By Morgan Fincham
Dr. Greg Gores recently shared his motivation for advancing the creation of AASLD’s newest member category of Corporate Affiliate. This category is open to those individuals working within the health care industry who do not personally have medical training and would not otherwise be eligible for any other category of membership, and do not practice hepatology, liver transplantation, or hepatobiliary surgery, but demonstrate special interest within these fields.
In brainstorming this addition, Dr. Gores’ goal “was to facilitate and promote research activities and endeavors which would further benefit our patients”; Dr. Gores explains, “to cure liver diseases will require multiple partnerships both with federal agencies, other societies, foundations, and industry.” Integrating the support and expertise of industry creates a broader field of knowledge from which physicians, researchers, nurses, and other professionals can draw.
There was only a slight challenge in creating the first membership category for individuals without medical training. All other categories, though not necessarily requiring an advanced medical degree, such as Trainee Membership, do require advanced medical training. Our corporate allies have immense resources and well-reputed, expert medical professionals sharing research in their common interest of seeking cures for liver diseases. Thus there was little resistance in creating this membership category, as the benefit of bringing such a resource to the discussions of the Special Interest Groups (SIGs) was obvious.
The benefit to Corporate Affiliates is just as compelling. By gaining access to SIGs, industry members may “communicate with key opinion leaders,” Dr. Gores details, “and to help determine where the field is going so we can find mutually beneficial goals.” Some of these mutually beneficial goals are continuing research of therapy, biomarkers, and diagnostic tests. A great deal of work in these areas is already being supported at corporate levels. Opening membership to these affiliates will increase communication and provide direct access to individuals approaching the same problem from different angles. Combining a wide variety of experts is a constant goal of AASLD and the SIGs.
Adding the Corporate Affiliate members will provide a great resource to current members by facilitating communication and spurning much needed research into the study of liver diseases. To apply today download the 
RM/IM/ASM/CAM application