The most trusted Ambulatory Surgical Center specializing in endoscopic procedures in Chula Vista

Tarek Hassanein, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF, FAASLD, is a board-certified in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Transplant Hepatology. Dr. Hassanein specializes in treating viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease and cirrhosis, and in caring for patients before and after liver transplantation. Dr. Hassanein is a Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine. Dr. Hassanein was instrumental in establishing three major liver transplant programs.

Founded in 2009, Dr. Hassanein established Southern California GI & Liver Centers to care for patients with advanced and complicated liver diseases delivering unique, lifesaving services to patients throughout Southern California in their own community. As a leading expert in liver disease, Dr. Hassanein’s centers of excellence in HCV, liver cancer, alcoholic hepatitis, and the management of cirrhosis, lead to the development of Community Tertiary Care (CTC) centers.

Dr. Hassanein completed a research and clinical fellowship in gastroenterology, hepatology and transplantation at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He completed his residency training at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He earned his medical degree from Alexandria University in Alexandria, Egypt.

Dr. Hassanein is the Director of Southern California Liver Centers, Director of Southern California Research Center, and Medical Director of UCSD/Sharp Liver Transplant Outreach Program and the Chief of Gastroenterology/Hepatology at Sharp Coronado Hospital.

My practice consists of classic private full service Gastroenterology and Digestive diseases, using the latest diagnostic and therapeutic methods. The diagnostic method always includes a thorough evaluation of patient’s complaints, history, labs, x-rays, and procedures.

The emphasis is on allowing the patient to express concerns and symptoms, in an attempt to obtain a global understanding. For this, I use the Scientific Method and the latest evidence from the accepted medical practice. Diagnostic Procedures include endoscopy, colonoscopy, cancer screening, small bowel video capsule, and Bravo esophageal pH monitoring. Therapeutic modalities include biopsy, polyp removal, ablation of esophageal varices, argon plasma and laser ablation of lesions, office hemorrhoid ablation, Barrx ablation of Barrett’s esophagus, stricture dilation, stent placement, and multiple other options.

Understanding the need for privacy and the difficulty in dealing with many gastroenterology issues, I do my best to keep the process comfortable, reassuring, pain-free and at times humorous. I want my patients to improve their quality of life, prevent disease, acknowledge and understand themselves better. My helpful and friendly staff, and I, look forward to serving you and your family by providing the best possible care.