March 12, 2026
'Advancing Health Equity': Annual GI and Liver Research Day
(SACRAMENTO)
The Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology will host its annual GI and Liver Research Day, an annual symposium designed to highlight research and initiatives that reduce disparities in GI and liver disease diagnosis and treatment while promoting collaboration across disciplines.
This year's symposium will center around the theme of "Advancing Health Equity." The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., April 23, at the Genome and Biomedical Sciences Facility on the Davis campus.
Addressing inequities
"As in many fields of medicine, health inequities remain a significant challenge across GI and liver diseases," said Alex Zhornitskiy, an assistant clinical professor in the division of gastroenterology and hepatology. "Disparities in screening access and structural barriers continue to influence outcomes in conditions such as colorectal cancer, chronic liver disease, and inflammatory bowel disease."
The symposium will feature presentations that examine the challenges and highlight strategies to improve equitable access to care. Topics will include disparities in colorectal cancer screening, community-based prevention programs and innovative digital/implementation strategies designed to reach underserved populations.
“Ensuring equity in GI and liver health requires teamwork,” Zhornitskiy said. “Addressing disparities isn’t something that happens within the silo of single specialty. It requires collaboration with partners across the health system and the community.”
Multidisciplinary speakers
Zhornitskiy, who will also serve as a course director, said this year’s program reflects that collaborative spirit. Nearly half of the speakers come from outside the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, bringing expertise from fields such as public health, health services research, medical education and digital health.
By bringing together experts from across disciplines, the conference aims to highlight how clinical medicine, public health, technology and community engagement can work together to improve outcomes for patients across diverse populations.
Supporting the next generation of researchers
A hallmark of GI and Liver Research Day is the opportunity for trainees to present their work and connect with mentors and collaborators across the institution.
A poster session will highlight research from medical students, residents, fellows and early-career investigators. Abstract submissions are welcomed in categories related to gastroenterology and hepatology research, health equity, or work that intersects both fields reflecting the conference’s emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to improving patient care.
Abstracts are due March 31.
The event also provides networking opportunities that encourage new collaborations across departments and research programs.
Building momentum for health equity
By focusing this year’s program on health equity, the event highlights the growing recognition that addressing disparities is essential to improving GI and liver health outcomes. Through research, education, and collaboration, UC Davis aims to advance care in ways that ultimately benefit all patients.
