Join this critical discussion of the most notable and influential basic and translational research papers published in the journal HEPATOLOGY in the past year by a team of associate editors from the journal. HEPATOLOGY associate editors appraise the most cutting-edge, game changing basic and translational research advances. A panel discussion with the speakers, editor-in-chief Gregory Gores, and associate editor Samar Ibrahim highlights the impact of selected papers on basic and translational advances in the field. 

Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) increasingly coexists with chronic viral infections, particularly HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV), creating complex and evolving liver disease phenotypes. This session examines how metabolic dysfunction modifies liver disease progression, fibrosis risk, and clinical outcomes in persons with concomitant HIV and/or HBV infection. The impact of viral infection and antiviral therapies, in turn, influence MASLD natural history. Topics include: epidemiology and mechanisms of disease synergy; challenges in fibrosis assessment and risk stratification; and practical management considerations for hepatologists caring for individuals with overlapping metabolic and viral liver disease. Presenters emphasize translating emerging data into clinical decision-making for diverse patient populations.

This career-focused program is intended for hepatology fellows, early-career faculty, and junior investigators in clinical, transplant, and basic/translational liver research who are navigating career transitions, academic advancement, and leadership development within academic medicine. The panel addresses key communication challenges faced by trainees, and early-career and mid-career hepatologists, including career transitions, negotiation, self-endorsement, and academic promotion. Through expert perspectives and real-world examples, panelists share practical communication strategies to support career development within academic hepatology. 

This community conversation between the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the Korean Association for the Study of the Liver addresses a fundamental question in hepatology: How do we better identify which patients with chronic liver disease are at highest risk? Leading experts from both organizations discuss 3 areas where the approach to risk assessment is changing.

First, presenters examine how new data on chronic hepatitis B are shifting treatment thresholds and strategies for preventing hepatocellular carcinoma. Next, speakers explore how real-world evidence, emerging biomarkers, and noninvasive tools are being incorporated into clinical practice—and where gaps remain. Finally, presenters explore which artifical intelligence–based prediction tools are ready for clinical use and discuss practical approaches for implementing them. This program offers an opportunity to hear different perspectives on these issues from experts representing 2 major liver societies, and consider how these advances can be translated into better patient care.

This unique program brings together pediatric and adult hepatologists to discuss and share knowledge and experiences with a variety of liver diseases. Topics include: metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease in children, teenagers, and adults; adult presentations of "pediatric" genetic cholestatic diseases; diagnostic and management challenges in pediatric and adult patients with autoimmune hepatitis; and the growing need for transitional clinics for adults with "pediatric" liver diseases.

This joint symposium from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the American Society of Transplantation Liver and Intestine Community of Practice highlights the impact of kidney-related, heart-related, and lung-related complications of cirrhosis on liver transplant candidacy, and the role of combined organ transplant.
 

This thought-provoking program aims to help the practicing hepatologist understand the definition and impact of burnout. A recent survey of 185 transplant hepatologists in the US and found that 40% experienced emotional exhaustion, a significant predictor of burnout.* Therefore, this session not only includes methods to recognize early warning signs of burnout and help distinguish it from stress and depression, it also focuses on tips to combat burnout. During the session, the magnitude and causes of burnout related to clinical and administrative demands are discussed as well as burnout related to the regular use of the electronic health record. The session concludes with identifying tools that help reduce burnout and improve clinician efficiency as well as methods to increase pracitioner well-being.

^{*Pourmand K, et al. Burnout Among Transplant Hepatologists in the United States. Liver Transpl. 2022 May;28(5):867-875.} 

This pivotal program examines and reviews the latest information regarding hepatitis C elimination, including where global and national progress has succeeded and stalled; what treatment strategies could get us back on track; and what prevention strategies are still needed.

Join this comprehensive educational program designed to equip clinicians and advanced practice providers with practical, evidence-based approaches across the spectrum of advanced liver disease. Through 3 focused presentations, the program addresses the optimal use of newly approved metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis therapies; key updates in hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance and management; and contemporary strategies for caring for patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Speakers emphasize clinical decision-making, integration of noninvasive testing, multidisciplinary care, and translating recent advances into everyday practice for hepatologists and the broader liver care team.

Presenters in this session discuss advances in our understanding of hepatic hypoxia and its contribution to liver physiology and pathology. The concepts covered by thought leaders and content experts include an overview of hypoxia, regulation of liver zonation by hypoxia, and the central role of hypoxia in regulating the gut-liver axis. Presenters also address the role of hypoxia in hepatic conditions such as acute liver injury, liver fibrosis, steatosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.