VCU Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health

09/24/2026

SSI Celebrates Liver Awareness Month with Free Liver Screenings
The Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health is sponsoring multiple events in October to mark Liver Awareness Month.
Staff from the institute and VCU Health will host informational tables and offer free liver screenings at these locations:
• Oct. 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., VCU Health-Main Hospital, across from Panera Bread restaurant, 1250 E. Marshall St., Richmond (information only; no scans at this event)
• Oct. 3, 8 a.m.-noon, Big Market, Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Rd., Richmond
• Oct. 8, 8 a.m.-noon, Stony Point Clinic, 9105 Stony Point Dr, Richmond
• Oct. 10, 8 a.m.-noon: Liver Life Walk, Forest Hill Park, 4021 Forest Hill Ave., Richmond
• Oct. 13, 8 a.m.-noon, Community Memorial Hospital, 1755 N Mecklenburg Ave., South Hill
• Oct. 17, 8 a.m.-noon, Big Market, Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Rd., Richmond
• Oct. 20, 8 a.m.-noon, Tappahannock Hospital, 618 Hospital Rd., Tappahannock
• Oct. 23, 8 a.m.-noon, Big Market, Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Rd., Richmond
• Oct. 27, 8 a.m.-noon, Children’s Hospital of Richmond, 1000 E. Broad St., Richmond
• Oct. 30, 8 a.m.-noon, VCU Health-Main Hospital, across from Panera Bread restaurant, 1250 E. Marshall St., Richmond

09/23/2026

Virginia, meet your Liver Life Champion, Liver Health Hero and sponsors for the Liver Life Walk in Virginia!

Rick Ridpath is a double living organ donor whose commitment to helping others has grown into a powerful advocacy journey. As the 2026 Liver Life Walk Virginia LIVEr Champion, Rick is sharing his story to raise awareness about the lifesaving impact of organ donation.

Join us, the UNStoppable VCU Liver team, at the Liver Life Walk in Richmond on October 10 at Forest Hill Park: https://alf.social/LLW26-VA

Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health

09/18/2026

We are so excited that the American Liver Foundation has chosen to honor Dr. Arun Sanyal for his life's work these past four decades!

As American Liver Foundation celebrates 50 years of advancing liver health, we are proud to honor one of the field's most influential pioneers.

Dr. Arun J. Sanyal has helped transform the global understanding and treatment of MASLD and MASH, driving groundbreaking research that has improved the lives of countless patients and families around the world. As Director of the VCU Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health, his leadership continues to shape the future of liver disease prevention, diagnosis, and care.

In this Golden Anniversary year, we are honored to present Arun J. Sanyal, MD with the 2026 National Legacy Gala Leadership Award on October 28 in New York City.

Join us as we celebrate 50 years of impact and recognize the visionary leaders helping create a future without liver disease. https://alf.social/gala26

09/17/2026

A new study from VCU GI specialists found that people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who took tirzepatide were less likely to need IV steroids to treat an IBD flareup than those taking other GLP-1 medicines. (Tirzepatide is the main ingredient in Mounjaro or Zepbound.) The results were similar in people with ulcerative colitis. There was no major difference in hospital stays, ER visits, or bowel surgery, and side effects were similar.

This is promising, but more research is needed to know if tirzepatide can safely help manage IBD. Always talk with your doctor before changing your treatment. https://bit.ly/4yLN8Bx -1

Comparative outcomes for tirzepatide versus glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a national propensity matched study

09/10/2026

Do you know your FIB-4? This figure is based on your liver enzymes, age and platelet count. It tells your healthcare provider that you may have liver disease, and it can be easily calculated without any special equipment. WATCH this video to learn more.

Watch Virginia This Morning each weekday from 9 to 10 a.m. Find the show on Facebook and Instagram at .

09/09/2026

Early detection is crucial to preventing liver disease. One of the simplest tests for liver disease is the FIB-4. The FIB-4 evaluates your liver's stiffness, or fibrosis. Your physician can easily calculate your FIB-4 score from your age and 3 numbers from your regular bloodwork. No additional needles necessary! Read more about the FIB-4. https://bit.ly/3TehqwZ

09/09/2026

Our Faculty Spotlight today is on the inventor of the fabulous FIB-4 Index. Do you know your FIB-4? Read more about Dr. Sterling's lesson in serendipity. https://bit.ly/4eJmO2t

09/03/2026

Please congratulate our chief clinical officer, , and our director of exercise physiology and metabolic health, Dr. , for their VCU faculty honors. Dr. Sterling was honored with the University Award of Excellence, the university's highest honor. As associate chair for research for the Department of Internal Medicine and chief of hepatology, Sterling has helped transform how clinicians worldwide assess liver fibrosis. Dr. Kirkman, an associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, was given a National/International Recognition award for her scholarship. At the SSI, Dr. Kirkman oversees the comprehensive exercise rehabilitation program for patients with liver disease and liver transplant receipients.