Dr Alex Hodge

Assoc Prof Alexander Hodge began his career as a molecular biologist in Vancouver, Canada before pursuing medicine at The University of Sydney. Graduating with honours, he completed his specialist training in gastroenterology at The Alfred Hospital, both in Canberra and Melbourne. In his early career, A/Prof Hodge played a foundational role in a pivotal paper establishing the connection between adiponectin levels and inflammation severity in fatty liver disease. Since 2004, his focus has been consistent in both clinical and basic science research. His endeavours culminated in a 2015 PhD from Monash University, investigating the use of human amniotic epithelial cells for treating liver fibrosis and a clinical trial employing fasting as a strategy for managing fatty liver disease, now termed MASLD. 

His research on fasting and the association between coffee consumption and fibrosis received significant media coverage, leading to international presentations and numerous features in newspapers, TV, and radio segments—garnering recognition such as the Inaugural Early Career Research Award in 2015, 2016, and 2017. 

As an Associate Professor, he actively mentor medical students and gastroenterology trainees, overseeing PhD students at Monash University. He also contributes as a reviewer for local journals and evaluates PhD theses for University of NSW students. 

By 2023, A/Prof Hodge has supervised 15 Pharma-sponsored clinical trials as the principal investigator through Monash University. His expertise in fatty liver disease has resulted in invited talks, presentations at international conferences, and advisory board roles in pharmacology companies. Additionally, A/Prof Hodge serves as a medical advisor for a South Korean biotechnology company involved in novel liver disease treatments and
works as a consultant for an Asia Pacific contract research organization, offering guidance on clinical trial setups for biotechnology firms.   

A/Prof Hodge holds an honorary adjunct position as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences at RMIT University, as well as in the Faculty of Medicine at Monash University. 

Presently, as a consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Eastern Health, A/Prof Hodge actively participates in gastroenterology and hepatology clinics, manages inpatients, and provides emergency endoscopy services. A/Prof Hodge also offers private consultations in Clayton and Frankston, including FibroScan®, with admitting rights at Box Hill Hospital, Maroondah Hospital, Jessie McPherson Private Hospital, Mulgrave Hospital, and The Bays Hospital. His endoscopic procedures are conducted at various hospitals and clinics within the public and private healthcare systems.