GHAPPcast

In this episode, HoChong Gilles of the Richmond VA Medical Center, and Alison Moe of Atlanta Gastroenterology discuss a practical, step-by-step approach to screening for and diagnosing cholestatic liver disease. The conversation reviews how to recognize a cholestatic liver test pattern, evaluate symptoms such as pruritus and jaundice, and confirm that an elevated alkaline phosphatase is hepatic in origin through fractionation and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) testing. The experts explain how clinical history, medication and supplement use, laboratory findings, and imaging can help distinguish intrahepatic cholestasis from extrahepatic biliary obstruction. They also examine the roles of ultrasound, MRI/MRCP, endoscopic ultrasound, and ERCP when evaluating bile duct dilation, strictures, gallstones, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and possible malignancy. Additional topics include autoimmune testing for conditions such as primary biliary cholangitis, the importance of considering drug-induced liver injury and herbal supplements, and when a liver biopsy may be appropriate after a comprehensive noninvasive workup. This educational podcast provides gastroenterology and hepatology clinicians, advanced practice providers, and other healthcare professionals with a clear clinical framework for evaluating abnormal liver tests and identifying the underlying cause of cholestasis.

Thank you to Salix for their support on this podcast episode. In this GHAPP podcast, host Christina Hanson, FNP, welcomes Janet Gripshover, DNP, FNP-BC, MBA, for a practical discussion on recognizing and managing overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) in patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. The episode reviews how liver disease may progress from fibrosis to compensated and decompensated cirrhosis, where OHE can emerge as a serious complication. Christina and Janet highlight early signs that may be easy to overlook, including sleep-wake reversal, forgetfulness, personality changes, difficulty concentrating, slowed or slurred speech, balance problems, and challenges completing familiar daily activities.Drawing on real-world patient scenarios, they discuss common OHE triggers and risk factors, including infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, constipation, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, prolonged fasting, sedating medications, portosystemic shunting, and sarcopenia. The conversation also emphasizes that OHE is primarily a clinical diagnosis, the importance of involving family members and caregivers in symptom recognition, and the limited role of ammonia testing. Christina and Janet also review nutritional considerations, the use of FIB-4 in broader liver fibrosis assessment, timely follow-up, treatment adherence, and safety conversations surrounding driving, cooking, falls, and other daily activities. For more expert-driven GI and liver disease education, visit the GHAPP Digital Hub and GHAPP ACE app.

Thank you to Salix for their support on this FAQ video module.In this FAQ video module, Natalie Oliver, PA-C, discusses how healthcare professionals can counsel patients and caregivers about overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE). This educational overview explains how cirrhosis and portal hypertension can reduce the liver’s ability to clear toxins from the blood, potentially leading to changes in thinking, behavior, and daily functioning. Viewers will learn how OHE may present through obvious symptoms—such as disorientation, slurred speech, or severe confusion—or through more subtle changes, including fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and trouble finding the right words.This video also highlights the importance of involving caregivers in symptom recognition while preserving patient autonomy, reviewing warning signs that require immediate medical attention, and reinforcing medication adherence through clear patient education. Natalie discusses additional counseling considerations, including avoiding sedating medications and constipation, supporting adequate protein intake and physical activity, and maintaining skeletal muscle mass. Ideal for gastroenterology and hepatology providers and advanced practice providers, this FAQ offers practical strategies for helping patients and families recognize OHE early and work collaboratively with the liver care team to manage this often-reversible complication. For more expert-driven GI and liver disease education, visit the GHAPP Digital Hub and GHAPP ACE app.

Thank you to Salix for their support on this FAQ video module. In this FAQ video module, Samantha Ramirez, NP-C, discusses how healthcare professionals can identify and diagnose overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) in patients with severe liver disease or cirrhosis. This educational overview highlights early signs that may be subtle or vary between patients, including changes in sleep patterns, slower thinking, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and mild confusion. Samantha also explains how tools such as FIB-4 can contribute to the broader assessment of liver disease severity and help providers understand a patient’s overall clinical picture. This video reviews OHE as a primarily clinical diagnosis, including the importance of evaluating other potential causes of altered mental status and using the West Haven criteria to describe disease severity. It also explores the impact of OHE on patients and caregivers, as well as the need for strong communication, multidisciplinary collaboration, and continuity of care across inpatient and outpatient settings. Ideal for gastroenterology and hepatology providers and advanced practice providers, this FAQ offers practical guidance for recognizing OHE and supporting patients throughout their care. For more expert-driven GI and liver disease education, visit the GHAPP Digital Hub and GHAPP ACE app.

Thank you to Johnson & Johnson for their support on this podcast episode. In this GHAPP podcast, Amy Stewart, NP, of Capital Digestive Care, introduces a practical inflammatory bowel disease discussion with Amanda Wilhite, PA-C, of Houston Methodist Gastroenterology Associates. The episode explores how healthcare professionals may approach the two FDA-approved subcutaneous guselkumab maintenance dosing options for adults with moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis: 100 mg every eight weeks or 200 mg every four weeks. Drawing on data from the Phase 3 GALAXI 2 and 3 Crohn’s disease studies and the QUASAR ulcerative colitis maintenance study, Amy and Amanda discuss how disease severity, inflammatory burden, C-reactive protein levels, endoscopic response, previous advanced-therapy exposure, and individual patient needs may inform maintenance-dosing conversations. They also share real-world perspectives on monitoring treatment response and using the lowest effective recommended dosage to maintain therapeutic response. For additional IBD education, visit the GHAPP ACE app or digital hub.

Thank you to AbbVie for their support of this Medication Review Video Module.In this medication review, Melissa Ferrari, PA, and Jennifer Hamilton, MSPAS, PA-C, provide a comprehensive overview of the INSPIRE and COMMAND clinical trials evaluating risankizumab for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. The discussion reviews the trial design, patient populations, induction and maintenance dosing strategies, clinical and endoscopic endpoints, and the rationale behind the approved dosing regimen. The presenters also explain the significance of the phase 2 dose-ranging study and how the clinical development program informed the FDA-approved treatment approach.Melissa and Jennifer review key efficacy findings, including clinical remission and endoscopic improvement during both induction and maintenance, with a particular focus on outcomes in advanced therapy-naïve patients. They also discuss practical considerations for selecting between the available maintenance doses, the role of top-down treatment strategies, administration using the on-body injector, and recommendations for patient counseling and liver enzyme monitoring. Safety outcomes are reviewed, reinforcing the established safety profile of risankizumab and providing clinicians with practical guidance for incorporating this IL-23 inhibitor into routine clinical practice.This educational video is designed for gastroenterology nurse practitioners, physician assistants, gastroenterologists, and other healthcare professionals seeking practical insights into evidence-based treatment of ulcerative colitis. Viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the INSPIRE and COMMAND clinical trial data and how these findings can help guide treatment selection, optimize long-term disease control, and support shared decision-making with patients receiving risankizumab.For more GI and hepatology education, visit the GHAPP Digital Hub and the GHAPP ACE app.

Thank you to AbbVie for their support on this Medication Review Video Module. In this medication review, Sharon Dudley-Brown, CRNP, PhD from Johns Hopkins University and Angelina Collins, MSN, ANP-BC, from the University of California San Diego, provide a comprehensive overview of the SEQUENCE trial, a landmark head-to-head study comparing risankizumab and ustekinumab in patients with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease who had previously failed anti-TNF therapy. The discussion explores the trial design, patient population, dosing strategies, primary and secondary endpoints, and the significance of efficacy assessor blinding in an open-label study.Sharon and Angelina review key findings demonstrating the superiority of risankizumab over ustekinumab across multiple clinical and endoscopic outcomes, including clinical remission, endoscopic response, corticosteroid-free remission, and long-term disease control. They also discuss the importance of objective disease assessment using centrally read endoscopy and the role of steroid tapering in evaluating treatment success. Safety outcomes are examined, highlighting the absence of new safety signals and reinforcing the established safety profile of risankizumab.This educational video is designed for gastroenterology nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals seeking practical insights into evidence-based treatment selection for Crohn’s disease. Viewers will gain a deeper understanding of how the SEQUENCE study may influence treatment positioning of IL-23 therapies in anti-TNF-experienced patients and how emerging long-term extension data continue to support durable clinical remission and endoscopic improvement with risankizumab.

Thank you to Johnson & Johnson for their support on this FAQ Video Module. In this educational video, Jamie Brogan, APRN, from Northwestern Medicine, reviews the latest QUASAR long-term extension data evaluating the efficacy and safety of guselkumab in adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. This discussion highlights approximately two years of follow-up data, offering healthcare providers valuable insight into the long-term durability of treatment response, clinical remission, endoscopic improvement, and overall safety outcomes associated with guselkumab maintenance therapy. Jamie walks through the key findings from the ongoing multicenter extension study, including sustained clinical remission rates, corticosteroid-free remission, endoscopic healing, and histologic-endoscopic mucosal improvement through week 92. The video also reviews the maintenance dosing strategies of guselkumab, including 100 mg every 8 weeks and 200 mg every 4 weeks, and discusses how patients who responded during earlier phases of treatment maintained those responses over time. In addition, the presentation covers important long-term safety findings, including rates of serious infections and adverse events observed throughout the study. This video is designed for gastroenterology APPs, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, gastroenterologists, and healthcare professionals looking to stay current on emerging ulcerative colitis therapies, long-term biologic data, and evolving treatment goals in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). For more educational content on ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, gastroenterology, and hepatology, visit the GHAPP Digital Hub and the GHAPP ACE app.

Thank you to Johnson & Johnson for their support on this Medication Review Video Module. In this quick educational video, Angelina Collins, NP, from the University of California San Diego Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, discusses an important question in Crohn’s disease treatment. This overview breaks down the key findings from the GALAXI and GRAVITI clinical trials in a clear, practical way, helping healthcare providers better understand the effectiveness and safety of both treatment approaches for patients with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease. Angelina explains the differences between IV and subcutaneous induction dosing, maintenance treatment options, and how these choices can support shared decision-making between providers and patients. Whether patients are new to advanced therapies or have previous biologic experience, this discussion highlights how both induction options may provide strong results without compromising safety. This video is designed for gastroenterology APPs, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, gastroenterologists, and healthcare professionals looking for practical insights into Crohn’s disease management and evolving IBD treatment strategies. For more GI and hepatology education, visit the GHAPP Digital Hub and the GHAPP ACE app.

Thank you to Salix for the support on this FAQ Video Module.This educational FAQ module, featuring Mikhail Alper, PA-C focuses on recognizing risk factors and early clinical indicators of Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy (OHE) in patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. A central focus is placed on subtle and often underrecognized manifestations of OHE risk, including disrupted sleep, wake cycles, daytime somnolence, intermittent confusion, and short-term memory lapses. These early signs may be easily missed without targeted questioning and careful clinical evaluation, particularly in younger or ambulatory patients with cirrhosis.Learn how proactive screening and early recognition of cognitive and behavioral changes can support timely identification of OHE risk in chronic liver disease. The review highlights the importance of clinician awareness in preventing progression to more severe neurocognitive impairment and supporting earlier intervention strategies in at risk patients. For more educational content visit the GHAPP Digital Hub or the GHAPP ACE app.

Thank you to Johnson & Johnson for the support on this FAQ Video Module.This FAQ video features Janette Villalon, PA, who reviews the role of guselkumab in treating extraintestinal manifestations in patients with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease. In this expert-led discussion, she summarizes findings from the GALAXI 2 and GALAXI 3 clinical trials presented at a 2026 medical congress, which used a treat-through study design intended to reflect real-world clinical practice. The focus of the analysis is on how patients with Crohn’s disease respond over time when treated with guselkumab compared to placebo.The data presented focuses on key outcomes such as improvement and resolution of extraintestinal manifestations, including joint and skin symptoms, along with measures like steroid-free remission and the emergence of new symptoms over time. At baseline, a notable proportion of patients in both the guselkumab and placebo groups had extraintestinal involvement, most commonly arthralgia, with skin manifestations occurring less frequently.This educational FAQ highlights how clinicians are evaluating guselkumab as part of a broader strategy for managing Crohn’s disease, with attention to both symptom control and durability of response over time. It provides practical insights for gastroenterology advanced practice providers and healthcare professionals as they balance effectiveness, long-term disease control, and comprehensive care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease in clinical practice. Visit the GHAPP Website, GHAPP Digital Hub or GHAPP ACE app for additional educational content.

Thank you to Celltrion for the support on this Medication Review Video Module.This medication review explores the evolving role of monotherapy versus combination therapy in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with a focus on biologic optimization and patient-centered treatment strategies. In this expert-led discussion, Brooke Hodnick, PA, from Texas Digestive Disease Consultants, reviews the clinical rationale behind combining biologic therapies such as infliximab with immunomodulators, including methotrexate and thiopurines, to reduce immunogenicity, improve biologic drug levels, and enhance long-term treatment outcomes in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The presentation highlights pivotal clinical trials including SONIC and UC SUCCESS, which demonstrated improved remission rates and mucosal healing with combination therapy involving TNF inhibitors. Current recommendations from the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) supporting infliximab combination therapy are also discussed.The review also examines the growing interest in biologic monotherapy approaches, particularly with subcutaneous infliximab formulations. Data from the LIBERTY Crohn’s and LIBERTY UC trials are explored, demonstrating stable and sustained pharmacokinetic drug concentrations through two years of treatment without the need for additional immunomodulators. This PK-driven monotherapy strategy may help reduce long-term immunosuppressive burden while maintaining efficacy in select patients with IBD. Important safety considerations are addressed, including infection risk, lymphoma risk, hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, and non-melanoma skin cancer associated with thiopurine use, especially in older adults and younger male patients receiving prolonged combination therapy.Learn how clinicians are balancing efficacy, safety, immunogenicity, and treatment simplification when selecting monotherapy versus combination therapy for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. This educational medication review provides practical insights for gastroenterology advanced practice providers and healthcare professionals managing complex IBD patients in clinical practice. Visit the GHAPP Website, GHAPP Digital Hub or GHAPP ACE app for additional educational content.

Thank you to Celltrion for the support on this Medication Review Video Module.This medication review explores the role of stable pharmacokinetics (PK) in achieving continuous inflammatory control in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with a focus on subcutaneous infliximab therapy for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Kim Orleck, PA-C, from Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates and United Digestive, reviews how subcutaneous infliximab provides more stable and sustained drug exposure compared with traditional intravenous (IV) infliximab dosing. By minimizing peak-to-trough fluctuations and maintaining higher trough concentrations, subcutaneous infliximab may help support continuous TNF inhibition, reduce immunogenicity risk, and improve long-term disease control in patients with moderate to severe IBD.The discussion highlights key clinical data from studies including REMSWITCH, LIBERTY Crohn’s, and LIBERTY UC, demonstrating that subcutaneous infliximab delivers durable remission, stable safety outcomes, and consistent therapeutic drug levels through long-term follow-up. Learn how transitioning from IV to subcutaneous infliximab may improve patient convenience, maintain clinical and endoscopic remission, and support treat-to-target goals in IBD management. The review also examines which patients may require closer monitoring or dose escalation strategies following the switch from IV biologic therapy. For more educational content visit the GHAPP Digital Hub and the GHAPP ACE app.

Thank you to Johnson & Johnson for the support on this Journal Club Review Module.In this journal club video, Sharon Dudley Brown, CRNP, PhD, from the IBD Center at Johns Hopkins University, reviews the ASTRO trial published in The Lancet, which evaluated subcutaneous guselkumab for the treatment of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. The discussion highlights how this IL-23 inhibitor was studied in patients with difficult-to-treat disease who had previously failed or were intolerant to standard therapies. The trial compared different dosing strategies of subcutaneous guselkumab versus placebo and assessed clinical remission, symptom improvement, and endoscopic outcomes over time.Results showed that patients receiving guselkumab had higher rates of remission and improved colon inflammation compared with placebo, with benefits seen early in treatment and sustained through follow-up. Safety outcomes were generally similar between groups, with no new safety concerns identified. Overall, the ASTRO trial supports subcutaneous guselkumab as an effective and well-tolerated option for patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.

Thank you to AbbVie for the support on this Journal Club Review Module.This journal club review episode explores the benefit–risk profile of Upadacitinib for patients with moderately to severely active Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease, based on a post hoc analysis of phase 2b/3 clinical trials. Featuring expert insights from Sally Bowa, APNP, FNP-C and Jennifer Labas, MSN, in both community and academic settings, this discussion breaks down real-world considerations including efficacy, safety outcomes, and long-term disease management. Key topics include rapid symptom relief, induction and maintenance of remission, and how upadacitinib compares to other advanced therapies in IBD treatment sequencing. The episode also highlights important safety considerations such as herpes zoster risk, cardiovascular events, and thrombosis, along with practical strategies like vaccination protocols, lab monitoring, and patient selection. Designed for gastroenterology and hepatology advanced practice providers, this episode provides actionable guidance on balancing risks and benefits, optimizing treatment decisions, and improving patient outcomes in complex IBD care. For more educational content, visit the GHAPP Digital Hub and the GHAPP ACE app.

Learn how to effectively support patients starting treatment for MASH with this practical, clinician-focused discussion featuring expert advanced practice providers. In this episode, hepatology specialists Robin Soto and Alison Moe break down how to set realistic expectations, define meaningful treatment goals beyond the scale, and guide patients through long-term lifestyle and pharmacologic management. Discover why success in MASH care extends beyond weight loss to include improvements in A1C, lipid profiles, energy levels, sleep, and overall metabolic health, and how shifting the conversation away from numbers can improve patient motivation and adherence. This episode also explores how to structure patient journeys through the first 30, 60, and 90 days of treatment, navigate common challenges with compliance, and reinforce sustainable behavior change. Gain insights into emerging therapies, including newly approved medications targeting liver fat and fibrosis, as well as GLP-1 receptor agonists that support both metabolic health and liver outcomes. The discussion highlights how to personalize treatment plans, manage side effects, and empower patients to take control of their disease while preventing progression to cirrhosis and liver-related complications.

Stay up to date on MASH and MASLD with expert insights from nurse practitioners Sarah Dawkins of Duke University Medical Center and Edith Johannes of UCLA Health. This episode focuses on best practices for identifying at-risk patients, including those with steatosis on imaging, cardiometabolic risk factors, and elevated BMI—highlighting why early screening is critical to preventing progression to cirrhosis and liver transplant. Learn how to apply practical, non-invasive tools like FIB-4 and FibroScan to assess fibrosis risk, when to refer patients, and how to navigate common challenges such as intermediate scores and normal liver labs. With MASH becoming a leading cause of liver disease, this discussion provides actionable strategies for advanced practice providers and primary care clinicians to improve early detection and patient outcomes. Visit the GHAPP Digital Hub and GHAPP ACE app for more educational content.

In this episode of RhAPPcast, host Amanda Mixon, PA-C, is joined by Christina Hanson, NP, to explore the growing intersection between rheumatology and gastroenterology, focusing on shared immune pathways and the evolving role of subcutaneous biologic therapies in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). The conversation highlights how advances in subcutaneous (subQ) biologics for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are improving patient convenience, adherence, and quality of life while offering comparable efficacy to traditional IV infusions.This expert discussion dives into key clinical considerations such as induction versus maintenance strategies, patient selection, safety, and real-world implementation of SubQ therapies. The episode also emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration between rheumatology and GI providers, especially when managing patients with overlapping conditions like psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis. Listeners will gain practical insights on optimizing treatment decisions, enhancing patient education, and leveraging a shared “toolbox” of therapies to better manage complex, multi-system disease.For more expert-driven education and cross-specialty insights, visit the RhAPP Content Rheum, GHAPP Digital Hub & both GHAPP & RhAPP ACE apps.

Thank you to Johnson & Johnson for the support on this FAQ Video Module.In this FAQ video module, Tedra Gray, a gastroenterology nurse practitioner at Sinai Chicago, breaks down the key differences between treat-through and randomized withdrawal clinical trial designs in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This educational overview explains how these two study designs impact the evaluation of new IBD therapies, including their role in assessing safety, efficacy, and long-term patient outcomes. Viewers will learn how treat-through trials randomize patients at baseline to receive either active treatment or placebo throughout the study, offering insights into real-world effectiveness from induction through maintenance. In contrast, randomized withdrawal designs focus on patients who initially respond to therapy, re-randomizing them to continue treatment or switch to placebo—allowing for more efficient study design, reduced placebo exposure, and a focus on maintenance of response.This video also explores key considerations such as population selection, ethical implications, study objectives, and how these designs are applied in major Phase 3 IBD trials like ASTRO, GRAVITI, GALAXY, and QUASAR. Ideal for gastroenterology providers and advanced practice providers, this content provides practical insights into interpreting clinical trial data and optimizing treatment strategies in IBD.For more expert-driven GI education, visit the GHAPP Digital Hub and GHAPP ACE app.

Thank you to Johnson & Johnson for the support on this Medication Review Video Module. In this medication review video module, Kimberly Orleck, PA-C, reviews the long-term efficacy and safety of guselkumab in the treatment of Crohn’s disease, highlighting results from the Phase 3 GALAXI-2, GALAXI-3, and GRAVITI clinical trials and their long-term extension (LTE) data through week 96. The discussion examines outcomes following intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) induction therapy followed by SC maintenance dosing, demonstrating sustained clinical remission, endoscopic response, endoscopic remission, and deep remission across study populations. The module also reviews steroid-free outcomes and emphasizes the durability of response observed over two years of treatment, with high rates of patients maintaining remission. Safety data across the LTE studies showed a stable safety profile with no new safety signals and low rates of serious adverse events and infections, consistent with the known safety profile of guselkumab. This expert overview provides clinicians and advanced practice providers with important insights into long-term treatment outcomes and real-world implications for managing moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease with IL-23 pathway inhibition.For more gastroenterology and hepatology educational content, visit the GHAPP Digital Hub and GHAPP ACE app.

In this podcast, host Amanda Mixon, PA-C, leads a 2026 Fireside Chat exploring the intersection of rheumatology and gastroenterology. Joined by Kim Orleck, PA-C (GI APP), and Wendy Simmons, PA-C (Rheumatology APP), the panel discusses the shared inflammatory pathways linking Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, with a focus on the gut–joint–skin axis and the IL-23, IL-17, and TNF pathways. The conversation highlights early screening for overlapping immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), recognizing subclinical gut inflammation, and selecting cross-indication therapies such as JAK inhibitors and IL-23 inhibitors based on disease severity, comorbidities, and cardiovascular risk. Listeners will gain practical insights into biomarker use (including fecal calprotectin), second-line treatment strategies after TNF failure, and the importance of real-time collaboration between rheumatology and GI providers to optimize patient outcomes. For more educational content, visit the GHAPP Digital Hub or GHAPP ACE app.

Thank you to AbbVie for the support on this Journal Club Review Video Module.In this journal club review, Kimberly Orleck, PA-C, discusses the long-term efficacy and safety of risankizumab, an IL-23 p19 inhibitor, in moderate to severely active Crohn’s disease, highlighting results from the FORTIFY maintenance trial and its open-label extension. Data show strong Week 52 clinical remission and endoscopic response and remission rates in both biologic-naïve and biologic-experienced patients, many with prior biologic failure, reinforcing the importance of treat-to-target goals and STRIDE-II recommendations. Long-term findings out to 276 weeks demonstrate sustained clinical and endoscopic outcomes with a favorable safety profile and no new safety signals over four years. The review also covers updated 2025 ACG and AGA guideline positioning and real-world U.S. claims data showing lower treatment switch rates and healthcare utilization with risankizumab compared to other advanced therapies, underscoring its role in evolving Crohn’s disease management. For more educational content, visit the GHAPP digital hub and GHAPP ACE app.

Thank you to AbbVie for the support on this podcast episode.In this GHAPP podcast episode, Brooke Hodnik, PA, and Jamie Brogan, APRN, discuss the October 10, 2025 FDA label update for upadacitinib in adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. They break down what the expanded indication means in practice, including how clinicians should interpret terms like “clinically inadvisable” and “approved systemic therapy,” and how this update allows for more individualized treatment decisions beyond mandatory prior TNF exposure in certain scenarios. The conversation highlights key considerations such as high inflammatory burden in IBD, steroid-refractory disease, low albumin, immunogenicity concerns, and real-world barriers to biologic therapy. Brooke and Jamie emphasize the importance of clinical judgment, earlier access to appropriate advanced therapy when needed, and the goal of reducing hospitalizations, surgery risk, and long-term complications—ultimately improving quality of life for patients with moderate to severe IBD.For more educational content visit GHAPP.org, the GHAPP Digital Hub or the GHAPP ACE app.

Thank you to Fujifilm for their support on this FAQ Video Module.In this FAQ video module, Patrick Horne, NP, President of GHAPP and nurse practitioner at the University of Florida, provides a clear, practical overview of FDA-cleared biomarkers used in the detection and risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This discussion walks through key blood-based tests including AFP-L3, des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP), and how these markers—when combined with patient age and sex—are used to calculate the GALAD score to estimate the probability of HCC. The video also introduces newer diagnostic approaches such as the HelioLiver LDT, which evaluates tumor-associated DNA methylation patterns, and the Oncoguard-Liver test, a multi-target liquid biopsy analyzing both protein biomarkers and cancer-associated DNA. Designed for clinicians involved in liver disease management, this module highlights how FDA-cleared biomarkers can support earlier detection, improved risk stratification, and informed clinical decision-making in patients at risk for liver cancer.Visit GHAPP.org, the GHAPP Digital Hub, and the GHAPP ACE app for additional gastroenterology and hepatology education and resources.

Thank you to AbbVie for their support on this FAQ Video Module. In this FAQ video module, Brooke Hodnick, PA-C, breaks down key updates to the expanded upadacitinib label for adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, effective October 10, 2025. The discussion focuses on what qualifies as an “approved systemic therapy” in the context of patients who have had an inadequate response to prior treatments or for whom TNF inhibitors are clinically inadvisable. Viewers will gain clarity on FDA-approved systemic therapies for induction and maintenance of remission, including TNF inhibitors, anti-integrins, IL-12/23 and IL-23 inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, and S1P modulators, as well as important distinctions around therapies such as steroids and immunomodulators that are commonly used but not FDA-approved as systemic maintenance options. The conversation also highlights the role of clinical judgment, individualized risk–benefit assessment, and current guidance from organizations such as the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Gastroenterological Association. For more educational information, please visit GHAPP.org, the GHAPP Digital Hub or the GHAPP ACE app.

Thank you to AbbVie for their support on this FAQ Video Module.In this FAQ video module, Jamie Brogan, APRN from the IBD Center at Northwestern Medicine, breaks down the October 2025 FDA label expansion for upadacitinib in adult patients with moderate to severely active ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The discussion focuses on the updated indication for patients with an inadequate response or intolerance to TNF inhibitors—and importantly, the newly emphasized language around when TNF therapy may be considered “clinically inadvisable.” Jamie explores what this term means in real-world clinical practice, including patient-specific factors such as contraindications to TNF agents, need for rapid onset of action, prior treatment exposure, comorbidities, and access or adherence challenges. She shares practical insights on how this label expansion has impacted IBD management, increased treatment access, and supported individualized, risk-benefit decision-making between providers and patients.

Thank you to Madrigal for their support on this FAQ Video Module.In this FAQ video, Allysa Saggese, NP, reviews how clinicians can balance systemic and liver-directed therapies in the treatment of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and shares insights on the evolving role of combination therapy. The discussion explores current guideline-aligned options, including GLP-1–based systemic therapies and liver-directed agents, and emphasizes individualized treatment decisions based on fibrosis stage, metabolic comorbidities, patient preferences, and access considerations. Designed for APPs and clinicians, this overview highlights why multimodal therapy—alongside lifestyle interventions like diet and exercise—is likely the future of MASH management.

Thank you to Madrigal for their support on this FAQ Video Module.In this FAQ video, Alison Moe, PA-C, discusses how alcohol consumption impacts the evaluation and progression of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and why accurate assessment is critical in clinical practice. The discussion reviews the synergistic effects of alcohol and metabolic liver disease on fibrosis progression, explains current alcohol intake thresholds associated with increased risk, and outlines how biomarkers such as phosphatidylethanol (PEth) can provide objective insight into recent alcohol use. Designed for APPs and clinicians, this practical overview highlights how to differentiate MASH, alcohol-related liver disease (ALD), and MetALD to ensure accurate diagnosis, documentation, and treatment decisions.

Thank you to Madrigal for their support of this Medication Review Video Module.In this medication review module, Michelle Barnett, PA-C, provides an in-depth overview of resmetirom, the first FDA-approved liver-directed thyroid hormone receptor beta (THR-β) agonist for adults with non-cirrhotic metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and moderate to advanced fibrosis (F2–F3). The discussion reviews MASH risk factors, resmetirom’s mechanism of action, dosing considerations, and key findings from the phase 3 MAESTRO-NASH trial, including improvements in liver histology and lipid parameters. Designed for APPs and clinicians, this concise review highlights how resmetirom fits into contemporary MASH management alongside lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise.

In this expert-led podcast discussion on hepatitis B management, Elizabeth Goacher, PA-C, from Duke University Medical Center and Allison Moser, NP, from RUSH University Medical Center break down what’s new in chronic hepatitis B care and how evolving guidelines are shaping real-world clinical decision-making. Recorded onsite at GHAPP National, the conversation explores updated treatment thresholds from European Association for the Study of the Liver compared with American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, including when to initiate antiviral therapy regardless of HBeAg status, the role of HBV DNA and ALT levels, and special considerations such as pregnancy, renal and bone health, adherence, and HIV co-infection. The episode also highlights practical antiviral selection, patient-centered counseling, risks of treatment interruption, and emerging therapies aimed at functional cure. This discussion offers timely, practice-focused insights for APPs and clinicians caring for patients with hepatitis B.

This in-depth conversation explores how advanced practice providers navigate some of the most challenging discussions in the care of patients living with chronic hepatitis B. Drawing from years of real-world hepatology and transplant experience, Jennifer Geremia, PA-C, and Andrea Keller, PA, discuss culturally sensitive communication, addressing stigma, improving health literacy, and building trust with patients and families affected by hepatitis B. The discussion highlights practical strategies for long-term disease management, medication adherence, family screening and vaccination, perinatal transmission counseling, and the importance of regular monitoring to prevent cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and end-stage liver disease. The speakers also address common misconceptions, language barriers, and shared decision-making, offering actionable insights for APPs and clinicians caring for diverse hepatitis B populations. #Hepatology #LiverDisease #ChronicHepatitisB #AdvancedPracticeProviders #GHAPP #TransplantHepatology #PatientCommunication #CulturalCompetency #HealthLiteracy #LiverCare #ChronicDiseaseManagement

In this expert-led podcast discussion, Patrick Horne and HoChong Gilles explore the complex management of comorbidities in patients with chronic viral hepatitis, with a focus on hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV co-infection. The conversation highlights practical strategies for treatment sequencing, preventing hepatitis B reactivation during DAA therapy, managing drug–drug interactions, and optimizing long-term liver and systemic outcomes. The episode also examines the growing impact of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD/MASH) on fibrosis progression and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk, along with current surveillance approaches including ultrasound and AFP. Additional insights address renal and bone health considerations with long-term hepatitis B antiviral therapy and the importance of multidisciplinary, whole-patient care when managing cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal co-morbidities in this high-risk population. Visit the GHAPP Digital Hub, Hep B Health Hub or GHAPP ACE app for more educational content.

Thank you to Madrigal for your support on this FAQ Video Module.In this short FAQ video module, Patrick Horne, President of GHAPP and a nurse practitioner at the University of Florida, discusses the critical role of noninvasive tests (NITs) in risk stratification and patient selection for patients with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH). He explains how serum biomarkers and imaging help establish baseline fibrosis, clarify disease severity, and guide clinical decision-making in a condition with variable and non-linear progression. This overview emphasizes the importance of integrating NITs with a thorough patient history and physical exam to better understand fibrosis stage and optimize patient evaluation.Visit the GHAPP Digital Hub or GHAPP ACE 2.0 app for more gastroenterology and hepatology education.

Thank you to Madrigal for your support on this Journal Club Review video module.This journal club review explores the 2025 focused recommendations for the management of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH) developed by advanced practice providers (APPs) across the United States and published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. Brian Lam, PA-C, reviews the evolving role of APPs in MASH care, key epidemiology insights, risk stratification using non-invasive tests, and practical guidance on identifying and treating at-risk patients with F2–F3 fibrosis. The discussion highlights real-world use of ELF, FibroScan, and FIB-4, an overview of resmetirom therapy, monitoring strategies, and a look ahead at emerging therapies shaping the future of MASH management.

Thank you to Madrigal for your support of this Medication Review Video Module.Discover how Resmetirom is reshaping the treatment landscape for metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in this expert-led medication review with HoChong Gilles, DNP. This short medication review breaks down the therapy’s mechanism of action, pivotal MAESTRO-NASH trial data, fibrosis and steatohepatitis endpoints, ideal patient selection (F2–F3 disease), and key safety considerations. Learn how this first-in-class THR-β agonist delivers meaningful improvements in fibrosis and steatohepatitis without worsening disease, and why 2024 marked a turning point in MASH care. Perfect for APPs and clinicians looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of liver disease management.

Thank you to Madrigal for your support on this FAQ Video Module.In this episode, Christina Hanson, NP, breaks down the key functional and prognostic differences between fibrosis stage F3 and F4, explaining how liver architecture, portal hypertension, and risk of decompensation shape patient outcomes. Learn how staging impacts mortality risk in MASLD/MASH, why accurate identification of advanced fibrosis is critical, and how management strategies differ for patients with severe fibrosis versus cirrhosis. Christina reviews how clinicians can intervene early, slow progression, and monitor for complications such as variceal bleeding, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy, while emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying liver disease to improve long-term survival.#Fibrosis #LiverDisease #MASLD #MASH #Cirrhosis #F3Fibrosis #F4Fibrosis #LiverHealth #Hepatology #AdvancedFibrosis #LiverCare #NAFLD #NASH #PortalHypertension #LiverTransplant

In this final episode of our RhAPP, MAPP, GHAPP, and SDPA crosscast series, expert APPs from dermatology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, and obesity medicine break down the most important conversation of all—how to talk to patients about obesity and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). This discussion focuses on real-world communication strategies, reducing stigma, motivational interviewing, shared decision-making, and setting small, achievable goals that improve outcomes. Learn how to approach sensitive weight-related conversations with empathy, build trust, and empower patients to better manage obesity and chronic inflammation in everyday practice.

In this cross-specialty episode of our RhAPP, GHAPP, MAPP and SDPA collaborative series, leading APPs from dermatology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, and metabolic medicine break down real-world strategies to improve outcomes for patients living with both obesity and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). Building on earlier discussions about epidemiology and pathophysiology, this conversation focuses on practical, clinic-ready approaches—from shared decision-making and compassionate patient communication to interdisciplinary coordination, GLP-1 utilization, and lifestyle guidance. Learn how APPs across specialties are uniting to reduce systemic inflammation, personalize care, and translate education into meaningful action for patients with obesity and IMIDs.

Thank you to AbbVie for your support on this podcast episode.Navigating pregnancy with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can bring unique questions, concerns, and misconceptions—especially for women of childbearing age. In this expert-led episode, Janette Villalon, PA and Angelina Collins, MSN, ANP-BC, two dedicated IBD specialists break down the latest evidence and global consensus recommendations on pregnancy and IBD. Together, they explore fertility considerations, preconception counseling, voluntary childlessness, medication safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the impact of disease activity on maternal and fetal outcomes, and how to debunk persistent myths around IBD and pregnancy. Learn why remission at conception is critical, how to approach family planning conversations in the clinic, which therapies—including biologics and biosimilars—can be safely continued, and when to involve maternal–fetal medicine or colorectal surgery. The hosts also discuss managing flares during pregnancy, monitoring strategies such as fecal calprotectin each trimester, and when C-section may be recommended. This conversation provides timely, practical guidance to help clinicians counsel women with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis with confidence, reduce fears, and support healthy pregnancies and postpartum outcomes for IBD patients.

In this episode of our crosscast series shared across RhAPPcast, GHAPPcast, and Dermcast, we explore the hidden costs of obesity in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) and how excess adiposity drives poorer outcomes, reduced treatment response, and increased healthcare burden. Hosted by Amanda Mixon, PA-C, president of RhAPP, this discussion brings together expert APPs from rheumatology, dermatology, gastroenterology, and metabolic health to unpack the pathophysiologic link between obesity and IMID progression. Our panel breaks down how adipose tissue fuels systemic inflammation, why cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6 worsen disease activity in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and IBD, and how obesity accelerates drug clearance and impacts biologic efficacy. We also examine clinical misconceptions, challenges with pharmacokinetics, and the real-world cycle of flares, surgeries, and increased healthcare utilization seen in this high-risk population. APPs will gain practical insight into addressing weight as part of comprehensive IMID care, improving patient conversations, and leveraging collaborative, cross-specialty management strategies. Stream this episode and the full series on RhAPPcast, GHAPPcast, and Dermcast, or access every installment through the RhAPP ACE 2.0 and GHAPP ACE 2.0 mobile apps for on-the-go learning. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we shift from mechanisms to action and discuss practical strategies APPs can use to improve outcomes for patients living with both obesity and IMIDs.

Thank you to AbbVie for your support on this FAQ Video Module.In this GHAPP FAQ Video Module, Christie Morrison, from Oshi Health and Texas Digestive Disease Consultants, explains how to discuss clinical remission with patients living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. She breaks down the different types of remission—clinical, biochemical, endoscopic, and steroid-free—and offers clear, practical ways for APPs and healthcare providers to communicate these concepts during patient visits. Christie discusses how to use objective markers such as CRP, ESR, fecal calprotectin, and lactoferrin, and how endoscopic scoring tools like the SES-CD and Mayo score can help track improvement and long-term disease control. She also emphasizes setting realistic expectations, the importance of treat-to-target goals, and the ultimate aim of achieving deep remission while minimizing steroid use. Watch to gain actionable strategies to educate your IBD patients about their treatment journey and the steps toward sustained remission.#IBD #CrohnsDisease #UlcerativeColitis #ClinicalRemission #GHAPP #IBDTreatment #APPeducation #TreatToTarget #IBDManagement

Thank you to AbbVie for your support on this podcast.In this episode of the GHAPP Podcast, Alison Krustapentus, NP-C and Christie Morrison, NP, join for an open discussion on mental and sexual health in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Together they explore the often-overlooked psychological and relational challenges that accompany chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis—covering strategies to normalize sensitive conversations, screen for anxiety and depression using PHQ-2, PHQ-9, and GAD tools, and incorporate behavioral-health collaboration into routine care. The conversation also highlights practical ways to integrate IBD mental-health screening, sexual-wellness counseling, vaccine and health-maintenance checklists, and patient-partner communication into everyday gastroenterology practice. This episode underscores the importance of whole-person care in IBD management and offers real-world insights for APPs and healthcare professionals supporting patients living with chronic inflammatory disease.#IBD #CrohnsDisease #UlcerativeColitis #MentalHealth #SexualHealth #Gastroenterology #InflammatoryBowelDisease #AdvancedPracticeProviders #GHAPPodcast #IBDCare

Welcome to the first episode in our special cross-platform podcast collaboration on IMIDs and Obesity, shared across RhAPPcast, GHAPPcast, and Dermcast—the official podcasts of RhAPP, GHAPP, and SDPA. Hosted by Amanda Mixon, PA-C, President of RhAPP, this conversation titled “Obesity and IMIDs: Unpacking the Epidemic and Its Far-Reaching Impacts” explores one of the most under recognized yet clinically significant intersections in modern medicine—the link between obesity and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Joined by Laura Bush, PA-C, Erin Darguzas, NP, and Jennifer Hernandez Parra, APRN, the episode delves into the evidence behind obesity’s role in disease onset and progression across rheumatology, gastroenterology, dermatology, and metabolic health. Together, these experts examine how obesity influences inflammation, treatment response, and patient quality of life while highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary care and open communication between providers and patients. Tune in to gain practical insights on how advanced practice providers can better address obesity as a key driver of IMID burden, and stay tuned for upcoming episodes exploring pathophysiologic mechanisms and clinical management strategies.

Thank you to Ardelyx for your support on this APP Insight video module.In this video, Amy Ladewski, PA-C, a physician assistant at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, shares expert insights on how to develop a personalized treatment plan for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). Amy explains why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work, emphasizing the importance of reviewing each patient’s medical and psychosocial history, prior therapies, and most bothersome symptoms—whether constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, or distension. She highlights the role of FDA-approved therapies, gut-directed behavioral interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy, as well as dietary strategies like the low FODMAP diet in optimizing care. Amy also stresses the importance of health literacy, insurance access, and collaboration with GI dietitians to ensure patients understand and can apply their treatment plan. For those with overlapping functional defecatory disorders, she underscores the value of diagnostic testing and pelvic floor physical therapy to achieve better outcomes. This holistic, individualized approach empowers patients with IBS-C to improve both bowel function and overall quality of life. For additional educational resources, visit GHAPP.org and the GHAPP ACE App.#IBSC #IrritableBowelSyndrome #Gastroenterology #DigestiveHealth #GutHealth #GIHealth #IBSConstipation #IBSManagement #PatientEducation

Thank you to Ardelyx for your support on this podcast episode.In this podcast, Gabriella McCarty, NP, and Kimberly Orleck, PA-C, dive into the complexities of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and the wide range of therapies available to help patients. They discuss the importance of taking a thorough patient history to understand whether the primary symptom is constipation, bloating, abdominal pain, or overflow diarrhea—emphasizing that IBS-C treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Gabriella and Kim break down the differences between over-the-counter therapies like fiber and osmotic laxatives, which often help with bowel movements but do little for abdominal pain, and FDA-approved prescription options that also address visceral hypersensitivity, bloating, and global IBS symptoms. They explain how secretagogues and retenagogues work, set realistic expectations around therapy timelines, and highlight the importance of preparing patients for possible side effects such as diarrhea or nausea. By focusing on patient education, shared decision-making, and scheduled follow-up visits, they empower patients to better understand their condition and stay engaged in their care. This conversation provides practical guidance for both GI providers and patients navigating IBS-C management. For more educational resources, visit GHAPP.org and download the GHAPP ACE App.#IBSC #IrritableBowelSyndrome #Gastroenterology #DigestiveHealth #GutHealth #GIHealth #IBSManagement #IBSConstipation #PatientEducation #GHAPPcast

Thank you to Fujifilm for your support on this podcast episode.In this episode of GHAPPcast, the official podcast of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Advanced Practice Providers, host Samantha Ramirez, NP-C is joined by Tracy Licari, PA-C to explore the rise of biomarker-based algorithms like GALAD in the surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). With more than 25 years of hepatology experience, Tracy shares insights on how combining biomarkers such as AFP, AFP-L3, and DCP with demographic factors like age and gender can improve diagnostic accuracy, risk stratification, and early detection compared to AFP alone. The discussion highlights how GALAD has consistently demonstrated higher accuracy in retrospective studies, the importance of ongoing prospective validation, and the potential for these algorithms to reshape surveillance, treatment response monitoring, and post-transplant risk assessment. Samantha and Tracy also provide practical ways for clinicians to explain complex biomarker concepts to patients without overwhelming them, reinforcing the importance of education and shared decision-making in liver cancer care. This episode delivers actionable insights for APPs, hepatologists, and GI clinicians seeking to stay ahead in the evolving landscape of biomarker-driven surveillance.

Thank you to AbbVie for your support of this FAQ Video Module.In this educational discussion, Mikhail Alper, PA-C, from Fresno, California, highlights the critical role of biomarkers like fecal calprotectin and C-reactive protein (CRP) in managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. He explains how these biomarkers provide objective measures of inflammation and treatment response—often revealing more than patient-reported symptoms alone. Michael outlines a practical monitoring timeline, recommending assessment at six weeks to gauge early symptom improvement, followed by biomarker testing at 12 weeks, and endoscopic evaluation at six months to confirm mucosal healing. He also notes the growing value of intestinal ultrasound, though access remains limited in some regions. This video underscores why integrating biomarker monitoring into IBD management is essential for optimizing therapy and improving patient outcomes.

Thank you to AbbVie for your support of this FAQ Video Module.In this educational video, Alison Krustapentus, NP-C from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston discusses how to approach persistent inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). She outlines a step-by-step process for confirming true disease activity using objective measures such as C-reactive protein (CRP), fecal calprotectin, cross-sectional imaging, and endoscopy.Alison also explains the role of therapeutic drug monitoring in optimizing anti-TNF therapy, including how to interpret trough levels and antibody testing to guide dose escalation or frequency adjustments. When drug levels are adequate but inflammation persists, she discusses switching mechanisms of action—from anti-TNF agents to IL-23 inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, or vedolizumab—to regain control of disease activity.This video helps clinicians distinguish between primary non-response and secondary loss of response, emphasizing the importance of tracking biomarkers and imaging over time to make informed treatment decisions.

In this episode, nurse practitioners Chantil Jeffreys, FNP, from Gastro One in Memphis, and Tuesday Werner, DNP, from Mayo Clinic Arizona, explore the vital role of community resources in supporting patients living with chronic hepatitis B. Drawing on over four decades of combined experience in hepatology and transplant medicine, they discuss practical ways clinicians can help patients connect with local and national support systems—from free screening and vaccination programs to educational workshops, mental health counseling, and advocacy initiatives. The conversation highlights trusted organizations such as the Hepatitis B Foundation, American Liver Foundation, and the CDC Hepatitis B Information Center, along with culturally sensitive programs like Asian Pacific Community in Action and 211 Arizona. Listeners will learn how education, early intervention, and advocacy can combat stigma, empower patients, and improve long-term outcomes.

Thank you to Ardelyx for your support on this APP Insight video module.In this video, Amy Ladewski, PA-C, a physician assistant at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, shares her expertise on having focused and meaningful conversations with patients living with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and other neurogastromotility disorders. Amy emphasizes the importance of building rapport, using a patient-centered approach, and assessing not only bowel habits but also quality of life outcomes—from the ability to work and attend school to participating in family and social activities without being limited by symptoms. She explains how to use tools like the Bristol Stool Scale, evaluate stool frequency and evacuation, and ask targeted questions about abdominal pain, bloating, and distension to determine whether current therapies are effective. Amy also highlights the need to monitor side effects, ensure predictability of treatment, and adjust therapies when symptoms remain uncontrolled. With several FDA-approved therapies available for IBS-C, patients do not need to settle for ongoing discomfort. This discussion provides clinicians with practical strategies to guide therapy decisions and empowers patients to seek treatments that truly improve their daily lives. For more educational resources, visit GHAPP.org and the GHAPP ACE App.