In this Q&A episode, Dr. Fred Gandolfo addresses a listener's concern about the risk of pancreatic cancer, especially in the context of family history. Dr. Gandolfo dives deep into understanding pancreatic cancer, its symptoms, and the importance of early detection. He explains who should consider screening, the methods used for screening, and the balance between the benefits and potential harms of such screenings.

Topics covered in this episode:

- The role and function of the pancreas. - Why pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed late. - Symptoms and risk factors for pancreatic cancer. - Statistics on the prevalence and survival rates of pancreatic cancer. - Who should be screened for pancreatic cancer. - Genetic syndromes and their link to pancreatic cancer. - Screening methods: MRI and Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS). - Modifiable risk factors: Smoking, chronic pancreatitis, obesity, and diet. - Importance of consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Referenced in today's episode: AGA Clinical Practice Update on Pancreas Cancer Screening

Be sure to subscribe to The Real GI Doc Show for more insights, and reach out with your questions on social media @realgidoc or leave an audio question for Dr. Gandolfo here.

Find The Real GI Doc Show on social media, join the newsletter, read Dr. Gandolfo's bio, or ask a question using this link.

In this episode, Dr. Fred Gandolfo tackles a pressing question: Is your doctor's time valued in today's fast-paced, on-demand world?

Drawing from a recent patient case involving a bad review, Dr. Gandolfo delves into the complexities of managing patient expectations, the pressures of private practice, and the true cost of follow-up phone calls.

Dr. Gandolfo shares his candid thoughts on the challenges faced by doctors in balancing patient care with personal time, especially in a private practice setting where patient satisfaction is paramount.

Topics covered in this episode:

- The value of a doctor's time in the age of immediate gratification. - Challenges of managing patient expectations and satisfaction in private practice. - The inefficiencies and frustrations of follow-up phone calls. - The importance of follow-up visits for comprehensive patient care. - The impact of online reviews on medical practices. - Comparing the value of time between doctors and other professionals like lawyers. - The personal cost of after-hours calls and maintaining work-life balance. - Legal and ethical considerations for patient privacy and follow-up care.

Be sure to subscribe to The Real GI Doc Show for more insights, and reach out with your questions on social media @realgidoc or leave an audio question for Dr. Gandolfo here.

Find The Real GI Doc Show on social media, join the newsletter, read Dr. Gandolfo's bio, or ask a question using this link.

In this episode, we cover the relationship between food and gut inflammation. Using a case of diverticular disease, Dr. Gandolfo and guest Stephanie Schiff, RDN discuss the best way to start eating an anti-inflammatory diet.

Registered Dietitian Stephanie Schiff explores how dietary choices can influence the onset and recurrence of diverticulitis, a common yet often misunderstood condition. Through a real patient case, Dr. Gandolfo illustrates the challenges and treatment strategies for managing diverticulitis. Stephanie provides invaluable insights into the Mediterranean diet and its benefits on reducing gastrointestinal inflammation, debunking myths about seeds and nuts, and offering practical advice for incorporating high-fiber foods into your diet.

Topics covered in this episode:

- Introduction to diverticular disease and diverticulitis. - Case study of a 59-year-old woman with recurrent diverticulitis. - Risk factors for developing diverticular disease. - The role of diet in preventing and managing diverticulitis. - Debunking myths about seeds and nuts in diverticular disease. - The benefits of the Mediterranean diet and its anti-inflammatory properties. - Practical tips for increasing dietary fiber intake safely. - The impact of processed foods and lifestyle choices on gut health. - Supplements and other considerations for managing diverticulitis.

Referenced in today's show:

Review article on diverticular disease in Gastroenterology

Seeds and nuts in diverticular disease in JAMA

Dietary fiber and diverticulitis in Nutrients

AGA guidelines on diverticular disease

Follow Stephanie Schiff, RDN on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn

Read Stephanie's articles about healthy lifestyle and nutrition on medium.com

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Be sure to subscribe to The Real GI Doc Show for more insights, and reach out with your questions on social media @realgidoc or leave an audio question for Dr. Gandolfo here.

Find The Real GI Doc Show on social media, join the newsletter, read Dr. Gandolfo's bio, or ask a question using this link.