The Gut Course

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Since 1968, the Division of Gastroenterology has been responsible for teaching “The Gut Course” at the UW School of Medicine. The course is a comprehensive journey through GI pathophysiology through the lens of GI luminal, hepatic, and pancreaticobiliary clinical diseases.

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HuBio 551 - "The Gut Course"

The University of Washington School of Medicine "Gut Course" - HuBio 551, is a comprehensive journey through GI pathophysiology through the lens of GI luminal, hepatic, and pancreaticobiliary clinical diseases. It was started by GI faculty under the direction of Dr. Cyrus Rubin who was the first chair for the course. Revolutionary at the time was the use of the Socratic seminar format, case discussions, and small group structure. Course leaders have included GI faculty, community gastroenterologists, and fellows.

Dr. David Saunders took over as course chair in 1974 and earned the “Best Teacher of the Year” so many times that he was retired from competition and a David R. Saunders teaching award was named after him. Dr. Saunders expanded the teaching to include a firm foundation of teaching physiology to the students.  

In 2008, Dr. Bruce Silverstein took over the course as director. Under his direction, computers were integrated into the course. He also oversaw the course going virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Silverstein was awarded 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 to educating the next generation of physicians.