Nancy L. Ascher

MD PhD

Organ transplant surgeon

Dr. Nancy Ascher has devoted her career to organ transplantation and transplant research. She has served on the Presidential Task Force on Organ Transplantation, Surgeon General's Task Force on Increasing Donor Organs and Secretary of Health and Human Services Advisory Committee on Organ Transplantation.

Ascher is a graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she earned her medical degree. She completed a general surgery residency and clinical transplant fellowship at the University of Minnesota, where she later joined the faculty and became clinical director of the liver transplant program.

Ascher is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She is a member of numerous other medical societies, including the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, in which she has served as president.

  • Education

    University of Michigan, 1974

  • Residencies

    University of Minnesota, General Surgery, 1981

  • Fellowships

    University of Minnesota, Transplant Surgery, 1982

  • Academic Title

    Professor

Conditions I specialize in

  • Liver transplant

Treatments I provide

Where I see patients (3)

    My work

    Living donor gives patient with liver cancer another chance

    Amy was running out of treatment options when a family friend offered to donate part of her liver. Dr. Ascher was on the team that made Amy's surgery a success.

    Dr. Ascher in “The Surgeon’s Cut”

    Follow the drama as Dr. Ascher leads a team in performing a living donor liver transplant.

    Watch the story on Netflix

    Q&A: Captivated by organ transplant surgery

    Dr. Ascher is an organ transplantation pioneer, founder of the UCSF Liver Transplant Program and a kidney donor herself. Learn what drew her to the field and to UCSF.

    Read the story

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    89 Ratings
    About our process
    Sep 18, 2024
    Dr. Asher is amazing. She made sure I understood and included me.
    Sep 11, 2024
    Dr. Ascher provided excellent care and gave me valuable advice and follow up care
    May 26, 2024
    Dr. Archer was amazing
    Dec 22, 2023
    Dr. Ascher is an extraordinary physician in every way. I trust her with my life.
    Dec 01, 2023
    Excellent care provider.
    Nov 30, 2023
    She's amazing in her range of knowledge and caring about me
    Nov 03, 2023
    It was a pleasant surprise to have the opportunity to meet with Dr. Asher. Been years since we spoke and I'm grateful to have the benefit of her experience and wisdom.
    Oct 21, 2023
    Everything went wonderful, easy Peezy. Thank you.
    Sep 18, 2023
    All very well
    Sep 17, 2023
    Provider suggested me to seek help basing on my health history.
    Sep 16, 2023
    The best service
    Sep 13, 2023
    Dr. Asher listened to my concerns and was very understanding and direct in helping me.
    Aug 18, 2023
    I had a really good experience with the provider. Explains everything at the level that you can understand the medical terms.
    Jul 07, 2023
    Excellent!
    Jun 29, 2023
    Ucsf provided the best doctors in the world.
    Jun 24, 2023
    We've been treated very good. Our Dr.s are amazing& the hospital staff were efficient & caring.
    Mar 16, 2023
    Dr Asher is simply incredible!
    Mar 15, 2023
    Dr. Ascher took the time to review my recent activity and it was extremely helpful. She is very patient and truly listens to my questions and concerns.
    Feb 25, 2023
    My physician is outstanding and UCSF is lucky to have her.
    Feb 22, 2023
    I would highly recommend this doctor and the whole liver transplant team. They are the best! We felt very confident with the care we were receiving and going to be receiving. Going through such a major procedure it was so reassuring to know we were in the best hands possible.
    Jan 02, 2023
    I went into my appointment with a few concerns. Dr. Ascher addressed all of my concerns which made me feel better! I also felt listened to completely.

    Selected research

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