Fatty Liver Foundation Announces Inaugural Cohort of the Dr. Stephen A. Harrison Patient Advocacy Fellowship

Twenty Fellows Selected to Carry Forward Dr. Harrison’s Legacy Through Patient-Centered Advocacy and Leadership

SEPTEMBER 2, 2025, BOISE, IDAHO, USA — The Fatty Liver Foundation (FLF) is proud to announce the inaugural cohort of the Dr. Stephen A. Harrison Patient Advocacy Fellowship, a first-of-its-kind training program that equips patients and patient advocates with the knowledge and tools to meaningfully shape the future of drug and diagnostic development for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and other forms of steatotic liver disease.

Following a rigorous selection process led by an independent Selection Committee, 20 Harrison Fellows have been chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants across the United States, Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. These Fellows represent diverse experiences and perspectives, united by a shared commitment to advancing patient-centered science, regulatory innovation, and equitable access to care.

Inaugural 2025 Harrison Fellows:

• Jennifer Berg (Texas, United States)
• Jacki Chen (New Jersey, United States)
• Bruce D. Dimmig (Arizona, United States)
• Lorrinda Gray-Davis (Texas, United States)
• Susan Horava (Ohio, United States)
• Marianthi Kavelidou (Massachusetts, United States)
• Úna Keightley (Ireland)
• Hamed Kheirkhah (California, United States)
• Silvana Lesidrenska (Bulgaria)
• Kimberly Alice Martinez (Oklahoma, United States)
• Pamela S. Miller (Ohio, United States)
• Lindsey Ruth Moore (North Carolina, United States)
• Julie Peyaut (Canada)
• Gabriela Portugal-Bouza (Utah, United States)
• Michele M. Radcliffe (California, United States)
• Steven Rodrigues (United Kingdom)
• Aroosha Sarrafi (California, United States)
• Kerry Marie Sivia (Illinois, United States)
• Melaine Smith (Kansas, United States)
• Jennifer Thorp (Washington, United States)

Wayne Eskridge, Founder and CEO of FLF, emphasized that the fellowship reflects the urgency of integrating patient voices into every stage of liver disease research and care. “The strength and diversity of the inaugural cohort demonstrate how far this field has come,” he said, “and how much promise lies ahead when patients are empowered to lead.”

Henry E. Chang, Executive Director of FLF, who helped shape the vision for the Fellowship, underscored the inspiration behind the initiative. “This program was created to honor Dr. Harrison’s legacy of innovation, compassion, and patient partnership,’ he noted. “These Fellows will become leaders in their communities and global voices for change, ensuring that the lived experience of patients informs scientific discovery, regulatory science, and access to treatment.”

Reflecting on the personal meaning of the Fellowship, Anna-Lauren Harrison, daughter of Dr. Stephen A. Harrison, shared, “My father believed deeply in listening to patients and walking alongside them in the fight against liver disease. To see this Fellowship launched in his name, and to witness such extraordinary individuals selected as the inaugural cohort, is profoundly meaningful for my family and me.”

Earlier this summer, FLF collaborated with Madrigal Pharmaceuticals and STAT Brand Studio on an article and video that tell the story of the Fellowship’s launch, featuring reflections from Wayne Eskridge, Dr. Maru Rinella, and Dr. Rebecca Taub on their long-term collaboration with Dr. Harrison. The piece highlights the unique importance of patient advocacy in shaping the future of MASH research and care. The article and video can be viewed here: Empowering patients to shape the future of MASH care.

FLF extends its gratitude to Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, the inaugural funder of this Fellowship, as well as to the distinguished members of the independent Selection Committee, whose thoughtful deliberations and expertise guided the choice of this exceptional first cohort of Fellows. Deep appreciation is also extended to the mentors who are lending their expertise to help build capacity and equip Fellows with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to become effective advocates and leaders.

The Fellows will begin their year-long journey this month, participating in structured training modules, mentorship, and collaborative projects that will culminate in new models of patient engagement in research, policy, and care delivery.

For more information about the Dr. Stephen A. Harrison Patient Advocacy Fellowship and the work of FLF, please visit: www.harrisonfellows.org and www.fattyliverfoundation.org.

About the Fatty Liver Foundation

The Fatty Liver Foundation is a national non-profit patient organization dedicated to improving the identification, diagnosis, treatment, and support of individuals living with steatotic liver disease (SLD), including MASLD, MASH, and alcohol-associated conditions. Through awareness, screening, education, and advocacy, FLF works to ensure that every person—regardless of where they live or their ability to pay—can access the care and support they need to live well with liver disease. Connect with us at www.fattyliverfoundation.org, Facebook (Fatty Liver Foundation JUST LIVER NEWS), X (@LiverSaver), and YouTube (@Fatty Liver Foundation).

Media Contact
Henry E. Chang
Executive Director, Fatty Liver Foundation
[email protected]
+1 (917) 400-8900