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News Fatty Liver Foundation Launches Groundbreaking Patient Advocacy Fellowship Honoring Dr. Stephen A. Harrison Fatty Liver Foundation Announces Inaugural Cohort of the Dr. Stephen A. Harrison Patient Advocacy Fellowship Fatty Liver Foundation to Introduce Dr. Stephen A. Harrison Patient Advocacy Fellowship at Liver Forum 19 in Paris, France The Dr. Stephen A. Harrison Patient Advocacy Fellowship Program on Surfing the MASH Tsunami Harrison Fellows Convene at AASLD’s The Liver Meeting® 2025 Harrison Fellows Engage at 10th Annual MASH-TAG Conference
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Fellowship Program Overview
The Dr. Stephen A. Harrison Patient Advocacy Fellowship Program is a pioneering initiative designed to elevate the role of patient advocates in MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis) and steatotic liver disease (SLD) research, drug and diagnostic development, and policy discussions. This annual fellowship empowers up to 20 patient advocates by providing financial support, education, and access to key scientific and policy forums where they can contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of liver disease care.
Through a guided learning experience and engagement with leading researchers, patient advocates, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, fellows will develop the knowledge, leadership skills, and networks necessary to drive patient-centered innovation in liver disease research.
Why This Program?
Despite significant advancements in MASH research, the patient voice remains underrepresented in clinical trial design, regulatory decision-making, and policy development. Many patients lack the resources, training, and access needed to actively participate in shaping research and care models.
This fellowship was created to:
- Empower patient advocates with clinical trials literacy and policy knowledge.
- Bridge the gap between patients, researchers, and industry leaders.
- Ensure treatments align with the real-world experiences of those living with MASH and other types of steatotic liver disease.
- Support participation in national and global conferences, ensuring that patient perspectives inform discussions on research and drug development.
By investing in patient advocacy leadership, this program contributes to more inclusive, effective, and patient-driven advancements in liver health.
Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Stephen A. Harrison
“This Fellowship honors Dr. Harrison’s legacy as a world-class clinician and tireless advocate for putting patients at the center of liver disease research. We are not just launching a program; we are building a movement that bridges science and lived experience.”
— Wayne Eskridge, Founder and CEO, Fatty Liver Foundation
Dr. Stephen A. Harrison was a world-renowned clinician, researcher, and advocate whose work transformed how we understand and treat steatotic liver disease (SLD). He believed that patients should be equal partners in research and clinical innovation, and this Fellowship carries forward that vision.
“Dr. Harrison never saw patients as passive participants in care—he treated them as partners in the pursuit of progress. This Fellowship is grounded in that same spirit. It’s about carrying forward his values by building and supporting a new generation of liver patient advocates who will help shape the future of research, policy, and care.”
— Henry E. Chang, Executive Director, Fatty Liver Foundation“Dr. Harrison was a visionary, and it was a privilege to work alongside him throughout the resmetirom development journey. This fellowship is a meaningful way to carry forward his commitment to patients, science, and the future of liver health.”
— Dr. Rebecca Taub, Founder and Senior Scientific and Medical Advisor, Madrigal Pharmaceuticals“Our family is deeply touched by this tribute. My father was devoted to improving the lives of people living with liver disease. We are grateful to see his commitment live on through the voices and leadership of this new generation of advocates.”
— Anna-Lauren Harrison, daughter of Dr. Stephen A. Harrison
The Dr. Stephen A. Harrison Patient Advocacy Fellowship stands as a living tribute to his legacy, supporting a new generation of patient advocates who will drive forward research, policy, and innovation in liver health.