The Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology hosts an annual CME featuring presentations by UI clinicians and APPs on trending topics in the field. Every year, there’s plenty to discuss, and the 2026 Update was no different.
After starting the morning with a continental breakfast and coffee, health professionals filled the Coralville Hyatt’s Oakdale Ballroom for a lineup of informative presentations on the latest research in gastroenterology and hepatology care.
The first group of presenters and topics included:
Marta Tejedor Bravo, MD, MSc, PhD
MASLD: New Paradigm of TreatmentSara Naimimohasses, MBBCh, PhD
HBV: New GuidanceRenee Fields-Hu, MBA, RDN, LD
Nutrition: New Guidelines in Liver DiseaseAbduallah Abbasi, MBBS
EUS Guided Interventions
In just the first few hours, attendees heard a comprehensive overview of changing treatment recommendations and emerging therapeutic strategies for people with MASLD, HBV, and liver disease. They were also positioned to learn more about the potential benefits and risks of endoscopic ultrasound-guided (EUS) interventions.
Event organizers kept the occasion lively with a scheduled mid-morning break, during which attendees could socialize, refuel with coffee, and enjoy a light snack. Some used the time to explore industry vendors lining the hallway outside the ballroom. Vendors provided more information about medications that clinicians and APPs can implement in their practice to address a range of patient needs.
At 10:30am, the conference resumed with a second round of morning speakers.
Divya Ashat, MBBS
IBD: New Medications Facilitating Top-down TherapyPeter Nau, MD, MS, FACS
Weight Management in 2026: Surgery vs MedicationsSerhan Karvar, MD, PhD
IBD for PCPs
The second morning session covered early interventions and a top-down treatment strategy for addressing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In between IBD topics, one presentation compared the efficacy of GLP-1 therapies and bariatric surgery for people managing their weight.
A taco buffet and some lunchtime socializing preceded the afternoon session. Division members used the midday meal to catch up with one another, while out-of-town professionals made new acquaintances. Some took advantage of the Hyatt’s view of the Iowa River Landing, with the day’s overcast sky allowing for an especially clear view of the still water and recent snowfall.
The final presentations of the day addressed topics ranging from short bowel syndrome dieting strategies to AI-technology in endoscopic practices.
Tomohiro Tanaka, MD, PhD
Gastric Cancer: Screening in US PopulationsNgozi Vivian Nwude, MBBS
AI Endoscopy: Are Man & Machine Better Together?Josie Drumm, MSN, FNP-C
Short Bowel DietKatelin Durham, MD
USPSTF Guidance on Low-volume Colon Preparation
By 3pm, the CME arrived at its conclusion with many professionals in attendance—representing a range of positions—having gained a more comprehensive understanding of emerging practices and patient trend outcomes. And the findings discussed may have prompted those involved in research to develop new inquiries worth investigating someday. These possibilities would not be possible without the coordination and support of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology’s administrative team, especially division coordinator Taryn Owens, MBA. Thank you for all of your work and dedication in promoting continuing education opportunities for healthcare professionals.
