Transplant hepatology is the field of medicine that deals with liver transplants. A hepatologist is a physician who specializes in diseases and disorders of the liver. This specialist may coordinate treatment with a transplant surgeon for a patient who requires a liver transplant due to liver disease or liver failure. During transplant surgery, the diseased liver is removed and a new liver is placed in the same location. This surgery is done through a large incision in the upper abdomen, and is performed under general anesthetic in a hospital.

Doctor density varies by specialty and location. Washington, D.C. has 5 practicing transplant hepatologist in Washington.

According to 2005 Census estimates, Washington, D.C. has a population of 550,521. Of this population, 110,240 are under the age of 18 and 66,591 are at or above the age of 65.