mybonsecours
world class care, right here in Virginia
Our Physicians:
Mitchell Shiffman, MD Liver Specialist and Hepatology
Dr. Mitchell Shiffman is the Bon Secours expert on liver disease and liver treatments for Virginia. Prior to joining Bon Secours, Dr. Shiffman was a professor of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, VA. He was the Chief of the Hepatology Section and Medical Director of the Liver Transplant Program at the VCU Medical Center from 1989 until 2009. During his 20 years at the VCU Medical Center Dr. Shiffman built and directed one of the most respected and productive hepatology programs in the United States.
Dr. Shiffman is recognized as one of the world’s leaders in the field of Hepatology. His particular area of research is viral hepatitis. He has been involved with and/or directed numerous clinical trials to develop new and better treatments for viral hepatitis B and C. Dr. Shiffman is a regular speaker on the treatment of viral hepatitis, the management of various liver disorders, and issues related to liver transplantation at regional, national and international society meetings. Dr. Shiffman has joined a planning committee for 2013 Annual Meeting of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver, where he will be delivering several lectures on liver disease topics.
He has published over 200 articles in medical journals (many of which can be found here) related to the treatment of liver diseases and has edited two books on this topic. In addition, he has contributed to various HCV educational resources including an HCV educational kit. Dr. Shiffman is also a widely recognized expert consultant to pharmaceutical companies on the treatment of liver disease.
Dr. Shiffman was recently selected by his peers as one of the 2011-2012 Best Doctors in America, which recognizes him as one of the top clinicians in the area and one of the top hepatologists in Virginia. In addition, he was rated by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 1% of gastroenterologists in the United States in peer-endorsed rankings.
Dr. Shiffman has also been honored by his patients and recognized as a "Patients' Choice" physician for his expertise in liver cirrhosis, liver diseases, management after liver transplant and treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus. The "Patients' Choice" award is awarded to only 5% of the nation's active physicians. In order to receive the award, a doctor must have rave reviews and near perfect scores from patients.
Dr. Shiffman holds a Bachelor of Arts from State University of New York at Buffalo, a Master of Science in physiology from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque, N.M. and his Doctor of Medicine from State University of New York Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, N.Y. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine and fellowship training in gastroenterology and hepatology at the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals in Richmond, VA. Dr. Shiffman is a member of many professional organizations including: the American College of Gastroenterology, American College of Physicians, the American Gastroenterological Association, American Society for the Study of Liver Diseases, American Society of Transplantation, European Association for the Study of the Liver, International Liver Transplantation Society, Richmond Academy of Medicine, Virginia Medical Society and the Virginia Gastrointestinal Society. He was a member of the Board of Trustees with the American College of Gastroenterology from 2003-2009.
Dr. Shiffman has offices in Hampton Roads, Virginia and Richmond, Virginia. His full CV (PDF) can be downloaded here.
April G. Long, NP, has provided care to patients with all forms of liver disease under the direction of Dr. Shiffman for four years. She has an excellent fund of knowledge in the management of all forms of liver disease with extensive experience in the management of patients receiving peginterferon and ribavirin for treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus. Her experience in managing the side effects of these medications has enabled her patients to be cured of chronic HCV at a higher rate than is observed at many other institutions.
Ms. Long has a bachelor of science in biology and in nursing from the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va. In addition, she holds a master of science in nursing from VCU. She was a sub-investigator and clinical studies coordinator for various on many HCV-related clinical protocols. Ms. Long also serves as an Advisor to Vertex Pharmaceuticals on issues related to chronic HCV.
Ms. Long is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, American College of Gastroenterology and Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners.
Amy M. James, NP, has treated acute medical/oncology patients and brings her excellent fund of knowledge in treating oncology and gastroenterology patients to the Liver Institute team. Before coming to the Liver Institute of Virginia in October of 2010, she worked in the Oncology Department of Riverside Regional Medical Center and Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center. Most recently she was a Gastroenterology/Hepatology nurse practitioner at Tricities Gastroenterology.
Ms. James has a bachelor of science in nursing from Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Va. In addition, she holds a master of science in nursing in adult health from VCU. She has served numerous internships including time at Richmond Gastrointestinal Specialists, Williamsburg Riverside Family Practice, Dominions Women's Health, Hopewell Medical Practice, and Massey Cancer Center.
Ms. James is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and is an ANCC certified Adult Nurse Practitioner. She has been Oncology Nurse Certified since 2000.
