National Conference.
Join us at the national AIHA Conferences where patients have the opportunity to hear from leading hepatologists and other experts, learn about the latest research and scientific discoveries, and connect with others who have this rare disease.
Our 2021 conference was a virtual event. Scroll down to see the schedule and view all the talks.
Nearly 200 patients and family members attended our third national AIHA Patient Education & Support Weekend in June 2019.
2021 Virtual Conference.
Thanks for joining us June 21 to 25 for AIHA Connected, the AIHA’s 2021 online patient conference. The conference talks can be viewed below.
Topics discussed at this year's conference were all determined by you, our members, and include a special focus on diet and nutrition, complementary and alternative medicine, and the latest AIH research.
Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Sanguine.
Conference Schedule
June 21, 2021
Craig Lammert, M.D.
Indiana University School of Medicine
Welcome to Our 2021 Patient Conference
Dr. Lammert gives an overview of AIHA Connected, our 2021 online patient conference and shares what you can look forward to.
Therese Bittermann, M.D.
University of Pennsylvania
AIH 101: What to Expect as a Newly Diagnosed Patient
From common medications you’ll take and possible side effects to the regular lab work your doctor will order and questions you should ask, Dr. Bittermann breaks down what you need to know as a newcomer to AIH.
Victor Navarro, M.D.
Einstein Healthcare Network
Dietary Supplements including Milk Thistle and Turmeric: Can They Help AIH, and Do They Have the Potential to Cause Harm?
Dr. Navarro shares more about supplements, the potential risks involved, and what patients should do if they want to try them.
June 22, 2021
Indiana University School of Medicine
Craig Lammert, M.D.
The Latest AIH Research
Dr. Lammert presents a collection of important AIH studies that have been published this past year and explains what these could mean to the care of patients.
University of Colorado School of Medicine
Cara Mack, M.D.
AIH Treatment Guidelines: How Are They Created, and Why Do We Need Them?
Did you know that the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases publishes guidelines to help doctors diagnose and treat patients with AIH? Dr. Mack explains what has changed in the new guidelines published recently.
Newly Diagnosed Patients
Support Group
Noon ET Zoom Meeting
Join in a support group meeting for newly diagnosed patients. You'll have a chance to meet other patients with this rare disease and ask questions of Craig Lammert, M.D., AIHA Executive Director.
Parents and Caregivers of Pediatric Patients
Support Group
5:30 p.m. ET Zoom Meeting
Join in a support group meeting for parent and caregivers of pediatric patients. You'll have the opportunity to meet other parents, share challenges, and offer support.
June 23, 2021
James Lewis, M.D.
University of Pennsylvania
Lessons Learned from IBD: Diet Studies, Inflammation, and Quality of Life
While no diet studies have been conducted in AIH, studies in inflammatory bowel disease, another autoimmune condition, have shown that certain vitamins and supplements can help inflammation and quality of life. Dr. Lewis shares more about IBD research and how these learnings could potentially be applied to other autoimmune diseases like AIH.
Attorneys
Glenn Sinko and Betsy Zimmerman
Disability Benefits: Who is Eligible and How to Begin the Process
If you feel like you can no longer work due to AIH, what should you do? Learn more about whether you might be eligible for disability benefits and the process for applying.
Watch the video below, and access additional resources.
Indiana University School of Medicine
Craig Lammert, M.D.
The AIHA: How We Help Patients and Families
Dr. Lammert gives some updates about the work of the AIHA, shares our latest successes, and invites you to get involved.
June 24, 2021
University of Colorado
Dania Brigham, M.D.
My Child Has AIH. What Happens Next?
When your child is diagnosed with a rare disease like AIH, it can be a frightening experience. Dr. Brigham explains what your family can expect and how this disease impacts pediatric AIH patients for the long-term.
University of Colorado
Elizabeth Christofferson, Ph.D.
Supporting Pediatric Patients and Siblings
The entire family is impacted by a rare disease diagnosis, not just the patient. We provide some resources and information so parents can support not only their child affected by AIH but siblings as well.
Senior Attorney, Indiana Disability Rights
Keith Butler
Navigating School With AIH
Do children qualify for extra assistance or accommodations in school because they have AIH? We’ll share more about the options available to help children and teens in school, college, and beyond.
June 25, 2021
Alec Smith, R.D.
Feel Good Nutrition and Fitness
The Mediterranean Diet: Putting IBD Research into Practice
Alec is a registered dietitian and owner of Feel Good Nutrition and Fitness in Carmel, Indiana. With 10 years of experience working with hundreds of clients, Alec has learned how to take the science of nutrition and make it easy for the public to apply. In this talk, he shows how to put IBD nutrition research into practice by exploring the Mediterranean Diet.
Sonja Overhiser
Home cook
Cooking Demonstration
Sonja is the author of the award winning website A Couple Cooks and the acclaimed cookbook Pretty Simple Cooking. She and her husband, Alex, are leading voices on healthy plant-forward home cooking, and authors of a recipe series with Washington Post Food called Voraciously: Plant Powered. Featured from the TODAY Show to Bon Appetit, Sonja is passionate about healthy eating and food justice, and seeks to make the world a better place one bite at a time.
In the cooking demonstration below, Sonja prepares an easy sheet pan dinner and oatmeal bars. Be sure to check out her other Mediterranean diet recipes.
Live Q&A Session
Featuring Three Hepatologists
Noon ET, Friday, June 25
Now that you've watched our conference videos, we're sure you have questions. Our panel of expert hepatologists has answers! Our panel includes David Assis, M.D., from Yale School of Medicine; Craig Lammert, M.D., from Indiana University School of Medicine; Cara Mack, M.D., from University of Colorado School of Medicine; and Michele Tana, M.D., from University of California, San Francisco.
2019 Conference Recap.
Nearly 200 patients and family members attended our third national AIHA Patient Education & Support Weekend in June 2019. From presentations from hepatologists and other specialists to social activities with fellow patients, the weekend was a resounding success. We piloted a mindfulness program to give patients tangible tools to combat anxiety and depression. And, for the first time, we offered a series of talks geared specifically for caregivers of pediatric patients. Patients also had the opportunity to participate in an AIH study at the conference and contribute to expanding the knowledge of our rare disease.
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