Cirrhosis Care in Motion, 2026

Hosted as a part of the University of Iowa’s Liver Wellness Project, the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Coralville drew healthcare professionals from across the nation for Cirrhosis Care in Motion: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Management. This conference was designed for a broad audience, sharing the latest in research and care for people living with cirrhosis.

Marta Tejedor Bravo, MD, MSc, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, moderated the event across its morning and afternoon sessions. Tejedor also delivered a presentation alongside several faculty members from the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

Presentations from Internal Medicine faculty included:

The Shifting Landscape of Cirrhosis: Diagnosis and risk stratification
Antonio Sanchez, MD

When to Refer: Recognizing Hepatic Decompensation and Liver Transplant Criteria
Alan Gunderson, MD

Infections in Cirrhosis: Prevention and Management
Dilek Ince, MD

Acute Kidney Injury in Cirrhosis: Hepatorenal Syndrome Update
Marta Tejedor, MD, PhD

Interventional Radiology and their magic: Technical Considerations and Portal Vein Thrombosis
Francisco Donato, Jr., MD

Endohepatology: when Endoscopy and Hepatology converge
Munish Ashat, MD

Nutrition in Cirrhosis: Addressing Frailty and Malnutrition
Sara Naimimohasses, MD, PhD

Panel Discussion with the Experts
Yolanda Villalvazo, MD

The program also featured nationally and internationally recognized experts who shared perspectives on new approaches to cirrhosis management and the complications of advanced liver disease.

Preventing Variceal Bleeding: from Beta-Blockers to Preemptive TIPS
Juan Gonzalez Abraldes, MD
University of Alberta, Canada

Ascites Management in Cirrhosis: From Diuretics to TIPS
Anahita Rabiee, MD, MHS

Baveno VIII update: what is new in Portal Hypertension?
Virginia Hernandez-Gea, MD
Hepatologist Clinic Barcelona, Spain

Palliative Care in Cirrhosis: Improving Quality of Life in End-Stage Liver Disease
Jesse Civan, MD

In addition to educational sessions, attendees had the opportunity to engage with trainee research during a poster session featuring projects related to liver disease and cirrhosis care. Industry exhibitors were also present throughout the day, providing opportunities for professionals to learn more about new technologies and resources in hepatology practice.

This CME is one part of the broader Iowa Liver Wellness Project, which promotes liver health through professional education and community outreach. One of these events is the annual Run For Your Liver, Run For Your Life 5k, which followed the conference on September 27th. These efforts raise awareness of liver disease, connecting our community members and health care professionals.