About

Rajaa Chatila, MD, MHPE

Clinical Associate Professor
Department of Internal Medicine
Division of Gastroenterology

Assistant Dean for Graduate Medical Education
Coordinator of Med-II Gastrointestinal Module

Gastroenterology and hepatology are fascinating fields to study and practice. Learning to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal system and the liver translates to fully integrating knowledge of microbiology, neurology, endocrinology, and psychology among other disciplines, as well as performing procedures. This puts one in close contact with physicians from different specialties, including surgeons and radiologists. A gastroenterologist is never bored! Moreover, since gastrointestinal disorders are so common among the general population, one has the chance to help many patients feel better and improve their health.

Despite having trained in the U.S., and having had ample opportunity to remain there to practice medicine following the completion of my training, I opted to return to Lebanon. Our country, families, and countrymen and -women need us. At the core of my motivation for this field is my belief in the humanitarian nature of the medical profession. Whereas in the U.S. there may be many physicians highly qualified to treat patients, there is a more pressing need in Lebanon to raise the standard of healthcare. In Lebanon, much work remains to be done if we are to provide equal opportunity of access to good medical care. Outreach programs are needed to allow those living in areas remote from major cities the possibility of having healthcare within their reach, close to home. As a LAU faculty member involved in healthcare education, and having an administrative role, I hope that I may contribute to the realization of this dream of high-quality care that is accessible to all in Lebanon.

Selected Publications

View Dr. Chatila’s publications on PubMed (search terms: Rajaa Chatila, R Chatila).

Professional and Research Interests

Education and Training

Professional Memberships and Organizations

Grants

2015

Intramural Grant: 17,000 USD.
Rectal Cancer: molecular and biological characteristics

2015

Unrestricted Grant: 21,000 USD.
Randomized, placebo controlled double blind study of the effect of Melanole, a Nigella Sativa extract, on gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

Keywords

acid reflux, dysphagia, achalasia, esophageal cancer, Barrett’s esophagus, esophagitis, esophageal varices, gastric cancer, gastric ulcers, gastric bleeding, gastritis, Helicobacter pylori, H. pylori, gastric polyps, nausea and vomiting, small bowel tumors, celiac disease, small bowel bleeding, angiodysplasia, small bowel obstruction, acute diarrhea, chronic diarrhea, constipation, gallstones, gallbladder diseases, bile duct disease, jaundice, liver disease, cirrhosis, acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, colon polyps, colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, anal fissure, colon cancer, gastrointestinal bleeding, gastric balloon, gastric fistula