Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Connection to Liver Disease

Na Li, MD, PhD was born in China and immigrated to the United States after graduating medical school to pursue a PhD in physiology at the University of Louisville. Her passion for practicing medicine and taking care of patients inspired her to pursue an internal medicine residency and a fellowship in gastroenterology. In 2013, Dr. Li joined the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center team.

ENGAGING WITH THE COMMUNITY

Columbus, OH has a very diverse population with many Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Dr. Li said, “With my origin, it’s easy for me to build a trustworthy bond with this population. I’m honored to support them medically, mentally and emotionally.” Outside of her clinical work, Dr. Li supports the AAPI community by providing free community education and participating in various community activities to build trust and break down cultural healthcare barriers.

AAPI AND LIVER DISEASE

• Asian Americans have the highest incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
• As many as 1 in 10 foreign-born Asian Americans are chronically infected with Hepatitis B.
• Asian American women are nearly twice as likely to develop liver cancer than non-Hispanic white women.

BRIDGING THE GAP

Dr. Li said, “it is particularly important to increase community awareness around silent, yet clinically significant, liver diseases like fatty liver disease which is why I got involved with the American Liver Foundation (ALF).” Dr. Li’s commitment to the AAPI population has not only been beneficial to the public but her fellow colleagues as well by helping them become more engaged in community care.

In talking about her affiliation with ALF, Dr. Li said, “it has been a pleasure working with the staff at ALF. I really appreciate their efforts to build a bridge between medical providers and community people.”

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and we are honored to have Dr. Na Li working alongside us to increase awareness about liver disease in diverse communities. Thank you, Dr. Li for being a beacon of support for AAPI families and the liver community.

For more information about liver disease and the AAPI community, visit our website.