kerri Miller
"MIRT might be the NSTs of choice to predict defined malnutrition and low-Fat Free Mass Index at 6 months follow-up in a cohort of inactive/mildly active IBD patients."
AGA releases updated guideline on endoscopic surveillance of Barrett’s esophagus
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by Wendy LaGrego
A panel came to a consensus on eight recommendations regarding the role of endoscopic surveillance in patients with Barrett’s esophagus.
AI in gastroenterology and endoscopy
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by Gyanprakash A. Ketwaroo, MD, MSc, Yuvaraj Singh, MD, Alessandro Colletta, MD, Dennis L. Shung, MD, MHS, PhD
AI tools that were once conceptual are now entering everyday practice,
Do quadruple therapies beat triple for H. pylori?
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by Kerri Miller
Concomitant and bismuth quadruple regimens provided substantially higher eradication rates than triple therapy without an adherence penalty.
New data tie GLP-1 therapies to GERD
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by Jennifer Ford
"These potential risks should be weighed against the established clinical benefits of this drug class."
It’s not the polyp, it’s the provider: Study
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by Julian Upton
High-risk polyps are usually considered the main reason for shortened surveillance intervals.
Global IBD trial experts agree on steroid standards
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by Teraya Smith
New guidance issued on how steroids should be managed in clinical trial settings.
Open vs robotic liver resections, study results
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by Teraya Smith
Complication rates and hospital stays were analyzed across both surgical groups.
What If Early Cancer Rise Isn't What It Seems?
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by Kerri Miller
Analysis reveals stable mortality despite doubled incidence rates in patients under 50.
Intestinal ultrasound offers prognostic value in IBD pregnancy
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by Kerri Miller
"We rely very little on symptoms in pregnancy — they’re so unreliable — and instead target fecal calprotectin under 100 and sonographic remission."
Second-Surveillance Risk Hinges on Results of Prior Colonoscopies
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by Kerri Miller
Risk estimates are more accurate when clinicians consider serial findings rather than just the most recent exam.
Prolonged Therapy in Eosinophilic Esophagitis Prevents Relapse Without Added Risk
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by Julia Cipriano
"Proton pump inhibitors appeared more effective than off-label swallowed topical corticosteroids in sustaining histologic and clinical responses."
Prior TNF antagonist exposure influences efficacy of advanced therapies in ulcerative colitis
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by Wendy LaGrego
"Prior exposure to TNF antagonists appears to potentiate the efficacy of JAK inhibitors and IL-12/23 antagonists but may attenuate responsiveness to lymphocyte trafficking inhibitors."
Gastric Varices: Nonselective Beta-Blockers May Lower Mortality
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by Cara Glynn
Given the high mortality associated with gastric variceal hemorrhage, ongoing investigation into pharmacologic and interventional approaches remains critical to improving patient outcomes.
Endoscopic Surveillance for Barrett’s Esophagus: Two-Year Results
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by Lisa Astor
"The burden of Barrett’s surveillance on endoscopic resources can be significant, and it may be appropriate to lengthen the surveillance interval or consider offering at-need endoscopy to well-informed patients."
Global Consensus Streamlines MASLD/MASH Care
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by Amy Pfeiffer
"We have developed consensus recommendations for busy clinicians."
Peyer’s patch B cells drive TG2 autoantibodies in celiac disease
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by Stephanie Vine
“B-cell-directed therapies have not yet been explored for the treatment of celiac disease, but they might well be pursued in the future given their success for the other autoimmune diseases."
AGA releases updated gastroparesis guideline
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by Amy Pfeiffer
The guideline panel "critically assessed the studies available for diagnosing gastroparesis and the treatments used for gastroparesis."
CT Findings Differ in Ischemic Colitis Subtypes
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by Stanley Gajete
Abdominal CT imaging showed 100% positivity in more extensive ischemic colitis cases versus just 18% in mild disease, highlighting imaging's diagnostic value for severity assessment.
Gastrointestinal Disorders Linked to Sleep Problems
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by Mouj Hijazi
Study of more than 10,000 US adults finds depression accounts for 21% of the relationship between stomach illness and sleep disturbances, suggesting need for integrated treatment approaches
Ancillary Features Don’t Improve LI-RADS Accuracy
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by Stanley Gajete
The study raises questions about whether ancillary features still warrant inclusion in liver imaging workflows.
Bile Acid Biomarker Stratifies HBV Cirrhosis
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by Stanley Gajete
Antiviral therapy lowers taurochenodeoxycholic acid concentrations in patients with hepatitis B virus cirrhosis, reflecting changes in bile acid balance with viral suppression.
Evolving standards of practice: Esophageal varices and Barrett’s Esophagus
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by Gyanprakash A. Ketwaroo, MD, MSc, Anahita Rabiee, MD, Tarek Sawas, MD
Top 5 tips for becoming an effective gastroenterology consultant
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by Allon Kahn, MD
Move beyond the notion of the “bad” or “soft” consult and seek instead to understand how you can help.
GLP-1 receptor agonist use in gastrointestinal endoscopy: A review of current evidence and guidelines
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by Sitharthan Sekar, MD, Nikiya Asamoah, MD
An approach to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: Considerations in diagnosis and treatment
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by Yasmin G Hernandez Barco MD, Motaz Ashkar MBBS MSCI
Improving care for patients from historically minoritized and marginalized communities with disorders of gut-brain interaction
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by Rosa Yu, MD, Jennifer Dimino, MD, Christopher Velez, MD, GI and Hepatology News
An uncertain future for no-cost preventive care
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by Megan A. Adams, MD, JD, MSc
Despite a new administration, the federal government continues to advocate for upholding the law, asserting that USPSTF members are “inferior officers."
A practical approach to diagnosis and management of eosinophilic esophagitis
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by Evan S. Dellon, MD, MPH
Improving care for sexual and gender minority patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction
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by Kara J. Jencks, MD, Christopher Velez, MD
Improving care for sexual and gender minority patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction
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by Kara J. Jencks, MD, Christopher Velez, MD
Surgical vs endoscopic excision of large colon polyps
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by Gyanprakash A. Ketwaroo, MD, MSc, Moamen Gabr MD MSc, Jeffrey D. Mosko, MD, MSc, Ira Leeds, MD
Clinical research in early career academic medicine
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by Lauren D. Feld, MD, Kathy Nguyen, Katherine Cooper, MD, Loren Galler Rabinowitz, MD, Amiko M. Uchida, MD
Clinical research in early career academic medicine
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by Lauren D. Feld, MD, Kathy Nguyen, Katherine Cooper, MD, Loren Galler Rabinowitz, MD, Amiko M. Uchida, MD
Avoid getting stuck: A practical guide to managing chronic constipation
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by Hamza Salim, DO, Anni Chowdhury, DO, Lavanya Viswanathan, MD, MS
Avoid getting stuck: A practical guide to managing chronic constipation
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by Hamza Salim, DO, Anni Chowdhury, DO, Lavanya Viswanathan, MD, MS
The complexity of this condition should be appreciated and understood in order for a complete and thorough evaluation.
Healthcare AI: Balancing safety and innovation
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by Megan A. Adams, MD, JD, MSc
In this month’s issue of GI & Hepatology News, we summarize a recent systematic review and meta-analysis highlighting worsening health disparities for Hispanic adults with MASLD.
Computational pathology offers insights on colorectal cancer outcomes
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by Noah Levine
Study uses artificial intelligence to decode spatial cellular patterns in colorectal cancer, offering new tools for personalized treatment.
AGA Legacy Society members sustain GI research
"Funding from organizations like the AGA Research Foundation is crucial for young scientists and gastroenterologists to launch their careers."
Alcohol hepatitis: Why females face higher risks
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by Kathryn Wighton
Study reveals rising hepatitis rates in young adults, with females facing greater risks of cirrhosis and liver-related death.
An exciting time to be a gastroenterologist
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by Megan A. Adams, MD, JD, MSc
The field of hepatology has shifted rapidly toward identifying and managing other significant causes of liver disease.
How to discuss lifestyle modifications in MASLD
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by Newsha Nikzad, MD, Daniel J. Huynh, BS, Nikki Duong, MD
Medical, endoscopic, and surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux disease
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by Patrick Chang, MD, Supisara Tintara, MD, Jennifer Phan, MD
Navigating ethical and clinical considerations relating to percutaneous gastrostomy (PEG) tubes
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by Emily Seltzer, DO, MS, Antoinette Pusateri, MD, Anh D. Nguyen, MD, Ellen Stein, MD, AGAF
A paradigm shift in evaluating and investigating the etiology of bloating
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by Rajan Singh, PhD, Baharak Moshiree, MD, AGAF
Advanced tissue resection in gastroenterology indications role and outcomes
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by Mahmoud Y. Madi, MD, Arvind Rengarajan, MD, Ahmad Najdat Bazarbashi, MD
Navigating as a GI locum: My path and guide to this alternative practice model
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by Catherine Bartholomew, MD, AGAF
Navigating and negotiating maternity/paternity leave in private practice
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by GI and Hepatology News
The AGA Future Leaders Program: a mentee-mentor triad perspective
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by Parakkal Deepak, MBBS, MS, Edward L. Barnes, MD, MPH, Aasma Shaukat, MD, MPH
A simplified approach to pelvic floor dysfunction
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by Ayesha Khan, DO, Raakhi Menon, DO, Lindsay Allen, PT, DPT, MBA, Brooke Corning, MD
Achieving promotion for junior faculty in academic medicine: An interview with experts
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by Vineet S. Rolston, MD, Sophie Balzora, MD, Mark A. Schattner, MD
Iron overload in non-HFE liver disease: Not all iron is ready to strike
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by Paul Martin, MD, Lawrence S. Friedman, MD
Endoscopic management of benign gallbladder disease
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by Andrew J. Gilman, Todd H. Baron
Gastroenterologist advocates for fair coverage, reduced physician burden
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by Jennifer Lubell
The breakthrough drug whose full promise remains unrealized
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by Nancy S. Reau, MD
Celebrating a Decade of Sofosbuvir for Hepatitis C
Statins and the liver: Not harmful and perhaps beneficial
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by Paul Martin, MD, Lawrence S. Friedman, MD
What gastroenterologists need to know about the 2024 Medicare payment rules
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by GI and Hepatology News
New evaluation and management of CPT codes for telemedicine in 2025
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by Coverage and Reimbursement Subcommittee of the AGA Government Affairs Committee
Advances in endoscopic therapies in inflammatory bowel disease
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by Michael G. Rubeiz, MD, Kemmian D. Johnson, MD, MPH, Juan Reyes Genere, MD
Addressing supply-demand mismatch in GI
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by Megan A. Adams, MD, JD, MSc , GI and Hepatology News
Selecting therapies in moderate to severe inflammatory bowel disease: Key factors in decision making
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by Ariela K. Holmer, MD, Shannon Chang, MD, MBA, Lisa Malter, MD
The good, bad, and ugly of direct-to-consumer advertising
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by Sheldon Sloan, MD, David A. Drew, PhD
Navigating NAFLD: Unveiling the approach to mitigate the impact of NAFLD
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by Mai Sedki, MD, MPH, W. Ray Kim, MD
Advances in pancreaticobiliary disease interventions: More options and better outcomes
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by Allison R. Schulman, MD, MPH
New and transitioning gastroenterologists face burnout too
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by Corlan O. Eboh, MD, Victoria Jaeger, DO, Dawn M. Sears, MD, FACG
Increase in message volume begs the question: ‘Should we be compensated for our time?’
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by Luis M. Nieto, MD, Jami Kinnucan, MD
Establishing an advanced endoscopy practice: Tips for trainees and early faculty
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by A. Samad Soudagar, MD, Mohammad Bilal, MD, FACP
Navigating your childcare options in a post-COVID world
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by Kelly E. Hathorn, MD, David W. Creighton, MD
From private practice to academic medicine: My journey and lessons learned
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by Katie Hutchins, MD
Recruiting gastroenterology and hepatology fellows virtually - Should we continue after the pandemic?
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by Lara Dakhoul, MD, Tiffany Rhoden, Virginia Clark, MD
Artificial intelligence applications in colonoscopy
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by Eugenia N. Uche-Anya, MD, Tyler M. Berzin, MD
Immune checkpoint inhibitor–related gastrointestinal adverse events
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by Joshua Kwon, MD, Paul T. Kröner, MD, MSc
Why I decided to get an MBA after becoming a private practice gastroenterologist
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by Vasu Appalaneni, MD, MBA
Weight loss management ... a new frontier?
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by Gyanprakash A. Ketwaroo, MD, MSc, GI and Hepatology News
From the editor: Building community - Introducing Member Spotlight
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by Megan A. Adams, MD, JD, MSc
Integrating intestinal ultrasound into inflammatory bowel disease training and practice in the United States
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by Noa Krugliak Cleveland, MD, David T. Rubin, MD