1957-1998: Dr. Burton Combes *, the first hepatologist at UT Southwestern, was chief of the Liver Unit from its inception in 1957 until its merger with Gastroenterology in 1998. He continues his distinguished career in liver diseases and has a particular interest in primary biliary cirrhosis.

Amongst the alumni of the unit is Joseph Goldstein, M.D. * Nobel Prize winner, Regental Professor and Chairman of the Department of Molecular Genetics. He was introduced to scholarly research as a summer student with Dr. Combes while attending UT Southwestern Medical School.

The following academic hepatologists are also alumni:

Raymond Burk, M.D. Investigator and Senior Fellow, Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University; former Chief of Gastroenterology, Liver and Nutrition, Vanderbilt University.
Steven Schenker, M.D. former Chief of Gastroenterology, UT Health Sciences Center at San Antonio; former Chief of Gastroenterology, Liver and Nutrition, Vanderbilt University.
Eugene Schiff, M.D. Chief, Center for Liver Diseases, University of Miami.
Rainer Zahlten, M.D. former Senior Vice President, Hoechst Marion Roussel.