Jess M. Howell is a Hepatologist based at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne in Melbourne, VIC, Australia. Jess looks after people who have health issues that affect the liver, and sometimes the wider digestive system too.
In hepatology, the main focus is spotting what’s going on early, then planning care that fits the person. At times this can include managing hepatitis infections like hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Jess also supports people living with herpes virus issues in pregnancy, where this needs careful monitoring.
Liver problems can change over time. Jess works with patients who have conditions such as cirrhosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. When liver scarring or ongoing inflammation is part of the picture, the goal is to slow things down, manage symptoms, and help patients understand their next steps.
Some people need support for cancers that start in the liver, including liver cancer. In those cases, care often involves working closely with the wider hospital team, so treatment plans are coordinated and clear.
Jess also cares for people with rarer liver conditions. One example is Glycogen Storage Disease Type 5. These conditions can be complex, and they often need a steady, long-term approach rather than quick fixes.
At times, liver health can also connect with gut symptoms like diarrhoea, so Jess considers the full story. That can include how diet, other health conditions, and medicines may be affecting symptoms.
For some patients, treatment may include preparation for a liver transplant or ongoing care after a transplant. That journey can feel big and stressful, so the focus stays on practical support, clear explanations, and keeping an eye on what matters most for day-to-day health.
Over time, Jess has cared for patients with a range of liver-related illnesses, from ongoing hepatitis to more serious liver disease. The work is hands-on and based on careful assessment, regular follow-ups, and making sure care plans are realistic.
Jess works in a hospital setting at St Vincent's, where multidisciplinary care is part of everyday life. That can help when people need input from different teams, all focused on the same goal.
No matter the diagnosis, the tone is usually calm and grounded. Liver health can be hard to deal with, and at times it helps to have someone who can talk things through in plain language and focus on what can be done next.
