Gastrodocmd

07/29/2026

AI is already changing the way doctors access, interpret, record and implement information, and healthcare delivery has and will become more efficient, exact, and streamlined. For the past year, I have been using a powerful AI app called “Open Evidence” that synthesizes available studies to answer my questions about complex management scenarios, and I am already a better doctor and expert witness. However, AI struggles to make healthcare more equitable and accessible for all Americans. While there are apps that help patients access doctors and compare prescription drug prices, AI falls short for those who are the most vulnerable in our society. Apps don’t work for those who don’t have access to technology. Medicare takes care of seniors but many can’t afford their medicines. Medicaid covers those with low income and disability but there are many who don’t qualify and can’t afford commercial insurance. Children are covered under their parents’ healthcare plan but not all parents can afford healthcare. Healthcare deserts make it difficult for those with rare disease to see a specialist without significant travel and cost. Many Americans are one illness away from insolvency. We need human intervention. I am encouraged by the younger generation to tackle these and other issues as our current leadership seems incapable of brushing its own teeth.

11/04/2025

I just watched “Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut” on Netflix, which is an informative and fun look at the human gut microbiome. I found this documentary unbiased and a nice balance between science and personal journeys (including that of the competitive eater Kobayashi). Highly recommend this documentary for those wanting to learn more about how gut health can affect the brain and vice versa, and maybe some insights into improving your own microbiome.

Delve into the digestive system with this lighthearted and informative documentary that demystifies the role gut health plays in our overall well-being.Watch...

03/07/2025

https://youtu.be/VP78FI2Eul8?feature=shared
Valuable information about the transition from pediatric to adult care for any chronic neurological disease!!

We were joined by experts from Children's National Hospital and George Washington University for an informative discussion around the transition from pediatr...

03/01/2025

Stanford University researchers founds that fermented foods like kimchee, kombucha, cottage cheese and keffir increased the biodiversity of 36 study patients over 10 weeks, and also decreased 4 inflammatory markers. In this study, a high fiber diet did not show these findings.
Diet, microbiome and disease will be the next big wave of research, so stay tuned.

Stanford researchers discover that a 10-week diet high in fermented foods boosts microbiome diversity and improves immune responses.

01/30/2025

Just spent the past two days meeting with Shannon von Felden and Syed Ejaz of the EveryLife Foundation, and speaking with Mclean district Delegate
Richard (Rip) Sullivan, who is the sponsor of house bill 1782 for RUSP (recommend universal screening panel) alignment and supporter of house bill 2099 for prior authorization reform. With approval of both bills in the House, I left Richmond optimistic about Senate approval and grateful for everyone’s efforts to improve the lives of patients in the state of Virginia. Rare Disease Legislative AdvocatesEveryLife Foundation

11/20/2024

Reposting for a patient

10/08/2024

All outpatient GI elective cases have been cancelled at our two hospitals (Prince William and Haymarket) this week due to supply issues of IV saline created by Hurricane Helene (read below). Only urgent upper endoscopies and colonoscopies will be performed until further notice. This scenario is reminiscent of the early stages of the COVID pandemic when our practice had to cancel all elective cases, albeit on a smaller scale. Clearly, the supply chain of IV saline needs to be improved to avoid something like this happening again.

Remnants of Hurricane Helene shut down a North Carolina factory that supplies critical IV fluids to hospitals across the country. There's no timeline for when production will resume at the facility.

06/13/2024

Covering GI inpatient care this week in Fishersville, VA to maintain my inpatient skills and pay for my kids’ education. Exploring Staunton and Harrisonburg along the way.

05/18/2024

Nice to run into a living legend. Dr. Alvin Zfass began training GI fellows at VCU/MCV in 1963, and I was lucky enough to learn from him 25 years ago. He told me he is 93 years old, so I asked him his secret. He replied, “Good genes, don’t f**k ‘em up!”

03/21/2024

Get screened!

Gastroenterology Associates has a team of board-certified gastroenterologists near you! Call 571-248-0653 or visit our website to request your appointment today.