The mission of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases is to advance the science and practice of hepatology, liver transplantation and hepatobiliary surgery, thereby promoting liver health and optimal care of patients with liver and biliary tract diseases.
Purpose
The purpose of the CME Program is to disseminate the latest information about the science and practice of hepatology, liver transplantation and hepatobiliary surgery to a world-wide audience of professionals and to provide evidence-based educational activities for the development and maintenance of knowledge in these areas.
Content Areas
The educational activities sponsored by the AASLD address the pathophysiology and management of acute and chronic diseases including liver transplantation, as well as advances in research relevant to hepatology. In addition, specific programs focus on career development and performance improvement. Topics are chosen by needs assessment based on outcomes and progress in the field with input from individual members, special interest groups and designated education committees.
Target Audience
Audiences at AASLD-sponsored CME activities come from across the globe. They include specialists in adult and pediatric hepatology, gastroenterology, surgery, pathology, anesthesiology, radiology and related basic sciences, as well as primary care physicians, nurses and allied health professionals, and trainees in each of these disciplines. Participants come from academic and scientific institutions as well as practice-based medical settings. All professionals involved with the study, treatment and management of liver disease are invited to participate whether or not they are members of AASLD.
Types of Activities Provided
The AASLD provides a wide variety of educational activities to meet the needs of the association’s members. The association sponsors, co-sponsors or participates in several activities annually, including but not restricted to the Postgraduate Course, Annual Meeting, Single Topic Conferences and Digestive Disease Week. In addition, AASLD provides enduring educational materials and provides programs directed specifically toward practice improvement and maintenance of certification (MOC). All educational activities sponsored by AASLD are intended to promote the professional growth and ongoing education of activity participants. The quality of AASLD programs is maintained by feedback from participants on topics such as presentation format, clinical relevance and freedom from commercial bias.
Expected Results of the Program
Education is an integral component of the AASLD mission, goals and objectives. A strong CME program enables dissemination of information about liver biology and disease, provides a forum for discussing new and/or controversial issues in the field, and fosters evidence-based strategies for the practice of hepatology, liver transplantation and hepatobiliary surgery. The CME program is expected to facilitate scientific progress in the fields of hepatology, liver transplantation and hepatobiliary surgery and promote the application of evidence-based care to patients with liver disease. Success in achieving these benchmarks is measured directly by participants, who report the impact of AASLD educational activities on their research and/or clinical practice.
Revised and approved:
Governing Board February, 2005
Education Oversight Committee, May 2008
Governing Board August, 2008