Update in Gastroenterology and Hepatology for the Primary Care Practitioner 2012

At the end of the program, participants should be able to: • Define Globus; describe the differential diagnosis of dysphagia and plan a work up for each diagnosis • Discuss the approach to a patient with chest pain and a negative cardiac workup • Describe abdominal-wall pain and its treatment and the common causes of chronic or recurrent abdominal pain • Discuss the approach to diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C in view of the new medications that have recently become available • Discuss the workup and treatment plan for different patients with chronic hepatitis • Describe the non-operative approach to recurrent diverticulitis • Recall the risks and benefits of dietary fiber, nuts, seeds, and popcorn • Evaluate and treat the patient who presents with non-bloody diarrhea for more than four weeks • Describe the differential diagnosis of bloody diarrhea; assess severity of the disease and treat or refer when appropriate • Discuss how to diagnose and treat causes of chronic constipation • Evaluate the causes of chronic liver disease; discuss how to evaluate and treat the complications of cirrhosis.