The 2020 Hans Popper lecture reviews the cellular and molecular mechanisms of liver regeneration upon toxic injury, and how these mechanisms change in disease, mainly cancer. Learn how one lab combined animal and human organoid models, how to recapitulate key aspects of liver development and regeneration in vitro, and potential applications of these models in personalized medicine.

At this symposium, experts explore current controversies in transplant hepatology. An ethicist sets the stage with a lively discussion of current practices and challenges in patient and organ selection. Questions explored will include strategies to increase the donor pool, including living and altruistic donations, and the role of transplantation in patients with high-risk liver tumors and underlying mitochondrial disease.

Join this year's Career Development Workshop designed for both trainees interested in a hepatology career and early-career hepatologists. Participants will explore hepatology training pathways to different career opportunities, ranging from research to community-based practice. Participants will discuss the rewards and challenges of various careers, and strategies to maximize one’s potential, including finding mentors.

What role does social media, the communications landscape that currently influences everything from politics to pop culture, play in hepatology and healthcare? This program will expose participants to different aspects of social media and encourage discussion ways that social media could advance the science and practice of hepatology.

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) has emerged as a leading indicator of liver disease and the need for organ transplant. Currently, we lack effective pharmacological therapies to improve long-term outcomes in ALD patients, but new research advances are highly encouraging. Join this ALD SIG program for important research updates and to identify unmet clinical needs in ALD patients.

Value-based Arrangements are an increasingly expanding and necessary part of the U.S. healthcare landscape. This program will educate and empower hepatologists to be valuable contributors to the success of these new arrangements and play an active role in developing and implementing beneficial approaches for all patients with liver disease.

What is the role of organ transplantation in the care of acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF)? This program was designed to thoroughly review the management of the ACLF patient awaiting liver transplantation (LT), and to examine recently published data on patient outcomes. Post-LT complications and the evolving role of palliative care in patients listed for LT will be explored.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone, including patients with liver disease, and the pre- and post-transplant population. At this program, experts discuss the effect of the virus on the liver and treatment options, as well as COVID-19's impact on organ donation and pre-, and post- liver transplant patients in highly affected areas in the United States and Europe. Keep the conversation going! Join us in one of 3 Breakout Sessions immediately following the Transplant Surgery Workshop. Go to the Session Listing within the TLMdX Platform and select Breakout Sessions 1 - 3.

What support and knowledge do clinical practitioners caring for liver patients need in the healthcare system of 2020? This overview session provides a general update on hepatology for practitioners in all clinical environments. Speakers will provide updated information on selected liver disorders that are prevalent, complex and have a significant impact on routine medical practice today.

This lecture will highlight liver disease research advances supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, as part of its 70th year shared anniversary with AASLD. Dr. Rodgers will share current research challenges and opportunities, including the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to address health disparities and include underrepresented populations in the scientific workforce, and the Institute's strategic plan.