Craig Lammert, M.D., a clinician investigator who focuses on autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine and also serves as the executive director for the Autoimmune Hepatitis Association. The aim of his research in AIH is to better understand the genetic and environmental contributions to AIH and how these could modify outcomes of AIH patients. Dr. Lammert is the principal investigator of the Genetic Repository of Autoimmune Liver Disease and Contributing Exposures (GRACE) Study, a program funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to build a database of AIH patients that includes disease details, genetic samples, and environmental exposures. He is an innovator in the recruitment of AIH patients using social media and is well-connected to the autoimmune liver disease field as an active member of the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group. He also is a co-investigator in autoimmune liver disease drug trials and multicenter studies.

“The Autoimmune Hepatitis Association is a vital resource for patients and families affected by AIH. We provide disease education and support but also offer opportunities for patients to connect with—and learn from—one another. As an advocacy organization, we also seek to advance research by bringing together patients, clinician scientists, and drug companies, all in hopes of eventually driving new treatments that improve the quality of life for patients living with this rare disease.”

Luke volunteers with the Autoimmune Hepatitis Association as both a legal counsel and a board member. He holds a doctor of law degree from the University of Detroit and a master of business administration degree from University of Indianapolis. He currently works as a public official and attorney for the state of Indiana and lives in Indianapolis.

“I enjoy playing a supporting role in the AIHA and helping facilitate a resource for an underserved medical community. It is satisfying to know that a rare disease such as autoimmune hepatitis is receiving attention.”

Andrew’s executive and entrepreneurial experience spans over 20 years in B2C and B2B for startups and Fortune 500 companies. Andrew founded and sold three technology companies and today is the CEO and Founder of ClosedLoop.ai – Healthcare’s Data Science Platform. ClosedLoop makes it easy and affordable for healthcare organizations to use data science to improve quality and reduce costs.

Prior to founding ClosedLoop, Andrew co-founded the mobile software company Boxer. Boxer developed mobile productivity software for individuals and large corporations. Boxer’s flagship email product was downloaded by millions of users and received significant industry praise for its exceptional user interface, including a 2015 Webby Nomination as one of the top 5 productivity applications in the world. Boxer was purchased by VMWare (one of the top 10 largest software companies in the world) in 2015.

​Andrew graduated Summa Cum Laude from Virgina Tech with a degree in management information technology. Andrew lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, two daughters, and champion “Dock Dog” Sophie.

“Clinical researchers depend immensely on patients’ perspectives to better understand what important questions should be asked. Patient advocacy organizations like the AIHA can help inform where new research is most needed. This is particularly important for rare diseases, such as autoimmune hepatitis.”

“The best way patients with AIH can advocate for the best possible care and treatment is to educate themselves about their disease and to connect with organizations like the AIHA. When I was first diagnosed with AIH, I found support and hope in the AIHA at a time when I felt scared and isolated. My connection with the AIHA allowed me to take the steps needed to find the right medical care, join support groups with people who shared my disease, and to learn more about the complexity of AIH and treatments available. With this knowledge, I felt more capable of facing my disease head on and to advocate for the best care and treatment possible.”