President and CEO
North Shore Gastroenterology & Endosopy Centers
Accomplished gastroenterologist and hepatologist with over 35 years of experience in clinical practice, research, and medical education. Leader in liver disease research and treatment, particularly in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), protein metabolism, and hepatology. Founding member of multiple medical organizations, including the Northeast Ohio Liver Alliance (NEOLA) and North Shore Gastroenterology. Dedicated to advancing gastroenterology through clinical trials, patient care, and community education.
Education
Doctor of Medicine
University of Damascus College of Medicine, Damascus, Syria
Graduated: 1981 (Top 5% of Class)
Internship, Residency, and Gastroenterology Fellowship
Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio
Completed: 1983–1989
Externship
Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida
Completed: 1982
Professional Experience
President and Chief Executive Officer
North Shore Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Centers, Northeast Ohio
1990–Present
– Co-founded the practice in 1989 with Dr. Peter Greenwalt
– Oversee a 22 provider specialty group with 125 employees serving Northeast Ohio
– Spearheaded the acquisition of the first VCTE device (elastography/FibroScan) in Northern Ohio in 2013
Clinical Professor
Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
– Teach and mentor medical students and residents in gastroenterology and hepatology
Associate Clinical Professor
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
– Contribute to academic and clinical training in gastroenterology
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Lakewood Hospital, Lakewood, Ohio
2005–2010
– Led the board during a period of significant growth and development
Chief of Gastroenterology
Lakewood Hospital, Lakewood, Ohio
– Directed gastroenterology services and programs
Board of Trustees Member
Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
2005–2015
– Served on various committees, contributing to strategic decision-making
Founding Trustee
Cleveland Clinic Health Systems Physician Organization (now Community Physician Partnership)
– Chaired the Finance Committee and played a key role in organizational development
Secretary and Co-Founder
Northeast Ohio Liver Alliance (NEOLA)
2020–Present
– Co-founded NEOLA to provide education and support for medical professionals and patients
– Organize annual events, including Citywide Liver Rounds, post-AASLD Liver Updates, and patient educational activities
Co-Founder and Organizer
Anthony S. Tavill Liver Rounds
– Established a forum for GI fellows to present and discuss clinical liver cases
Research Director
Cleveland Research Institute of Ohio (CRIOH)
2021-Present
– Partnered with Dr. Naim Alkhouri and Arizona Liver Health to lead clinical trials in liver disease, particularly MASLD
Investigator
Gastro Intestinal Research Institute of Northern Ohio, LLC (GIRINO) Westlake, OH
2019- Present
Research and Grants
Research Grant Recipient, American Liver Foundation (ALF)
– Focused on protein metabolism in portocaval shunted rat models and the effects of atrial natriuretic factor on cirrhotic patients with ascites
Published Research
– Authored numerous studies and presentations on gastroenterology, hepatology, and related fields
Awards and Honors
American Liver Foundation Fellowship Award 1988
Scientific Achievement Award, Cleveland Metropolitan Hospital/Case Western Reserve University 1989
Recognized for academic excellence, graduating in the top 5% of his medical school class 1991
Teacher of the Year Award, Fairview Hospital, Lutheran Hospital Internal Residency Program 1993
Syntex/American College of Gastroenterology Clinical Achievement Award 1998
Physician of the Year, Syrian American Medical Society 2007
Honored for leadership and contributions to gastroenterology and hepatology in Northeast Ohio
Professional Affiliations
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
American Liver Foundation (ALF)
American College of Physicians (ACP)
American Gastroenterology Association (AGA)
American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE)
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation
American Medical Association (AMA)
American Foregut Society (AFS)
Leadership and Community Involvement
Board of Directors Member
Alliance of the Cleveland Clinic Health System
Board of Directors Member
Syrian American Alliance for Peace and Prosperity
Medical Advisory Committee Chair
American Liver Foundation, Ohio Chapter
Personal Information
– Married to Mary Elizabeth Tabbaa for 40 years
– Proud father of six children and eight grandchildren