Get up to speed on major advances in hepatology that have been published over the last 12 months at  AASLD’s Hepatology Update: The Year in Review, taking place during Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW) 2017. We talked with Paul Martin, MD, FAASLD, the co-moderator (with Hugo Vargas, MD, FAASLD) about what to expect this year.

Q: What are a few of the hot topics that will be covered at this year’s course?

A: As it has been for the last several years, treatment for hepatitis C (HCV) is a very hot topic. We’ll also be discussing new drugs for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).

Q: What are one or two advances that you’re most looking forward to discussing?

A: There are now even more curative options for HCV, which is an exciting development.

Q: Why is it important that DDW attendees stay up to date on hepatology topics?

A: We can cure more and more patients with HCV, and it’s important to know what all of the therapeutic options are and which ones are best for specific patient populations. Gastroenterologists also need to know about changes in organ allocation that will impact the way they manage patients with advanced liver disease. Finally, the course includes presentations on other major causes of chronic liver disease, including PBC and NAFLD, so you will get an update on several topics in one three-hour session.

Q: Who will benefit from attending this course?

A: If you are a healthcare practitioner or a trainee who sees patients with liver disease, this course is for you.

Q: How will this course help clinicians improve their practice?

A: This course will be a comprehensive update in managing liver disease. We’ll discuss recently published papers that will alter current practice.

To explore more DDW programming, visit the DDW Website or view the DDW Preliminary Program. Don’t forget – sponsoring society members receive discounted DDW registration.