Gastro Broadcast

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Dru Riddle, Professor of Professional Practice and Director of Clinical Education in the School of Nurse Anesthesia at Texas Christian University and a past president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, about the role certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) play in providing anesthesia for GI care. CRNAs are essential to maintaining access to GI procedures that require anesthesia, particularly in outpatient endoscopy centers where many GI practices rely on CRNAs as their primary anesthesia workforce. UnitedHealthcare recently implemented a 15 percent reduction in reimbursement for anesthesia services provided by CRNAs, which could make it harder for...

Dr. Fred Rosenberg interviews Chi Kapoor, founder and managing partner of KITC, a cybersecurity firm that works with healthcare organizations to protect sensitive data, maintain regulatory compliance, and strengthen resilience against digital threats. As cyberattacks against healthcare organizations continue to rise, private practice gastroenterology groups face growing exposure due to interconnected systems, third-party vendors, legacy medical devices, and increasing reliance on digital tools. Kapoor discusses why medical practices are frequent targets for ransomware and phishing attacks, where GI practices are most vulnerable, and how risks can originate outside a practice’s direct control through vendors, cloud platforms, and outdated infrastructure. Jo...

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Dr. Caitlin Houghton, a foregut surgeon at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center. Dr. Houghton specializes in the management of GERD and Barrett’s Esophagus, focusing on identifying patients at highest risk for esophageal cancer and using advanced endoscopic techniques to personalize care. GERD Awareness Week coincides with the start of the holiday season, a time when patients often notice their reflux symptoms worsening. Dr. Houghton discusses emerging trends in GERD and Barrett’s Esophagus that private practice gastroenterologists should be tracking. She also shares insights from cases like her...

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Mallika Khandelwal, founder and CEO of Squad Health, and Tasha Cieslak, practice manager of Louisiana Gastroenterology Associates about how independent GI practices can streamline the management of complex prescription workflows. Squad Health is an AI-enabled healthcare technology company developing solutions to streamline access to specialty medications and reduce the workload around prior authorizations and appeals. Join Lisa, Mallika, and Tasha as they discuss how technology can ease administrative burden in gastroenterology, what early automation looks like inside a busy practice, and the innovations ahead for practices adopting AI-driven solutions to improve efficiency and access to care. ...

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Dr. Sahil Patel and Patrick Leonard of SideBy Care, a virtual platform that partners with GI practices to support patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction such as irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia. SideBy Care provides gut-brain therapy, nutrition counseling, and behavioral support through a multidisciplinary team - services that are typically covered by insurance and integrate seamlessly into existing GI practice workflows. Join Dr. Mathew, Dr. Patel, and Patrick Leonard as they explore how collaboration between gastroenterologists and digital care teams can expand access, improve outcomes, and enhance the patient experience. Produced by Andrew Sousa...

Dr. Michael Weinstein interviews Dr. Casey Chapman, chief medical officer of the GI Alliance, and Jonathan Ng, founder and CEO of Iterative Health, about a new strategic partnership to expand access to clinical trials across 400 GI Alliance locations in 20 states. By integrating the GI Alliance's established research sites with Iterative Health’s Site Network, the collaboration creates one of the largest GI-focused research networks in the country. Dr. Chapman and Mr. Ng highlight how private practice gastroenterology can play a leading role in advancing research by making clinical trials more accessible to patients in community settings. Join Dr. Weinstein, Dr. Ch...

Dr. Naresh Gunaratnam interviews Dr. Larry Kim of South Denver GI, where he has spent his career advancing patient care, expanding advanced endoscopy and research programs, and fostering a practice that champions diversity and collaboration in independent GI. As the 120th president of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), Dr. Kim builds on 25 years of leadership advancing research, education, advocacy, and quality initiatives that strengthen the specialty and support gastroenterologists nationwide. He is committed to fostering an inclusive, patient-centered specialty and championing the next generation of GI leaders. Join Dr. Gunaratnam and Dr. Kim for a conversation about his vision for...

Dr. Fred Rosenberg interviews Dr. Reezwana Chowdhury, a gastroenterologist at Johns Hopkins specializing in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and Tina Aswani-Omprakash, executive director of the South Asian IBD Alliance. The South Asian IBD Alliance creates resources, research, and education for IBD patients of South Asian origin and healthcare providers - to minimize disparities, dispel stigma, promote early diagnosis, and improve access to treatment. Join Dr. Rosenberg, Dr. Chowdhury, and Ms. Aswani‑Omprakash as they explore how physicians independent GI practices can use these tools to provide culturally competent, personalized care, improving outcomes for South Asians living with IBD. Produced by An...

Dr. Fred Rosenberg interviews Jess Ivy, the Head of Nutrition at Sylvan Health, which focuses on empowering patients with chronic diseases through affordable and accessible nutrition counseling. Sylvan health provides a comprehensive nutrition service line to support the broader care model within GI practices and to help addresses dietary and lifestyle factors that can play a positive role in digestive health. Join Dr. Rosenberg and Jess as they explore how independent GI practices can integrate evidence-based nutrition programs into their care plans and potentially improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative...

Dr. Naresh Gunaratnam interviews Dr. Deepti Mehtani, vice president of clinical solutions for NextGen Healthcare, about its recently launched Gastro Suite, which brings gastro-specific workflows to the NextGen electronic health record to streamline repetitive tasks, deliver faster insights, and support an enhanced patient experience. The suite is easily integrated with other solutions from NextGen Healthcare, enabling hands-free mobile documentation with NextGen Ambient Assist, enhanced patient engagement with the NextGen Closed Loop Patient and Practice Experience, billing automation, cloud hosting, and advanced interoperability. Join Dr. Gunaratnam and Dr. Mehtani as they explore what independent GI practices should be considering when looking...

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Dr. Brittany Panico, a rheumatologist in Colorado Springs who recently wrote an op-ed calling for reforms to the 340B program to require more transparency and reporting on how 340B discounts are passed on to patients. The 340B Program is a federal drug pricing program that allows certain hospitals and clinics to buy medications at steep discounts to support medication access for underserved patients, with the expectation that these savings would be passed on to patients. But critics argue that the program's growth has led to unintended consequences, such as market consolidation. And some studies suggest that 340...

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Vetri Venthan Elango and Dr. Renu Dhanasekaran, the founders of Arithmedics, a company that uses generative AI and data intelligence to reduce administrative time and costs for providers. Arithmedics uses generative AI and data intelligence to reduce billing mistakes and claim denials. Its software generates and explains codes to streamline the billing process and uses data from completed claims to reduce future denials. Join Dr. Mathew, Dr. Elango and Dr. Dhanasekaran as they discuss what physicians need to understand about implementing AI platforms for administrative tasks such as billing and coding. Produced by Andrew Sousa and...

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Gary Trendel, vice president of Endoscopy Solutions Ecosystem and Dr. Ruhy Patel, Medical and Scientific Affairs lead for the Endoscopy Solutions Ecosystem and Digital Units at Olympus. Odin Medical, an Olympus company, recently received 510K clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the first cloud-based Artificial Intelligence technology designed to assist gastroenterologists in detecting colorectal polyps during colonoscopy procedures. The CADDIE, or computer-aided detection (CADe) device, works by analyzing colonoscopy video in real-time and using visual markers to alert the endoscopist to the potential presence of polyps. A prospective, multi-center randomized controlled trial...

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Jeff Glueck, co-founder and CEO of Salvo Health, a technology company that partners with GI practices to support patients with chronic GI conditions through a virtual clinic experience using a multi-disciplinary care team. Salvo Health's framework seeks to restore balance and improve chronic symptoms by considering the interconnected roles that the mind, body and gut play in a person's health. Join Lisa and Jeff as they discuss what GI physicians should consider in partnering with technology platforms that provide cross-functional care to their patients. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Mixed...

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Dr. Vijay Yajnik, vice president and head of U.S. Medical, Gastroenterology, at Takeda about how the prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is increasing, and evidence is growing that EoE is not a rare disease, but an underdiagnosed one. Approximately one in 2000 people in the U.S. live with EoE, and the incidence and prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis have steadily increased over time. Join Dr. Mathew and Dr. Yajnik as they explore progress that has been made in diagnosing and treating EoE, and some recent studies that could influence patient care. Produced by Andrew Sousa and...

Dr. Michael Weinstein interviews Dr. Ali Rezaie, a GI physician-scientist who specializes in microbiome research and gastrointestinal motility disorders. His recent study, which won an award at ACG, showed that a new elemental diet from mBIOTA Labs can significantly improve patient compliance. The study assessed mBIOTA Elemental, a palatable elemental diet designed to address the barriers of poor taste and low adherence associated with traditional elemental diets. Participants using mBIOTA Elemental had complete compliance throughout the two-week therapy, a critical outcome when managing gastrointestinal disorders such as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and other complex GI...

Dr. Michael Weinstein interviews Dr. Larry Kosinski about new data from SonarMD describing the association between anxiety and increased risk for flares and higher disease severity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and emphasizing the importance of integrating mental health support within value-based care models for IBD management. According to the study, patients with anxiety symptoms were significantly more likely to have high disease severity, and over a six-month follow-up, patients with anxiety exhibited a nearly doubled flare rate. The study suggests that mental health factors like anxiety play a critical role in the clinical course of IBD and that by...

Host Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Kathleen Teixeira, vice president of public policy and advocacy for the American Gastroenterological Association. Lisa and Kathleen discuss what policies will be in play in 2025 and how GI physicians can get involved to advocate for their patients and their practices. Join Lisa and Kathleen as they explore how physicians can get involved in shaping the policies that will affect patient care and practice management with the new Congress and Administration. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Mixed and mastered by Hayden Margolis Gastro Broadcast, Episode 70, presented by TissueCypher from Castle...

Kevin Harlen interviews Laura Wingate, chief education, support, and advocacy officer with the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation about a recent survey which shows that more than 40 percent of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have made significant financial trade-offs to afford their healthcare. The survey, published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, included responses from more than 2,200 IBD patients and caregivers, who highlighted persistent challenges. Among respondents, 30 percent reported giving up vacations or major household purchases, 22 percent increased their credit card debt, and 21 percent cut back on essential items such as food, clothing, or basic household items. Join Kevin and Laura as they...

Dr. Fred Rosenberg interviews Dr. Ruchi Mathur, director of the Diabetes Program in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and an endocrinologist at the Weight Loss Center, at Cedars-Sinai. Cedars-Sinai recently released a study which found that patients who take a class of widely prescribed medications (GLP-1) to manage diabetes and obesity may require extra preparations before undergoing endoscopic procedures. Join Dr. Rosenberg and Dr. Mathur as they explore how gastroenterologists can advise patients who take GLP-1 medications when preparing for endoscopic procedures, to have the best results. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC ...

Dr. Naresh Gunaratnam interviews Kim Beall, co-founder and managing director of Nutritional Therapy for IBD and Dr. Ashwin Ananthakrishnan, who is the Director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Crohn's and Colitis Center about their work to advance evidence-based nutrition as part of IBD treatment plans. When nutritional strategies are used in combination with medications, additional pathways are engaged to improve symptoms, quality of life and aid tissue healing. When patients are able to access evidence-based nutritional therapy under the guidance of a healthcare providers it can them find foods to restore a healthy relationship with food and work their way...

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Dr. Jeff Scott, a gastroenterologist and founder of Happy Colon Foods, a company that prepares meal kits that are compliant with the diet requirements before a colorectal screening. Happy Colon Foods is designed to mimic a typical day, with three meals and snacks in between, including mac n' cheese and cookies. Because smaller doses of laxatives are spread throughout the day, many patients can work either part or most of their prep day. A large, randomized trial published in 2013 compared the results of clear-liquid only and low-residue diets, and found that a low-residue diet, is just...

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Dr. Raman Muthusamy, professor of clinical medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and medical director of endoscopy for UCLA Health, about a new clinical guideline for endoscopic eradication therapy to prevent the progression of Barrett’s esophagus to esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer is preventable if high-risk patients, such as those with Barrett’s Esophagus, are treated with endoscopic eradication therapy to eliminate the Barrett’s tissue. Endoscopic eradication therapy is highly effective, but the challenge is identifying the high-risk patients to treat and the low-risk patients for whom long-interval surveillance may be approp...

Dr. Fred Rosenberg interviews Dr. Lauren Bleich of Gastro Health, who serves as president of the Massachusetts Gastroenterology Association about a new blood-based screening test for colorectal cancer from Guardant Health. In May, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel voted that the Shield test was safe and effective, after reviewing evidence from a study which showed that the test correctly detected colorectal cancer in 83% of people confirmed to have it. The study also showed that while the test is effective in finding later-stage cancers, it only detected 13% of earlier-stage polyps. The FDA advisory panel cautioned that...

Dr. Michael Weinstein interviews Dr. Eric Shah, director of the Michigan Medicine GI Physiology Laboratories about a study showing that despite a federal law that says bowel preparations needed for colonoscopy should be covered by insurance, many patients are still paying out of pocket. The study, from the University of Michigan Health, analyzed nearly 2.6 million insurance claims from both commercial insurance plans and Medicare Part D, and looked at how many patients paid for bowel prep medications needed for colonoscopy. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that certain preventative services, including colorectal cancer screening, must be covered by insurance plans...

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Dr. Mitesh Rao, chief executive officer of OMNY Health, about the organization's work to connect the healthcare ecosystem through data and insights to transform healthcare delivery, improve clinical outcomes, and address patients’ unmet needs.  OMNY Health recently announced a partnership with several of the nation's leading GI practices to enable insights on patient population characteristics, care delivery patterns, and treatment outcomes based on data extracted from de-identified electronic health records (EHRs). The partnership will provide valuable information on disease severity, rationale behind treatment decisions, treatment efficacy, and impact of social determinants on treatment selection and disease prog...

Kevin Harlen interviews Dr. Larry Kosinski, chief medical officer for SonarMD, a remote monitoring and care coordination program for chronic conditions. SonarMD recently announce positive results from two large, longitudinal studies evaluating several major drivers of medical costs in people living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and enrolled in the company’s end-to-end, digital care coordination program. In both studies, SonarMD participants experienced a statistically significant and substantial decline in Emergency Department visits and In-patient Admissions compared to risk-matched control groups. Join Kevin and Dr. Kosiniski as they discuss the future of GI and new innovations that can help practices im...

Dr. Fred Rosenberg interviews Dr. Jason Sugar from Washington Gastroenterology, who also serves as the gastroenterology team lead at Modernizing Medicine (ModMed). ModMed recently announced a collaboration with Medtronic to enhance the documentation of polyp detection by utilizing the AI capabilities of the GI Genius system. The GI Genius system enables AI-assisted colonoscopies, which have been shown to achieve a 50% reduction in missed colorectal polyps over a standard colonoscopy. The companies intend to interface data from GI Genius into ModMed’s gGastro platform with the expectation of reducing manual effort in documenting procedural metrics captured during the colonoscopy process. Join Dr...

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Dr. Aja McCutchen of Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates and United Digestive, who recently co-founded OLVI Health, a platform committed to enhancing women's well-being through personalized digestive health insights. OLVI Health works to empower women with knowledge and the tools to managing their digestive health, including helping consumers navigate the misinformation on social media and understand how to approach products that claim to be beneficial to gut health. Join Dr. Mathew and Dr. McCutchen as they explore how technology can help to address the lack of tools for women to manage their digestive health, and the role it...

Dr. Michael Weinstein interviews Dr. Don Lazas, co-founder and chief medical officer of ObjectiveHealth about partnering with physicians to provide the tools needed to integrate clinical trials into their practice. ObjectiveHealth’s digital health technology can help identity patients who are at risk of developing Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). Join Dr. Weinstein and Dr. Lazas as they explore new innovations in detecting and treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and NASH, and how clinical research could benefit a GI practice and its patients. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Mixed and mastered by Hayden Margolis Gastro Br...

Dr. Fred Rosenberg interviews Anthony Borrelli, executive director of product & marketing for Fujifilm’s endoscopy division. Fujifilm recently received 510K clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for CAD EYE, a novel artificial intelligence detection system for endoscopic imaging that enables real-time detection of polyps and adenomas during colonoscopy procedures. The technology is designed to support detection of lesions that may be easiest to miss, such as flat lesions, those at the corner of the endoscopic view, and multiple lesions present in a single frame. When a suspicious polyp is detected by CAD EYE, the physician is given bo...

For Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Naresh Gunaratnam speaks with Dr. Srinadh Komanduri, associate chief of gastroenterology and hepatology and director of endoscopy at Northwestern Medicine, about efforts to educate the public about esophageal cancer and cutting-edge tools that are helping gastroenterologists determine which of their patients are at greatest risk of developing esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer is preventable if high-risk patients, such as those with Barrett's Esophagus, are treated with endoscopic eradication therapy to eliminate the Barrett’s tissue. Endoscopic eradication therapy is highly effective, but the challenge is identifying the high-risk patients to treat and the low-risk patients fo...

Kevin Harlen interviews Robert Raleigh, chief operating officer and general counsel for Sebela Pharmaceuticals, which has been innovating in the area of colonoscopy prep since the 1980’s. Achieving adequate bowel preparation is challenging but critical to achieve a good-quality colonoscopy. But many studies have shown that a majority of patients have reported the preparation is the most difficult part of screening. Join Kevin and Rob as they discuss how Sebela is working on improving access to low-volume preparations and advocating for policies to remove barriers to effective colorectal cancer screening. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LL...

Dr. Michael Weinstein interviews Dr. Prashant Krishnan and Dr. Neil Sharma of Peak Gastroenterology Associates in Colorado about building an interventional gastroenterology practice. Peak Gastroenterology is working to deliver interventional endoscopy and endoscopic oncology care to its community, which has historically only been available in larger health systems and academic settings. Join Dr. Weinstein, Dr. Krishnan, and Dr. Sharma as they explore some of the barriers to highly specialized medical care in private practice and the potential opportunities to democratize interventional gastroenterology. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Mixed and mastered by Hayden Margolis Gastro...

Host Kevin Harlen interviews Sap Sinha, chief operating officer of Allied Digestive Health, where he leads its management service organization. Allied Digestive Health has multiple locations in New Jersey and New York, with 160 gastroenterologists and more than 200 clinicians. The organization recently partnered with Provation, so that physicians and nurses across its various offices can document patient visits and procedures across any internet-enabled device. Another recent partnership with Lynx.MD, a medical data intelligence platform enables the integrated practices to develop, test and validate GI-related treatments and therapies. Join Kevin and Sap to hear about how these technology platforms are enabling...

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Dr. Russ Arjal, who is the co-founder, chief medical officer, and president of Telebelly Health, a virtual GI clinic offering remote care to patients. Telebelly Health provides nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and medical assistants to support GI practices and their patients. Join Dr. Mathews and Dr. Arjal as they explore the future of independent GI and the innovations that will help practices compete and thrive in the future. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Mixed and mastered by Hayden Margolis Gastro Broadcast, Episode 52

Dr. Michael Weinstein interviews Dr. Andreas Muehler, chief medical officer of Immunic Therapeutics, which is developing a clinical pipeline of orally administered, small molecule therapies for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. At United European Gastroenterology Week, Immunic presented data from the company’s phase 1b clinical trial of IMU-856, an orally available and systemically acting small molecule modulator used to treat celiac disease. Immunic’s new approach to treatment entails restoring a healthy gut wall by modulating SIRT6, a stress responsive protein that helps repair our cells. Join Dr. Weinstein and Dr. Muehler as they explore the challenges faced by pati...

Patients with Barrett’s Esophagus are at a higher risk to develop esophageal cancer, but it has always been challenging for physicians to determine which of their patients are at greatest risk. Dr. Michael Weinstein interviews Dr. Matthew Goldberg, who is medical director of Castle Biosciences about TissueCypher, a test to help gastroenterologists stratify risk for cancer in patients with Barrett's Esophagus. Join Dr. Weinstein and Dr. Goldberg to hear about how this innovative test can help gastroenterologists and pathologists better identify those patients who are most at risk and provide the appropriate care to help prevent them from developing es...

Dr. Lisa Mathews interviews Dr. Min Dong and Dr. Meenakshi Rao of the Boston Children’s Hospital regarding new research published in Nature that shows two FDA-approved drugs can alter our body’s own immune response to treat Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) more effectively. C. diff is the leading cause of gastrointestinal infections in the United States, and existing medications don’t always work because of antibiotic resistance, the presence of more lethal strains, and a drugs’ potential to harm good gut bacteria that prevent infection. The study conducted by Dr. Dong and Dr. Rao found that two already approved medicati...

This summer, four new biosimilar drugs became available to U.S. patients and several more are expected to hit the market soon. Dr. Michael Weinstein interviews Laura D. Wingate, executive vice president, education, support, & advocacy for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation about the positive and negative implications of this development for patients. While increased competition in the market is likely to expand the range of options available, potentially leading to reduced costs for medications, a recent survey conducted by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation found that almost 50% of IBD patients feel concerned about switching to biosimilars. Additionally, the insurance industry may...

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Dr. Veena Shankaran, co-director of Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, about a new study that found most patients with metastatic colorectal cancer face financial hardship after diagnosis. While has been a lot of research on the economic burden of cancer treatment, this is the first study that looks at newly diagnosed patients. The study found that more than 70 percent of patients with metastic colorectal cancer faced financial hardships within a year of diagnosis, even with most having health insurance. Join Dr. Mathew and Dr. Shankaran to hear how financial complications affect treatment and outcomes for...

Dr. Fred Rosenberg interviews Harold Miller, president and CEO of the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, national policy center that works to improve healthcare payment and delivery systems. Mr. Miller discusses how our current health care model encourages consolidation and the challenges this creates for private practice physicians. Join Dr. Rosenberg and Mr. Miller as they explore different types of healthcare payment models, including a Patient-Centered Payment System, which would allow for patients to receive the services that will best address their specific health problems, and for physicians to receive adequate resources to support the cost of delivering...

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Giselle Carlotta-McDonald, who is the executive director of Project Access-New Haven, which employs community health workers to address colorectal cancer (CRC) screening disparities among Connecticut residents, particularly in African American and Latino communities. Project Access has been successful at reducing the CRC screening no-show rate through community health workers, who have trusted relationships and connections, understand the barriers and know how to navigate the various health care and insurance systems in the area. Join Dr. Mathew and Ms. Carlotta-McDonald to hear how Project Access is addressing barriers to screening, such as lack of access to a...

For Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Fred Rosenberg interviews Dr. Abdul Saied Calvino, a surgical oncologist at Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence, Rhode Island and assistant professor of surgical oncology at the Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine. Dr. Calvino helped develop a program tailored specifically to the Latino community in an effort to increase education and access to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Spanish-speaking patient navigators were hired to help educate people about insurance concerns, guide them through the health care system and the process of getting a screening colonoscopy. The national colonoscopy completion rate for Hispanic...

Many independent GI practices are familiar with the effects of physician burnout, which has become an epidemic in the U.S. health care system. Almost two-thirds of physicians have reported signs of burnout such as emotional exhaustion and a decrease in satisfaction with work-life integration at least once per week. Dr. Fred Rosenberg interviews Rachel Kanarowski, founder of Year of Living Better, an organization that uses evidence-based well-being solutions to transform workplaces from systems that increase stress to systems that enhance well-being. While many factors contribute to burnout, it is often associated with system inefficiencies, administrative burdens and increased regulation...

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Dr. Vasu Appaleneni, a practicing gastroenterologist at Dayton Gastroenterology, and executive vice president of clinical innovation at One GI, a physician-led managed services organization. Dr. Appalaneni knew she would become a physician from an early age, and her entrepreneurial spirit led her to private practice gastroenterology, where she enjoys being able to care for patients, being a business owner, and providing employment opportunities in her community. Her interest in the business of healthcare led to her involvement in mergers with other local GI groups, and eventually being a part of the team that led the process...

Dr. Fred Rosenberg interviews Jenny Harrison, who is the director of communications of Girls with Guts, a non-profit organization that supports and empowers women with inflammatory bowel disease and/or ostomies. Ms. Harrison provides her inspiring story of living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) as a teenager, and why she joined Girls with Guts on its mission to give all women with IBD the strength to find their confidence, and keep it, despite having IBD or an ostomy. Join Dr. Rosenberg and Ms. Harrison as they talk about her work to establish a national support network that assists women in...

Dr. Michael Weinstein interviews Dr. Prasad Iyer about new approaches to screening patients and detecting earlier stages of Barrett’s esophagus and associated dysplasia that can prevent esophageal cancer. Dr. Iyer is director of the esophageal interest group in the division of gastroenterology and hepatology at the Mayo Clinic, where he is active in research and education and providing mentorship to residents and subspecialty fellows. Join Dr. Weinstein and Dr. Iyer as they explore how screening for Barrett’s esophagus can be made more accessible, less expensive and what role providers can play in helping patients get screened. Produced by Andr...

Dr. Naresh Gunaratnam interviews Dr. Justin Forde about what GI fellows are focused on and thinking about as they begin their careers and what innovations they may bring into the organizations they join. Dr. Forde is chief gastroenterology fellow at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System and an advanced endoscopy fellow at the University of Florida. His clinical interests include nutrition, interventional gastroenterology, and diseases of the biliary tract. Join Dr. Gunaratnam and Dr. Forde for an informative look into how the GI leaders of tomorrow are navigating their career choices and how their generation might shape the future...

Dr. Michael Weinstein interviews Dr. Lindee Goh, who leads the healthcare practice with Tapestry Networks, an organization that brings together health care industry leaders to learn from one another, explore new ideas, and collaborate to solve problems working across the public and private sectors. Dr. Goh co-directs the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Shared Value Initiative, a collaboration with providers, payers, industry leaders, patient advocacy organizations, and others to explore how consensus-based value frameworks and enhanced learning platforms can accelerate value-based care and new alternative payment models. Join Dr. Weinstein and Dr. Goh as they explore how different industry sectors are coming...

Two out of five GI fellows are women but account for less 18 percent of practicing gastroenterologists, and the number of women in leadership positions is even lower. Dr. Anita Afzali and Dr. Aline Charabaty share their experience in gastroenterology with host Lisa Mathew and discuss their plans to address some of the challenges women face in medicine . Dr. Charabaty is the assistant clinical director of the GI Division at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and clinical director of the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) Center at Johns Hopkins-Sibley Memorial Hospital. Dr. Afzali is a professor of clinical medicine and a gastroenterologist...

While at Digestive Disease Week last month, Dr. Michael Weinstein sat down to record a live interview with Dr. Nadeem Baig, vice president and chief medical officer of Allied Digestive Health in New Jersey. Join Dr. Weinstein and Dr. Baig for a wide-ranging discussion of issues affecting independent GI, including the process for merging smaller local groups into one larger practice, the importance of sustained policy advocacy, and what can be done to increase the amount of GI fellows going into private practice. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Mixed and mastered by Hayden Margolis ...

Dr. Michael Weinstein talks with Ellen Brooks of the Men’s Health Inequities (MHI) Research Lab at the University of Utah School of Medicine, who is a co-author of a new study on the prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC) among long-haul truck drivers. Among a sample of more than 47,000 long-haul truck drivers between the ages of 21 and 85, obesity, increasing age, and other medical conditions were associated with increased CRC prevalence. For example, the study results suggest that compared with truck drivers of normal weight, obese, and morbidly obese drivers have 3.5 to 4.3 times greater odds of being diagnosed with CRC. Join Dr...

Kevin Harlen interviews fellow Tar Heel Dr. Spencer Dorn about innovation in health care and several start up companies that are changing the way GI physicians treat and monitor patients. Dr. Dorn is a gastroenterologist, professor, and vice chair of medicine for care innovation at the UNC School of Medicine, where he focuses on how to bring people together to provide better and more efficient care and utilize resources to improve lives. Hear Kevin and Dr. Dorn explore how the COVID-19 pandemic forced physicians to pivot to deliver care online and how GI Physicians can make sense of that experience...

This week, Dr. Fred Rosenberg catches up with Dr. Mike Dragutsky, who is a practicing gastroenterologist at Gastro One, and chairman of One GI, a managed services organization with practices in five states that was envisioned, created and is guided by physicians. Dr. Dragutsky discusses his path in GI and why it's important for GI groups to develop a plan for sustainability and growth in the face of healthcare consolidation and rising costs. Dr. Rosenberg finds out how a chance encounter with five tons of available Cabernet grapes led to Dr. Dratgutsky's passion for wine making with Cornerstone Cellars, his...

Dr. Michael Weinstein of Capital Digestive Care talks to Erin Peterson of the Colon Cancer Coalition and Dr. Milena Gould Suarez of Baylor College of Medicine about the Faces of Blue campaign and the patients, physicians, and family members who share their experiences with colorectal cancer. By highlighting the personal stories of patients and survivors, the campaign seeks to encourage preventive colorectal cancer screening. Dr. Milena Gould Suarez shares about losing her grandmother to colon cancer and how that experience fuels her motivation to educate the community and other healthcare providers about colon cancer. Join Dr. Weinstein, Dr. Suarez and...

Dr. Michael Weinstein of Capital Digestive Care talks to Dr. Costas Kefalas from Akron Digestive Disease Consultants about his work as the president of the GI Quality Improvement Consortium (GIQuIc), a benchmarking registry that tracks quality measures such as cecal intubation rates, withdrawal times and adenoma detection rates. Hear about the path Dr. Kefalas took to independent GI, his role in co-founding the Ohio Gastroenterology Society, and how drumming in an acoustic Greek band called Aegean Odyssey is his way to release stress. Join Dr. Weinstein and Dr. Kefalas as they discuss the importance of advocacy and coming together as...

Dr. Lisa Mathew is joined by Dr. Michael Kreines of Gastro Health Ohio, who helped develop a continuing medical education (CME) program that facilitates engagement with primary care physicians (PCPs) in the Cinncinnati metropolitan area. The program built by Gastro Health Ohio brings in experts on many issues facing PCPs and GI physicians in Ohio, while also bringing in non-GI guests on a broader range of compelling topics. Recent topics include crime scene investigation, sleep disorders and medical marijuana. Join Dr. Mathew and Dr. Kreines to learn how this program provides a forum for GI physicians to strengthen relationships with...

Dr. Fred Rosenberg talks with Dr. Daus Mahnke of Gastroenterology of the Rockies about the environment for private practice in Colorado. Dr. Mahnke discusses his path to gastroenterology, how his practice responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the groups experience with adding the GI Genius artificial intelligence (AI) endoscopy module that helps GI physicians detect polyps during routine colonoscopy. Join Dr. Rosenberg and Dr. Mahnke to learn how his group has grown organically over the years and the role that partnerships with health systems play in the success of Gastroenterology of the Rockies. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis...

Scott Becker is an expert in all things related to the business of gastroenterology. He is a sought-after healthcare attorney and a partner at McGuireWoods and publisher of Becker's Healthcare, a leading source of business information for hospital leaders and owners and operators of ambulatory surgery centers. Dr. Michael Weinstein talks with Scott about how he became interested in surgery centers and the business of healthcare and publishing. Join us for a discussion of what the future holds for the business of gastroenterology and find out why Scott is one of Dr. Weinstein's favorite podcast hosts. Produced by Andrew Sousa...

Dr. Lisa Mathew is joined by Dr. Nundhini Thukkani of Kaiser Permanente in Portland Oregon to discuss how (and why) Dr. Thukkani founded the wildly popular Ladies of the Gut group on Facebook that provides a forum for #WomenInGI. Dr. Thukkani discusses how she began her career in an independent GI practice and found her way to Kaiser, where she values the opportunities for coordinated care that the health system provides to her patients. Join Dr. Mathew and Dr. Thukkani to learn how to join Ladies of the Gut and the importance of having a forum for women gastroenterologists to...

Dr. Naresh Gunaratnam talks with Dr. Chris Fourment, CEO of Clinical Research Strategy Group about independent GI practices can develop or improve clinical trials infrastructure, which increases their ability to participate in clinical trials and allows sustainability of research as a practice ancillary. Dr. Fourment says some practices face challenges in getting buy-in for research and referrals from all the group partners. Other groups are challenged by the path to growth of the research department both geographically and in terms of infrastructure. CRSG has a proven track record in gastroenterology practices and can provide a tailored support option based on...

Dr. Lisa Mathew talks with Dr. Supriya Rao of Integrated Gastroenterology Consultants of Chelmsford, Mass. about several programs she helped start within the independent practice outside of Boston. Dr. Rao takes a multifaceted approach to helping her patient improve their overall health by focusing on weight management, stress, sleep and nutrition. Dr. Rao is also a tireless advocate for health equity and increased representation of women in medicine. As @GutsyGirlMD on Instagram and Twitter, she talks all things GI and provides encouragement to early-career GI physicians, along with some lifestyle and family stuff as well. Join Dr. Mathew and Dr...

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued a moratorium on elective procedures, including colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Dr. Fred Rosenberg talks with Dr. George Dickstein of Greater Boston Gastroenterology about how his practice pivoted to telehealth and remote working and put in place safety measures to protect patients, physicians and staff. It is estimated that CRC screenings dropped by 86 percent during the pandemic. As things return to normal, and with new recommendations by the by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force that CRC screening should begin at age 45, Dr. Dickstein shares how his practice...

This week, Dr. Lisa Mathew connects with Dr. Peter Liang of NYU Langone Health, a long-time friend and colleague to hear about his work with early career physicians and fellows as chair of the American Gastroenterology Association's (AGA) Trainee and Early Career Committee. Dr. Liang shares his path to academic gastroenterology and how the AGA is providing resources to young physicians through the Trainee and Early Career Committee and how younger GIs can also become involved through its Young Delegates program. Join Dr. Mathew and Dr. Liang for some great advice on navigating career choices and how independent practices can...

Dr. Michael Weinstein of Capital Digestive Care checks in with Dr. Glenn Littenberg of inSite Digestive Health Care, the largest GI practice in California, with offices from San Francisco to Irvine. Dr. Littenberg discusses updates in billing and coding and what the future may hold for independent GI practices in California. Join Dr. Weinstein and Dr. Littenberg as they discuss what it takes to build a thriving GI practice and what billing and coding trends private practices should pay attention to. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Original score by Hayden Margolis Gastro Broadcast, Episode 22

This week, Kevin Harlen talks with Michael Osso, president and CEO of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation about its mission to cure inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to improve the quality of life for children and adults affected by these diseases. A recent study which found that Black patients presenting with textbook symptoms of IBD like iron deficiency and chronic diarrhea are significantly less likely to get an appropriate work-up for IBD. Join Kevin and Michael as they discuss the downstream effects of disparities in IBD and how independent GI practices can help to increase education and awareness about IBD. Join...

This week, Dr. Fred Rosenberg talks with Lili Brillstein, CEO of BCollaborative, a consultancy that helps payers, providers, pharmaceutical companies, start-ups and other stakeholders progress the movement from fee for service to patient-focused, value-based care models. As the director for episodes of care with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Lili provided strategic direction and leadership for Horizon’s internationally recognized Episodes of Care program. Join Dr. Rosenberg and Lili as they discuss her experience working collaboratively with GI practices in New Jersey and what the future holds for value-based care models in specialty medicine. Produced by Andrew So...

Dr. Lisa Mathew talks with Dr. Austin Chiang about his path in gastroenterology and how he has used social media to connect with patients and confront misinformation about medicine. Dr. Chiang is director of the Endoscopic Bariatric Program and chief social media officer at Jefferson Health in Philadelphia. He is also the founding president of the Association for Healthcare Social Media and published a study that showed a correlation between social media presence and divisional rankings in the U.S. News and World Report annual rankings of hospitals. Join Dr. Mathew and Dr. Chiang as they discuss how independent GI...

This is one of those episodes you've been waiting for. Dr. Michael Weinstein interviews Dr. Larry Kosinski of SonarMD about his path in gastroenterology, and what sparked his interest in becoming an entrepreneur. From developing ambulatory surgery centers and infusion centers, to creating a system that improves the ability to monitor patients with IBD, Dr. Kosinski has done quite a bit in his career as a gastroenterologist. And judging from his interest in the potential to use sensors that measure organic compounds in the air to track adherence to special diets - it looks like he's far from done. Join...

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Phoenix, Ariz. has experienced several surges in cases, becoming a hot spot for COVID-19 more than once. This week, Dr. Naresh Gunaratnam talks with Dr. Paul Berggreen of Arizona Digestive Health about how his practice implemented telehealth in the early days of the pandemic. Join Dr. Gunaratnam and Dr. Berggreen as they discuss their experiences with telehealth, the role it plays in treating their patients, and how telehealth services will evolve in the future. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Original score by Hayden Margolis Gastro Broadcast, Episode 17

Kevin Harlen sits down for a conversation with Chris Metz and Steve Somers of Gastrologix, the presenting sponsors of Gastro Broadcast. Gastrologix was created to help independent GI practices to lower costs, operate more efficiently and expand services, so that GI physicians can remain independent and continue to provide a valuable alternative to the more expensive care provided in hospitals. Gastrologix also works as a business development organization, working with its members to create programs that help independent practices succeed. Join Kevin, Chris and Steve to hear how increased efficiencies and lower total costs result in savings to providers, patients...

During Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Awareness Month in March, we’re hosting a series of conversations with physicians about the importance of being screened. This week, Dr. Naresh Gunaratnam talks with Dr. Pradeep Bekal of the Ohio Gastroenterology & Liver Institute and Dr. William Stern of Capital Digestive Care in the Washington DC metro area, about an innovative colonoscopy preparation that both practices offer to their patients. There are five HyGIeaCare centers in the U.S. that are using the HygiPrep system, which provides a gentle bowel prep for colon cleansing with an infusion of warm, gravity-flow, filtered water to cleanse the co...

For Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Awareness Month in March, we're hosting a series of conversations with physicians about the importance of being screened. Our guest this week is Dr. Marc Sonenshine of Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates, a division of United Gastroenterology. Dr. Fred Rosenberg and Dr. Sonenshine discuss an innovative program called Direct Access, which allows people to self-schedule a screening after filling out a survey that assesses their candidacy for screening colonoscopy. Direct Access allows patients to bypass an initial prescreening office visit. They are provided instructions for colonoscopy prep and show up for the colonoscopy on the day of their...

Throughout March, Gastro Broadcast is featuring a series of conversations to promote Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Awareness Month. This week, Kevin Harlen talks with Dr. Linda Rae Murray of the University of Illinois Chicago about community outreach and ways to reduce disparities in CRC screening. Kevin and Dr. Murray discuss Project Brotherhood, an innovation program in Chicago to increase health awareness around screening and testing in Black men by providing preventive health messages in "a safe, respectful place where Black men felt comfortable just being themselves." Join Kevin and Dr. Murray as they discuss her path in medicine and public health...

In March, Gastro Broadcast will feature a series of conversations for Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Awareness Month. Our first guest in the series is Dr. Rachel Issaka of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Lisa Mathews explores how Dr. Issaka became interested in a career in academia and her research on disparities in CRC screening. Join Dr. Mathew and Dr. Issaka as they discuss some of the factors that influence disparities in CRC screening and the role that private GI practices play in increasing screening rates in their communities. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for...

Like our host Dr. Naresh Gunaratnam, Dr. John Carethers from the University of Michigan knew he wanted to be a physician from a young age. But Dr. Carethers journey took him into a career in academia, because he felt that it would be the best way to positively affect the most lives - through research and in training students to become GI physicians. Join Dr. Gunaratnam to hear about Dr. Carethers work on the American Association for Cancer Research Cancer Disparities Progress Report, how diversity in research benefits health care, and what GI practices can do to increase diversity in...

Dr. Michael Weinstein interviews Dr. Bishr Omary about his path to becoming a gastroenterologist and some of the initiatives he's been working on as the president of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). One of those initiatives is the AGA Equity Project. In July 2020, an advisory board was formed to develop a multi-year strategic plan to increase diversity equity and inclusion and work toward the elimination of health disparities in digestive diseases. Join Dr. Weinstein and Dr. Omary as they discuss what private GI practices can do to support health equity, including internship programs designed to introduce undergraduate students of color...

Dr. Fred Rosenberg interviews Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association (APHA) about how his experience in emergency medicine shaped his advocacy for public health. Dr. Benjamin discusses APHA's work to improve public health and achieve health equity , how supporting STEM education among young people can help build a strong pipeline to increase diversity within medicine, and the benefits it will have on health care. Join Dr. Rosenberg and Dr. Benjamin to hear how independent GI practices can reduce disparities in colorectal cancer screening and treatment and help to improve the overall public health in their...

In honor of National Women Physicians Day, Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Dr. Jessica Fisher of Digestive Health Partners in Asheville, NC about her path to independent gastroenterology and the mentors who paved her way and provided support throughout her career. Dr. Mathew and Dr. Fisher met in the GI Fellowship Program at the University of Washington, where they had the opportunity to study under Dr. Christina M. Surawicz, the Gastroenterology Section Chief at Harborview Medical Center and the first woman elected as president of the American College of Gastroenterology. Join Dr. Mathew and Dr. Fisher to hear about how independent...

Dr. Naresh Gunaratnam of Huron Gastroenterology recognized that many of the GI diseases he treats in his community are specifically related to obesity, and that as a GI physician he had the opportunity to see and combat these disease before they became too serious. In an effort to combat obesity and help his patients manage their weight, Dr. Gunaratnam developed the HG Wellness program, an evidence-based weight management program in his practice based on four pillars: nutrition, fitness, sleep and stress management strategies. Join Dr. Gunaratnam to hear how a majority of patients in his program have lost more than 10...

Dr. Lisa Mathews interviews Dr. Ashley Evans of Digestive Health Clinic in Boise Idaho about its innovative model to develop practice leadership. When associates at Digestive Health Clinic are offered the opportunity to become partners after two years of employment, they are also selected to serve in the role of president of the practice. Join Dr. Evans to hear how this experience prepared her for a career in independent gastroenterology and how important it is to provide early-career physicians with opportunities to learn the practice management and business side of private practice. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for...

Dr. Naresh Gunaratnam knew he wanted to be a gastroeterologist ever since he went on rounds with his uncle when we was 17. In private practice at Huron Gastroenterology in Michigan he's been able to treat patients and and set aside time to conduct critical research on gastroenterological diseases and conditions. His next act is developing programs to help patients manage their weight and promoting the role of GI physicians in treating obesity. Join Dr. Gunaratnam to hear about his favorite podcasts, and why he thinks it's a great forum to break down the silos of knowledge that exist in GI...

A college work-study job with sports physicians sparked Kevin Harlen’s interest in medicine and health care and the UNC School of Public Health MPH program in administration and policy put set him on his path. His accomplishments include helping to form Capital Digestive Care, the largest gastroenterology group in the Mid-Atlantic states, and a collaboration between Physicians Endoscopy and Capital Digestive Care to create a physician-oriented management service organization exclusively for gastroenterologists.   Join Kevin to hear how the administrative teams within independent GI practices help physicians do what they were trained to do: treat patients. Produced by Andrew Sousa and...

Dr. Michael Weinstein is president and CEO of Capital Digestive Care and chief medical officer of PE Practice Solutions. His additional roles within gastroenterology are too long to list. Dr. Weinstein was introduced to medicine through chemical engineering and became a physician because engineers at the time worked in relatively isolated settings. His desire for warmer weather led him from Chicago to Washington DC. And mentoring from Dr. Hyman Zimmerman and Dr. Jim Lewis led Dr. Weinstein to gastroenterology. We're glad he never looked back. Join Dr. Weinstein to hear about his fondness for podcasts and the potential they have...

Dr. Lisa Mathew brings the perspective of an early career gastroenterologist to the exploration of independent GI groups and how they are finding unique approaches to practice management and providing care within the ever-changing world of medicine.    Dr. Mathew discusses the unique opportunities she's been able to take advantage of going into private practice with South Denver Gastroenterology in Colorado, and how the independent medical setting supports her interest in public health. Join Dr. Mathew to hear about her love of podcasts (she is also a fan of Hope through History) and why her podcast moments might be better than you...

Dr. Fred Rosenberg has been providing gastroenterology care in the Chicago, Ill. area for more than four decades. One thing hasn’t changed since he started his practice in 1978. The love that physicians have for treating patients and the recognition that they have something to contribute remains true irrespective of what era they learn or practice in. Dr. Rosenberg discusses the role that independent medicine plays in meeting the triple aim of improving the patient experience of care, improving the health of populations; and reducing the costs of medicine. Join Dr. Rosenberg to hear why the independent practice model is th...