Anoop N. Koshy, Omar Farouque, Paul Calafiore, Paul J. Gow – 11 November 2019

Immunosuppression in the liver transplant setting includes multiple drugs aimed at predetermined trough levels, adjusted to time after transplantation. Excellent graft and patient survival supports immunosuppression, but there may be significant short- and long-term risks. At this presentation, experts will discuss clinical approaches to immunosuppression in liver transplant patients, including biomarkers used for safe personalization of this process.

Discuss the current state of the ABIM Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program for gastroenterologists and transplant hepatologists at this update. Speakers will review the expense, time commitment and relevance of this program’s requirements; current MOC requirements in the program; the means to meet these requirements; progress made in addressing concerns from ABIM diplomats; and alternative pathways to board recertification.

Value-Based Arrangements are increasingly becoming part of the healthcare landscape. The goal of this program is to 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.

This comprehensive program will offer the hepatology provider updated information on managing patients with liver disease and/or in the post-transplant setting. Speakers will review new evidence and the latest tools to help providers deliver high-quality patient care, change practice approaches where needed and help improve patient outcomes.

Experts share new research in molecular hepatocarcinogenesis in the setting of NASH at this program, including global obesity trends, the association of metabolic syndrome and HCC, and HCC surveillance in patients with NASH/metabolic syndrome. They will present and compare evidence on HCC diagnosis and management specific to patients with obesity that may be applied to clinical practice.

If you are a general practitioner caring for patients with a variety of liver diseases, this hepatology update is designed for your needs. Review significant new findings in hepatology and how they may affect current clinical practice, ask questions and discuss challenges faced in daily clinical settings.

Several NIH institutes showcase programs, innovations and opportunities to the AASLD membership at this informative event. Representatives of the NCI, NIDDK, NIAID and NIAAA will present areas of mutual interest to the institute and AASLD membership, including liver cancer, NASH, viral hepatitis and alcohol use disorder. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about interagency collaboration and funding opportunities.

Patient and caregiver education, and transition to care are important aspects for hospital discharge. At this informative program, experts will review multidisciplinary strategies to optimize discharge planning and share innovative models of outpatient care in liver disease, including empowering patients and caregivers, decreasing risk factors and the incidence of hospital readmissions, and reducing costs.

In the world's poorest nations, the appalling loss of life from easily treated or preventable illnesses represents a moral tragedy. This year's President's Choice Lecture explores potential strategies to correct this inequity, including collaborative partnerships among medical professionals, ways to accurately measure the impact of global disease management efforts and the innovative solutions necessary to accomplish this great task.