The Interventional Endoscopist

Description:

I discuss:

The clinical value of ESD and why adoption has been slow

How reimbursement barriers have held the technique back

What Category I CPT code approval by the AMA actually means

A detailed timeline of what happens between now and 2027

The role of the RUC, CMS, and commercial payers

How GI practices, hospitals, ASCs, and coders should prepare

Why this could signal a tipping point for training, education, and device innovation

If you’re performing ESD, planning to learn, or managing coding and billing for a GI practice, this episode is your roadmap.

📬 Be sure to subscribe, follow on LinkedIn, and share this episode with colleagues in advanced GI

In this episode of The Interventional Endoscopist, I sit down with Dr. Jessica Widmer—Division Chief of Gastroenterology at NYU Langone Hospital–Long Island—for an honest, insightful, and inspiring conversation.

Dr. Widmer shares her journey from a small town in Pennsylvania to becoming a leader in interventional endoscopy. We discuss her training path, early exposure to ERCP and cholangioscopy, and her decision to pursue advanced training at Cornell. She reflects on mentors who shaped her career, including Dr. Stavros Stavropoulos and Dr. Michel Kahaleh, and offers practical tips on teaching and performing cholangioscopy and pancreatoscopy.

The episode also touches on the evolution and future of GI, training Challenges women face in interventional endoscopy, and balancing demanding careers with family life. We discuss the value of mentorship and society involvement

Whether you're an advanced fellow, practicing endoscopist, or simply curious about the human side of medicine, this conversation delivers wisdom, humor, and heart.

Subscribe, rate, and share—and stay tuned for more episodes exploring the minds shaping the future of GI.

Link to the GOLD program: https://www.asge.org/home/education/advanced-education-training/leadership-development/gi-organizational-leadership-development-program

Episode 31, In this episode, we look at redefining Gastroenterology: Mentorship, Innovation, and the Future of Interventional Endoscopy with Dr. Srinadh Komanduri

Episode Summary:

The conversation covers the launch of Northwestern’s system-wide GI integration, the impact of tools like TissueCypher for risk stratification in Barrett’s esophagus, and the critical need to rethink GI fellowship structure. They also touch on barriers to technology adoption, the role of AI in operational efficiency, and how innovation can (and must) scale beyond a few experts to change care across systems.

Topics Covered:

Dr. Komanduri’s mentorship and hybrid fellowship experience

Building an interventional GI network across 11 hospitals

Moving beyond the “general GI” label

Risk stratification and innovations in Barrett’s esophagus care

AI’s role in reducing burnout and boosting clinical efficiency

Future models for GI training and specialization

Barriers to adoption and how to drive systemic innovation

Sponsored by:

I am excited to share insights from the Interventional Endoscopist podcast featuring Dr. Sachin Wani! The discussion centered on Barrett's esophagus, and strategies to improve detection and risk stratification

This episode was sponsored by Castle Biosciences the makers of the TIssue Cypher Test.

Join us for a deep dive into the world of endoscopic oncology with Dr. Toufic Kachaamy! This episode explores the rapidly evolving field of endoscopic oncology, highlighting its importance in cancer care and the need for multidisciplinary collaboration. My second visit with Dr. Kachaamy discussed his innovative endoscopic oncology course, now in its fourth year, designed to bridge the gap between gastroenterology and oncology. Learn about the course's unique format, diverse faculty, and focus on cutting-edge topics, including early cancer detection, multidisciplinary strategies for managing metastasis, and organ preservation techniques. Don't miss this insightful conversation with a leader in the field!

If you want to join us at the course here is the registration link : https://cme.cityofhope.org/content/2025-annual-advances-and-innovations-endoscopic-oncology-and-multidisciplinary#group-tabs-node-course-default6

In episode 29 of the Interventional Endoscopist Podcast, join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Legett from the Mayo Clinic, Rochester. We delve into his extensive experience in treating esophageal disorders, focusing on Barrett's esophagus. Dr. Legett shares his journey and training at Mayo Clinic, highlighting his expertise in leveraging artificial intelligence and precision medicine, such as the TissueCypher test, to enhance early detection and management of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer. The episode explores the challenges of diagnosing dysplasia, the transformative potential of AI in standardizing pathology, and improving patient care. Additionally, we discuss the role of molecular profiling in risk stratification and emphasize the critical need for ongoing research to optimize management strategies for Barrett's esophagus.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Castle Biosciences, the innovators behind TissueCypher, a test designed to predict esophageal cancer risk in patients with Barrett’s esophagus.

In this episode of The Interventional Endoscopist Podcast, Dr. Stuart Akerman joins host Dr. Mankanwal Sachdev to explore the evolving role of AI in gastroenterology and endoscopy. They dive into AI's impact on polyp detection, note writing, and patient engagement, and how it enhances both efficiency and care quality. Dr. Akerman reviews leading AI systems like GI Genius, Magenta, and Scalp, while discussing their potential to improve adenoma detection rates and reduce withdrawal times. Together, they address ethical concerns, AI fatigue, and the importance of balancing technology with human touch. Tune in to hear how AI is reshaping the future of GI practice.

In this episode of The Interventional Endoscopist, Dr. Mankanwal Sachdev and Dr. Stuart Akerman explore the pivotal role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) and its impact on both patient care and physician work-life balance. Dr. Akerman, a physician advisor for Endosound, shares how EUS has transformed his practice. He also reflects on his unique journey from a career in finance to becoming a physician, his mentorship under Dr. Mickey Goldschmidt, and his current role at Digestive Health Associates of Texas (DHAT), where he balances general gastroenterology with interventional endoscopy. This episode highlights the value of mentorship and the evolving role of medical technology in enhancing patient outcomes

This is part one of a special two part episode

In this episode of The Interventional Endoscopist Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Doug Adler, Director of the Center for Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy at Porter Adventist Hospital. We discuss his transition from a 20-year academic career to a hybrid practice model, blending private practice with academic responsibilities—a trend gaining traction among interventional endoscopists.

Dr. Adler shares his journey from medical training at Cornell and the Mayo Clinic to becoming a leader in therapeutic endoscopy. He reflects on his mentors, his passion for procedural medicine, and the future of the field, including exciting new techniques like endoscopic retrograde appendiceal therapy (ERAT).

This episode offers valuable insights for young physicians navigating career transitions, mentorship, and the evolving landscape of interventional endoscopy.