Wei Zhang, MD, PhD

Wei Zhang, MD, PhD, is a transplant hepatologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. He directs MGH's Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease (ALD) Clinic and leads the LIFT clinic, one of the first dedicated post-transplant ALD programs. By integrating hepatology, psychiatry, and social work, he ensures that patients receive comprehensive, compassionate care to support their recovery and long-term health.

Originally trained in transplant surgery in China, Dr. Zhang transitioned to internal medicine in the U.S., completing his residency at Saint Louis University, followed by a gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Florida and a transplant hepatology fellowship at Columbia University. Learning from leaders in hepatology helped shape his patient-centered approach to care. His career is driven by a deep commitment to improving care for patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and ALD, both before and after liver transplant.

His research focuses on optimizing care delivery and reducing stigma in liver disease, including his impactful work on stigmatizing language in transplant communications, which has influenced patient-centered care practices. Dr. Zhang has authored over 40 peer-reviewed papers in top journals, including NEJM, Hepatology, Journal of Hepatology, and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. His contributions have been recognized with multiple awards, including the MGH Gastroenterology Innovation Award, AASLD Emerging Liver Scholar Award, and AASLD Early Career Investigator Award.

At the heart of Dr. Zhang's work is his philosophy: "I don't just treat liver disease - I treat the whole person. My mission isn't simply to extend life, but to ensure every moment is lived with dignity, purpose, and the highest quality possible." This belief shapes his approach to care, ensuring that patients receive not only the best medical treatment but also the mental health and social support they need to live full and meaningful lives.