Liver Disorders

Kia Saeian, MD, MSc, Epi Dr. Saeian is Professor of Medicine-Gastroenterology and the Associate Chief, Director of Clinical Affairs of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). Dr. Saeian is a transplant hepatologist but remains interested and involved in all aspects of hepatology and gastroenterology. Dr. Saeian received his medical degree from the University of California-San Diego School of Medicine, completed his Internal Medicine training, Chief Medical Residency and Gastroenterology and Hepatology fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin and also received Hepatology and Liver Transplantation training at the University of Miami. He has been intimately involved in fellowship training since he joined the Faculty of MCW in 1999 and has had the opportunity to mentor trainees who have gone on to great success in his areas of research interest including minimal hepatic encephalopathy and outcomes research.


Reza Shaker, MD Dr. Shaker is a Tenured Professor of Medicine, Radiology and Otolaryngology, Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Senior Associate Dean for Translational Research, Director of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) of Southeast Wisconsin (CTSI) and Director of the Digestive Disease Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). Dr. Shaker is the founder of the Dysphagia Research Society and joined the MCW faculty in 1988 since which time he has established a world-renowned research group internationally recognized for his work on the protective mechanisms of the upper airway during swallowing and gastroesophageal reflux. He developed the Shaker Exercise, an isotonic/isometric head lift exercise for treatment of swallowing difficulties, and the technique of unsedated transnasal upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Since 1989, he has been the recipient of numerous research awards from both the NIH and the Department of Veterans Affairs and has mentored numerous renowned trainees.