MASLD Community Network
Welcome to the only platform where you can connect with MASLD/MASH experts in your geographic area and stay up to date with disease state education in the form of short video modules and news articles.
Thought Leader
Mission of the MASLD/MASH Community
Dedicated to fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and improving outcomes for patients living with Metabolic Associated Steatotic Liver Disease.
Connect to MASLD/MASH Experts in Your Region
Discover experts in your region to provide tailored advice, training, and assistance with MASLD/MASH.
Find Popular MASLD/MASH Experts Profiles
Discover top MASLD/MASH experts and explore their profiles, featuring their experience, specialties, and contributions to advancing care in MASLD/MASH.
Connect with MASLD/MASH Experts profiles
Easily connect with leading MASLD/MASH experts to access tailored advice and expert perspectives.
Featured MASLD/MASH Educators
Suzanne Robertazzi
DNP, ANP-BC
Dr. Suzanne E. Robertazzi, DNP, ANP-BC, is an adult care nurse practitioner affiliated with Washington DC VA Medical Center. Her doctoral work focused on implementing a standardized handoff tool to improve transitions of care for adult liver transplant patients. Dr. Robertazzi has also contributed to advanced hepatology education, presenting on topics such as post-liver transplant care and complications.
Michael Hodo
DNP
Michael P. Hodo is a board-certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specializing in gastroenterology at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia. With over 16 years of experience, he provides comprehensive care for veterans with gastrointestinal conditions. Dr. Hodo earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice from Georgia Regents University and is dedicated to improving patient outcomes through expert, patient-centered care.
Elizabeth Alqueza
PA-C
Elizabeth L. Alqueza is a board-certified Physician Assistant practicing in Boston, Massachusetts. She has over 20 years of experience in the medical field, having graduated in 2004. Elizabeth is affiliated with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where she provides comprehensive care to her patients. She is dedicated to delivering patient-centered services and is currently accepting telehealth appointments.
Amy Rourke
PA-C
Amy Rourke is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in hepatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. With over two decades of experience, she is dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care for individuals with liver conditions.
Lindsay Pratt
PA-C
Lindsay Pratt, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant specializing in hepatology at UCHealth Hepatology Clinic on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado. She earned her PA-C from the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine in 2010 and a BA from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2001. Lindsay is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine-Gastroenterology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She is affiliated with the University of Colorado Hospital and is a member of the American Gastroenterology Association and the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
Maribeth Capuno
DNP, RN, ANP-BC
Maribeth Capuno is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in adult health. She practices at the Salem VA Medical Center in Salem, Virginia, providing comprehensive care to veterans with various health conditions. With a focus on adult health, Maribeth is dedicated to delivering patient-centered care, emphasizing preventive health measures and the management of chronic diseases. She is committed to building long-term, trusting relationships with her patients to enhance their overall well-being. Maribeth is affiliated with the Salem VA Medical Center, where she collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to ensure holistic and coordinated care for her patients.
Jessica Crimaldi
MSN, NP-C, CMSRN
Jessica Crimaldi is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner at the Cleveland Clinic, specializing in gastroenterology. With extensive experience in patient care, she focuses on delivering comprehensive and personalized treatment to individuals with complex gastrointestinal conditions. Jessica is also involved in the education and mentoring of advanced practice providers, contributing to the development of future leaders in gastroenterology through structured training programs. Dedicated to improving patient outcomes, Jessica combines clinical expertise with a compassionate approach to ensure the highest quality of care.
Andrea Gossard
APRN, CNP
Andrea Gossard, APRN, CNP, is a compassionate and highly skilled Nurse Practitioner at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. She is dedicated to providing exceptional patient-centered care and works alongside a multidisciplinary team to support comprehensive treatment plans that enhance patient health and well-being.
Ellie Gonyeau
NP
Ellie Gonyeau is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in gastroenterology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston, Massachusetts. She earned her Nurse Practitioner degree from Simmons University and has been practicing since 2020. Ellie is affiliated with Cape Cod Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, providing comprehensive care to patients with various gastrointestinal conditions. She is committed to delivering patient-centered care and building long-term, trusting relationships with her patients.
Elizabeth Goacher
PA-C, MHS
Elizabeth Goacher is a Physician Assistant with Duke University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Division, Duke Liver Center, April 2001 to the present. Her pronouns are she/her. She is engaged in full time clinical practice in Hepatology. She also serves the larger Duke ambulatory practice as Director of Advanced Practice. Her clinical work encompasses the full spectrum of liver disease patient population, from early stage disease to end of life, with a particular interest in portal hypertension. She is also lecturer and preceptor at Duke University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program.
HoChong Gilles
DNP, FNP-BC, AF-AASLD
HoChong Gilles is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with a wealth of experience in hepatology, having worked in the field since 2001. She earned her BS in Biology and Master’s in Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University and completed her Doctorate in Nursing Practice at the University of Virginia in 2018. Her research focuses on portal hypertension and liver transplantation. Dr. Gilles is the Clinical Program Manager for Hepatology and Liver Transplant at the McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. She is actively involved in professional organizations, including the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and Gastroenterology & Hepatology Advanced Practice Providers (GHAPP). She has held leadership roles such as Chair of the Hepatology Associates Committee and Chair of the Hepatology Associates Special Interest Group. Currently, HoChong is the President of the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners.
Jennifer Geremia
MSPAS, PA-C
Jennifer Geremia is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in gastroenterology and advanced endoscopy at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 14 years of experience, she provides comprehensive care across a spectrum of gastrointestinal diseases. Jennifer earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She is actively involved in academia, serving as clinical faculty at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences PA Program, and as an adjunct professor at the University of New England PA Program and the Massachusetts General Hospital School of Health Professions PA Program. Committed to advancing the field, Jennifer contributes to professional organizations such as the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Advanced Practice Providers National Organization and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Melissa Franco
PA-C, MMS
Melissa Franco is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in hepatology at the University of Miami Health System. She provides comprehensive care for patients with liver conditions, including viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Melissa earned her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Nova Southeastern University in 2011. She is fluent in English and Spanish, allowing her to effectively communicate with a diverse patient population. Dedicated to patient-centered care, Melissa is committed to building long-term, trusting relationships with her patients. She is currently accepting new patients and offers virtual visits for added convenience.
Anthony Derencius
MPAS, PA-C
Anthony Derencius is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in hepatology and gastroenterology. He serves as a Sub-Investigator at Pinnacle Clinical Research in San Antonio, Texas, where he focuses on clinical research and patient care in liver diseases. Anthony has extensive experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings, including transplant hepatology. He was honored with the 2018 AASLD Foundation NP/PA Clinical Hepatology Fellowship Award and actively contributes to the Hepatology Associates Committee and Special Interest Groups. Dedicated to advancing hepatology practice, Anthony frequently presents on topics such as the clinical management of immune-mediated liver diseases at professional conferences.
Lindsay Yoder
PA-C, MPAS
Lindsay Yoder is a board certified PA who specializes in hepatology. She received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University and completed her master's degree at Butler University. She is a member of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL). She works to contribute to her team's research pursuits and connect patients with clinical trials for which they are eligible.
Jonathan Yeh
PA
Jonathan Yeh is an experienced Physician Assistant with a career span of over 11 years. For the past 5 years, he has worked as a Physician Assistant at the Center for Liver Disease and Abdominal Transplantation at Columbia University medical Center in New York. He received his Master’s of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Marywood University, Scranton, Pennsylvania. Prior to pursuing his career as a Physician Assistant, he was a business professional, taking various responsibilities in retail and pharmaceutical industry in Taiwan and the U.S. Jonathan received his Master in Business Administration from Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey.
Maly Tiev
NP
Maly Tiev, NP, is an experienced Medical Science Liaison with a demonstrated history of working in the pharmaceuticals industry. Skilled in medical affairs, collaborative relationships and healthcare communication. Strong research professional with a Master of Science (M.S.) focused in Adult Health Nurse/Nursing from Adelphi University.
Erin Tanner
DNP
Erin Tanner is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Gastro Health, providing comprehensive gastroenterological care. She practices at the Alabaster and Grandview locations in Alabama. Erin earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and is in collaborative practice with Dr. Robert D. Loudon. She is dedicated to delivering patient-centered care, focusing on the diagnosis and management of various gastrointestinal conditions.
Sarah Dawkins
FNP-C, MSN, RN
Sarah H. Dawkins is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in hepatology at Duke Health. She practices at Duke Gastroenterology of Raleigh and the Duke Advanced Abdominal Disease Clinic in Durham, North Carolina. Sarah earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Duke University in 2015 and has over nine years of experience in the field. She is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Passionate about building long-term, trusting relationships with her patients, Sarah provides comprehensive care for individuals with liver diseases.
Whitney Steinmetz
DNP, FNP
Whitney Steinmetz, NP, is a Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in hepatology and gastroenterology at Presbyterian Medical Group in Albuquerque, New Mexico. With over 11 years of experience, she provides expert care in liver-related conditions and regularly contributes to the education of her peers. Whitney has been actively involved in speaking at conferences, such as GHAPP, where she presents updates on the treatment of metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). She is dedicated to advancing patient care through both clinical practice and ongoing medical education.
Explore Our Events
GHAPP Eighth Annual Conference
September 04 @ 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm MDT
About the 2025 GHAPP Conference The GHAPP conference is the only conference specifically designed by advanced practice providers (APPs) for the pur..
Explore Our Events
CME EVENT
GHAPP Eighth Annual Conference
September 04 @ 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm MDT
About the 2025 GHAPP Conference The GHAPP conference is the only conference specifically designed by advanced practice providers (APPs) for the pur..
MASLD/MASH Learning Center
Defining, Diagnosing, & Treating MASH
Join Jordan Mayberry, PA-C, for an insightful video from the MASH Boot Camp at the 2024 GHAPP National Conference. Jordan covers the latest advancements in diagnosing metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). She provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of MASH terminology, the diagnostic criteria, and the critical role of patient history in identifying steatosis. Discover how metabolic risk factors, genetic predispositions, and alcohol consumption influence disease progression. Jordan also explores the importance of non-invasive diagnostic tools, when to consider liver biopsies, and how to differentiate MASH from other liver conditions. Perfect for healthcare professionals seeking to refine their approach to liver disease management.
Watch NowManagement of Life Style Modification
This video focuses on the comprehensive management of patients with metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), emphasizing lifestyle modifications, dietary adjustments, and exercise strategies. Key topics include the importance of addressing risk factors like diet, exercise habits, and alcohol intake, as well as referrals to medically supervised weight loss clinics or bariatric surgery for advanced cases. The speaker highlights the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, intermittent fasting, and avoiding ultra-processed foods while discussing the role of resistance training to combat sarcopenia and maintain muscle mass. Practical advice and tailored recommendations ensure a holistic approach to managing MASH and improving patient outcomes.
Watch NowThird Step of Life Style Management
This video provides a comprehensive overview of emerging pharmacologic treatments for metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and their tailored applications based on patient profiles. Topics include FDA-approved therapies, drugs in advanced clinical trials (such as semaglutide and lanifibranor), and the potential for combination treatments targeting both steatohepatitis and fibrosis. The speaker emphasizes the importance of patient-specific approaches considering metabolic profiles, obesity, and diabetes status, alongside lifestyle interventions. Additionally, the video discusses the evolving interdisciplinary care model and highlights the exciting progress in non-invasive testing and treatment advancements for F2-F3 fibrosis.
Watch NowApproved Medication for MASH/NASH
This video provides detailed guidance on selecting and monitoring patients for emerging therapies targeting advanced fibrosis (F2-F3) in NASH. Key topics include contraindications for patients with cirrhosis, considerations for concomitant medications, and dose adjustments for statins. The video outlines ideal candidates based on specific thresholds for VCTE, MRE, ELF scores, and other non-invasive tests while emphasizing the importance of ruling out portal hypertension and other liver diseases. It also reviews a stepwise monitoring approach, focusing on tolerability at three months and efficacy assessments at six and twelve months, with an emphasis on histologic and non-invasive test improvements.
Watch NowTypes of Diet for the Treatment of MASLD
This video explores comprehensive strategies for managing metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), focusing on fibrosis risk stratification, lifestyle modifications, and pharmacologic interventions. Learn about dietary recommendations like the Mediterranean diet, exercise guidelines emphasizing resistance training, and the role of intermittent fasting and processed food avoidance. The video also highlights weight loss targets, diabetes management, and emerging therapies such as GLP-1 receptor agonists and bariatric surgery, all aimed at improving liver health and patient outcomes.
Watch NowNITs to Identify High Risk MASH Patients
Explore advancements in non-invasive diagnostics and risk stratification for liver fibrosis and MASH. This video highlights tools like FIB-4, transient elastography, and innovative scoring systems (e.g., FAST and Agile) to identify and predict outcomes for high-risk patients. Learn about serum biomarkers, updated guidelines, and the role of lifestyle interventions alongside targeted therapies for managing metabolic risks and advancing care in hepatology.
Watch NowWhat is Resmetirom and how does it work to treat MASH?
Thank you to Madrigal for sponsoring the Medication Review Video Module. In this GHAPP Medication Review video, Robin Soto, a board-certified nurse practitioner at UC San Diego Health Hepatology, explains the mechanism of action of Resmetirom, the first and only FDA-approved drug for the treatment of MASH in adults with mild to moderate fibrosis (F2-F3). Robin describes how Resmetirom, a liver-directed, thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist, targets liver fat accumulation, promoting fatty acid oxidation and improving cholesterol metabolism. She highlights its anti-inflammatory effects and ability to reduce liver fibrosis by selectively activating receptors in the liver, while minimizing systemic side effects. For more information, visit the GHAPP website and ACE app.
Watch NowWhat is the clinical profile of Resmetirom, including dosing schedules?
Thank you to Madrigal for sponsoring this Medication Review Video Module! In this GHAPP Medication Review Video Module, nurse practitioner Whitney Steinmetz discusses the clinical profile of Resmetirom, a thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist indicated for adults with metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and moderate to advanced liver fibrosis. Whitney explores the mechanism of action, dosage recommendations, and the dual primary endpoint success of Resmetirom in clinical trials. She highlights key considerations, including drug interactions and common side effects such as nausea and diarrhea, and how they are generally well-tolerated over time. Learn more about Resmetirom's impact on liver health and patient care by visiting the GHAPP website or app.
Watch NowHow is MASH severity staged? What would an ideal MASH NIT algorithm look like?
Thank you to Madrigal for sponsoring this FAQ Video Module. In this GHAPP FAQ Video Module, Jonathan Yeh, a physician assistant at the Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, discusses advancements in diagnosing and staging metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). He explains the transition from traditional liver biopsy to non-invasive testing methods such as FibroScan and the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) test for assessing fibrosis stages. Jonathan highlights the use of these methods, in combination with blood tests, to provide reliable staging of fibrosis in patients with MASH. For more information, visit the GHAPP website or ACE app.
Watch NowA Phase 3, Randomized, Controlled Trial of Resmetirom in MASH with Liver Fibrosis
Thank you to Madrigal for sponsoring this Journal Club Video Module! In this GHAPP Journal Club review, Lisa Richards, a board-certified family nurse practitioner specializing in hepatology at UC San Diego Health, presents pivotal research from a February 2024 New England Journal of Medicine publication. The phase 3 randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of Resmetirom, the first FDA-approved therapy for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis. Lisa discusses key findings from the study, including improvements in liver fibrosis and NASH resolution in patients treated with Resmetirom compared to placebo. Join her for an in-depth look at this groundbreaking therapy and its impact on patient care.
Watch NowGHAPPcast: Recognizing the Severity of MASH
At Jan 22, 2025
Thank you to Madrigal for sponsoring this episode of GHAPPcast. In this episode of GHAPPcast, nurse practitioners Patrick Horne and April Morris from discuss the complexities of identifying and managing patients with metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). They explore clinical approaches, including the use of bloodwork, family history, and advanced diagnostic tools such as FibroScan, to recognize patients at risk. Patrick and April emphasize the importance of lifestyle interventions like diet and exercise alongside new medical therapies, while also offering practical tips for clinicians on patient monitoring and treatment management. Tune in for valuable insights into managing MASH in clinical practice.
Watch NowLatest News & Blogs
Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, characterized by hepatic steatosis with at least one cardiometabolic risk factor. Patients with MASLD are at increased risk for the occurrence of cardiovascular events. Within this review article, we aimed to provide an update on the pathophysiology of MASLD, its interplay with cardiovascular disease, and current treatment strategies.
Read MorePan-PPAR agonist lanifibranor improves insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in patients with T2D and MASLD
CONCLUSIONS: Lanifibranor significantly improves hepatic, muscle and adipose tissue insulin resistance. Lanifibranor treatment was safe and effective in reducing hepatic steatosis and cardiometabolic risk factors associated with metabolic dysfunction.
Read MoreEstimated Burden of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in US Adults, 2020 to 2050
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this decision analytical modeling study, the model forecast a substantial increase in clinical burden of MASLD over the next 3 decades in the absence of effective treatments. These results suggest that health systems should plan for large increases in the number of HCC cases and in the need for LT.
Read MoreTreatment of rapid recurrence of severe steatosis with combined GLP-1 agonist and growth hormone therapy in a pediatric patient transplanted for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis cirrhosis in the setting of hypopituitarism
The association between hypopituitarism and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasingly recognized, although data about therapies targeting recurrence post-transplant is limited. An 8-year-old with hypopituitarism-associated MASLD underwent a liver transplant due to rapid progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Hepatosteatosis recurred within weeks. Her therapeutic plan included a glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist (GLP-1a) and...
Read MoreUbiquitination of TFEB increased intestinal permeability to aggravate metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis
CONCLUSIONS: The ubiquitination of TFEB plays a pivotal role in increasing intestinal permeability and promoting the progression of MASH by inhibiting autophagy. Intestinal TFEB may represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of MASH.
Read MoreDeep sequencing-derived Metagenome Assembled Genomes from the gut microbiome of liver transplant patients
Recurrence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) after liver transplantation (LT) is a continuing concern. The role of gut microbiome dysbiosis in MASLD initiation and progression has been well established. However, there is a lack of comprehensive gut microbiome shotgun sequence data for patients experiencing MASLD recurrence after LT. In this data descriptor, we describe a dataset of deep metagenomic sequences of a well-defined LT recipient population....
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