American Society for Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Establishes Artificial Intelligence Institute

The American Society for Gastroenterology and Endoscopy (ASGE) has created the Artificial Intelligence Institute for Gastroenterology, a milestone initiative to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into gastrointestinal (GI) care, enhancing patient outcomes and driving innovation in gastroenterology. The Institute’s efforts can potentially position ASGE as a leading voice in aligning the rapidly evolving landscape of GI healthcare and AI.
 
The Institute aims to revolutionize the GI healthcare landscape by offering transformative benefits for patients and physicians through AI technologies. The Institute’s foundation is built on five pillars: education, training and curriculum development; advocacy; standards, quality and safety; optimizing practice operations; and acting as a convener for healthcare professionals. Together, these initiatives will shape the future of GI healthcare, making it more effective, efficient, and patient-centered, according to ASGE.
 
“ASGE is committed to leading the integration of AI into gastroenterology and endoscopy, ensuring that our members and the GI industry are at the cutting edge of medical technology,” said Prateek Sharma, M.D., ASGE president and chair of the ASGE Task Force on Artificial Intelligence. “By enhancing physician training and collaborating with all stakeholders including the FDA, tech industry, NIH, policymakers and others, we are setting a new standard in patient care and safety.”
 
The institute’s creation resulted from the growing recognition within the industry that AI is a permanent and impactful component of modern medicine—one that is already influencing patient outcomes and workflow efficiencies. ASGE convened physicians, AI experts, innovators, GI and technology companies and regulators to develop a consensus on AI’s application in GI endoscopy. 
 
In a recent survey conducted among ASGE members, AI emerged as the top area where members wanted additional education and resources. Through comprehensive training and education, the Institute will ensure that physician members and their teams are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to leverage AI technologies in their practice through initiatives such as hands-on workshops and an AI Scholars Program.
 
A division of ASGE with a 17-member Advisory Council, the Institute will expand its parent organization’s efforts with regulatory agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) to provide feedback on the regulatory framework for AI and the facilitation of a faster and more efficient approval process for AI-driven medical devices and software. These efforts are crucial for seamlessly integrating AI technologies into clinical settings. The Institute is actively engaging and collaborating with members of the congressional AI task force, payers, industry, and likeminded organizations, including the American Medical Association, to ensure the transparent, equitable, and ethical use of AI in GI healthcare.
 
The Institute is supported by the founding partners, Medtronic, Olympus, Fujifilm, and Castle Biosciences.
 
Since its founding in 1941, ASGE has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence and innovation in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with almost 16,000 members worldwide, promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, recognizes contributions to endoscopy, and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education.