The research of Vijay Shah, M.D., focuses on several interrelated areas broadly relating to chronic liver disease. These include both alcohol- and nonalcohol-based forms of liver cirrhosis and its complications. Studies span from laboratory-based studies on mechanisms of disease to clinical trials. Focus areas Mechanisms of portal hypertension. Dr. Shah is investigating why pressure behind the liver is elevated in cirrhosis and how this leads to complications. Mechanisms of liver fibrosis. Research focuses on how scar formation occurs in response to liver injury and how fibrotic scar can be reversed. Alcohol liver disease. Dr. Shah's work focuses on clinical trials and translational studies on how to better treat severe forms of alcoholic liver disease. Significance to patient care Liver disease is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and the world, especially liver disease relating to excess alcohol consumption. While many advances have been made, unfortunately, curative treatment options outside of liver transplantation are limited. The work of Dr. Shah and his colleagues targets several aspects of liver disease where better therapies are needed and could develop. This includes new treatments for alcohol-related liver disease and treatments for liver cirrhosis and its complications, such as portal hypertension. Professional highlights Mayo Clinic: Mr. and Mrs. Ronald F. Kinney Executive Dean of Research Honoring Ronald F. Kinney, Jr., 2024-present. Carol M. Gatton Professor of Digestive Diseases Research Honoring Peter Carryer, M.D., 2019-present. Associate director, Center for Cell Signaling in Gastroenterology (C-Sig), 2009-present. Chair, Department of Medicine, 2020-2024. Chair, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2013-2020. Distinguished Investigator Award, 2019. Member, Association of American Physicians, 2020-present. Associate editor, Journal of Hepatology, 2014-present. Research award, Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics, 2022. Associate editor, Hepatology, 2006-2011. Associate editor, American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2003-2006. PROFESSIONAL DETAILS Primary Appointment Consultant, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine Kinney Executive Dean of Research, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Joint Appointment Consultant, Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering Academic Rank Professor of Medicine Professor of Physiology