From ibd-eii.com to ChatIBD: Democratizing IBD Knowledge Globally

As a gastroenterologist dedicated to the care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, I have always believed that access to reliable and well-structured knowledge is one of the greatest tools we can provide to both clinicians and patients.

IBD prevalence has been increasing worldwide and yet, access to advanced IBD training is not equally accessible. This belief led me, two and a half years ago, to create ibd-eii.com, a free educational platform aimed at making the latest scientific evidence and practical resources available to healthcare professionals and patients worldwide. Over this time, the website has reached more than 470,000 visits, reflecting the global need for accessible, trustworthy, and user-friendly educational content in IBD.

Beyond this, I have also devoted myself to scientific communication through social media, building a community of more than 20,000 people across X and Instagram. Through this work, I aim to bridge the gap between research, clinical practice, and patient understanding, making complex information approachable and meaningful. For this reason, I was selected as part of the WHO Fides group, which includes clinicians worldwide who create content on social media and help combat misinformation.

One of the realities I have witnessed through my work is the difficulty many professionals face in accessing structured training, particularly in regions of the world where IBD incidence is rising rapidly. For many, opportunities for mentorship and specialized education, as well as access to up-to-date resources, are scarce. I strongly believe that this platform can help address these disparities by improving access to guidelines and offering a form of support that many clinicians cannot easily find in their local environment.

This new project is a natural extension of that vision. While my website synthesizes knowledge and offers practical tools for education and communication, and my social media work engages a global community, this new platform is specifically designed to guide clinicians directly through existing international clinical guidelines. I see it as a complement to my ongoing efforts: whereas ibd-eii.com and my outreach provide updates and foster discussion, this initiative ensures that clinicians can rapidly identify answers grounded in official guidance when facing complex clinical questions.

What motivates me most is the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues who share the same passion for improving how knowledge is delivered and applied in daily practice. By bringing together our experiences, skills, and commitment, I believe this project can significantly enhance evidence-based decision-making in IBD care, and ultimately benefit patients across the world.