Najwa El-Nachef

Dr. Najwa El-Nachef is a gastroenterologist with special interests in gut microbiome, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, eosinophilic esophagitis and other immune conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. She performs upper endoscopies, colonoscopies and double-balloon enteroscopies (endoscopic procedures that allow for extensive examination of the small intestine). She cares for patients in the hospital as well as the clinic.

El-Nachef established UCSF's program for fecal microbiota transplant (FMT), which involves the transfer of stool from a healthy donor to boost beneficial microorganisms in the recipient’s intestinal tract. She is also co-director of UCSF's microbial restoration therapy program. She has treated numerous patients with recurrent Clostridium difficile infection through FMT.

El-Nachef's research projects focus on the microbiome's role in IBD. She is particularly thrilled to be contributing to an exciting field of research by helping to facilitate clinical trials investigating microbial therapy for various gastrointestinal illnesses.

After earning her medical degree at Wayne State University School of Medicine, El-Nachef completed a residency in internal medicine at the University of Michigan. She completed a fellowship in gastroenterology at UCSF.

El-Nachef belongs to the American Gastroenterological Association and American College of Gastroenterology. She directs UCSF's fellowship program in gastroenterology.

The daughter of a doctor, El-Nachef was inspired from a young age to serve others by becoming one herself. She considers medicine her calling. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her children, exploring outside and cooking.