Research Spotlight: Comparing the GI Side Effects of Four Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder
Researchers found that injectable naltrexone had the fewest reported GI and liver-related side effects compared to the other drugs.
About Wei Zhang, MD, PhD
Wei Zhang, MD, PhD, is a transplant hepatologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. He directs MGH's Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease (ALD) Clinic and leads the LIFT clinic, one of the first dedicated post-transplant ALD programs. By integrating hepatology, psychiatry, and social work, he ensures that patients receive comprehensive, compassionate care to support their recovery and long-term health.
Originally trained in transplant surgery in China, Dr. Zhang transitioned to internal medicine in the U.S., completing his residency at Saint Louis University, followed by a gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Florida and a transplant hepatology fellowship at Columbia University. Learning from leaders in hepatology helped shape his patient-centered approach to care. His career is driven by a deep commitment to improving care for patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and ALD, both before and after liver transplant.
His research focuses on optimizing care delivery and reducing stigma in liver disease, including his impactful work on stigmatizing language in transplant communications, which has influenced patient-centered care practices. Dr. Zhang has authored over 40 peer-reviewed papers in top journals, including NEJM, Hepatology, Journal of Hepatology, and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. His contributions have been recognized with multiple awards, including the MGH Gastroenterology Innovation Award, AASLD Emerging Liver Scholar Award, and AASLD Early Career Investigator Award.
At the heart of Dr. Zhang's work is his philosophy: "I don't just treat liver disease - I treat the whole person. My mission isn't simply to extend life, but to ensure every moment is lived with dignity, purpose, and the highest quality possible." This belief shapes his approach to care, ensuring that patients receive not only the best medical treatment but also the mental health and social support they need to live full and meaningful lives.
Treats:
- Adult
Languages:
- Mandarin Chinese
Medical Education
- MD, Nanjing Medical University
- Residency, Saint Louis University School of Medicine
- Fellowship, New York Presbyterian Columbia Campus
- Fellowship, University of Florida - Shands Hospital
Accepted Insurance Plans
- Aetna
- Beech Street
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare
- Cigna
- Commonwealth Care Alliance
- Coventry
- Fallon Health
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- Humana
- Maine Community Health Options
- Mass General Brigham Health Plan
- MassHealth
- Medicaid ME
- Medicaid NH
- Medicaid RI
- Medicaid VT
- Medicare
- Medicare ACO
- Multiplan
- Railroad Medicare
- Senior Whole Health
- TriCare
- Tufts Health Plan
- United Health Care
- Wellpoint
- WellSense
- WellSense NH
Note: This provider may accept more insurance plans than shown; please call the practice to find out if your plan is accepted.
Yes, I was very happy with my visit with the doctor and the nurse practitioner. It went very well, explained everything very well. And the team down there is excellent. I would recommend it to anybody.
Excellent
Dr. Zhang was most informative, friendly and comfortable to talk with
Dr. Zhang is caring & patient. His complete attention to one's concerns & ailments help you to feel at ease. I have never felt rushed or brushed off in my care under him. Appropriate testing is always explained thoroughly with a plan of action! I don't often come across many physicians like Dr. ZHANG. Most are either burnt out or only ... Read More
Dr. Zhang was excellent. He listens. He knows what he's talking about. He's a wonderful, wonderful doctor. That's why I drive into Boston to see him. Getting to Mass General was awful. The traffic was terrible.
Dr. Zhang is one of the best doctors I have ever dealt with in my life. He is knowledgeable, thorough, well spoken and takes time carefully going through my chart and discussing my medical issues with me. He's very personable and asks me about my life, treating me as a person & not just a patient with a medical condition. I genuinely look ... Read More
Extremely professional and patient very knowledgeable and supportive
Dr. Zhang is an outstanding provider! There was a lot of information to review and he never made me feel rushed. He patiently answered all of my questions, offering me reassurance, and educated me in a way that was easy to understand. I highly recommend Dr. Zhang.
Dr. Zhang is very comfortable to deal with. He has a great way about him very thorough knowledgeable and caring.
The visit was informative