Hepatology is the study of the liver, the body's largest organ, and encompasses a broad range of topics. This field includes the examination of both acute and chronic liver conditions, viral hepatitis, genetic and metabolic liver disorders and their complications, liver cancer, liver transplantation, drug metabolism (which heavily relies on liver function), and liver-specific nutrition. Initially, hepatology developed as a branch of gastroenterology but is now increasingly recognized as a distinct medical specialty. The term "hepato-" originates from the Latin word "hepaticus," which is derived from the Greek "hepatikos," meaning liver, while "-logy" comes from the Greek "logos," meaning the study of or field.History: Dr. Sheila Sherlock (1918-2001) was a trailblazer in liver disease research and is often referred to as the "mother of hepatology." Her book "Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System," first published in 1955, became the foundational textbook on clinical liver diseases. In 1959, she became the first woman to be appointed a professor of medicine at the Royal Free Hospital in London, where she established and led a renowned center for liver disease research, clinical work, and training.
