A Guide to the Guidelines: A Conversation with Dr. Brennan Spiegel and Dr. Hetal Karsan

In this episode, we explore the creation and impact of Guide to the Guidelines: A Vignette-Based Journey Through the ACG Clinical Practice Guidelines, co-authored by Dr. Brennan Spiegel, MD, MSHS, FACG, and Dr. Hetal A. Karsan, MD, FACG, AGAF, FASGE, FAASLD, FACP. This innovative book offers a practical and engaging resource for GI clinicians, bridging the gap between academic guidelines and everyday clinical practice.

The conversation begins with the story of their collaboration, dating back to their fellowship days at UCLA. They also share their individual journeys into gastroenterology, discussing how their passion for procedures, patient interaction, and the brain-gut axis led them to this field.

The discussion then shifts to the creation of their book, which emerged from their previous work on GI board exam manuals and courses. The pandemic inspired them to create a resource that makes the vast amount of guideline information more accessible and memorable for clinicians. Through clinical vignettes, the book brings the ACG guidelines to life, offering a valuable tool for practicing GI clinicians.

Guest Bios:

• Dr. Brennan Spiegel, MD, MSHS, FACG, is the Director of Health Services Research for Cedars-Sinai, the Director of the Cedars-Sinai Master's Degree Program in Health Delivery Science, the George and Dorothy Gourrich Chair in Digital Health Ethics, and the Director of the Cedars-Sinai Center for Outcomes Research and Education (CS-CORE).
• Dr. Hetal A. Karsan, MD, FACG, AGAF, FASGE, FAASLD, FACP, is a board certified gastroenterologist with United Digestive/Atlanta Gastroenterology and also serves as the Chair of United Digestive Medical Education and Adjunct Professor of Medicine at Emory University.