Raouf E. Nakhleh

Raouf E. Nakhleh, M.D., is a Professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and an active member of the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center. Over more than three decades he has specialized in transplantation pathology and liver disease while providing clinical service in the Breast Clinic and driving quality-improvement initiatives across the institution.

Education & Training

• 1989 Fellow, Surgical Pathology – University of Minnesota Medical School
• 1989 Resident, Anatomic Pathology – University of Minnesota Medical School
• 1988 Fellow, Transplantation Pathology – University of Minnesota Medical School
• 1985 M.D. – Wayne State University
• 1980 B.S. Biochemistry – Michigan State University

Research Interests

Dr. Nakhleh’s scholarly work centers on transplantation pathology, with particular emphasis on liver allograft rejection, recurrent disease, and long-term graft survival. He has pioneered protocols for quality improvement in anatomic pathology, developed metrics for laboratory management, and advanced diagnostic precision in hepatobiliary disease. Additional interests span breast pathology and clinical informatics that enhance patient safety and diagnostic accuracy.

Scientific Awards & Honors

• 2016 President’s Award, College of American Pathologists (CAP)
• 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award, CAP
• 2008 Honorary Fellowship, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland
• 1991 Citation of Merit, Radiological Society of North America
• 1989 Cecil Watson Award, University of Minnesota
• 1988 Kenneth Ernst Award, University of Minnesota
• 1986 Young Investigator Award, Academy of Laboratory Physicians and Scientists

Leadership & Professional Service

Dr. Nakhleh has held continuous national leadership roles including:

• Chair, CAP Guideline Expert Metrics Panel (2013–2018)
• Chair, CAP Council on Scientific Affairs (2014–2018)
• Elected Member, CAP Board of Governors (2015–2018)
• Member, American Board of Pathology Laboratory Management Test Development Committee (2011–2018)
• Chair, CAP Quality Practices Committee (2005–2013)

These positions have allowed him to shape evidence-based guidelines, quality metrics, and educational standards for pathology practice across North America.

At Mayo Clinic he contributes to multidisciplinary teams in the Liver Transplant Program and Breast Clinic, mentoring residents and fellows while spearheading continuous improvement projects that align diagnostic excellence with patient-centered care.