Special Interest Groups

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) were created to further enhance AASLD’s collaboration of scientists and health care professionals from a range of disciplines who share common specialized interests in the field of hepatology.

To view the 2024 Impact Report, which captures SIG activities throughout the year, click here.

If you are an AASLD member and interested in creating a Special Interest Group, please click here.

Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

• Acute on Chronic Liver Failure
• Alcohol-associated Liver Disease
• Cholestatic and Autoimmune Liver Diseases
• Clinical Practice
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Hepatology Associates
• Hepatotoxicity
• Liver Cancer
• Liver Cell Biology in Hepatic Diseases
• Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis
• Liver Transplantation and Surgery
• Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease
• Pediatric Liver Disorders
• Portal Hypertension: Clinical and Experimental
• Public Health / Health Care Delivery

SIG Leadership Roles

The position of Chair, Vice-chair and Secretary can only be occupied by AASLD Regular, International and Fellow members who are in good standing. Steering Committee positions can be occupied by AASLD membership categories that are in good standing and are SIG members.

Chair  

The Chair plays a crucial leadership role within the SIG, overseeing the steering committee and ensuring effective governance and decision-making. Key responsibilities include: 

• Leadership: The Chair is the primary leader of the SIG steering committee, guiding the committee’s function to achieve the goals of the SIG membership and ensuring that it remains aligned with the strategic goals of the SIG and the organization. 
• Collaboration with the Governing Board: The Chair may be requested to support additional tasks from the AASLD Governing Board and will ensure that the committee’s work is aligned with the broader organizational goals, and periodic updates are reported back to the Board. 
• Quarterly Calls: The Chair organizes and leads quarterly steering committee calls, collaborating with a staff representative to set the agenda and ensuring productive discussions. 
• The Chair’s role is critical in ensuring the SIG’s success by p roviding leadership, fostering collaboration, and aligning the steering committee’s work with the organization’s overarching goals. Following their term, chairs will be invited to serve as a member of the SIG Advisory Working Group. 

Vice-Chair  

The Vice-Chair plays a vital support role within the SIG, working closely with and assisting the Chair in various leadership and administrative functions. Key responsibilities include: 

• Support to the Chair: Working closely with the Chair to help oversee the steering committee’s activities. This includes assisting with planning, decision-making, and ensuring the smooth operation of SIG functions. 
• Collaboration with Staff: Collaborating with a staff representative to review meeting content and approve minutes from quarterly minutes. 
• Succession in Case of Vacancy: In the event that the Chair position becomes vacant due to resignation or any other reason, the Vice-Chair steps into the role of Chair, assuming all responsibilities and leadership duties. 
• Transition to Chair: At the end of their term as Vice-Chair, the individual automatically succeeds the Chair, ensuring continuity in leadership and smooth transition of responsibilities. 

The Vice Chair will succeed the Chair at the end of their term.  

Trainee Lead  

The Trainee Lead plays a critical role in strengthening the voice of trainees within AASLD while gaining leadership experience and contributing to the success of trainee-focused programs. Key responsibilities include: 

• Supporting Trainee Engagement: The Trainee Lead assists the Chair and Vice Chair in organizing and facilitating initiatives aimed at engaging trainees, particularly around career development and opportunities. 
• Representing Trainees: The Trainee Lead ensures that the perspectives and needs of this group are considered in broader AASLD initiatives. 
• Leadership Development: Gaining hands-on-experience in leadership and contributing to the organization’s initiatives. 

 The Trainee Lead SIG positions require verification. Candidates will be contacted for a verification letter after the nomination is received and before the elections open. 

Associate Lead  

• The Associate Lead role focuses on engaging and supporting the Hepatology Associates community within AASLD, which includes PAs, NPs, CRNAs, CNMs, CNS, RNs, and RDs. Key responsibilities include: 
• Supporting the Chair and Vice-Chair: The Associate Lead works closely with the Chair and Vice-Chair to enhance the involvement of Hepatology Associates in the SIG community. This includes helping to plan initiatives, events, and resources that support the professional growth and engagement of this group. 
• Fostering Community Involvement: The role is key in ensuring that Hepatology Associates feel included and have a voice in AASLD’s decision-making processes, helping to advocate for their needs and interests. 

The Associate Lead SIG positions require verification.

Communication Lead 

• The Communication Lead is responsible for managing and enhancing communication for the SIG, ensuring that information is effectively shared with members and the broader hepatology community. Key responsibilities include: 
• Fostering Online Community Engagement: The Communication Lead encourages active participation and lively discussions within the online SIG community platform. This includes initiating conversations, moderating discussions, and ensuring that the platform remains a valuable resource for SIG members to connect, share ideas, and discuss relevant issues in hepatology. 
• Enhancing SIG Visibility: The role involves increasing the visibility and reach of the SIG by highlighting its activities, achievements, and contributions to the field of hepatology. The Communication Lead helps to create a positive presence both within AASLD and the broader hepatology community. Networking and SIG member career support are also a component of this position's functions. 

Education Lead 

The Education Lead collaborates closely with SIG leadership and other stakeholders to shape and deliver educational programming for the SIG and AASLD. Key responsibilities include: 

• Developing Educational Programming: The lead works with the SIG leadership to create engaging and relevant educational content for various platforms and events, including: 
  • TLM (The Liver Meeting) 
  • DDW (Digestive Disease Week) 
  • ETCs (Emerging Topic Conference) 
  • Webinars and Digital Resources: Design and implement digital learning offerings such as webinars and online courses to expand accessibility and engagement for a wide audience. 
• Submitting Educational Proposals: The lead is responsible for submitting educational proposals on behalf of the SIG, ensuring they meet AASLD’s criteria for content quality, relevance, and compliance with guidelines. 
• Quality Control: Along with the SIG leadership, the education lead ensures that all educational content is high-quality, up-to-date, and scientifically rigorous, while also being accessible and engaging for attendees. 

This position will also work to submit all educational proposals in accordance with AASLD criteria.