Pediatric Gastroenterology (GI)
Pediatric Gastroenterology (GI)
Pediatric Gastroenterology (GI)
Children's Health℠ is home to one of the nation’s top pediatric GI departments. As the premier health care system in North Texas, we offer specialty GI programs, advanced diagnostic technologies and innovative GI treatments for children.
Our renowned doctors are GI specialists dedicated to delivering the highest standard of care for children with all types of GI disorders, from tummy aches to rare diseases. We are annually ranked as a top program by U.S. News & World Report, and families from across the nation come to us for our expertise and world-class care.
Our Programs
- Multidisciplinary Pediatric Aerodigestive Clinic (MPAC)
- Pediatric and Childhood Celiac Disease Program
- Pediatric Eosinophilic Disorders Program (EoE)
- Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Program
- Pediatric Intestinal Rehabilitation Program
- Pediatric Liver (Hepatology) Disease Center
- Pediatric Neurogastroenterology and Motility Disorders Program
- Pediatric Pancreas Disease Program
- Pediatric Therapeutic Endoscopy Program
- Chronic Abdominal Pain Clinic
- Pediatric Gastroenterology (GI) Lab
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Program
- Pediatric Weight Management Program
- Feeding Program
- Pediatric Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Conditions We Treat
- Pediatric abdominal migraines
- Pediatric chronic abdominal pain (stomach ache)
- Pediatric achalasia
- Pediatric Alagille syndrome (ALGS)
- Pediatric alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1AT)
- Pediatric anorectal malformation (imperforate anus or ARM)
- Pediatric ascites
- Pediatric celiac disease
- Colic in babies
- Pediatric constipation
- Pediatric biliary atresia
- Pediatric Crohn's disease
- Pediatric Crigler-Najjar syndrome
- Pediatric cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS)
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) in children
- Dubin-Johnson syndrome in children
- Pediatric dysphagia (swallowing disorder)
- Pediatric encopresis
- Pediatric eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs)
- Pediatric esophageal stricture
- Failure to thrive (FTT) in children
- Fecal incontinence in children
- Pediatric feeding disorder (PFD)
- Pediatric functional abdominal pain syndrome (FAPS)
- Pediatric gallbladder disease
- Pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Pediatric gastroparesis
- Gastroschisis
- Pediatric gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding
- Pediatric Gilbert’s syndrome
- Juvenile hemochromatosis
- Pediatric hepatitis A
- Pediatric hepatitis B
- Pediatric hepatitis C
- Hirschsprung's disease
- Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Intestinal atresia in children
- Pediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction
- Pediatric irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Pediatric intestinal failure
- Pediatric intrahepatic cholestasis liver disease
- Pediatric liver failure
- Pediatric liver (hepatic) tumors
- Pediatric malabsorption
- Pediatric metabolic liver disease
- Pediatric microbiome imbalance (dysbiosis)
- Pediatric necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)
- Pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Pediatric pancreatitis
- Pediatric pancreatic fluid collections
- Pediatric pancreas disease
- Pediatric exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)
- Pediatric pancreatic malignancy/trauma
- Pediatric peptic ulcer
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Pediatric rumination syndrome (merycism)
- Pediatric short bowel syndrome (SBS)
- Pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC)
- Pediatric Wilson’s disease
- Pediatric gastroenteritis (stomache flu)
- Pediatric colon polyps
- Pediatric cirrhosis
- Pediatric microscopic colitis (lymphocytic colitis or collagenous colitis)
- Pediatric lactose intolerance
- Pediatric eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE)
- Pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
- Pediatric eosinophilic colitis (EC)
- Pediatric diarrhea
- Esophageal atresia (EA)
- Pediatric nausea and vomiting
- Pediatric glycogen storage disease
- Pediatric eosinophilic gastritis (EG)
- Pediatric megacystic microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis (MMIHS)
- Pediatric autoimmune hepatitis (AIH)
- Pediatric feeding tube dependency
- Pediatric Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS or elastic skin)
- Pediatric esophageal varices
- Acute pancreatitis
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Hereditary pancreatitis
Treatments and Services
- Pediatric endoscopic procedures
- Pediatric liver transplant
- Pediatric wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE)
- Pediatric pH probe study
- Pediatric rectal suction biopsy
- Pediatric Enteral Nutrition
- GI Psychology Services for Patients with Abdominal Pain
- Pediatric colonoscopy
- Pediatric polypectomy
- Pediatric parenteral nutrition
- Pediatric unsedated transnasal endoscopy (TNE)
- Anirectal manometry
- Antroduodenal manometry
- Balloon enteroscopy
- Band Ligation and Sclerotherapy of Esophageal Varices
- Botulinum toxin injections or Botox injections
- Live Biopsy
- Colonic Manometry
- Dupixent™ (Dipilumab)
- EndoFlip™
- EsoFlip™
- Endoscopic Management of GI Bleeding
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
- Esophageal Dilatation
- Esophageal manometry
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
- Entyvio (vedolizumab)
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- Foreign Body Removal
- Gastric emptying scan
- Impedance Probe Testing
- Lactose and Urea Breath Testing
- Motility Studies
- Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) Placement
- Remicade infusions (Infliximab, Inflectra)
- Unsedated transnasal endoscopy (TNE)
New unsedated transnasal endoscopy (TNE) procedure
Children's Health is the first pediatric hospital in Texas to offer unsedated transnasal endoscopy (TNE). TNE is a minimally invasive procedure that allows patients to undergo esophageal and gastric examinations without the need for anesthesia. This innovation reduces risks such as bleeding, perforation and adverse reaction to sedation, and is more cost effective for patient families.
Expert treatment for all types of pediatric GI disorders
Whether your child is suffering from stomach pain, constipation or celiac disease, we are here to help. Our team will work with you to understand your child’s GI issues to provide personalized care that meets their individual needs.
No matter the reason for your visit, we create a welcoming and child-friendly environment to keep your child calm and comfortable.
Personalized medicine
When our team sees a child with a GI condition, we don’t just treat the symptoms – we do our best to identify what’s causing them. For example, doctors in our Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program may perform genetic tests to try and identify the genes that contribute to your child’s condition. In some children, genetic testing can help us identify the specific subtype of their disease. Then we can try to match them with a therapy that is known to work against that particular subtype.
Advanced GI programs and procedures
We offer more than 20 different advanced GI programs to treat some of the most complex conditions, such as cystic fibrosis and liver disease. Our comprehensive programs and expertise in pediatric GI care are what sets us apart from other pediatric medical centers in North Texas.
To provide the most innovative care, we use state-of-the-art endoscopic procedures and techniques. For instance, we are experts in using pediatric endoscopy to look inside the GI tract and assess, diagnose and potentially treat a range of conditions. Our expertise gives your child access to the most effective, least invasive techniques available.
Beyond traditional care: leaders of innovation
We go beyond traditional medicine by incorporating innovative approaches to provide comprehensive care. These innovations include advanced clinical research that assesses promising new medications and explores novel treatments for pediatric gastrointestinal disorders.
Our cutting-edge approach to GI care also includes integrative techniques, such as yoga, behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes. We partner with pediatric wellness instructors and psychologists to see how your child can benefit from these complementary approaches.
Multiple locations for convenient GI care
You don’t have to come to Dallas to benefit from our world-class care. Our affiliation with UT Southwestern enables families to enjoy care from our physicians and providers at multiple locations in North Texas, including Plano and Frisco. We also provide online scheduling at some locations, so families can book appointments at their convenience.
FAQ
What does a pediatric gastroenterologist do?
When should my child see a pediatric gastroenterologist?
What tests will a pediatric gastroenterologist do?
Expert treatment for all types of pediatric GI disorders
Whether your child is suffering from stomach pain, constipation or celiac disease, we are here to help. Our team will work with you to understand your child’s GI issues to provide personalized care that meets their individual needs.
No matter the reason for your visit, we create a welcoming and child-friendly environment to keep your child calm and comfortable.
Personalized medicine
When our team sees a child with a GI condition, we don’t just treat the symptoms – we do our best to identify what’s causing them. For example, doctors in our Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program may perform genetic tests to try and identify the genes that contribute to your child’s condition. In some children, genetic testing can help us identify the specific subtype of their disease. Then we can try to match them with a therapy that is known to work against that particular subtype.
Advanced GI programs and procedures
We offer more than 20 different advanced GI programs to treat some of the most complex conditions, such as cystic fibrosis and liver disease. Our comprehensive programs and expertise in pediatric GI care are what sets us apart from other pediatric medical centers in North Texas.
To provide the most innovative care, we use state-of-the-art endoscopic procedures and techniques. For instance, we are experts in using pediatric endoscopy to look inside the GI tract and assess, diagnose and potentially treat a range of conditions. Our expertise gives your child access to the most effective, least invasive techniques available.
Beyond traditional care: leaders of innovation
We go beyond traditional medicine by incorporating innovative approaches to provide comprehensive care. These innovations include advanced clinical research that assesses promising new medications and explores novel treatments for pediatric gastrointestinal disorders.
Our cutting-edge approach to GI care also includes integrative techniques, such as yoga, behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes. We partner with pediatric wellness instructors and psychologists to see how your child can benefit from these complementary approaches.
Multiple locations for convenient GI care
You don’t have to come to Dallas to benefit from our world-class care. Our affiliation with UT Southwestern enables families to enjoy care from our physicians and providers at multiple locations in North Texas, including Plano and Frisco. We also provide online scheduling at some locations, so families can book appointments at their convenience.
FAQ
What does a pediatric gastroenterologist do?
When should my child see a pediatric gastroenterologist?
What tests will a pediatric gastroenterologist do?
Meet the care team
Bradley Barth, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Michele Alkalay, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Jane Alookaran, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Amal Aqul, MDPediatric Hepatologist
Johanna Ascher Bartlett, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Sarah Barlow, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Jorge Bezerra, MDPediatric Hepatologist
Nandini Channabasappa, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Nonyelum Ebigbo, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Aakash Goyal, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Bhaskar Gurram, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Sara Hassan, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Boram Ji, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Christopher Jolley, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Lauren Lazar, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Alejandro Llanos Chea, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Megha Mehta, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Derek Ngai, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Sindhu Pandurangi, MDPediatric Hepatologist
Claudia Phen, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Charina Ramirez, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Norberto Rodriguez-Baez, MDPediatric Hepatologist
Isabel Rojas Santamaria, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Adam Russman, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Rinarani Sanghavi, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Jacobo Santolaya, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Meghana Sathe, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Mhammad Gaith Semrin, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Luis Sifuentes-Dominguez, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Jeremy Stewart, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Jessina Thomas, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
David Troendle, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Srisindu Vellanki, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Wenjing Zong, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Stevie Puckett-Perez, PhD, ABPPPediatric Psychologist - Gastroenterology (GI)
Phuong Luu, PA-CPhysician Assistant - Gastroenterology
Caroline Murray, PA-CPhysician Assistant - Gastroenterology- DDDeepa David, APRN, PNP-AC/PCNurse Practitioner - Gastroenterology
Van Nguyen, APRN, PNP-PCNurse Practitioner - Gastroenterology
Rebecca Nolde-Hurlbert, APRN, CNSClinical Nurse Specialist - Gastroenterology
Jennifer Peacock, APRN, PNP-PCNurse Practitioner - Gastroenterology
Christina Sanchez, APRN, PNP-AC/PCNurse Practitioner - Gastroenterology
Shirley Skariah, APRN, FNPNurse Practitioner - Gastroenterology
Shabina Walji-Virani, APRN, PNP-PCNurse Practitioner - Gastroenterology
Christine Winser-Bean, APRN, FNPNurse Practitioner - Gastroenterology
Laura Burgos, LCSW-SLCSW-S
Shannon Clark, PhDPhD
Erin Donovan, MS, RDN, SCP, LDRegistered Dietitian (RD)
Lauren Hollaway, RDRegistered Dietitian (RD)
Jill RockwellRegistered Dietitian (RD)
Sophie Stevens, LPC, EMDR CertifiedLPC

































