Don’t miss one of the most anticipated sessions at The Liver Meeting® (TLM). Watch rising hepatology fellows-in-training compete in an evidence-based discussion. This year’s topic is; Is Resmetirom or Semaglutide the Best First-Line Treatment for Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatohepatitis With Stage 2–3 Fibrosis? 

Application Information

Applications open August 3 to participate at TLM this November 5-9 in Denver, Colorado. Please note: Only one application per team is required. 

Selected teams will showcase their clinical knowledge, defend opposing viewpoints, and engage in a spirited scientific discussion before a live audience. 

Application deadline: Monday, August 31, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EDT 

Eligibility 

Each team must include: 
- Two fellows-in-training, with at least one fellow enrolled in a transplant hepatology fellowship (traditional fourth-year fellow or GI/TH dual certification fellow). 
- One faculty mentor, who will serve as the primary contact and accompany the fellows on stage during the debate. 

Institutions that participated in the 2024 or 2025 Academic Debates are not eligible to apply. 

Selected teams must participate in person on Friday, Nov. 6, 9:45-10:45 a.m. MT in Denver. 

Recognition and Benefits 

The winning team will be recognized during the session and receive a trophy for their success. 

Each speaker receives the following speaker benefits: 
- $500 honorarium 
- Complimentary registration to TLM 
- Coverage for one hotel night stay 

2025 Academic Debate Winners 

Congratulations to Nadera Altork, MD and Ismail Elkhattib, MD, of University of Nebraska Medical Center for their winning debate. Their strong arguments and clinical insights stood out in a competitive and thought-provoking debate.