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Silvia Vilarinho, MD, PhD

Associate Professor of Medicine (Digestive Diseases) and of Pathology
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Additional Titles

Associate Director, Yale MD-PhD Program

Director, Internal Medicine Physician Scientist Training Program

Contact Info

Yale School of Medicine

Department of Medicine (Digestive Diseases), P.O. Box 208019

New Haven, CT 06520-8019

United States

About

Titles

Associate Professor of Medicine (Digestive Diseases) and of Pathology

Associate Director, Yale MD-PhD Program; Director, Internal Medicine Physician Scientist Training Program

Biography

Silvia Vilarinho is a physician-scientist who uses genetics, genomics and human samples to investigate the molecular basis of various liver diseases of unknown etiology. Using these approaches, we have identified five novel genetic liver diseases. Our research goal is to continue to discover new genes important in liver function both in health and disease and to use cell biology and animal models to determine the specific mechanism(s) linking mutant gene to disease as a roadmap to further understand and treat rare and common liver diseases.

This research approach provides new knowledge with direct impact in improving patient care and creates an outstanding scientific environment to train future physician-scientists and trainees with particular interest in human disease. Furthermore, I am very committed to make ‘genomic medicine for liver disease’ a reality in clinical practice worldwide.

Appointments

Education & Training

Fellowship
Yale University (2015)
Residency
Yale University (2011)
Internship
University of Minnesota (2010)
PhD
University of Porto, Portugal (2008)
MD
University of Porto (2004)

Research

Overview

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

Consanguinity; Genetic Variation; Genotype; Liver; Liver Diseases; Phenotype

Research at a Glance

Yale Co-Authors

Frequent collaborators of Silvia Vilarinho's published research.

Publications

2024

2022

2019

Academic Achievements & Community Involvement

  • activity

    American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD)

  • activity

    American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD)

  • honor

    2023 Leah Lowenstein Award

  • honor

    Young Physician-Scientist Award

  • honor

    Inaugural John N. Forrest, Jr. Prize for Mentorship in Student Research

Clinical Care

Overview

Silvia Vilarinho, MD, is an internist who treats digestive and liver diseases. She is especially interested in integrating genetics into diagnosis and treatment. No matter how serious the ailment, she always seeks to reassure patients. “We will work together to find the best plan,” she tells them.

One of her most meaningful experiences was identifying a rare genetic disorder in a woman who had been misdiagnosed multiple times. After years of ineffective treatment, including multiple surgeries, Dr. Vilarinho was finally able to provide the patient with the proper diagnosis and therapy.

An assistant professor of medicine (digestive diseases) at Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Vilarinho’s research applies genetics and genomics to determine the molecular basis of liver diseases with no clear cause. She is most excited when uncovering something that has never been seen before. “It is my goal to merge my research and clinical skills to advance science and to benefit the patient,” she says.

Clinical Specialties

Internal Medicine; Gastroenterology; Hepatology

Fact Sheets

Board Certifications

  • Gastroenterology

    Certification Organization
    AB of Internal Medicine
    Latest Certification Date
    2024
    Original Certification Date
    2015
  • Internal Medicine

    Certification Organization
    AB of Internal Medicine
    Latest Certification Date
    2024
    Original Certification Date
    2012

Yale Medicine News

Get In Touch

Contacts

Appointment Number
Mailing Address

Yale School of Medicine

Department of Medicine (Digestive Diseases), P.O. Box 208019

New Haven, CT 06520-8019

United States

Administrative Support

Events