Presenting Faculty
Joe Shega, MD
Session Overview
This session focuses on the evaluation and management of gastrointestinal symptoms commonly experienced by patients with serious and complex illness, emphasizing clinical judgment and patient‑ and family‑centered decision‑making.
What Learners Will Gain
Learners will self‑report the ability to apply, analyze, and evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms when making appropriate diagnostic and clinical decisions that have important consequences for patients and families experiencing serious and complex illness.
Symptoms and Conditions Addressed
• Anorexia and cachexia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Oral conditions
• Dysphagia
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Bowel obstruction
• Nutrition‑related concerns
• Weakness and fatigue
• Hiccups
• Edema
• Ascites
• Pruritus
Key Clinical Focus Areas
• Symptom assessment and differential diagnosis
• Clinical decision‑making in advanced illness
• Impact of GI symptoms on quality of life
• Implications for patients and family caregivers