In confronting the most pressing challenges in hepatology, the Division of Liver Diseases in the Department of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai remains a global leader. In its distinguished 60-year history, the Division has been led by only four Chiefs, and in succeeding my mentor, Scott Friedman, MD,  I take immense pride in supporting an exceptional team that consistently provides innovative research, treatment, and training.

With paradigm-shifting programs, the Division is making continuous strides in connecting patients to lifesaving care. For example, while remarkable progress has been made in curing chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) through oral medications, only a small fraction of infected patients have received treatment. To address this, Mount Sinai's Liver Education and Action Program (LEAP), under the direction of Douglas Dieterich, MD, is ensuring these curative therapies reach more patients each day—a crucial step towards worldwide HCV elimination. Concurrently, the Division is also testing new therapies for hepatitis B virus (HBV), aimed at eliminating the need for lifelong antiviral treatment.

As obesity and diabetes rates continue to climb, we are witnessing a surge in metabolic-dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In women, MASLD is now the leading indication for liver transplantation, and it remains the second most common indication overall. Our clinicians and scientists are at the forefront of efforts to identify new therapeutic targets, stratify disease risk and outcomes, predict fibrosis progression, and enroll patients in cutting-edge treatment trials. In 2022, we established the MASLD/MASH Center of Excellence, which standardizes clinical protocols and conducts clinical and translational studies to elucidate the disease's molecular, cellular, and immunogenic mechanisms. To complement the Center, we also launched the Institute for Liver Research, a multidisciplinary program that advances basic liver research designed to reveal new therapeutic targets and develop novel, effective therapies for liver diseases.Meanwhile, the Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, led by Josep Llovet, MD, PhD,  remains an international leader in the molecular subclassification of tumors, a key step in establishing personalized therapies. Launched in 2005, today the Liver Cancer Program is a major component of The Tisch Cancer Institute’s success. Additionally, under the direction of Andrea Branch, PhD,  the Division is currently leading studies that examine the long-term liver effects of environmental toxins in World Trade Center first responders. We are also looking forward to launching our Women’s Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases in 2024, with Tatyana Kushner, MD, at the helm.

As a premier training ground for future hepatologists, The Division offers one of the largest and longest-running accredited hepatology fellowship programs in the country. We are also one of the few freestanding Liver Disease divisions in the United States—operating independently from, but in collaboration with, Gastroenterology—and we attract top clinicians, educators, and researchers whose expertise allows us to tackle the most complex liver cases. Our fellows gain invaluable experience working alongside these faculty members, and position themselves to become leaders in the field.

As System Chief, I am committed to both upholding and expanding the Division's esteemed legacy—and I encourage you to explore the outstanding opportunities we offer our faculty, researchers, patients, and fellows.

Meena B. Bansal, MD
Professor of Medicine, Liver Diseases
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
System Chief, Division of Liver Diseases
Director, MASLD/MASH (NAFLD/NASH) Center of Excellence