
Neurointestinal & Motility Program
Care at 4 locations
Appointments 1.800.543.7362
The Neurointestinal and Motility Program (NIM) provides comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and treatment for patients suffering from complex motility disorders. These range from conditions such as achalasia, gastroparesis, pseudo-obstruction, and Hirschsprung’s disease to functional gastrointestinal disorders including cyclic vomiting syndrome, chronic nausea and abdominal pain, and chronic constipation. The NIM program is the only comprehensive pediatric motility program in the state of Illinois and one of only a few in the United States. It collaborates closely with a variety of departments throughout the institution to provide the most thorough and complete review of our patients.
The Lurie Children's Difference
The NIM program, led by John Fortunato, MD, utilizes a multidisciplinary team approach to create a unique evaluation and treatment plan for our patients. Patients entering the program will be asked by our program coordinator to provide a full review of their conditions in order to provide the optimal care experience. Our state-of-the-art lab provides the most up-to-date motility and neurogastrointestinal testing with novel techniques that allows for a thorough assessment of the patient’s condition. We believe testing and treatment should be individualized for each child’s needs and be respectful of family values. Our family centered model of care includes discussing testing strategies, results and treatment with families and children.
Learn more about the Neurointestinal & Motility Program in the video below.
In addition to its own program, NIM provides support for several multi-disciplinary programs at Lurie Children's. These programs include:
- The Colorectal Center: A joint program with Pediatric Surgery to treat patients for colorectal conditions, Hirschsprung’s Disease, anorectal malformations and associated spinal cord anomalies.
- Aerodigestive Program: A joint program with Otolaryngology (ENT) and Pulmonary Medicine to support patients with complex airway disorders.
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Program: A joint program with Urology and Physical Therapy to support patients with defecation disorders including dyssynergia.
- Chronic Constipation Program (iPoop): A program aimed at partnering with primary care providers to treat toddlers, school-age children, and adolescents with chronic constipation.
NIM has an active research agenda with ongoing studies that include exploring the complex relationship between the autonomic nervous system and GI symptoms/motility and examining clinical outcomes related to bowel management of children with chronic and refractory constipation.
Conditions We Treat
The Neurointestinal & Motility Team
The program is led by John E. Fortunato, Jr, MD, Neurointestinal & Motility Program Director and Attending Physician in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.
Attending Physicians
Alex Green, DO
Peter Osgood, MD
Maria Perez, DO
Clinical Psychologist
Nurse Clinicians
Julie Shotwell, APN, NP
Emily Santolin, APN, NP
Sarah Cannon, RN, BSN, CPN
Kim Dionisio, RN, BSN, CPN
Regina DeFranco, MSN, RN
Maria Jabeguero, RN, BSN
Robin Olson, RN, BSN
Technicians
Ruby Ibarra
Lexia Quinlisk
Registered Dietitian
Melissa Talley, RD
Program Coordinator
Savanna Hoffman
Clinical Research Coordinator
Carol Meegan
Medical Assistant
Michelle Torres
Administrative Assistant
Veronica Galvez
Appointments
If you'd like to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, call 1.800.543.7362 (1.800.KIDS.DOC®) or visit our Appointments page for more information.
Related Specialties
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Philanthropy
Your support is vital in helping us continue to make a difference in the lives of patients and families. Lurie Children's relies on philanthropic funding to enhance its programs, services and research for children. To learn more, please e-mail the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation at foundation@luriechildrens.org or call 312.227.7500.