What Does a Hepatologist Do?
A hepatologist is a medical doctor who specialises in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of liver, gallbladder, bile duct, and pancreatic disorders. Common conditions include hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, liver cancer, and complications such as portal hypertension or liver failure.
Hepatologists work closely with transplant teams, gastroenterologists, radiologists, and surgeons to manage both chronic and acute liver cases.
Step 1: Start With a Strong Science Foundation
Students interested in hepatology typically begin with a foundation in science to meet the academic requirements for medical school. This programme provides essential knowledge in biology, chemistry, and physics while preparing students for more advanced clinical studies.
Step 2: Earn a Medical Degree
After pre-university studies, aspiring doctors must complete a recognised medical degree in Malaysia or abroad. Medical programmes usually span five to six years and involve a combination of academic coursework and hands-on clinical rotations.
Students learn core disciplines such as internal medicine, surgery, pathology, and pharmacology, and gain exposure to liver disease management during their hospital training.
Step 3: Complete Housemanship
Upon completion of a medical degree, graduates undergo a two-year internship called housemanship. During this time, they rotate through key departments, including internal medicine, where they begin to develop the clinical competencies needed for hepatology.
Step 4: Specialise in Internal Medicine
To subspecialise in hepatology, doctors must first complete three to four years of specialist training in internal medicine. This involves gaining deeper knowledge of systemic diseases, diagnostic techniques, and long-term patient care.
Upon completion, doctors receive certification and are recognised as general physicians, qualifying them to apply for subspecialty training.
Step 5: Subspecialise in Hepatology
The final phase involves two to three years of advanced training in hepatology. This includes:
- Managing patients with hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver tumours
- Performing procedures like liver biopsies, endoscopies, and paracentesis
- Working with liver transplant patients and multidisciplinary care teams
- Participating in research on liver disease progression and treatment
Training is typically conducted at tertiary hospitals or accredited hepatology units.
Step 6: Register as a Specialist
After completing subspecialty training, hepatologists must register with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and the National Specialist Register (NSR). This grants them legal authority to practise as certified specialists in hepatology in Malaysia.
Career Opportunities for Hepatologists
Hepatologists can build their careers in various healthcare and academic environments, such as:
- Public or private hospitals
- Liver transplant and gastroenterology centres
- Academic institutions and medical schools
- Research organisations or pharmaceutical companies
- Public health agencies are working on liver disease prevention
Some hepatologists focus exclusively on clinical care, while others balance research, teaching, and consulting roles.
Final Thoughts on Becoming a Hepatologist
Hepatology is a meaningful and evolving medical speciality with growing importance in modern healthcare. As liver diseases continue to rise, there is a high demand for specialists who can diagnose, manage, and innovate treatment options for liver-related conditions.
By starting with a foundation in science and progressing through a recognised medical school in Malaysia, you can build a strong foundation for a career in hepatology that combines academic achievement, clinical excellence, and real patient impact.
FAQs about how to become a hepatologist
1. How long does it take to become a hepatologist?
It takes approximately 10 to 14 years, including medical school (5–6 years), housemanship (2 years), internal medicine training (3–4 years), and hepatology subspecialisation (2–3 years).
2. What’s the difference between a hepatologist and a gastroenterologist?
Gastroenterologists treat the entire digestive tract, while hepatologists focus specifically on liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and biliary disorders.
3. Is hepatology a competitive field in Malaysia?
Yes. Due to increasing liver-related conditions such as hepatitis B and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatology is a competitive and high-demand specialty in Malaysia.
4. Can I work in research if I become a hepatologist?
Absolutely. Many hepatologists also conduct research in liver disease treatment, epidemiology, and clinical innovation, especially in academic and hospital settings.