Hepatologist

Hepatologist

Hepatology, a branch of medicine, encompasses the study and management of disorders affecting the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas. The term "Hepatology" originates from the ancient Greek words hepar(ηπαρ) or hepato-(ηπατο-), meaning 'liver,' combined with the suffix -logia(-λογια), meaning 'word' or 'speech.'

While traditionally considered a sub-specialty of gastroenterology, the rapid growth in this field has led to the emergence of doctors specializing solely in hepatology, known as hepatologists. These specialists are trained in diagnosing and treating liver diseases, typically being board-certified gastroenterologists with a clinical and research focus on liver disease.

The primary reasons for seeking specialist advice from hepatologists are diseases and complications related to viral hepatitis and alcohol consumption. More than 2 billion people worldwide have been infected with the Hepatitis B virus at some point, with around 350 million becoming persistent carriers. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viruses account for up to 80% of liver cancers, with hepatitis B ranking second only to smoking in terms of cancer-causing agents. However, with widespread vaccination and strict blood transfusion screening, future infection rates are expected to decrease. Nonetheless, increasing alcohol consumption in many countries is leading to a rise in cirrhosis and related complications.

Research indicates that hepatologists achieve better treatment outcomes for patients with liver disease. However, access to hepatologists may be limited in some areas. In such cases, expert care can be provided by board-certified gastroenterologists.

Most hepatologists either own their own practices or are partners in a practice, although some may be employed by hospitals or groups. As with many physicians, higher patient volumes and performing more procedures generally result in higher earnings.