Dr. Andreas Teufel is a hepatologist and bioinformatics expert, currently serving as a Full Professor of Hepatology at the University of Heidelberg, Medical Faculty Mannheim. Since 2017, he has led the Hepatology and Clinical Bioinformatics Divisions at the Department of Internal Medicine II. He is also an Associate Member of the DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute and leads major projects such as the Clinical Cooperation Unit for Healthy Metabolism and the Center for Digital Early Disease Detection and Prevention.
Dr. Teufel’s basic research focuses on the molecular and bioinformatic modeling of liver diseases, autoimmune liver diseases, including fatty liver, liver fibrosis, and liver cancer. His group utilizes genetically modified animal models to study the mechanisms of liver carcinogenesis and fibrosis, applying cutting-edge bioinformatic techniques to analyze molecular changes and predict disease progression and drug response. In collaboration with international partners, Dr. Teufel leads studies on the influence of the microbiome on liver diseases, supported by the German-Chinese research consortium.
In 2023, Professor Teufel established (and obtained funding for) a Digital Hepatology Hub in collaboration with the Universidad de Antioquia in Medellín, Colombia, focusing on improving the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases in remote and underserved areas. This initiative addresses healthcare disparities by employing advanced digital technologies and telemedicine. The hub integrates AI-driven chatbots for patient screening, triage, and liver health education, alongside telemedicine for remote consultations and follow-ups, enabling specialist access across geographical barriers. It also develops robust data frameworks to enhance health data collection, analysis, and application. This effort exemplifies the transformative potential of digital innovation in addressing global health challenges and improving outcomes, particularly in hepatology.
Finally, he also contributes to clinical digital health initiatives, including sensor-based patient monitoring, which aims to improve care for metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and other conditions. Dr. Teufel plays a key translational role in the German Government funded LeMeDaRT Consortium, which integrates medical data across health sectors to improve patient care and health system efficiency. His work in this field extends globally through partnerships aimed at advancing digital healthcare in under-served regions such as rural areas in Colombia or Paraguay where he established a joint academic center.