Functional GI and motility disorders are arguably one of the most relevant groups of disorders bringing patients to gastroenterologists. This area offers potential to reinvigorate the role of GIs; however, progress in this field has been difficult, and the speed bumps have included focus on symptom-based diagnosis rather than understanding of patho-physiological mechanisms, excessive regulatory focus on patient response outcomes, and lack of funding.
Michael Camilleri, M.D., AGAF, vice president of the AGA Institute from Mayo Clinic, has been at the forefront of applied, patient-oriented gastroenterology research over the past 25 years. Thanks to funding he received from the AGA Research Foundation at critical points in his career, Dr. Camilleri has developed validated measurements that shape how clinicians diagnose and care for patients with gastroparesis, dyspepsia, IBS, chronic constipation, and diarrhea. His research has also helped to develop the drugs that are used widely in practice today.
AGA Institute
Dr. Michael Camilleri
These findings have brought on a renaissance in IBS patient care; however, in order to continue to move forward, we must understand the interrelationships of the diverse traits of these functional GI diseases. This understanding is essential if we are to have an impact on the diseases that we are trying to cure sometimes, to relieve often and to comfort always.
Dr. Camilleri discusses this renaissance in gastroenterology in a new video for the AGA Research Foundation. To watch the video, visit www.gastro.org/foundation.
