Bashar A. Aqel

Bashar A. Aqel, M.D., is a Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, serving as Medical Director of the Division of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation and Director of the Arizona Transplant Center. He specializes in gastroenterology and transplant hepatology with dual board certification in Gastroenterology and Transplant Hepatology.

Dr. Aqel's clinical expertise focuses on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), viral hepatitis (particularly hepatitis C), and liver transplantation. His research investigates the pathogenesis of NAFLD, the impact of gut microbiome on liver disease progression, and novel treatments for hepatitis C in transplant patients. He has published extensively in high-impact journals including Hepatology and Transplantation.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on innovative liver transplantation techniques, particularly normothermic machine perfusion, expanding donor pools through hepatitis C-positive graft utilization, and improving outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. His work bridges basic science with clinical applications to enhance patient access to transplantation and improve post-transplant care.

• Teacher of the Year Award, Department of Internal Medicine (2021)
• GI/Hepatology Attending of the Year (2015)
• Multiple teaching awards from University of Missouri and University of Minnesota

Dr. Aqel serves on the National Liver Review Board for the United Network for Organ Sharing and holds leadership positions within Mayo Clinic's transplant programs. He actively mentors medical students, residents, and fellows in gastroenterology and hepatology while managing complex clinical cases at Mayo Clinic's Phoenix campus.