History
Liver Experts within KSA used to share their knowledge and present their clinical research data locally through various activities of the Saudi Gastroenterology Association that existed since 1988. With the continuous expansion of the field, it was obvious that an independent association for the liver diseases is warranted. Though this idea was flourishing in the mind of many for some time, it was not until recently that it became a reality. Several meetings and stringent discussions between many involved doctors have worked to bring this option to a reality and consulted several others to consider all relevant ideas. Finally, these efforts have reached to the stage of declaring the Saudi Association for the Study of Liver Diseases & Transplantation under the umbrella of the Saudi Council of Health Specialties, after fulfilling all required regulations.
On 30th of August 2008, all dreams came true and the first Executive Board was elected by the first General Assembly meeting to carry out the huge responsibility of establishing the necessary grounds to promote this newly starting liver association. Three board of directors were elected later on.
The first one year of SASLT history was obviously busy with many logistic issues that culminated with launching the previous official website as the most effective way of coming close to all practicing doctors in the field, whether having an active membership currently or planning to. The Executive Board members do believe in collaborative teamwork atmosphere with all stakeholders of SASLT, and in particular look for serious partnership with national & international related associations in order to achieve the common goals.
Potentials are great and ambitions are greater, nevertheless, none would come true without the active and continuous contribution from all colleagues in Saudi Arabia or in other Gulf & Arab countries.
Recently based on the request of SCFHS, the name of the association was changed to Saudi Society for Liver Disease and Transplantation and it became part of the ministry of Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. However, the acronym SALST was kept the same as the society was internationally known with this name.