Developed in collaboration with leading experts including Dennis L. Shung, MD, MHS, PhD, Bradly C. Stadie, PhD, and Aly T. Strauss, MD, MIE, Nigel aims to serve as a digital clinical colleague that enhances decision-making at the point of care. Its real-time access to current guidelines and clinical practice updates ensures that practitioners can obtain accurate, guideline-concordant answers within seconds, effectively reducing the time and mental effort spent searching literature during patient consultations.

Nigel’s functionality extends beyond simple information retrieval. It synthesizes guideline recommendations, explains the evidence base, and supports validation of diagnostic and therapeutic decisions, all within a user-friendly interface designed for busy clinicians. Importantly, the system is regularly updated as the AGA publishes new evidence, thus maintaining alignment with the evolving landscape of gastroenterology and hepatology research.

This AI integration is anticipated to alleviate the cognitive load on healthcare providers by facilitating rapid access to the latest clinical knowledge. The tool empowers clinicians to remain current with emerging evidence without the time-consuming task of continuous literature scanning. By streamlining information delivery at the bedside, Nigel promotes efficiency and potentially mitigates burnout, allowing physicians to focus more fully on patient care.

AGA’s approach exemplifies how specialty-specific AI applications can revolutionize clinical practice by embedding trusted, specialty-driven data into AI workflows. This model contrasts with more generic AI assistants that may lack nuanced understanding or detailed evidence grading critical for clinical confidence.

To encourage widespread adoption, AGA is offering a 14-day free trial of Nigel, inviting practitioners to experience firsthand how this technology supports informed clinical decisions. This innovation reflects a significant step forward in merging artificial intelligence with evidence-based medicine, providing a template for future AI tools dedicated to specialty medical fields.

Nigel stands as a promising example of how AI can harness expert-validated data to transform gastroenterology care—delivering precision, speed, and reliability to clinicians managing complex digestive conditions.

Subject of Research: Artificial intelligence application in gastroenterology clinical decision support
Article Title: Nigel: The AI-Powered Gastroenterology Virtual Assistant Launched by AGA
News Publication Date: July 10, 2026
Web References: https://gastro.org/clinical-guidance/nigel-point-of-care-tool/

Keywords

Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Artificial Intelligence, Clinical Decision Support, Evidence-Based Medicine, GRADE Framework, Medical AI, Digestive Disease Care

Dr. Mauney’s clinical investigation positions psychedelic-assisted therapy within the domain of functional bowel disorders, an area historically underserved due to the complex interplay of psychological, neurological, and somatic factors. By administering two doses of psilocybin, integrated with structured therapeutic sessions before and after dosing, her trial seeks to unravel how this classic psychedelic modulates interoception—the brain’s perception of internal bodily sensations—and influences gut-brain communication pathways. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is leveraged to capture dynamic neurobiological changes, offering unprecedented insight into the neural circuits implicated in symptom modulation.

Central to Dr. Mauney’s hypothesis is the concept that IBS and related disorders may ensue from "somatic encoding" of early-life trauma, where adverse experiences imprint themselves on the body’s physiological systems and nervous pathways. This paradigm invites a shift beyond symptomatic treatment toward addressing root psychosomatic causes. Psilocybin, with its known capacity to disrupt entrenched neural patterns and facilitate emotional processing, could recalibrate the maladaptive neurobiological signatures that perpetuate chronic gastrointestinal distress.

The impetus for Dr. Mauney’s work began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when an intellectual curiosity sparked by Michael Pollan’s book, "How to Change Your Mind," catalyzed her engagement with the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Leveraging her background in bacteriology and clinical pediatric gastroenterology, she integrated a translational research perspective. Notably, her mentorship under leading neuroscientists specializing in psychedelics and neurointestinal health at Massachusetts General Hospital provided critical interdisciplinary expertise that shaped the study’s methodology and theoretical framework.

Dr. Mauney emphasizes that traditional medical disciplines often maintain a "schism between mind and body," particularly evident in gastroenterology where psychological and physiological symptoms are inseparably intertwined yet frequently treated in isolation. Her research aims to bridge this divide by deploying an integrative method combining patient-reported outcomes—such as detailed abdominal pain scores—with qualitative narrative accounts and high-resolution neuroimaging data. This dual approach captures both subjective healing experiences and objective neurological correlates, potentially establishing a new model for evaluating functional somatic syndromes.

While her current trial focuses on adult subjects with severe IBS, Dr. Mauney’s pediatric background roots her broader vision in early intervention and trauma-informed care. She highlights systemic societal challenges, including childhood obesity and health inequities, particularly the insufficient alignment of public policies around nutrition, urban planning, and psychosocial support. Her research thus intersects with pressing public health priorities and raises critical questions about the long-term benefits of childhood trauma prevention on adult functional diseases.

The innovative nature of this investigation also challenges clinical paradigms by proposing that psychedelic therapy can serve as a catalyst—not merely for symptom suppression—but for facilitating profound psychological and physiological recalibration. By potentially "unlocking" somatically encoded trauma, such treatments may enable a restorative process capable of achieving sustained functional recovery. The inclusion of fMRI imaging to delineate psychedelics’ modulatory effects on brain-gut networks bolsters the mechanistic understanding necessary to transition these therapies into standard clinical practice.

Dr. Mauney’s personal philosophy deeply informs her scientific approach; she stresses the importance of cultivating authentic, compassionate relationships with patients. This ethos reflects a commitment to treating individuals as whole persons rather than isolated symptom clusters. Her insistence on persistent, meticulous research echoes the maxim "We are what we repeatedly do," symbolizing an ethos of integrity and patient-centered care that permeates her work.

Looking ahead, the scalability of psychedelic-assisted treatments is a key focus. Dr. Mauney envisions refining protocols to facilitate wider accessibility in clinical settings, thus offering hope to the millions globally with treatment-refractory IBS. As psychedelics gain increasing regulatory acceptance and enter late-stage clinical trials across multiple psychiatric and neurological conditions, her work situates gastroenterology at the cutting edge of this therapeutic renaissance.

This study also prompts broader consideration of whether other medical specialties facing treatment-resistant disorders—such as chronic pain syndromes, autoimmune conditions, or neurodevelopmental disorders—could benefit from similar integrative, trauma-informed psychedelic interventions. Dr. Mauney’s research pioneers a new frontier that transcends disciplinary boundaries, suggesting future multidisciplinary bridges between psychiatry, immunology, neurology, and internal medicine.

Published as part of the Genomic Press “Innovators & Ideas” series, this in-depth interview and report provide an insightful window into the scientists driving transformative change. By weaving rigorous scientific detail with personal reflections, this narrative exemplifies how emerging research can resonate beyond academia and capture public imagination. As the psychedelic field enters a new era, Dr. Mauney’s work epitomizes the potential for groundbreaking scientific advances to restore humanity to medicine and unlock healing where traditional approaches have faltered.

Dr. Erin Mauney’s clinical trial and accompanying research not only herald a paradigm shift in the understanding and treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders but also illuminate the profound interconnectedness of mind and body. Her pioneering use of psilocybin as a modulator of gut-brain interactions serves as a beacon for future investigations poised to redefine how medicine approaches complex, multifaceted illnesses—offering truly holistic pathways to healing for millions worldwide.

Subject of Research: People

Article Title: Erin Mauney: Psychedelics as modulators of the gut-brain interaction

News Publication Date: 3 June 2025

Web References:
DOI link: http://dx.doi.org/10.61373/pp025k.0020

Image Credits: Erin Mauney

Keywords: psilocybin, psychedelic medicine, irritable bowel syndrome, gut-brain axis, interoception, functional gastrointestinal disorders, trauma, neuroimaging, fMRI, pediatric gastroenterology, psychedelic-assisted therapy, clinical trial

The researchers employed the Health Resources & Services Administration’s Area Health Resources data regarding U.S. physician workforce distribution in conjunction with 2020 U.S. Census data to evaluate county-level access to gastroenterologists. The analysis revealed that over two-thirds of the 3,149 counties across the United States lack a single gastroenterologist, leaving an alarming 49 million individuals without accessible care options in their locality. The study also highlights that 17% of counties have fewer than five gastroenterologists, exacerbating the issue of access in some regions.

In discussing the implications of these findings, Dr. Xiaohan Ying, a clinical associate in medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, noted that while the national landscape may suggest adequate access—given that most Americans are within driving distance of a gastroenterologist—the reality is that underserved areas are in dire need of increased healthcare provisions. This disparity is particularly pressing considering that the demand for gastroenterological services is likely to escalate with an aging population, which typically exhibits higher incidences of digestive-related health issues.

The analysis further indicated that approximately 80% of the counties devoid of gastroenterology services are situated in non-metropolitan regions, where residents often belong to older demographic groups that require specialized care. These areas are characterized not just by their geographical isolation, but also by economic disadvantages, including lower median household incomes, higher rates of uninsured individuals, and demographics skewed toward a higher percentage of white residents compared to regions with better healthcare access. Alarmingly, states like Alaska, North Dakota, and Wyoming demonstrate the lowest ratios of gastroenterologists per 100,000 inhabitants, contrasting sharply with Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York, which rank among the highest.

Another concerning aspect of the study is the age demographics of practicing gastroenterologists. It was documented that a significant portion of gastroenterologists in non-metropolitan areas—over two-thirds—are older than 55 years, and nearly half are over 65. Dr. Leah Yao, another key contributor to the study, emphasized that as these experienced specialists approach retirement, rural regions may face increasingly dire accessibility challenges, further entrenching the disparities in healthcare access that already exist in less populated areas.

Acknowledging these disparities, the researchers stress the importance of innovative solutions to bridge the gap in gastroenterological care. Dr. Arun Jesudian, a co-senior author of the study, suggested that advanced practice clinicians could play a vital role in augmenting the availability of gastrointestinal health services in underserved regions. Their involvement may provide an essential resource in mitigating the growing need for specialty care among populations that are geographically isolated. Furthermore, the introduction of incentive programs—such as loan repayment or improved reimbursement strategies for clinicians practicing in rural settings—could stimulate interest in working in these areas, helping to enhance the community’s overall health landscape.

The disparity in healthcare access poses questions not just at the clinical level but also at the policy-making level. There is an urgent need for targeted interventions that will expand the gastroenterologist workforce in order to address the unmet needs prevalent in rural and economically disadvantaged communities. Comprehensive policy strategies are essential to ensure that all Americans, regardless of their geographic location, have equal access to crucial medical services.

As the healthcare landscape evolves alongside demographic shifts, it is imperative that stakeholders, including policymakers and healthcare institutions, prioritize the improvement of access to specialty care. Such measures will not only benefit individuals suffering from gastroenterological conditions but will also contribute to the long-term health and well-being of entire communities. The findings from this study bring to light a pressing need for action and awareness regarding disparities in healthcare access, especially within the realm of gastroenterology.

As our understanding of healthcare disparities deepens, it becomes increasingly clear that concerted efforts must be made to ensure equitable access to gastroenterological services. Only through a united approach—encompassing policy changes, workforce development, and community-focused initiatives—can we hope to alleviate the burden of unmet needs in gastroenterology, particularly in our most vulnerable populations.

Moving forward, continued research and advocacy will be critical in addressing the systemic barriers that hinder access to digestive health care in America. By placing a spotlight on these issues, we can work towards building a healthcare system that is more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all patients.

Subject of Research: Access to Gastroenterological Care in Rural America
Article Title: Geographic Disparities in Access to Gastroenterologists: A National Study
News Publication Date: February 6, 2025
Web References: Gastroenterology Journal
References: Weill Cornell Medicine Study
Image Credits: N/A
Keywords: Gastroenterology, Public Health, Rural Health Disparities, Healthcare Access, Aging Population, Workforce Development, Policy Interventions.