Dr. Nassim El Hajj, MD

Dr. Nassim El Hajj, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring patients receive the highest quality care aligned with the latest medical standards. Your gastroenterologist is your primary partner in lifelong digestive health, creating personalized plans for prevention, coordinating crucial screenings, and managing the wellness of your entire digestive system—from esophagus to liver—to keep you feeling your best for years to come. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (352) 830-1171 to schedule. Dr. El Hajj received his Internal Medicine degree from Staten Island University Hospital, in Staten Island New York, and completed his gastroenterology fellowship at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York. He earned his medical degree from American University Of Beirut and completed an internship at Staten Island University Hospital, followed by residency training in Gastroenterology at Staten Island University Hospital. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in Suny State University Hospital, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and joined our practice in 2008. At Borland-Groover Clinic, you can be assured of receiving the highest quality digestive health care delivered in a caring environment. We specialize in gastroenterology and hepatology. Dr. Nassim Hajj offers consultations in Arabic.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Nassim Hajj is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Nassim Hajj can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Nassim Hajj provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Pancreatitis: Managing underlying conditions like gallstones and hypertriglyceridemia is key to preventing pancreatitis attacks and improving your overall digestive health.
• Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Managing primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) effectively through lifestyle adjustments and medical care is critical for preventing its progression and maintaining overall digestive health.
• Biliary Atresia: Biliary atresia, a blockage in the bile ducts, can cause liver damage if left untreated. Regular check-ups and newborn screenings aid in early detection, allowing for timely treatment to prevent severe health issues.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves chronic inflammation in your digestive tract, and early detection through regular checkups can help manage symptoms and prevent serious complications.
• Indigestion: Indigestion, while often mild, can signal underlying digestive issues, so paying attention to its frequency and severity helps in early detection and prevention of more serious problems.
• Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Regular liver function tests and discussions with your healthcare provider are critical steps in preventing alcoholic cirrhosis and managing its progression if diagnosed.
• Bowel Strangulation: Managing chronic conditions and risk factors, such as adhesions from previous surgeries, can significantly reduce your chances of developing bowel strangulation.
• Upper Digestive Tract Cancer: Early detection of upper digestive tract cancers through endoscopy and other screenings allows for prompt treatment, minimizing the likelihood of complications and improving the chances of successful outcomes.
• Autoimmune Hepatitis: Protecting your liver from the harm of autoimmune hepatitis involves understanding your risk factors and seeking medical attention promptly if you experience symptoms, preventing irreversible complications.
• Viral Enteritis: Protecting your digestive system from viral enteritis involves diligent handwashing and safe food preparation, preventing unpleasant symptoms and potential complications.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Early diagnosis and treatment of conditions that can lead to intestinal obstruction, such as tumors or hernias, is crucial for preventing surgical intervention and preserving digestive health.
• Gastrojejunal Ulcer: Managing underlying conditions like ulcers is vital for preventing more serious digestive problems, such as gastrojejunal ulcers, which can cause significant health challenges if ignored.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Nassim Hajj offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Proctosigmoidoscopy: A proctosigmoidoscopy is a quick screening test that allows your doctor to visually examine your rectum and sigmoid colon for any abnormalities, helping detect colon cancer early.
• Biliary Drainage: Maintaining efficient biliary drainage is key to preventing serious liver complications and ensuring your digestive system operates optimally.
• Endoscopic Common Bile Duct Stone Removal: For improved digestive health, this procedure is a proactive way to remove gallstones from the bile duct, allowing for better bile flow and preventing potential long-term issues.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: Safe removal of impacted stool helps restore regular bowel movements and improves your overall digestive health.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Colon cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for prompt treatment and improving your chances of survival.
• Manometry: Take a proactive step towards digestive health with manometry: this test helps assess the function of your digestive muscles, allowing for early detection and treatment of issues like acid reflux or swallowing difficulties, preventing future problems.
• Sigmoidoscopy: For peace of mind and to ensure the health of your lower digestive system, a sigmoidoscopy offers an effective screening tool to identify and address issues before they become serious.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: Proactively addressing hemorrhoids and anal tags through surgical removal can alleviate pain, bleeding, and itching, enhancing your overall digestive health.
• Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a colonoscopy. This valuable screening tool helps detect colon cancer and other intestinal issues at an early, more treatable stage.
• Liver Biopsy: For early detection and prevention of serious liver problems, a liver biopsy helps your doctor determine the severity of liver disease and tailor a treatment plan to protect your long-term health.
• Colonoscopy With Polypectomy: A colonoscopy with polypectomy is a proactive procedure to screen for and remove precancerous polyps in your colon, helping prevent colon cancer.
• ERCP With Spincterotomy: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, ERCP with sphincterotomy helps diagnose and treat blockages in the bile and pancreatic ducts, preventing further damage to your liver and pancreas.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Gastroenterology in Florida.

Dr. Nassim Hajj is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By addressing underlying issues like gallstones and high triglycerides, a patient proactively managed their digestive health, significantly reducing their risk of future pancreatitis attacks and gaining peace of mind.
• By diligently following a personalized plan of lifestyle adjustments and medical care, a patient successfully managed primary biliary cholangitis, ensuring their digestive health remained optimal. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a positive outlook and live fulfilling lives.
• By diligently following the recommended newborn screenings and regular check-ups, a family was reassured that their child's risk of biliary atresia was significantly reduced, fostering a sense of peace and proactive health management.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Gastrointestinal care with Dr. Nassim Hajj:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Hajj and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions and performing preventive screenings like colonoscopies.

When should I get my first screening colonoscopy?

For average-risk individuals, routine screening colonoscopies are now recommended to begin at age 45. However, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Hajj will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Hajj can help identify your trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, such as the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

What are some common signs of liver problems I should watch for?

Some common signs of liver problems include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), persistent fatigue, abdominal swelling, and unexplained dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Nassim Hajj for a thorough evaluation.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. Some types can, over time, develop into cancer. A colonoscopy is crucial to find and remove these polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous, preventing the development of colon cancer.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have them without any problems. They only become a concern if they cause blockages, leading to pain. Dr. Hajj can help diagnose this issue.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the lining of the small intestine. While gluten sensitivity may share some symptoms, a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is essential before starting a gluten-free diet. This will ensure the correct treatment plan is followed.

How do you manage chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission through a combination of advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring. This long-term approach aims to prevent flare-ups and improve your quality of life.

3627 University Blvd S Ste 705
Jacksonville FL 32216
Phone: (352) 830-1171

Dr. Nassim El Hajj, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1073719688

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Gastroenterology like Dr. Nassim Hajj are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your gastroenterology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.