Special Programs

Basic Science Symposium: Endothelial Cells Occupy Center Stage in Liver Disease, Part 1-4 

8:00 AM – 5:30 PM 

Presenters in this symposium focus on the varied functions of liver endothelial cells (ECs). ECs are specialized cells increasingly recognized for their heterogeneity and their key role in liver diseases and carcinogenesis. Recent advances in the understanding of EC function were made possible with refined isolation techniques coupled with multiomics studies. Speakers review emerging literature that defines liver ECs beyond their role as vascular barriers to critical mediators in various biological processes under physiologic and pathologic conditions. 

• Part 1—Endothelial Cell Physiology and Heterogeneity
• Part 2—Endothelial Cells in Acute Liver Injury and Inflammation
• Part 3—Endothelial Cells in Chronic Liver Diseases 
• Part 4—Endothelial Cells in Portal Hypertension, Liver Fibrosis, and Carcinogenesis

Postgraduate Course, Parts 1–4: A Lifetime of Liver Health

8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Achieving optimal health during our patients’ lifetimes is not something that should occur only after a provider recognizes liver disease. It is best understood and approached by incorporating the many facets of each patient’s past history, genetics, environment, medications, and other exposures that change during the course of their lives. The theme of this postgraduate course is to frame the way we approach patients and their liver care in the context of their current stage of life, while also taking into account past contributions as well as preparing for the future. As such, this course reframes information and teaching points—age, disease, surveillance, screening, extrahepatic contributions, and treatments all tied together as a continuum. The speakers present their approaches and complexities to each disease or intervention through the lens of a lifetime for each of the topics. Components include pregnancy and early life contributors, extrahepatic manifestations, alcohol use, and a full session on the aging patient. Taken together, this course intends to enhance the attendee's understanding, approach, and planning for their individual patient’s needs to achieve optimal liver-centric health at all stages of their lives. The sessions include: Lifelong Age-Appropriate Screening, Surveillance and Therapeutic Choices; Extrahepatic Contributors to Liver Health Outcomes; The Die Is Cast at a Young Age—Early Life Determinants of Future Liver Health; and Liver Health in Older Adults.

• Session 1 (8:00 AM - 9:45 AM): Lifelong age-appropriate screening, surveillance, and therapeutic choices
• Session 2 (11:00 AM - 12:40 PM): Liver Cancers—New Solutions for Old Problems
• Session 3 (2:00 PM - 3:40 PM): The die is cast at a young age: early life determinants of future liver health
• Session 4 (4:00 PM - 5:30 PM): Liver health in the older adults

Obesity and Addiction Medicine in Liver Disease: Translating Science Into Practice, Part 1—Understanding and Addressing Alcohol Use Disorder, Obesity, and Food Addiction

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

This course reviews timely topics regarding the management of alcohol use disorder (AUD), obesity, and food addiction. The initial presentation highlights: the striking behavioral and neurobiological similarities between AUD and food addiction; key differences that impact clinical management; and the mechanisms underlying addiction in both contexts. Drawing on lessons from AUD treatment, the implications of food addiction in MASLD and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) are then explored along with tips for effectively counseling patients on diet and lifestyle modifications. Using a case-based learning platform, presenters discuss multidisciplinary treatment strategies for both AUD and food addiction and explore integration of addiction medicine principles into hepatology clinical practice. Presenters highlight the complexities of addiction management, addressing challenges such as relapse, patient adherence, and the role of emerging therapies in improving outcomes. The course then focuses on recognition of obesity as a chronic disease with multifactorial causes, necessitating a paradigm shift in both its definition and management. Experts provide an update on the evolving clinical definition of obesity and the latest advancements in pharmacological treatments, particularly in the context of MASLD and ALD, including the incorporation of novel anti-obesity medications into hepatology practice to optimize patient outcomes. An interactive workshop highlighting the role of motivational interviewing for effecting behavioral change in obesity and AUD management follows. Participants practice key techniques for engaging patients in meaningful conversations about lifestyle modifications and treatment adherence. Drawing from successful models in primary care, experts share practical strategies for overcoming patient resistance and enhancing motivation for long-term health improvements. NOTE: Continuing education credits earned at this session count as group 2 credits toward the American Board of Obesity Medicine qualifications for certification via the CME pathway.

Obesity and Addiction Medicine in Liver Disease: Translating Science into Practice, Part 2—Interventions and Long-Term Management

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Presenters open this session with a discussion of weight loss surgery and alcohol use. While bariatric surgery is a highly effective intervention for obesity, it is associated with an increased risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD) postoperatively. Speakers explore the mechanisms behind this phenomenon, including changes in alcohol metabolism and neurobiological adaptations following surgery, and share insights regarding identification of high-risk patients, implementation of preventive strategies, and providing postsurgical support to mitigate AUD risk of AUD in this vulnerable population. The second part of the session explores lifestyle interventions for MASLD and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). Lifestyle interventions, including diet and exercise, remain cornerstone treatments for MASLD and ALD, yet many patients struggle with adherence. Experts highlight practical guidance on prescribing and personalizing lifestyle modifications based on current evidence. Implementation of behavioral strategies, motivational techniques, and approaches to overcome common barriers to success by hepatologists can help their patients sustain long-term improvements in liver health. An interactive, case-based discussion follows. Participants engage in real-world case discussions, focusing on the intersection of MASLD, obesity, and AUD. Through a multidisciplinary approach, attendees work through complex patient scenarios, integrating behavioral, pharmacologic, and surgical interventions to enhance clinical decision-making skills. NOTE: Continuing education credits earned at this session count as group 2 credits toward the American Board of Obesity Medicine qualifications for certification via the CME pathway.

Hepatology Associates Course, Part 1: Hepatology Associates as Leaders in Multidisciplinary Care

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM EST

The Associates Course expands the knowledge base of participants to improve patient outcomes in behavioral, nutritional, and pharmacologic interventions in chronic liver disease. Speakers explore topics including: (1) novel treatment models of chronic hepatitis C and MASLD/MASH; (2) pharmacist driven management of chronic liver disease; (3) resource-limited management of chronic liver disease; and (4) palliative approaches to management of patients with chronic liver disease.

Hepatology Associates Course, Part 2: Novel Insights From Hepatology Associates

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

The Associates Course expands the knowledge base of participants to improve patient outcomes in behavioral, nutritional, and pharmacologic interventions in chronic liver disease. Speakers explore topics including: (1) novel treatment models of chronic hepatitis C and MASLD/MASH; (2) pharmacist driven management of chronic liver disease; (3) resource-limited management of chronic liver disease; and (4) palliative approaches to management of patients with chronic liver disease.

Point-of-Care Liver Ultrasonography Course: Basic Skills, Part 1

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

This symposium introduces the concept of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) of the liver as an extension of the clinical exam to be performed by hepatology clinicians. Presenters provide a rationale for the use of POCUS, the basics of liver ultrasonography, common applications, and a path to implement POCUS in clinical practice.

American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (AASLD/NASPGHAN) Course, Part 1—Getting to the Heart of the Matter: Navigating Fontan-Associated Liver Disease

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM EST

Hepatology, cardiology, and transplant medicine experts discuss the pathophysiology, clinical management, and long-term outcomes of Fontan-associated liver disease. The symposium highlights emerging research, diagnostic advancements, and multidisciplinary approaches to improve surveillance, treatment, and transplant decision-making for this unique patient population. Audience members learn from persuasive arguments by transplant surgeons regarding the options of isolated heart transplant versus combined heart-liver transplant for pediatric patients with Fontan failure. Attendees participate in this discussion by questioning presenters and voting how they would handle a challenging clinical case in light of the information presented.

Point-of-Care Liver Ultrasonography Course: Basic Skills, Part 2

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

This symposium introduces the concept of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) of the liver as an extension of the clinical exam to be performed by hepatology clinicians. Presenters provide a rationale for the use of POCUS, the basics of liver ultrasonography, common applications, and a path to implement POCUS in clinical practice.

American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (AASLD/NASPGHAN) Course, Part 2—Portal Hypertension: Learning From Data in Adults to Improve the Diagnosis and Management of Children

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM

Portal hypertension remains a challenging complication of pediatric liver disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Management of portal hypertension in adults and children can vary. This session reviews the diagnosis and management of pediatric portal hypertension, learning from adult data.

Point-of-Care Liver Ultrasonography Course, Part 2—Advanced Skills

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

This workshop provides advanced training for use of liver point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) and is intended for professionals who have previously completed the basic skills liver POCUS courses at The Liver Meeting or Digestive Disease Week. The workshop includes a theoretical portion focusing on assessment of inpatient liver findings using POCUS, liver electrography, and advice on implementing liver POCUS in clinical practice. A hands-on session follows with an approach to specific liver findings instead of normal liver anatomy. The workshop concludes with a question-and-answer period. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: To register for this session, participants must either be registered for the Basic Skills Liver POCUS Workshop at The Liver Meeting 2025 or have previously completed a Basic Skills Liver POCUS Workshop at The Liver Meeting 2024 or Digestive Disease Week 2025.