Bashar A. Aqel, M.D.

Bashar A. Aqel, M.D., is a gastroenterologist, transplant hepatologist and Director of the Mayo Clinic Transplant Center in Phoenix, Arizona. He specializes in liver transplantation and advanced hepatology, with expertise in improving access to liver transplantation, optimizing care for patients awaiting transplant and enhancing transplant outcomes.

Dr. Aqel cares for patients with cirrhosis, cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/MASLD), viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis and other complex liver disorders. He evaluates and manages patients throughout the liver transplant process and provides comprehensive care before and after transplantation.

Dr. Aqel is a member of Mayo Clinic's Liver Transplant Program and Hepatobiliary Clinic and serves on the National Liver Review Board. His clinical and research interests include expanding access to liver transplantation, increasing utilization of hepatitis C donor grafts, improving outcomes for patients with cholangiocarcinoma, understanding the role of the gut microbiome in fatty liver disease and advancing liver transplant outcomes.

Dr. Aqel is board-certified in gastroenterology and transplant hepatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He completed gastroenterology and hepatology fellowship training at Mayo Clinic in Florida. He has been recognized for his commitment to education with honors including Teacher of the Year and GI/Hepatology Attending of the Year awards.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Aqel is active in research, professional leadership and medical education. Fluent in English and Arabic, he is committed to evidence-based, patient-centered care and works closely with multidisciplinary teams to help patients and families navigate complex liver disease and transplantation decisions.