Hi - I'm Natalie Amante, a board-certified Physician Assistant (PA).
I obtained my bachelor's degree in Nutritional Science from the University of Georgia and master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Texas Medical Branch, graduating with honors as most outstanding PA student. I was fortunate to work as an intern for Dr. Galati pre-PA school and am thrilled to be back full-circle with Liver Specialists of Texas.
As a 5th generation Texan, I'm proud to have been raised in Sugar Land, one of the most inclusive and diverse communities in the United States. Growing up in a large Italian family taught me the importance of having a support system that truly cares, which is what fuels my passion as a practitioner.
My individualized approach to medicine treats each patient as a whole, rather than simply their illness. Our overall wellness is made up of physical, mental, spiritual, and environmental health, along with daily choices, which means each patient is unique. Hepatology ties together the pieces of medicine I love most - the amazing liver, nutrition, preventive medicine, gastroenterology, internal medicine, and education.
The liver is the largest internal organ with hundreds of functions, yet most people don't know a lot about it. I'm excited to educate my patients about liver disease and have the opportunity to treat and prevent illness. I hope to create a team approach with my patients that allows me to provide greater understanding and the best care possible. This includes working with our medical assistants, dietician, transplant and hospital team, families, and of course each individual. I am grateful to work with patients every day who choose to invest in their own health!
Outside of my career, my love for travel further connects me to the world. I've visited many beautiful countries across Europe, studied in Cadiz, Spain, and embraced Italy and my Italian roots through my unbreakable connection to their food and culture. Healthful eating can be easy with simple ingredients full of flavor, all the while appreciating the conversation that takes place around the table.
And no conversation in my house is complete without sports - especially during basketball season. The Houston Rockets, both newcomers and legends like Dikembe Mutombo, are my favorite, and of course there is always room for my Georgia Bulldawgs!
Obesity and Fatty Liver Disease
Obesity, and all of its related complications, is more serious than most adults in America believe. More than one-third (34.9% or 78.6 million) of U.S. adults are obese. Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and certain types of cancer, are some of the leading causes of preventable death. We are seeing an increase in the number of young children and adolescents developing obesity, and all of the related complications.
The cost of obesity is staggering, with annual medical cost of obesity exceeding $147 billion in 2008 U.S. dollars. The medical costs for people who are obese were $1,429 higher than those of normal weight.
Dr. Galati and the Liver Specialists of Texas team are dedicated to evaluate, treat, and manage all aspects of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD and NASH), including the complication of cirrhosis and liver failure. Developing a customized plan of care for each patient they see is their objective.
Dr. Galati has been involved in Liver Transplantation since 1989. As Medical Director for the Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation at Houston Methodist Hospital, Dr. Galati has cared for thousands of patients with advanced liver disease. In those with the most severe form of advanced liver disease and cirrhosis, liver transplantation is a life-saving surgery. For more information on liver transplantation, click here.
From the comfort of your home, without the need to spend additional money on travel, lodging, and food, receive and expert second opinion from the expert physicians at Liver Specialists of Texas
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There are five steps in the process of requesting a second opinion. We anticipate the steps will take you about 30-65 minutes to complete.
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Have your medical records or those of your loved one on hand as you fill out the medical history questionnaire portion of the online process.
The medical history questionnaire is detailed so having medical records to quickly reference will help make the process more efficient.
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To start the process of an Online Liver Second Opinion, please fill out the initial contact form and fax back to our office. A representative from our office will call you for additional details.