The Discipline
Transplant Hepatology represents advanced training in gastroenterology and focuses on the management of advanced liver disease. Training provides a comprehensive understanding of hepatopathology and diagnostic techniques needed to evaluate and manage potential liver transplant patients. Transplant hepatologists also manage transplant patients both before and after transplantation, and therefore have expertise in managing issues such as immunosuppression and transplant-associated infectious diseases.
Transplant hepatologists typically practice in gastroenterology group practices and in medical institutions where liver transplantation is offered.
Training
Transplant Hepatology training involves one year of additional clinical training after completion of both a basic residency in internal medicine and fellowship training in gastroenterology. The American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Pediatrics jointly administer the Transplant Hepatology certification Program; following completion, internists are eligible for certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Training Positions
In the 2019-2020 academic year, there are 54 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited training programs in transplant hepatology with 54 trainees. There are also 15 ACGME-accredited training programs in pediatric transplant hepatology with 10 trainees.
Major Professional Societies
- American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases
- International Liver Transplantation Society
Back to the January 2020 issue of ACP IMpact