CHIP Camp
The Colorectal Health Institute for Pediatrics (CHIP) Camp is a referral-based, week-long outpatient program that takes a multidisciplinary approach to bowel management for children with Hirschsprung disease, anorectal malformations, idiopathic constipation and associated spinal anomalies. The program is unique, as it combines the expertise of the colorectal surgery team with that of the gastroenterology (GI) motility team to deliver comprehensive, interdisciplinary treatment for children with severe cases of fecal incontinence and chronic constipation.
We realize that these surgical conditions are unique to the child and need close follow-up, which we provide with our skilled multidisciplinary team. Our staff members include a pediatric surgeon, gastroenterologist, a team of nurse practitioners, dietician, social worker and interpreters. Having a group with diverse areas of expertise review each child’s unique situation allows for a complete evaluation of the many ways these conditions affect a child’s life.
What to Expect
The outpatient camp takes place over one week and includes home monitoring and daily discussions with the CHIP camp team. It includes an educational discussion, a clinical evaluation with daily abdominal X-rays, nutritional support and personal counseling geared toward achieving social continence.
Camp Providers
Our staff is experienced in treating children with conditions such Hirschsprung disease, anorectal malformations and associated spinal anomalies.
Our specialists include Julia Grabowksi, MD, a pediatric surgeon, as well as pediatric gastroenterologists John Fortunato, Jr, MD, and Peter Osgood, MD.
Our advanced practice nurses include Alison Osborne, APRN-NP, Emily Santolin, APRN-NP, CPNP-PC; and Julie K. Shotwell, APRN-NP.
Our team also includes urology nurses, a social worker and a dietitian.
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.