Winners of the American Liver Foundation 2025 Poster Competition
Categories encompass six important areas of liver disease education.
The American Liver Foundation (ALF) is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 Liver Health Poster Competition. This unique competition highlights the creativity and expertise of early-career healthcare professionals who produced informative posters and videos on liver-related topics. The focus areas include liver wellness, understanding symptoms and complications of liver disease, caregiver roles, patient inquiries, co-morbidities associated with liver disease, and ongoing research. Participants were challenged to present complex medical information in a way that is engaging and easy for patients and the general public to grasp.
Overview of Competition and Its Purpose
"Congratulations to all of this year’s winners for their outstanding ability to communicate complex medical concepts creatively," commented Lorraine Stiehl, CEO of ALF, who is also a caregiver for a transplant patient. "With 100 million individuals impacted by liver disease, public education regarding new research and treatment options is crucial. It is uplifting to witness early-career professionals contributing to liver disease research and developing solutions that have the potential to help millions."
The Importance of Education on Liver Disease
The need for increased awareness and education surrounding liver diseases cannot be overstated. With more than 100 million affected individuals nationwide, the American Liver Foundation emphasizes the importance of disseminating knowledge about treatment options and preventative measures available. Initiatives like the Liver Health Poster Competition not only foster creativity and innovation but also aim to bridge the gap in understanding liver health among patients and caregivers alike.
This Year’s Category Winners
The winners of the 2025 Liver Health Poster Competition by category are:
- Cameron Adams, MD, PhD, from New York University, for his work on liver wellness. He was mentored by Bilal Asif, MD, NYU Langone Health.
- Ahmad Afzal, MD, Abdul Basit Afzal, MBBS, Nandini Ray, MD, and Dayoung Kelly Jeon, MD, from Houston Methodist Hospital, were recognized for their presentation on what patients want to know, mentored by Sudha Kodali, MD.
- Sarah Householder, MD, of Yale-New Haven Hospital, received accolades for her presentation on the role of the caregiver, with mentorship from Vandana Khungar, MD, MSc, Yale School of Medicine.
- A team from Houston Methodist Hospital consisting of Nandini Ray, MD, Ahman Afzal, MD, and others was awarded for their presentation on symptoms and conditions of liver disease, guided by Sudha Kodali, MD.
- Divya Roy, DO, recognized for her insights into liver disease research from NYU Langone Health, was mentored by Samuel Sigal, MD.
- Emma Schnittka, MD, from Loyola University Medical Center, was honored for her work related to co-morbidities of liver disease, with mentorship from Jonah Rubin, MD.
The People's Choice Award
The People’s Choice Award, determined by public voting, was awarded to Brianna Hamilton, MD, and Hannah O’Neal, MD, for their effective presentation on Racial Disparities in Chronic Liver Disease: Bridging the Gap with New Research. They were mentored by Sudha Kodali, MD, at Houston Methodist Hospital.
Patty Medina, MPH, a volunteer advocacy ambassador and caregiver, expressed her honor in reviewing the entries. "Each submission was filled with creativity and insight, and I felt privileged to assist in selecting the winners. It's rewarding to witness emerging professionals identifying critical gaps in transplant hepatology and proposing evidence-based solutions."
In closing, Sudha Kodali, MD, MSPH and a mentor in this year’s competition, noted that the event provided an excellent opportunity for knowledge sharing, skill development, and professional networking. “Mentoring over ten early career professionals was a joy, and initiatives like this support our goal of nurturing the next generation of dedicated hepatologists who will enhance patient care.”
About the American Liver Foundation
The American Liver Foundation (ALF) is a nationwide organization uniting patients, caregivers, and medical professionals focused on improving liver health outcomes. By offering guidance and resources, ALF serves as a beacon for individuals affected by liver disease. The foundation advocates for patients and families, supports medical research, and educates the public about liver wellness and disease prevention. Through various educational programs and events, they foster a sense of community and support that lasts a lifetime. For more information, please contact them directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the American Liver Foundation?
The American Liver Foundation (ALF) is an organization dedicated to improving liver health through education, support, and advocacy for patients and caregivers.
2. What is the Liver Health Poster Competition?
The Liver Health Poster Competition is a creative contest where early-career healthcare professionals present educational materials on various aspects of liver disease.
3. How are winners selected for the competition?
Winners are chosen based on the quality and creativity of their presentations, with input from experts in the field.
4. Why is public education about liver disease important?
Education helps raise awareness about liver diseases, available treatments, and preventative measures, ultimately improving patient care outcomes.
5. How can someone get involved with the American Liver Foundation?
Medical professionals and interested individuals can learn more about involvement opportunities by visiting the American Liver Foundation's official website.
