Brian Lam
PA-C
Location : Falls Church, VA, USA
BIO
For over 15 years, Brian has led research and clinical hepatology at the Beatty Liver and Obesity Research Program, together with Dr. Zobair Younossi, at Inova's flagship hospital just outside Washington DC. He serves as principal and sub-investigator for Inova's hepatology research, which is presented regularly at national and international congresses. Inova's Beatty Liver Program has also been the main site for hepatology clinical trials in the DC Metro region for the last two decades. Brian also serves as co-chair of the APP committee of the Global NASH/MASH Council, and he enthusiastically jumps in on any opportunity to collaborate and educate about liver disease with GHAPP colleagues. You will often hear him say "It's a great time to be an APP in GI/Hepatology."
MASLD-MASH Content Featuring Brian
Comparing F3 and F4 Fibrosis With Erin Parkinson
July 2025
In this in-depth clinical discussion, Erin Parkinson, NP from the Tampa General Medical Group Transplant Institute, walks through the nuanced process of differentiating stage 3 and stage 4 fibrosis in patients with MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease). Using two illustrative case studies, she explores key clinical signs, lab values, and non-invasive staging tools such as FibroScan, FIB-4, ELF score, and MR elastography. Parkinson discusses the importance of early identification of advanced fibrosis, the reversibility of stage 3 disease, and the implications of a diagnosis of cirrhosis. Erin outlines evidence-based treatment pathways including lifestyle interventions, use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, and initiation of resmetirom (Rezdiffra) for stage 2–3 fibrosis. For cirrhotic patients, the focus shifts to HCC surveillance, screening for clinically significant portal hypertension, and consideration of non-selective beta blockers like carvedilol. This video offers practical insights for hepatology providers navigating the evolving MASLD landscape and highlights how early intervention and accurate staging can impact long-term outcomes.
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Non-Invasive Testing With Erin Tanner
July 2025
In this educational session from the GHAPP MASLD & MASH Community Network, Erin Tanner, PA-C from Gastro Health in Birmingham, Alabama, presents a practical overview of non-invasive testing (NIT) options for evaluating and managing MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) and MASH (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis). Using a patient case study, Erin explores how clinicians can effectively utilize tools like FIB-4, FibroScan® (VCTE and CAP), ELF, MRE, and other emerging imaging and serum biomarkers to assess hepatic steatosis and fibrosis without the need for liver biopsy. The talk breaks down the pros, cons, and clinical accuracy of various NITs—including shear wave elastography, MRI-PDFF, and proprietary serum markers—and offers guidance on how to apply these tools in real-world hepatology and primary care settings. Special attention is given to identifying patients with metabolic risk factors, interpreting indeterminate FIB-4 scores, and knowing when to refer patients for further hepatology evaluation. Whether you’re new to liver disease management or looking to update your MASLD/MASH care pathways, this session offers clarity on how to stratify fibrosis risk and make informed clinical decisions using non-invasive diagnostics.
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Lifestyle Management With Erin Parkinson
July 2025
In this impactful session from the GHAPP MASLD Community Network, Erin Parkinson, NP, explores the vital role of lifestyle modifications in the management of MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) and MASH (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis). Through the lens of a real-world case study, Erin illustrates how clinical tools like FIB-4 and FibroScan® can be used to assess fibrosis risk and guide interventions for patients presenting with metabolic syndrome and hepatic steatosis. With a focus on practical, personalized care, this presentation highlights how diet, exercise, and culturally sensitive counseling can meaningfully reduce hepatic fat, inflammation, and fibrosis—key factors in preventing progression to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Erin discusses the impact of processed foods, high-fructose corn syrup, and sedentary behavior, while offering actionable guidance on introducing Mediterranean diets, intermittent fasting, and realistic exercise goals tailored to individual readiness and barriers. Whether you're a hepatology specialist, primary care provider, or obesity medicine clinician, this talk delivers tools to better support patients with MASLD/MASH through sustainable behavioral change and longitudinal follow-up.
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MASLD Basics With Suzanne Robertazzi
July 2025
Join Suzanne, a nurse practitioner from the Washington DC VA Medical Center, as she kicks off a comprehensive lecture series on steatotic liver disease, focusing on the evolving understanding of MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) and MASH (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis). In this foundational session, Suzanne walks through the new nomenclature replacing NAFLD and NASH, and outlines the clinical criteria used to identify and stratify patients along the MASLD–MASH spectrum. Learn how metabolic risk factors such as obesity, prediabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia contribute to disease progression, and explore the use of non-invasive diagnostic tools like Fib-4, FibroScan, and ELF scores to assess fibrosis. The session also discusses indications for liver biopsy, the implications of overlapping etiologies (like alcohol-associated liver disease), and strategies for identifying patients at high risk for cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver-related mortality. This lecture equips clinicians, particularly those in primary care and hepatology, with a practical framework to evaluate steatosis, interpret metabolic profiles, and determine when to refer patients for specialty care. Whether you're new to liver disease or looking for updates on MASLD and MASH terminology, this session is an essential starting point.
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Common Questions from Primary Care Providers About MASH
July 2025
In this FAQ session, Brian Lam, PA-C, breaks down a common question he receives from primary care providers, endocrinologists, and even other GI specialists: Which patients with fatty liver should be referred to hepatology or GI for further evaluation? Using a clear and practical approach, Brian explains how to apply FIB-4, a simple lab-based non-invasive test, to guide referrals. He emphasizes that patients with metabolic syndrome—especially those with diabetes—are at significantly higher risk for MASH (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis), with roughly 1 in 3 diabetic patients affected. If the FIB-4 is greater than 1.3, or greater than 2.0 in adults over 65, it's time to refer. Brian also highlights the utility of FIB-4 with reflex to ELF, now available through major labs like LabCorp and Quest, as an efficient two-step method to detect advanced fibrosis and at-risk MASH. This video is perfect for busy clinicians looking for a referral-friendly workflow to catch MASH early and improve liver health outcomes in high-risk populations.
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Management of Life Style Modification
January 2025
This video focuses on the comprehensive management of patients with metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), emphasizing lifestyle modifications, dietary adjustments, and exercise strategies. Key topics include the importance of addressing risk factors like diet, exercise habits, and alcohol intake, as well as referrals to medically supervised weight loss clinics or bariatric surgery for advanced cases. The speaker highlights the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, intermittent fasting, and avoiding ultra-processed foods while discussing the role of resistance training to combat sarcopenia and maintain muscle mass. Practical advice and tailored recommendations ensure a holistic approach to managing MASH and improving patient outcomes.
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Third Step of Life Style Management
January 2025
This video provides a comprehensive overview of emerging pharmacologic treatments for metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and their tailored applications based on patient profiles. Topics include FDA-approved therapies, drugs in advanced clinical trials (such as semaglutide and lanifibranor), and the potential for combination treatments targeting both steatohepatitis and fibrosis. The speaker emphasizes the importance of patient-specific approaches considering metabolic profiles, obesity, and diabetes status, alongside lifestyle interventions. Additionally, the video discusses the evolving interdisciplinary care model and highlights the exciting progress in non-invasive testing and treatment advancements for F2-F3 fibrosis.
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Approved Medication for MASH/NASH
January 2025
This video provides detailed guidance on selecting and monitoring patients for emerging therapies targeting advanced fibrosis (F2-F3) in NASH. Key topics include contraindications for patients with cirrhosis, considerations for concomitant medications, and dose adjustments for statins. The video outlines ideal candidates based on specific thresholds for VCTE, MRE, ELF scores, and other non-invasive tests while emphasizing the importance of ruling out portal hypertension and other liver diseases. It also reviews a stepwise monitoring approach, focusing on tolerability at three months and efficacy assessments at six and twelve months, with an emphasis on histologic and non-invasive test improvements.
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Types of Diet for the Treatment of MASLD
January 2025
This video explores comprehensive strategies for managing metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), focusing on fibrosis risk stratification, lifestyle modifications, and pharmacologic interventions. Learn about dietary recommendations like the Mediterranean diet, exercise guidelines emphasizing resistance training, and the role of intermittent fasting and processed food avoidance. The video also highlights weight loss targets, diabetes management, and emerging therapies such as GLP-1 receptor agonists and bariatric surgery, all aimed at improving liver health and patient outcomes.
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NITs to Identify High Risk MASH Patients
January 2025
Explore advancements in non-invasive diagnostics and risk stratification for liver fibrosis and MASH. This video highlights tools like FIB-4, transient elastography, and innovative scoring systems (e.g., FAST and Agile) to identify and predict outcomes for high-risk patients. Learn about serum biomarkers, updated guidelines, and the role of lifestyle interventions alongside targeted therapies for managing metabolic risks and advancing care in hepatology.
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MASLD Pharmacotherapy With Brian Lam
August 2025
Join Brian Lam, PA-C, Associate Medical Director of Research at INOVA and Chair of the Global NASH/MASH Council, for an insightful discussion on pharmacotherapy for MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), also known as fatty liver disease. This episode, part of the GHAPP MASLD Community Network, explores the evolution of treatment options—including GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide, the antioxidant benefits of vitamin E, the metabolic impact of pioglitazone, and the targeted liver-specific mechanism of action of Resmetirom (a THR-β agonist). Learn how weight loss remains a foundational strategy for MASH management, but with FDA approval of new agents like Resmetirom in March 2024, we now have more tools to address hepatic inflammation and fibrosis directly. Brian also shares practical considerations around comorbidities, cardiovascular risk, statin use, and how to evaluate appropriate patients using non-invasive testing like transient elastography and MR elastography. Whether you're new to managing fatty liver or an experienced hepatology APP, this overview provides the latest guidance and clinical insight to improve patient outcomes in MASLD and MASH care.
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Non-Invasive Testing With Brian Lam
August 2025
Join Brian Lam, PA-C, Associate Medical Director of Research at Inova’s Liver and Obesity Research Program and Chair of the Global NASH/MASH Council’s PA Committee, for a masterclass on non-invasive testing (NITs) in the evaluation of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and MASH, presented through the GHAPP MASLD/MASH Community Network and sponsored by Madrigal Pharmaceuticals. In this dynamic and case-based session, Brian outlines a practical, step-by-step approach to identifying patients at risk for advanced fibrosis, using tools like FIB-4, ELF, FibroScan (VCTE), and MR Elastography. He walks through the critical cutoffs, diagnostic performance, limitations, and how to interpret imaging and lab-based scores in real-world hepatology and primary care settings. You'll learn how to apply AGA and AASLD clinical algorithms, the importance of staging patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and how to distinguish low-risk MASLD from at-risk MASH. Brian also shares best practices for TE reliability, quality control, and using NIT combinations like FAST, MAST, and MEFIB for accurate diagnosis. With clear visuals, expert insights, and actionable takeaways, this session is an essential update for APPs, GI, hepatology, and primary care providers managing fatty liver disease in 2025 and beyond.
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Beyond Basic NITs: When is Liver Biopsy or Advanced Imaging
July 2025
In this episode, Brian Lam, PA, Associate Director of Research at Inova’s Liver and Obesity Research Program in Northern Virginia, explores the nuanced decision-making involved in going beyond basic non-invasive tests (NITs) for diagnosing and managing MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis). While FIB-4 and transient elastography are useful initial tools, Brian breaks down when and why clinicians should consider more advanced diagnostics—such as MR elastography (MRE), proton density fat fraction (PDFF), and in certain cases, liver biopsy. Learn how to assess the reliability of a TE exam, interpret discordant NITs, and when to escalate to cross-sectional imaging or histologic confirmation. This podcast also highlights the evolving role of fat fraction in therapy response, limitations in current FDA indications for resmetirom, and how emerging data may shape future clinical pathways for patients with compensated cirrhosis. Whether you're in primary care, GI, or hepatology, this discussion offers critical insights to improve accuracy in staging liver disease and optimizing treatment strategies for patients with MASH.
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FAQ's
Common Questions from Primary Care Providers About MASH
July 2025
In this FAQ session, Brian Lam, PA-C, breaks down a common question he receives from primary care providers, endocrinologists, and even other GI specialists: Which patients with fatty liver should be referred to hepatology or GI for further evaluation? Using a clear and practical approach, Brian explains how to apply FIB-4, a simple lab-based non-invasive test, to guide referrals. He emphasizes that patients with metabolic syndrome—especially those with diabetes—are at significantly higher risk for MASH (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis), with roughly 1 in 3 diabetic patients affected. If the FIB-4 is greater than 1.3, or greater than 2.0 in adults over 65, it's time to refer. Brian also highlights the utility of FIB-4 with reflex to ELF, now available through major labs like LabCorp and Quest, as an efficient two-step method to detect advanced fibrosis and at-risk MASH. This video is perfect for busy clinicians looking for a referral-friendly workflow to catch MASH early and improve liver health outcomes in high-risk populations.
Watch Now
