Liver Summit 2026
The two-day summit offers a comprehensive examination of two pivotal aspects of liver disease
May 19 - 20, 2026
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Vivian and Seymour Milstein Family Heart Center
Program Overview Day 1: The Seventh Annual Pediatric Liver Disease and Transplantation
The overall activity focuses on advancing the understanding and management of pediatric chronic liver disease. “Navigating Chronic Liver Disease in Children: From Diagnosis to Transplant” will feature keynote lectures and interactive panels covering etiology, diagnosis, nutrition, psychosocial support, and complications of end-stage disease. The program also highlights organ allocation, living donation, and patient perspectives, offering a multidisciplinary approach to improving outcomes for children.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the common causes, diagnostic approaches, and complications of chronic liver disease in children, including the role of non-invasive biomarkers and multidisciplinary evaluation.
- Explain evidence-based strategies for optimizing nutrition, addressing psychosocial challenges, and engaging families in the long-term care planning of pediatric liver disease patients.
- Understand current approaches to managing end-stage liver disease complications, organ allocation practices, and the role of both living and deceased donor transplantation in improving pediatric outcomes.
Target Audience
This program has been designed for primary care physicians, Pediatric Gastroenterologists, Pediatric Surgeons, Transplant Surgeons, Nurses, Social Workers, Dieticians, Physician Assistants and any other clinicians involved in the management and treatment of pediatric liver disease and transplantation
Program Overview Day 2: The Forth Annual Advances in the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Multidisciplinary Approach
The Third Annual Advances in the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Multidisciplinary Approach This multidisciplinary program provides a comprehensive update on the diagnosis, screening, and management of primary liver malignancies, with a focus on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), and emerging applications in transplant oncology. Through expert-led lectures, case-based discussions, and panel sessions, the program emphasizes evolving epidemiology, novel biomarkers, immunotherapy, interventional and surgical approaches, and the role of transplantation in advanced liver and colorectal cancer metastases. Attendees will gain practical, evidence-based insights to support collaborative decision-making and optimize patient care across the continuum of liver cancer management.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand current and emerging epidemiologic trends, risk factors, and disparities in hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma, including implications for screening and early diagnosis.
- Identify appropriate diagnostic, medical, interventional, surgical, and transplant-based treatment strategies for liver malignancies using a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach.
- Explain the evolving role of novel biomarkers, immunotherapy, liver-directed therapies, and transplant oncology in optimizing outcomes for patients with primary and metastatic liver cancers.
Target Audience
This program has been designed oncology providers, including surgeons, physicians, fellows, residents, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who manage patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) across various clinical specialties including; general & transplant surgery, oncology, immunology, pulmonology, cardiology, gastroenterology, infectious disease, neuroscience & radiology.
Joint Accreditation Statement
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Columbia University Department of Surgery and Amedco LLC. Amedco LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physicians
Amedco LLC designates this live activity for a maximum of 13.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Physicians Assistants
PAs may claim a maximum of 13.25 Category 1 credits for completing this activity. NCCPA accepts AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society.
Nurse Practitioners
The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) recognizes the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as approved accreditors and allow reciprocity for AANPCP continuing education credit. Maximum 12 hours.
Satisfactory Completion
Learners must complete an evaluation form to receive a certificate of completion. Your chosen sessions must be attended in their entirety. Partial credit of individual sessions is not available. If you are seeking continuing education credit for a specialty not listed above, it is your responsibility to contact your licensing/certification board to determine course eligibility for your licensing/certification requirement.
Refund Policy
Registration is limited and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Telephone registrations/cancellations/refunds cannot be accepted.
Method of Participation
You will receive a confirmation email before the event with instructions for joining via Zoom and attending the Summit In-person instructions.
Tickets
MD, DO, PhD: Attending In-Person
Day 1: Pediatric Liver Disease and Transplantation
175.00 USD
Day 2: Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Adult Liver Cancer
175.00 USD
Both Days
300.00 USD
RN, NP, PA: Attending In- Person
Day 1: Pediatric Liver Disease and Transplantation
150.00 USD
Day 2: Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Adult Liver Cancer
150.00 USD
Both Days
250.00 USD
MD, DO, PhD: Attending Virtually
Day 1: Pediatric Liver Disease and Transplantation
150.00 USD
Day 2: Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Adult Liver Cancer
150.00 USD
Both Days
250.00 USD
RN, NP, PA: Attending Virtually
Day 1: Pediatric Liver Disease and Transplantation
100.00 USD
Day 2: Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Adult Liver Cancer
100.00 USD
Both Days
150.00 USD
Fellows, Residents, Students, VIP: Attending In-Person
Day 1: Pediatric Liver Disease and Transplantation
0.00 USD
Day 2: Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Adult Liver Cancer
0.00 USD
Both Days
0.00 USD
Fellows, Residents, Students, VIP: Attending Virtually
Day 1: Pediatric Liver Disease and Transplantation
0.00 USD
Day 2: Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Adult Liver Cancer
0.00 USD
Both Days
0.00 USD
Agenda
Tuesday, May 19
8:00 AM
8:00 AM
Day 1- The Seventh Annual Pediatric Liver Disease and Transplantation
Event Start
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Registration & Breakfast | Exhibitor Hall
• Welcome Material Distribution
• Poster Viewing Session
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM
Inauguration & Welcome Remarks
Tomoaki Kato, MD, NYP/ Columbia University Irving Medical Center
9:10 AM - 9:50 AM
9:10 AM - 9:50 AM
Keynote Lecture:Overview of Pediatric Chronic Liver Disease: Trends, Challenges, and the Way Forward
Moderator: Mercedes Martinez, MD & Peter Liou, MD, NYP/CUIMC
Speaker: Benjamin Shneider, MD, Texas Children's Hospital
9:50 AM - 10:00 AM
9:50 AM - 10:00 AM
Panel Discussion and Q&A
10:00 AM
10:00 AM
Session One: Etiology & Diagnosis
Moderator(s): Nathaly Llore, MD, NYP/ Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Amanda Cantor, MD, NYP/ Columbia University Irving Medical Center
10:00 AM - 10:20 AM
10:00 AM - 10:20 AM
Common Causes of CLD in Children (Autoimmune, Metabolic, Viral)
Mercedes Martinez, MD, NYP/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
10:20 AM - 10:45 AM
10:20 AM - 10:45 AM
Diagnostic Algorithm and role of Non-Invasive Biomarkers (Fibroscan, Imaging, Biopsy)
Elise Kang, MD, NYP/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Mark Liszewski, NYP/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Stephen Lagana, MD, NYP/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Panel Discussion and Q&A
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Break | Exhibitor Hall
11:15 AM
11:15 AM
Session Two: Nutrition & Psychosocial Support
Moderator(s): Steven Lobritto, MD, NYP/ Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Elise Kang,MD, NYP/ Columbia University Irving Medical Center
11:15 AM - 11:40 AM
11:15 AM - 11:40 AM
Nutritional Evaluation and Strategies to Improve Nutrition in Chronic Liver Disease
11:40 AM - 12:00 PM
11:40 AM - 12:00 PM
Psychological Impact on Child and Family
Paige Gorodetzky, MD, NYP/Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Meredith L Townes, MD, NYP/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
12:00 PM - 12:20 PM
12:00 PM - 12:20 PM
Engaging Parents in Long-Term Care Planning
Kate Mullen, LICSW (“Finn the Mighty Warrior's” Mom), Natasha Dilwali, MD, NYP/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
12:15 PM - 12:40 PM
12:15 PM - 12:40 PM
Panel Discussion and Q&A
12:40 PM - 1:40 PM
12:40 PM - 1:40 PM
Lunch | Exhibitor Hall
1:40 PM
1:40 PM
Session Three: Screening for and Managing Complications of End-Stage Liver Diseases
Moderator(s): Jason Hawksworth, MD NYP/ Columbia University Irving Medical Center & Adriana Perez, MD NYP/ Columbia University Irving Medical Center & Adriana Perez
1:40 PM - 1:55 PM
1:40 PM - 1:55 PM
Breaking the Cycle: Prevention and Treatment of Variceal GI Bleeds
Steven Lobritto, MD, NYP/ Columbia University Irving Medical Center
1:55 PM - 2:10 PM
1:55 PM - 2:10 PM
The Fluid Truth: A Clinical Approach to Ascites
Pooja Reddy Spector, MD, MS, NYP/ Columbia Irving Medical Center
2:10 PM - 2:25 PM
2:10 PM - 2:25 PM
Beyond the Liver: Distinguishing HRS from Other Causes of Acute Kidney Injury in Liver Disease
Namarata Jain, MD, Hackensack Meridian Health
2:25 PM - 2:40 PM
2:25 PM - 2:40 PM
Beyond the Liver: Understanding the Heart and Lungs in Cirrhosis
Moreshwar Desai, MD, Texas Children
2:40 PM - 2:55 PM
2:40 PM - 2:55 PM
Confused Mind, Failing Liver: Understanding Hepatic Encephalopathy
Amanda Cantor, MD, NYP/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
2:55 PM - 3:20 PM
2:55 PM - 3:20 PM
Panel Discussion and Q&A
3:20 PM - 3:45 PM
3:20 PM - 3:45 PM
PM Break | Poster Walk
3:45 PM
3:45 PM
Session 4: Organ Allocations
Moderator(s): Pooja Reddy Spector, MD, MS, NYP/Columbia University Irving Medical Center & Peter Liuo, MD, NYP/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM
Optimizing Pediatric Allocation: Strategies to Reduce Waitlist Mortality
Dr. Peter Liou MD, NYP/ Columbia University Irving Medical Center
4:00 PM - 4:15 PM
4:00 PM - 4:15 PM
When Timing is Everything: Is There a Role for Living Donor Transplant in a Critically Ill Child?
Nathaly Llore, MD, NYP/ Columbia University Irving Medical Center
4:15 PM - 4:30 PM
4:15 PM - 4:30 PM
Transplant at a Crossroads: Managing End-Stage Liver Disease in Children with Cardiac Comorbidity
Adriana Perez, MD, NYP/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
4:30 PM - 4:45 PM
4:30 PM - 4:45 PM
Panel Discussion and Q&A
4:45 PM - 5:00 PM
4:45 PM - 5:00 PM
Moderator(s): Megan Phipps, MD, NYP/ Columbia University Irving Medical Center
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Poster of Distinction Presentation. Wine and Cheese Reception and Closure
Moderator(s): Tomoaki Kato, MD, NYP/ Columbia University Irving Medical Center & Peter Liou, MD, NYP/ Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Wednesday, May 20
9:00 AM
9:00 AM
Day 2- The Fourth Annual Advances in the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Multidisciplinary Approach
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Registration | Breakfast | Vendor Exhibits
9:30 AM - 9:35 AM
9:30 AM - 9:35 AM
Welcoming Remarks
Tomoaki Kato, MD & Elizabeth C. Verna, MD, MS
NYP/ Columbia University Irving Medical Center
9:35 AM
9:35 AM
Session 1: Primary liver malignancies – Updates in epidemiology, screening, and diagnosis of HCC and CCA
Moderators: Elizabeth Verna, MD, MS, and Peter Liou, MD, NYP/ Columbia University Irving Medical Center
9:35 AM - 9:55 AM
9:35 AM - 9:55 AM
Evolving Epidemiology of HCC: Impact of liver disease etiology and disparities in diagnosis
Meaghan Phipps, MD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
9:55 AM - 10:25 AM
9:55 AM - 10:25 AM
Update on Screening & Novel Biomarkers for HCC
Neehar Parikh, MD, University of Michigan
10:25 AM - 10:45 AM
10:25 AM - 10:45 AM
Novel Mechanisms of HCC Pathogenesis
Robert Schwabe, MD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
10:45 AM - 11:05 AM
10:45 AM - 11:05 AM
New Epidemiological Trends and Screening Recommendations in Cholangiocarcinoma
Susan Bates, MD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
11:05 AM - 11:25 AM
11:05 AM - 11:25 AM
Diagnostic Approach to Solid Liver Lesions & LIRADS Criteria
Victoria Chernyak, MD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
11:25 AM - 11:35 AM
11:25 AM - 11:35 AM
Panel Discussion and Q &A
11:35 AM - 12:20 PM
11:35 AM - 12:20 PM
Lunch | Exhibit Hall
12:20 PM
12:20 PM
Session 2: Multidisciplinary Care and Therapeutic Approaches to Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Moderators: Meaghan Phipps, MD, and Jason Hawksworth, MD
12:20 PM - 1:00 PM
12:20 PM - 1:00 PM
Immunotherapy for HCC: Current Recommendations & Future Directions
Ruth He, MD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
1:00 PM - 1:20 PM
1:00 PM - 1:20 PM
Interventional Radiology Approaches to HCC Treatments: Science and Early Results of Histotripsy
Stephen Reis, MD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
1:20 PM - 1:40 PM
1:20 PM - 1:40 PM
Surgical Approach to HCC: Resection and Transplant
Jason Hawksworth, MD
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
1:40 PM - 2:15 PM
1:40 PM - 2:15 PM
Moderated Case Presentation and Panel Discussion
Topic: Treatment of HCC: Systemic Therapy, Liver-Directed Therapy, and Liver Surgery
Presenter: Alyson Fox, MD, MS, NYP/CUIMC
Panel: Meaghan Phipps, MD, Jason Hawksworth, MD, Stephen P. Reis, MD, Ruth He, MD, Tom Kato, MD, David Horowitz, MD, NYP/ CUIMC
2:15 PM - 2:25 PM
2:15 PM - 2:25 PM
Panel Discussion and Q&A
2:25 PM - 2:35 PM
2:25 PM - 2:35 PM
Break | Exhibit Hall
2:35 PM
2:35 PM
Session 3: New Horizons – Updates in Transplant Oncology for CCA and Colorectal Cancer Metastases
Moderators: Peter Liou, MD, and Ruth He, MD, PhD, NYP/ CUIMC
2:35 PM - 3:15 PM
2:35 PM - 3:15 PM
Evolution of Transplant Oncology and Role of Multidisciplinary Care
Anjana Pillai, MD, University of Chicago
3:15 PM - 3:35 PM
3:15 PM - 3:35 PM
Liver transplantation for CCA
Peter Liou, MD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
3:35 PM - 3:55 PM
3:35 PM - 3:55 PM
Liver transplantation for CRLM
Yoanna Pumpalova, MD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
3:55 PM - 4:30 PM
3:55 PM - 4:30 PM
Moderated Case Presentation and Panel Discussion
Topic: Transplant oncology cases
Case Presenter: Nathaly Llore, MD, NYP/CUIMC
Panel: TBD
4:30 PM - 4:40 PM
4:30 PM - 4:40 PM
Panel Discussion and Q&A
4:40 PM - 4:45 PM
4:40 PM - 4:45 PM
Closing Remarks
Closing Remarks
Tomoaki Kato, MD & Elizabeth C. Verna, MD, MS
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
5:00 PM
5:00 PM
Event End