Global Liver Institute Launches Inaugural Patient and Scientific Advisory Council
(Washington, D.C., August 20, 2025) – Global Liver Institute (GLI), the premier patient-driven liver health nonprofit, has launched its inaugural Patient and Scientific Advisory Council (PSA Council) to strengthen organizational leadership and ensure that all programmatic work is scientifically sound and deeply rooted in patient experience.
The PSA Council brings together a diverse group of leaders in liver health — both patients and clinical experts — to guide GLI’s education, advocacy, and training initiatives. By combining real-world insights with scientific rigor, the Council helps ensure that GLI’s efforts remain relevant, evidence-based, and aligned with the current needs of the field and community.
“At GLI, we believe our work should be guided by people who navigate liver health every day — whether they care for patients, manage their own health, or support loved ones,” said Larry R. Holden, President and CEO of GLI. “The PSA Council will keep us fixed on our north star and sharpen how we serve patients in every project, partnership, and program.”
Patient members of the PSA Council contribute their lived experiences as patients and caregivers, offering crucial perspectives on today’s most pressing challenges in liver care. Scientific members — including physicians, researchers, nurses, and advanced practice providers — provide clinical and scientific insights, verify the integrity of GLI’s resources, and highlight opportunities to advance the field.
“We have a strong group with a breadth of expertise and experience in liver disease,” shared Lily Benig, MPH, the facilitator of the PSA Council and GLI’s Associate Director of Science & Public Health. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with this Council to elevate the quality and impact of our work at GLI.”
The inaugural PSA Council is comprised of the following esteemed members: Saima Ajaz, MD; Terry D. Box, MD; Lionel A. Kankeu Fonkoua, MD; Karen Hoyt; Ash Kyasima-Migadde; Wendy Lo; Manuel Rodriguez-Davalos, MD; Arun Sanyal, MD; Stephen Silva-Brave, LMSW, LCDC-I; and Melaine D. Smith.
Liver disease affects over 1.5 billion people globally, with rising rates of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) and liver cancer in particular. In this context, ensuring the real-world relevance and scientific credibility of liver health efforts is more essential than ever.
The PSA Council will serve as a cornerstone of GLI’s commitment to responsive, inclusive, and impactful programming.
About Global Liver Institute
Global Liver Institute (GLI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in the belief that liver health must take its place on the global public health agenda commensurate with the prevalence and impact of liver illness. GLI promotes innovation, encourages collaboration, and supports the scaling of optimal approaches to help eradicate liver diseases. Operating globally, GLI is committed to solving the problems that matter to liver patients and equipping advocates to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by liver disease. GLI holds Platinum Transparency with Candid/GuideStar, is a member of the National Health Council, and serves as a Healthy People 2030 Champion. Follow GLI on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube or visit www.globalliver.org.