About Dr. Mao Yimin
Dr. Mao Yimin (茅益民) is Chief Physician, Professor, and Director of the Division of Hepatology at the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. He is one of China's foremost authorities on metabolic liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, drug-induced liver injury (DILI), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/MASLD), and is a nationally recognized leader in clinical hepatology research and guideline development.
Dr. Mao has dedicated his career to the full spectrum of non-viral liver diseases — a category of conditions that is rapidly growing in clinical importance globally as metabolic syndrome, obesity, and alcohol consumption drive rising rates of liver disease in both Western and Asian populations. His clinical program at Renji Hospital manages one of the largest cohorts of metabolic and toxic liver disease patients in China, and his research has directly shaped national clinical guidelines for NAFLD, alcoholic liver disease, and DILI published by the Chinese Society of Hepatology.
Hospital Affiliation
Renji Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine is one of China's top-ranked general hospitals and a national center of excellence in gastroenterology, hepatology, and liver transplantation. The Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Renji is consistently ranked among China's best, with particular strength in the full spectrum of liver diseases from viral hepatitis and autoimmune liver disease through metabolic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The department's hepatology program is deeply integrated with Renji's world-class liver transplantation center, providing seamless escalation pathways for patients who progress to end-stage liver disease.
Clinical Expertise
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/MASLD) — diagnosis and staging; lifestyle and pharmacological management; NASH with advanced fibrosis; emerging therapies; metabolic comorbidity management
- Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) — alcoholic hepatitis (including severe acute alcoholic hepatitis); alcoholic cirrhosis; abstinence support and relapse prevention; nutritional rehabilitation; liver transplant evaluation for ALD
- Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) — diagnosis and causality assessment (RUCAM scale); differentiation from autoimmune hepatitis; herbal and dietary supplement-induced liver injury (HILI); management and monitoring
- Liver cirrhosis management — portal hypertension; variceal bleeding prevention and treatment; ascites management; hepatic encephalopathy; spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; hepatorenal syndrome
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance — ultrasound and AFP-based surveillance in cirrhotic patients; early detection and referral for curative treatment
- Liver fibrosis assessment — non-invasive staging (FibroScan, serum biomarkers); liver biopsy; longitudinal monitoring of fibrosis progression and regression
- Liver transplant evaluation — assessment for transplant candidacy in end-stage metabolic and alcoholic liver disease; post-transplant metabolic management
Academic & Research Contributions
Dr. Mao Yimin is one of China's most influential hepatologists, with an extensive publication record in leading gastroenterology and hepatology journals. He has served as lead author and contributor to multiple editions of the Chinese Society of Hepatology's clinical practice guidelines for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, and drug-induced liver injury — the authoritative national standards that govern clinical practice across China's hepatology community.
He has led multiple national-level research programs on metabolic liver disease funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Ministry of Science and Technology, and is a frequent invited speaker at major international hepatology conferences including EASL, AASLD, and APASL. His research on the epidemiology and natural history of NAFLD in Chinese populations has been widely cited internationally and has contributed to the global understanding of how metabolic liver disease manifests differently in Asian versus Western patients.
Why International Patients Choose Dr. Mao Yimin
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, and drug-induced liver injury are among the most common liver conditions affecting international patients, yet access to true hepatology subspecialty expertise — particularly for NAFLD with advanced fibrosis or NASH cirrhosis — is limited in many healthcare systems. Dr. Mao's clinic at Renji Hospital offers expert assessment and management of these conditions at a level of sophistication that is genuinely world-class, with direct access to the physician who has written China's national guidelines in this field.
International patients commonly seek Dr. Mao's expertise for second opinions on NAFLD staging and management, evaluation of abnormal liver function tests that have been inconclusive elsewhere, assessment of suspected drug-induced liver injury from medications or herbal supplements, and management of alcoholic liver disease including evaluation for liver transplantation. His clinic's experience with the largest metabolic liver disease cohort in China also means that complex and atypical presentations are managed with confidence and precision.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
Consultations with Dr. Mao begin with a comprehensive hepatological assessment including review of prior liver function tests, metabolic panel, liver imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI), FibroScan results if available, liver biopsy reports, and a detailed medication and supplement history. CMCS will arrange certified translation of all prior medical records in advance of the appointment. Dr. Mao will provide a definitive diagnostic assessment, stage your liver disease, and outline an optimized management plan with clear monitoring parameters and treatment goals. A written English-language consultation summary is provided after every appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have been told I have NAFLD with elevated liver enzymes — how serious is this?
NAFLD encompasses a spectrum from simple steatosis (fatty liver without inflammation) to NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with inflammation and fibrosis) and cirrhosis. The severity and prognosis depend critically on the degree of fibrosis, which requires accurate staging. Dr. Mao will assess your fibrosis stage using non-invasive methods and, if indicated, liver biopsy, and provide a clear prognosis and management plan.
I take herbal or traditional medicines — could these be causing my liver problem?
Herbal and dietary supplement-induced liver injury (HILI) is one of the most common causes of drug-induced liver injury in China and increasingly worldwide. Dr. Mao has extensive experience diagnosing and managing HILI, including cases involving traditional Chinese medicine preparations. A detailed supplement history is an essential part of every hepatology consultation.
Can alcoholic liver disease be reversed?
The reversibility of alcoholic liver disease depends on the stage and the achievement of sustained abstinence. Early-stage alcoholic hepatitis and fibrosis can show significant improvement with abstinence and nutritional support. Advanced cirrhosis is less reversible but can be stabilized. Dr. Mao will provide a realistic assessment of your prognosis and the potential for liver recovery with appropriate management.
Book a Consultation Through CMCS
China Medical Concierge Shanghai (CMCS) provides end-to-end support for international patients seeking hepatology care with Dr. Mao Yimin at Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, including priority appointment scheduling, certified medical translation, pre-consultation record review, FibroScan and liver biopsy coordination if required, and written English consultation summary. Contact us at contact@medicalsh.com, or visit medicalsh.com.
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