Gastroenterology

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Digestive System

Every child gets a tummy ache or the flu once in awhile, but ongoing symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or poor growth may be cause for concern. Unlike adults, children are still growing, so it’s important to see someone with special training and expertise in pediatric digestive problems.

Care from a Specialist

A pediatric gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in digestive system disorders affecting infants, children, and adolescents. University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital is home to the most comprehensive gastroenterology service in Eastern Iowa and offers expert diagnosis and care for children with stomach, intestinal, and liver disorders.

UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital is nationally recognized as an approved NPF Center by the National Pancreas Foundation—one of only 11 official pediatric centers in the country. An approved NPF Center has expert physician specialties such as gastroenterologists, pancreas surgeons, and interventional radiologists, along with more patient-focused programs such as a pain management service, psychosocial support, and more. NPF support helps promote research and education for children and adults diagnosed with pancreatitis.

  • Abdominal pain
  • Celiac disease
  • Crohn's disease
  • Congenital bowel dysfunction
  • Congenital liver disorders
  • Constipation and soiling
  • Diarrhea
  • Feeding, growth and nutritional problems
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Gastroesophageal reflux
  • Indigestion
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Hepatitis
  • Pancreatitis
  • Peptic ulcers
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Vomiting

 

We believe parents and family members know their children best, so at UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital, you’re an equal partner on the pediatric health care team. We listen to you and your child so that we can work together to improve your child’s health and well-being.

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Health Information

Patient Stories

  • Livia Jackson

    Livia Jackson, portrait Livia was referred to University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital by her local doctor at age 5 after being diagnosed with cyclic vomiting syndrome—a condition marked by episodes of severe vomiting and nausea.Read more

  • Christopher Turnis

    Christopher Turnis, portrait Christopher was born at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital at 34 weeks gestation with several organs that were severely damaged. The first of many surgeries took place when he was just 2 weeks old. Since birth, Christopher has undergone more than 40 surgeries and has spent more than 1,000 nights in the hospital.Read more

  • Parent Blog: Elizabeth VanCamp

    Leda VanCamp portrait You're in the best possible hands there. We never felt worried about whether our daughter was receiving high quality care because the doctors (who are all top notch!) visited our room several times each day to give us updates, our questions were answered thoroughly, and when we advocated for something for her, we were listened to.Read more

  • Parent Blog: Kendra Mennen

    Heather Mennen, portrait Heather was referred to University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital with a distended abdomen when she was about 8 months old. Read more

  • Cooper Foster

    Cooper Foster Cooper was very sick as a baby. At 1 month old, he was hospitalized for repeated vomiting, issues with weight gain, and difficulty with normal bowel movements. Over the course of 10 days at a Cedar Rapids hospital, his condition turned dangerously worse.Read more
View all related Patient Stories

News Articles

Locations and Contact

  • UI Health Care—Iowa River Landing
    105 East 9th Street
    Coralville, Iowa 52241
    Hours
    • Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Friday: 8 a.m to 5 p.m..
    • Saturday: 8 a.m. to noon
    Contact
    • 1-319-467-2000
    • 1-855-467-3700
  • UI Stead Family Children's Hospital
    2400 Colloton Pavilion
    200 Hawkins Drive
    Iowa City, Iowa 52242
    In House Directions: UI Stead Family Children's Hospital public elevator, Level 2
    Hours
    • Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Contact
    • 1-855-543-2884 (855 KID AT UI)
    • 1-319-356-1616 (Emergency)
  • UI Stead Family Children's Hospital–Quad Cities
    Suite 400
    865 Lincoln Road
    Bettendorf, Iowa 52722
    Contact
    • 1-855-543-2884 (855 KID AT UI)
  • University of Iowa Health Care–Cedar Falls
    2624 Orchard Drive
    Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
    Contact
    • 1-855-543-2884
  • UI Stead Family Children's Hospital–10th Street
    411 10th Street S.E., Suite 150
    Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403
    Hours
    • Monday through Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
    • Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Saturday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Contact
    • 1-319-363-3600
    • 319-363-9971 (Fax)
  • Mercy Medical Center
    250 Mercy Drive
    Dubuque, Iowa 52001
    Contact
    • 1-855-543-2884 (855 KID AT UI)

Care Team