2nd Annual Southeast Academic Debates

The American Liver Foundation's Academic Debates is an educational program which engages fellows, learning physicians, from major academic institutions in friendly competition with fellows from other academic centers. Questions posed during the debate are ethical in nature with no right or wrong answer. The debates seek to stimulate higher thinking about significant issues which impact the lives of people living with liver disease. Debaters are judged on presentations, research to support their argument, and ability to respond quickly to the opposite viewpoint.

Chapters:
0:00 - Welcome remarks
6:20 - Introduction by Miguel Malespin, MD
12:13 - Debate #1 - A 45-year-old male with a history of alcohol-related cirrhosis is found to have an acute portal vein thrombosis with new-onset ascites. TIPS is recommended versus medical management. Pro side, Cleveland Clinical Florida, Con side Emory University
41:02 - Debate #2 - The new liver allocation system has decreased health disparities. Pro side, University of Florida - Gainesville, Con side, Medical University of South Carolina.
1:03:43 - Debate #3 - A 52-year-old male with a history of stage 4 chronic kidney disease (not on hemodialysis) with cirrhosis present to your clinic. He found on endoscopy to have large esophageal varices and mild hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Treatment for hepatitis C (HCV) should begin immediately. Pro side, Mayo Clinical - Jacksonville, Con side, University of Florida - Jacksonville.
1:31:10 - Invitation to ALF Medical Advisory Councils
1:33:23 - 2020 ALF Highlights
1:40:58 - Winners Announced
1:46:30 - Thank you and Closing remarks


The Academic Debates challenges junior physicians to think critically about the policies and practices which impact the community of liver patients. Through the collegiality and collaboration inspired by the Debates, it is our hope to stimulate greater passion and enthusiasm for the field of hepatology, leading to improved care for people living with liver disease.