The Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh proudly welcomes Ahmed M. Elsabbagh, MD, MS, MRCS, PhD, to our liver and intestinal transplant surgery team.
An internationally recognized transplant and hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgeon, Dr. Elsabbagh brings a unique combination of clinical excellence, innovative research, international leadership, and a deep commitment to education. He joins the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine faculty as an associate professor of surgery and serves as director of Pediatric Transplant Education at UPMC Children’s.
Dr. Elsabbagh brings a diverse and advanced set of skills with special experience in pediatric liver transplant, living-donor liver transplant, intestinal transplant and rehabilitation, and complex HPB surgery to address benign and malignant diseases of the liver, pancreas, bile ducts, and gallbladder. In his role, he is actively involved in patient care, surgical innovation, and the training of fellows, residents, nurses, advanced practice providers, and students.
Dr. Elsabbagh is dedicated to providing excellent care to patients with complex diseases, including patients living in underserved regions and communities.
Clinical, Research, and Academic Expertise
Dr. Elsabbagh earned his medical degree with honors, master's degree (MS), and PhD from Mansoura University Medical School in Egypt, where he also completed his initial surgical residency. He subsequently trained in the United States at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Cleveland Clinic, Henry Ford Hospital, and Georgetown University, where he completed a two-year ASTS-accredited fellowship in multi-organ transplant and HPB surgery.
Board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (MRCS), Dr. Elsabbagh has held academic and surgical faculty roles at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis and Mansoura University’s Gastrointestinal Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center.
Dr. Elsabbagh has broad clinical expertise, with special interests in pediatric liver and intestinal transplant, living-donor liver transplant, liver transplant oncology, robotic and laparoscopic HPB surgery, Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) pathways, organ preservation, ischemia-reperfusion injury, immune tolerance, and microbiome modulation in transplant. He is a frequent speaker at international conferences and the author of multiple peer-reviewed publications in transplant and HPB surgery.
Leadership in Global Transplant Education and Advocacy
A strong advocate for accessible transplant care and global knowledge exchange, Dr. Elsabbagh has led numerous international partnerships and educational initiatives in North America, Africa, and the Middle East. He serves as President of Donate Life Egypt (DLE), where he champions ethical organ donation awareness and policy development across Egypt and beyond.
He holds leadership roles in several organizations, including:
He also organizes AACME-accredited international conferences, leads educational symposia, and mentors undergraduate and postgraduate trainees. His contributions to surgical education have earned him multiple Best Teacher and Best Mentor awards.
A Surgeon’s Global Mission in Transplantation
Dr. Elsabbagh’s career reflects a sustained commitment to advancing transplant medicine and improving access to high-quality care worldwide. He has trained at leading international centers and played an integral role in developing transplant and HPB programs in underserved regions. His work emphasizes clinical excellence, collaboration, and his personal mission to provide the highest level of care for patients living with complex diseases around the world.
Dr. Elsabbagh welcomes referrals from across the United States and internationally. His expertise in liver transplantation, intestinal failure, complex liver tumors, and minimally invasive HPB surgery helps families around the world access advanced, personalized care.
With Dr. Elsabbagh’s appointment, UPMC strengthens its commitment to providing world-class care in pediatric transplantation, living-donor liver transplant, and complex HPB surgery. His leadership in education, research, and global outreach aligns with UPMC’s mission to transform lives through innovation, collaboration, compassion, and excellence.
To refer a patient, or for more information, please contact Dawn Wilkerson, MSN, RN, CCTC, CPTC at 412-692-6428 or dawn.wilkerson2@upmc.edu.
