Associate Fellows

Associate Fellow of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AF-AASLD) is the highest distinction among Associate members of AASLD, and recognizes distinguished professional achievements, advanced training, education, and commitment to the highest level of hepatology care in clinical, research or academic practice.

The Associate Fellow of the AASLD is dedicated to promoting Associates and their delivery of specialized and high-quality health care. The purpose of the Associate Fellow is to further advance the role of Associates in the association and field, develop future leaders, support their careers as mentors, expand engagement in committees and special interest groups and enhance AASLD’s mission.

Associate Fellowship is open to the following professionals:

• Clinical Pharmacists
• Physician Assistants
• Nurse Practitioners
• Clinical Nurse Specialists
• Registered Nurses
• Registered Dieticians
• Other Allied Health Professionals

It is awarded to advanced practice providers and other allied health professionals who have made a significant contribution to the knowledge and/or practice of liver diseases and is considered a leader in the field.

Submit Your Application

Benefits of Becoming an AF-AASLD

• As an AASLD Associate Fellow, you will have the use of the letters "AF-AASLD" in your professional activities.
• Upon acceptance, you will receive a certificate and recognition in AASLD publications.
• Opportunity to contribute in the area of student and early career training of Associates.
• Serve as a premier leader and valuable resource to your colleagues.
• Help facilitate career development of Associates through networking, interdisciplinary collaboration, education and mentorship.
• Be the champion of Associates within the field of hepatology across all practice settings.

Associate Fellows Program Criteria 

All applicants must meet the following mandatory criteria:

• Current membership with 10 or more consecutive years of associate, regular or international membership.
• Completed post-graduate training as a PharmD/RPh, PA, NP, RD, or RN (Masters, DNP, PhD or equivalent). Anyone with an MD/DO is not eligible.
• In academic or clinical practice for more than 10 years since completing post-graduate training or licensure.
• Current or past leadership position in AASLD or other liver related societies (e.g. ALF, EASL, APASL, ALEH) or any other non-liver related medical society at a state, national, or international level (e.g. SGNA, AANP, AAPA).
• Evidence of service to the community (e.g. ALF activity, local organizations).
• Attended five of the last 10 Liver Meetings.
• Submit two letters of recommendation from current FAASLD members.

Applicants must meet criteria of one of two tracks in addition to mandatory criteria: Clinical Practice OR Administrative/Leadership/Clinical Research/Educators.

Clinical Practice

• Actively caring for patients with liver disease for the last 10 years.

Administrative/Leadership/Clinical Research/Educators

• Faculty appointment in teaching hospital or academic medical center at Associate Professor/Professor level or equivalent including Adjunct;
• AND greater  than 10 peer reviewed full publications related to liver disease and/or accepted first author abstracts related to liver disease with oral or poster presentations at regional, national, or international meetings.

Fee

A non-refundable fee of $100 (USD) must accompany each application.

Annual membership dues for Associate Fellows (AF-AASLD) are $141.75 (USD).

Maintenance of annual dues is required to maintain your AF-AASLD designation in good standing.  

Important Dates for AF-AASLD

• Application Submission opened: August 1, 2023
• Application Deadline closed: December 1, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. (EST). All applications and supporting materials must be submitted by the deadline. We are unable to accept applications after this date. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
• Acceptance Notification: March 31, 2024 (End of 1st Quarter 2024)

How To Apply

You can submit your application through your member account. Applications must include the following:

• Applicant personal statement (no more than 750 words)
• Curriculum vitae
• Two letters of sponsorship from current FAASLD members
  • Sponsors should be well acquainted with the applicant’s professional activities.
  • The letters should be originally written on the sponsor’s business letterhead and highlight the applicant’s professional accomplishments and why the applicant warrants the AF-AASLD designation.
• Proof of board certification
• License number

The letters of recommendation should, at a minimum, include:

• How well you know the applicant (in what capacity, for how long, verify duration of clinical practice, etc.).
• Qualifications that justify Associate Fellowship, specifically describing the applicant’s scope of practice, their strengths, including:
  • Research and publications
  • Teaching
  • Clinical care
  • Leadership
  • Community service
  • Candidate’s integrity and moral character
  • Activities in AASLD, such as Committee service, presentations, etc.
  • A means of contact if the Committee has questions

Incomplete applications will not be processed and application fees are non-refundable. Please consider submission milestones and plan ahead to ensure you allow adequate time to gather all required materials for your application. 

Questions

Any questions about the qualifications and procedures regarding the AF-AASLD Program should be directed to Megan Watson, AASLD's Membership Manager at aasld@aasld.org.