The Gut Course
The University of Washington School of Medicine "Gut Course" is a comprehensive journey through GI pathophysiology through the lens of GI luminal, hepatic, and pancreaticobiliary clinical diseases. GI faculty started it under the direction of Dr. Cyrus Rubin, who was the first chair of the course. Revolutionary at the time was the use of the Socratic seminar format, case discussions, and small group structures. Course leaders have included GI faculty, community gastroenterologists, and fellows.
After becoming course chair in 1974, Dr. David Saunders earned the "Best Teacher of the Year" award so frequently that he retired from the competition, and they established a David R. Saunders teaching award to honor him. Dr. Saunders expanded the teaching to include a firm foundation of teaching physiology to the students.
In 2008, Dr. Bruce Silverstein became the course director. Under his direction, the course integrated computers. He also oversaw the course becoming virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Silverstein received the David R. Saunders Teaching Award twice.
Since its inception, “The Gut Course” has consistently been the highest-rated course in the medical school by the students. That is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and fellows in educating the next generation of physicians.