Since Gut Check launched three years ago, Dr. Jonathan Abelson and Dr. Erin King-Mullins have helped shape its voice—sparking candid conversations, sharing laughs, and building memorable connections with guests and listeners alike. In this special farewell episode, they revisit the interviews that left a lasting mark, the buzz of the 2024 and 2025 live shows, and the surprises that made hosting so rewarding. As they pass the mic to the continuing Gut Check team, Jon and Erin share their hopes for what’s ahead—and a reminder that at its core, the show has always been about the community it serves.

Join our hosts for a candid conversation about one of the hardest—but most powerful—words to say: no. In a world full of opportunities, requests, and expectations, how do professionals protect their time without closing doors? This episode dives into the real-life challenge of setting boundaries, weighing what to say yes to, and recognizing your value when new commitments come your way. The hosts share personal insights and practical tips on how to turn down asks with confidence—and kindness—while staying true to what matters most.

In this episode, Gut Check hosts sit down with Dr. Moises Jacobs—world-renowned laparoscopic surgery pioneer in Miami, FL. Dr. Jacobs shares his journey from medical school at the University of Miami to becoming a trailblazer in bariatric and colorectal surgery. Dr. Jacobs reflects on the challenges and triumphs of being a minority surgeon, and opens up about challenges of losing a patient.

Join Biddy, Meghana and Alexis as they discuss the complexities of family planning and maintaining a healthy work-life balance within a demanding surgical career. From planning for parental leave and fertility preservation during pivotal career moments to carving out space for family, social connection, and personal renewal, this conversation explores what it means to show up fully in every role. With the recognition that real support matters, we’re also proud to offer on-site childcare at this year’s ASCRS Annual Scientific Meeting—part of a growing effort to make our professional spaces more inclusive and sustainable for working parents.

In this episode, we spotlight the ASCRS QI Fistula Collaborative, an initiative dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with complex fistulas. Dr. Julia Saraidaridis and Dr. Bob Hollis share their insights on the importance of data collection and discuss the collaborative's mission to advance fistula care through shared knowledge and research.

They also highlight the critical need for more participants, inviting colorectal surgeons to join the effort and contribute to this project. If you’re interested in joining the project, reach out to Dr. Bob Hollis at [email protected].

In this episode, the hosts sit down with Dr. Wolfgang Gaertner, Chair of the ASCRS Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) Committee, for an insider's look at how the gold standard in colorectal care is set. Dr. Gaertner takes us behind the scenes of the rigorous process of writing and reviewing CPGs, from synthesizing the latest evidence to ensuring recommendations meet the highest standards of clarity and relevance.