2021 Academic Debates

Explore timely topics in liver disease in a lively debate format as hepatology trainees and practicing hepatologists tackle important, often controversial issues. Debaters will gain skills in critical thinking, balanced argumentation and factual examination of each issues' pros and cons. Debaters, judges and audience members will grapple with opposing scientific, societal, individual and financial viewpoints on current clinical concerns.

DEBATE 1: LIVER TRANSPLANTATION FOR INTRAHEPATIC CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA 
  
University of Michigan 
PRO: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma should be a standard indication for liver transplantation 
Mentor: Robert J Fontana, MD 
Fellows: Jason J Pan, MD and Abhishek Shenoy, MD 
  
Duke University 
CON: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma should be a contraindication to liver transplantation 
Mentor: Lindsay King, MD 
Fellows: Kara Wegermann, MD and Jackie Henson, MD 
  
DEBATE 2: MANDATORY VACCINATION FOR COVID-19 
  
University of Chicago 
PRO: COVID-19 vaccination should be a requirement for liver transplant listing 
Mentor: Anjana Pillai, MD 
Fellows: Anuhya Gampa, MD and Matthew Odenwald, MD 
  
University of Southern California 
CON: COVID-19 vaccination should be recommended but not required for liver transplant listing 
Mentor: Jeffrey Kahn, MD 
Fellows: Sentia Iriana, MD and Jasleen Singh, MD