The Indiana University School of Medicine established Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition as an independent discipline in 1969 under the direction of Dr. Joseph F. Fitzgerald. It was one of the first pediatric GI programs in the U.S.A. Subspecialty board certification was not instituted until 1990.
The fellowship training program is ACGME-accredited and designed to prepare outstanding physicians to be excellent clinicians, with emphasis on an academic career. We strive to educate young physicians in the provision of care to children with thoughtfulness and compassion, along with unsurpassed expertise in the field of gastroenterology.
Clinical and bench research are integrated into the training program to promote the trainee’s preparation for active participation in the academics.
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
Crohn’s and Colitis Network
Physician: Steven Steiner, M.D.
This network concentrates on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) looking at how this disease develops in order to provide different treatments.
Improve Care Now
Physician: Steven Steiner, M.D.
Riley Hospital for Children is one of more than 50 centers around the world who have joined Improve Care Now, a collaborative effort to improve the quality of care for pediatric patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
LIVER DISEASE
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network (NASH CRN):
Physician: Jean Molleston, M. D.
The network studies Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in children including diagnosis, outcomes, and treatment.
Cystic Fibrosis Liver Disease Network (CFLD):
Physician: Jean Molleston, M. D.
The network studies liver disease in children with cystic fibrosis. The goal is to learn more about diagnosis, outcomes, and treatment of CF liver disease.
Childhood Liver Disease Research and Education Network (ChiLDREN):
Physician: Jean Molleston, M. D.
The network studies several liver diseases of children including biliary atresia, Alagille's, PFIC, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, mitochondrial liver disease, bile acid synthetic defects, and neonatal cholestasis. The goal is to learn more about diagnosis, outcomes and treatments of these disorders.
Pediatric Acute Liver Failure (PALF):
Physician: Girish Subbarao, M. D.
This is the first multi-center multi-national collaborative study aimed at identifying, characterizing, and developing management strategies for infants, children, and adolescents who present with Acute Liver Failure.
Hepatitis C
Physician: Jean Molleston, M.D.
Hepatitis C is a virus which affects the liver. Chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can lead to serious liver disease and liver cancer, a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. In the United States, it is estimated as many as 43,000 children are living with chronic HCV. The purpose of this study is to learn more about the safety and effects of the combination of three drugs when taken by pediatric patients who have chronic hepatitis C.
EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS
Physician: Sandeep Gupta, M.D.
Our division has a strong and long-standing interest in eosinophilic/allergic disorders of the GI tract including Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE). We have several studies and projects in this field including laboratory basic science studies, dietary interventions, medication trials, and local and national databases.
CELIAC DISEASE/PARENTERAL NUTRITION
Physician: Charles Vanderpool
Our division participates in a study focusing on the timing of gluten introduction in children with a family history of celiac disease in first degree relatives (siblings or parents). We are hoping to learn if delaying gluten introduction will change a child’s risk of developing celiac disease or other associated autoimmune conditions. We also are one of more than 25 centers participating in a prospective registry of children on home parenteral (IV) nutrition. This registry will allow participating medical centers to measure and improve outcomes in children on home IV nutrition for any reason.