Friday Courses

	Friday, October 24, 2025 │ ALL TIMES ARE LISTED IN MOUNTAIN TIME (MT)
1:00 pm	Welcome and Introductions Darwin L. Conwell, MD, MS, FACG, Rachel B. Issaka, MD, and Joy J. Liu, MD
1:10 pm	Eosinophils in the Esophagus: EoE, GERD, Motility Nirmala Gonsalves, MD, FACG Evaluate the current landscape of therapeutics to address eosinophilic disease in the esophagus including eosinophilic esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and esophageal dysmotility based on underlying pathophysiology.
1:40 pm	Updates in CRC Rachel B. Issaka, MD Describe the epidemiology of colorectal cancer (CRC), the latest understanding of underlying pathophysiology of polyp formation, genetics and early-onset CRC, and compare the underlying mechanisms between currently available and emerging CRC screening modalities.
2:10 pm	Mechanisms of IBS and Refractory Constipation Judy W. Nee, MD Discuss the possible mechanisms of IBS-related pain including gut-brain interaction, evaluate the efficacy of brain-gut behavioral therapy and neuromodulators for managing IBS symptoms based on underlying pathophysiology, and describe mechanisms of refractory constipation, including pelvic floor dysfunction, and treatment approaches.
2:40 pm	MASLD and Therapeutics in the Pipeline Manal F. Abdelmalek, MD, MPH, FACG Assess the pathophysiologic basis to changes in nomenclature and current treatment and therapeutic options for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), including both lifestyle interventions and weight loss medications.
3:10 pm	Q & A
3:40 pm	Break
4:00 pm	Differentiating IBD Therapeutics: When to Choose a Biologic or Small Molecule Anita Afzali, MD, MPH, MHCM, FACG Discuss differences in biologics and small molecules including safety and effectiveness, selection of therapies based on patient factors.
4:30 pm	The Microbiome in Functional Bowel Disease: How to Answer Patients’ Questions About SIBO and Leaky Gut Eamonn M. M. Quigley, MD, MACG Describe current understanding of the functions of the gut microbiome and metabolome in digestive health, how alterations may lead to disease processes, and provide updates in the understanding of mucosal integrity/epithelial barrier function and how this may pertain to GI symptoms and disease.
5:00 pm	How to Manage Pancreatic Cysts Somashekar G. Krishna, MD, MPH, FACG Differentiate pancreatic cysts according to clinical features and diagnostic testing, and review current guidelines for the management and surveillance of pancreatic cysts.
5:30 pm	Diets for GI Symptoms: Beyond Fiber and Low FODMAP William D. Chey, MD, FACG Discuss the pathophysiologic basis of food allergy versus food sensitivity and intolerance, interpret evidence regarding the low FODMAP diet and “SIBO diets,” and describe an integrated approach to managing GI symptoms using personalized dietary therapy.
6:05 pm	Q & A
6:30 pm	Course Adjourns