Dr. Ayako Suzuki

Liver disease is a disease that’s stigmatized. Many people are embarrassed to say they have liver disease, and that’s because liver disease is associated with alcoholism or drug abuse. But most people have liver disease that’s not related to those issues at all. People who smoke cigarettes get bad diseases, and we try not to stigmatize them. So it’s very difficult to be a patient with liver disease. They often feel isolated. But what has struck me about all of my patients is that they are very supportive of each other, and their families tend to be very supportive of them. They weather their condition with great grace, and they’re very grateful for the help we can provide. One of the things that distinguishes the gastroenterology division at Duke is that we have a very balanced faculty. Many programs specialize in one thing or another. Duke really covers the spectrum of gastrointestinal diseases. We have the breadth of general gastroenterologists, but we also have the sub-subspecialties. Dr. Mae E. Diehl is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). Her top areas of expertise are Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Visceromegaly, and Cirrhosis.

Dawn Piercy is a Hepatologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Piercy is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). Her top areas of expertise are Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Visceromegaly, and Cirrhosis.

I strive to offer patients at Duke Health the latest advancements and treatment options in the treatment of gastrointestinal and liver disease. It is a privilege to partner with patients and their families in developing care plans that meet the needs and goals of each person. It is my passion to stand next to each of my patients and help them make important decisions about their own health. I remain involved in clinical research and am interested in the role of nutritional wellness in patients with liver disease and those awaiting transplant. When not working, my wife and I are busy with our two daughters. My love for them reminds me of the importance of care for others. Dr. Kappus is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). His top areas of expertise are Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), Cirrhosis, Hepatitis, Liver Transplant, and Endoscopy.