Academic Debate
Don’t miss one of the most anticipated sessions at The Liver Meeting® (TLM): 2026 Academic Debate. Watch as rising hepatology fellows-in-training compete in an evidence-based discussion on a critical hepatology theme. This year’s selected topic is: Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis with stage 2-3 fibrosis. Selected teams will assess whether Resmetirom or Semaglutide is the best first-line treatment.
Now Accepting Applications
Participate in the 2026 Academic Debate at TLM this November in Denver, Colorado. Selected teams will showcase their clinical knowledge, defend opposing viewpoints, and engage in an energetic scientific discussion before a live audience. Each team must submit one application by Monday, Aug. 31 at 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
- 2024: UT Southwestern
- 2025: University of Nebraska
All team members must attend the debate in person: Friday, Nov. 6 from 9:45-10:45 a.m. MT in Denver, Colorado.
2025 Academic Debate Winners
Congratulations to Nadera Altork, MD and Ismail Elkhattib, MD of University of Nebraska Medical Center! Their strong arguments and clinical insights stood out in a competitive and thought-provoking debate.
They join the 2024 Academic Debate winners:
- Ashwini Arvind, MBBS, and Mohammad Amin Fallahzadeh, MD, MPH, of UT Southwestern for their winning debate on HCC screening.
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
