When my doctor told me that I had fatty liver disease in 2015, the communication was that it was no big deal. In 2016, I was diagnosed with lupus then pancreatitis. Eventually, the pain, discomfort and fatigue from gallstones led me to an elective gallbladder surgery in 2017. During the surgery, my well-meaning surgeon found my liver to be nodular and decided to biopsy three separate spots while in the process of removing my gallbladder. What my surgeon did not know is how that biopsy would trigger a series of complications for my fragile liver.

Hepatitis C continues to be a significant public health concern with effects that reach beyond liver function. As a physician, you’re likely familiar with the chronic health challenges that accompany hepatitis C, especially in patients with multiple comorbidities.