Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition

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Infants and children with disorders that affect digestion and nutrition have a special place for help and hope at Lurie Children’s. The Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition is one of the leading programs in the country that offers a comprehensive approach to evaluating and treating childhood digestive disorders. The division is ranked 13th in the nation by U.S.News & World Report for Pediatric Gastroenterology and GI Surgery Programs.

With highly-experienced doctors, state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques and research that offers cutting-edge treatments, we see more children with digestive disorders than any other program in Illinois. Each year we have more than 14,000 patient visits and perform approximately 1,500 endoscopic procedures.

We believe in family-centered care, which means we focus on supporting the whole family along with the patient. We offer many family support services and provide space for support groups. A multidisciplinary team of experienced healthcare providers will care for your child. This team approach makes it easier for you to see every specialist your child needs under one roof and often in the same visit. 


Our Programs

We deliver comprehensive care in our subspecialty programs for children with inflammatory bowel diseases, eosinophilic esophagitis, GI motility disorders, pancreatic diseases, short bowel syndrome, feeding disorders and reflux, and nutritional problems in children with chronic conditions. 

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Digestive Conditions We Treat

Our pediatric specialists treat children for all types of digestive disorders and liver diseases.

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Specialists

Our entire staff is dedicated to evaluating and treating infants, children and teens. All of our physicians are board eligible/certified in pediatric gastroenterology, with a wide variety of expertise in the care of children with diseases of the digestive system, including liver disease. Our division also has doctors who specialize in liver disease in children (pediatric hepatologists), and is a leader in the field of liver transplantation.

The team also includes:

  • Pediatric nurse practitioners and nurses
  • Dietitians/nutritionists
  • Imaging specialists
  • Liver and intestinal transplant specialists
  • Pain specialists
  • Psychologists
  • Social workers

Our team also works closely with other Lurie Children’s specialists to provide integrated care, and has specialized programs with the Division of Allergy and Immunology, the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the Division of Pediatric Surgery.

Barry Wershil, MD, directs the Division of Gastroenterology. He is board certified in pediatrics and pediatric gastroenterology, and has more than 25 years of experience in pediatric gastroenterology. He also is a Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Make an Appointment

We offer easy online scheduling for your child's GI needs. 

Tests & Treatments

With a mission to care for young patients with complex gastrointestinal (GI) and liver diseases, our division offers high quality tests and treatments with expertise not available anywhere else in the region.

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Research

Our specialists actively conduct research to improve the treatment of digestive disorders.

Training & Education

Keeping with our belief that quality education is inseparable from our quality patient care, we partner with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine to train tomorrow’s leading pediatric physicians. As the pediatric teaching hospital for the Feinberg School, we offer several opportunities for residents to further their education in a pediatric specialty. A program for foreign medical graduates focuses on science-based clinical practice. This program is designed for foreign students who anticipate returning to their countries of origin. In 1997, the program received full accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Review the Feinberg School’s information to learn how to apply for our fellowship programs.

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