The Artificial Liver Center at the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (FAHZU) provides a unique environment for exceptional candidates to pursue advanced training in artificial liver blood purification therapy. Since its establishment in 1997, our center has been the national level artificial liver training base, which is committed to training and promoting this therapy nationwide. Led by Academician LI Lanjuan, the pioneer in the field of artificial liver treatment in China, our center published several textbooks or guidelines on Li's Artificial Liver Support (Li-ALS) system treatment.

During your training, you will gain extensive experience in the multidisciplinary management of critical illnesses. The significant cases will cover severe liver disease, liver failure, neurological crises, autoimmune diseases, severe skin diseases, hematological disorders, and other critical conditions treated with artificial liver blood purification therapy. Our unwavering commitment to patient-centered care brings together healthcare providers, scientists, students, and trainees, united in our shared mission to deliver hope and healing to every patient. 

-Cutting-edge Technology: An introduction to the Li-ALS system, China’s first composite non-biological artificial liver treatment device with independent intellectual property rights.

-Expert Faculty: Direct access to faculty members who are recognized experts in artificial liver technology and have published numerous publications and guidelines in the field.

-Comprehensive Clinical Exposure: Opportunities to participate in a wide range of clinical cases, including severe liver disease, liver failure, and other critical illnesses.

-Research Opportunities: Ample opportunities to participate clinical research projects and contribute to the ongoing advancement of artificial liver technology.

-Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Workin with a multidisciplinary team for the management of a variety of pathologies affecting multiple organ systems. 

The objective of our program is to equip trainees to with the expertise to excel in treating critical illness patients undergoing artificial liver blood purification therapy. By engaging with a diverse group of investigators involved in cutting-edge clinical and research activities in artificial liver technology, our program offers advanced trainees with a robust foundation in clinical investigation, paving the way for successful careers in academic medicine. With dedicated research time and access to ample resources, paticipants will have the opportunity to design and carry out independent research projects under the guidance of experinced mentors.

The program provides a full-time training experience ranging from 2 weeks to 6 months. In special circumstances, arrangements can be made for other lengths of training depending on your needs and interests.

• Fellows: Applicants must have completed a residency program in a relevant medical specialty at an accredited institution.

• Residents: Candidates must have successfully completed a board-approved program in a relevant medical specialty. Programs may be completed through FAHZU or another accredited institution.

Students: Final-year medical students who have completed all core clerkship rotations. A letter of good standing from the dean’s office indicating final-year status, expected graduation date, and meeting all requirements for an elective for academic credit is required.

Focus Areas:

• Severe liver disease and liver failure

• Neurological crises (e.g. myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barre syndrome)

• Autoimmune diseases (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis)

• Severe skin diseases (e.g. pemphigoid, toxic epidermal necrolysis)

• Hematological disorders (e.g. thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, multiple myeloma)

• Other critical illnesses treated with artificial liver blood purification therapy

Skills:

• Basic and advanced artificial liver blood purification techniques

• Management of artificial liver devices and monitoring

• Multidisciplinary team management and collaboration

Clinical decision-making and patient care

Week 1: Introduction and Welcome

• Overview and objectives of this program

• Department introduction

Weekly: One-on-One Mentoring

1. Venous catheterization

2. Pre-filling technology of the Artificial Liver Therapy Device

3. Operation of Initiation and termination in Artificial Liver Therapy

4. Handling alarms during Artificial Liver Therapy

5. Adjustment of anticoagulants during Artificial Liver Therapy

6. Management of complications related to Artificial Liver Therapy

7. Clinical rounds and patient observations

8. Simulated treatment training and practical treatment experience

Biweekly: Thematic lectures

1. Models of Artificial Liver Therapy

2. Combined Artificial Liver Technologies

3. Technical guidance on establishing venous access

4. Anticoagulation techniques in Artificial Liver Therapy

5. Advances and future perspectives in Artificial Liver Technology

6. Journal club and literature review

Final Week:

• Summary and review

• Participants’ demonstrations or discussions of key takeaways

• Feedback session and evaluations

Qualification assessment and competency evaluation

After each rotation, each faculty member evaluates each trainee according to core competencies of patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and system-based practice. Faculty members meet with trainees individually for verbal feedback and evaluation. Monthly, an aggregate evaluation of a trainee’s clinical progress is conducted through a clinical competency committee.

The program is free of charge.

YU Liang

Education Program Coordinator

Phone: +8613646876111

Email: yu-liang@zju.edu.cn