Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Dr. Nathalie Rivard is a Professor in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Université de Sherbrooke, Canada, and a renowned researcher in gastrointestinal biology and cancer research. She is recognized for her pioneering work in the molecular mechanisms regulating intestinal epithelial cell proliferation, differentiation, tissue regeneration, and colorectal cancer progression. Her research focuses on intracellular signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, MAPK, and growth factor-mediated mechanisms that influence intestinal homeostasis and tumor development. Dr. Rivard has authored numerous high-impact scientific publications and has received significant research funding from national and international agencies. She is committed to advancing translational research that bridges basic science and clinical applications, contributing to improved strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and colorectal cancer.

Dr. David H. Van Thiel is a distinguished physician-scientist and academic with extensive expertise in hepatology, gastroenterology, internal medicine, and liver transplantation. He has served as a faculty member at Rush University, USA, where he has contributed significantly to clinical research, medical education, and patient care. His research has focused on chronic liver diseases, viral hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disorders, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cirrhosis, liver transplantation, and hepatic regeneration. Dr. Van Thiel has authored hundreds of peer-reviewed scientific publications, book chapters, and abstracts, making substantial contributions to the understanding and management of liver diseases. His work has helped advance translational medicine by bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical applications, improving outcomes for patients with complex hepatic disorders.

Dr. Bruce D. Given is a pharmaceutical executive and physician-scientist with extensive experience in drug discovery, clinical development, and biotechnology leadership. He has held senior leadership positions in the biopharmaceutical industry and has contributed significantly to the advancement of innovative therapies for rare, genetic, metabolic, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases. At Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, USA, Dr. Given has played a key role in the development of RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics, helping translate cutting-edge research into clinical applications. Throughout his career, he has overseen multiple clinical development programs, regulatory strategies, and collaborations that have accelerated the delivery of novel medicines to patients. Dr. Given is widely recognized for his expertise in clinical research, translational medicine, and pharmaceutical innovation.

Dr. Hani Oweria is a highly experienced general and visceral surgeon with extensive expertise in minimally invasive surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, colorectal surgery, hernia repair, and emergency surgical care. He practices at Hirslanden Hospital, Switzerland, where he provides advanced surgical treatment using modern, evidence-based techniques to improve patient outcomes and recovery. Dr. Oweria is recognized for his patient-centered approach and his commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and multidisciplinary healthcare. In addition to his clinical practice, he has contributed to medical education, scientific research, and professional development through presentations, publications, and participation in international surgical conferences.

Dr. Andrea Formiga is an accomplished clinician and researcher specializing in gastroenterology, digestive diseases, gastrointestinal endoscopy, and hepatology. He is affiliated with Istituti Clinici Zucchi Monza – Gruppo San Donato, Italy, one of the country's leading healthcare networks. Dr. Formiga has extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal disorders, liver diseases, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastrointestinal cancers, and advanced endoscopic procedures. His clinical interests include early disease detection, therapeutic endoscopy, colorectal cancer prevention, and personalized treatment strategies. Actively involved in scientific research and medical education, Dr. Formiga has contributed to peer-reviewed publications and national and international conferences, promoting innovation and evidence-based practices in digestive healthcare.

Dr. Amanda J. Brisebois is a respected clinician-scientist and academic affiliated with the University of Alberta, Canada. Her research focuses on gastroenterology, digestive health, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastrointestinal immunology, and translational medicine. She is dedicated to understanding the molecular and immune mechanisms underlying gastrointestinal disorders to improve diagnostic approaches and develop innovative therapeutic strategies. Dr. Brisebois has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications and collaborative research projects, with particular interests in intestinal inflammation, host–microbiome interactions, and immune regulation in digestive diseases. In addition to her research, she is actively involved in medical education and mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals and researchers.

Dr. Anna Hohler is a distinguished neurologist, educator, and academic leader serving as the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs at Boston University School of Medicine, USA. She is widely recognized for her expertise in neurology, movement disorders, Parkinson’s disease, medical education, and academic leadership. Dr. Hohler has dedicated her career to advancing neurological care through clinical excellence, innovative research, and physician education. Her research interests include Parkinson’s disease, sleep disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, cognitive disorders, and improving healthcare delivery through evidence-based practice. In addition to her clinical and research contributions, she plays a pivotal role in curriculum development, faculty mentorship, and fostering academic excellence for medical students and trainees. Dr. Hohler has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and educational resources and is an active participant in national and international scientific conferences.

Dr. Talia Golan is a distinguished medical oncologist, clinician-scientist, and researcher specializing in gastrointestinal cancers, pancreatic cancer, precision oncology, and hereditary cancer syndromes. She serves at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Israel, where she is recognized for her leadership in clinical research and innovative cancer therapies. Dr. Golan's research focuses on the molecular genetics of pancreatic cancer, BRCA-associated malignancies, DNA damage repair pathways, targeted therapies, and personalized treatment approaches. She has been a principal investigator in numerous international clinical trials and has authored many influential peer-reviewed publications that have advanced the management of pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers. Dr. Golan is actively involved in international oncology collaborations and is dedicated to improving outcomes for patients through translational research and precision medicine.