Maisam A. Abu-El-Haija, MD, MS
- Medical Director, Pancreas Care Center
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics
- maisam.haija@cchmc.org
- Board Certified
About
Biography
I was inspired to pursue my career by children and knowing that their growth and health are so essential for them to reach their best potential. I enjoy making people feel better, and I believe in open communication between the provider and the family.
As a gastroenterologist, I specialize in pancreatic diseases, pancreatitis, growth and nutrition, and general gastroenterology-related diseases. Each of my patients and their families has unique needs, which need to be taken into account when making treatment decisions. What works for one patient may not work for another. I use evidence-based treatments and engage my patients in my thinking and decision-making, which is vital to the success of treatment.
I have won many awards, including the Clinical Care Achievement Award from Cincinnati Children's. This award is for excellence in care provided to gastroenterology and pancreas patients.
In my research, I am focused on acute pancreatitis, predictive models for severe pancreatitis and diabetes that occurs after acute pancreatitis. I'm also actively working on research in acute recurrent chronic pancreatitis and total pancreatectomy islet auto-transplantation arenas.
In my free time I like to travel mostly, to explore new beaches when I can. My hobbies include exercise and doing outdoor activities with my family. I enjoy cooking with my children and trying new recipes without making a mess in the kitchen!
MBBS: Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Jordan, 2003.
Residency: Pediatrics, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, 2009.
Fellowship: Pediatric Gastroenterology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, 2012.
Additional Languages
Arabic
Insurance Information
Cincinnati Children's strives to accept a wide variety of health plans. Please contact your health insurance carrier to verify coverage for your specific benefit plan.
Publications
Total Pancreatectomy With Islet Autotransplantation for Chronic Pancreatitis. Gastroenterology. 2025; 169:1499-1509.
Total pancreatectomy with islet auto-transplantation in pediatric patients results in significantly decreased opioid use, improved long-term pain and quality of life outcomes. Pancreatology : official journal of the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) ... [et al.]. 2025; 25:1071-1079.
Advancing Clinical and Pathophysiological Insights into Pancreatitis Using Lipidomics and Metabolomics. Metabolites. 2025; 15:666.
Imaging Predictors of Pancreatic Health and Islet Yield in Pediatric Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Autotransplantation. Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology. 2025; 16:e00891.
Using Animations to Educate Children and Caregivers on Pediatric Pancreatitis: Assessing the Impact and Utilization of the National Pancreas Foundation's Pediatric Animated Pancreas Patient. Pancreas. 2025; 54:e694-e697.
Acute Pancreatitis in Children: It's Not Just a Simple Attack. Gastroenterology. 2025; 169:572-584.
Acute pancreatitis gut dysbiosis persists at 1-year follow-up and is associated with clinical outcomes. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2025; 81:690-698.
Predictors of Diabetes Outcomes at 1 Year After Islet Autotransplantation: Data From a Multicenter Cohort Study. Diabetes Care. 2025; 48:1493-1501.
Limitations of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in the Pediatric Total Pancreatectomy With Islet Autotransplantation Population: Comparing Patient Experiences of the Dexcom and FreeStyle Libre Systems. Diabetes spectrum : a publication of the American Diabetes Association. 2025; 38:300-306.
Discordance Between Radiological and Clinical Findings Among Patients Presenting With Elevated Lipase and Abdominal Pain. Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology. 2025; 16:e00861.
From the Blog
Cincinnati Children’s Doctor and Patient Honored at National Pancreas Foundation Gala
Maisam A. Abu-El-Haija, MD, MS4/21/2023
Vitamin A May Reduce Pancreatitis Risk During ALL Treatment
Maisam A. Abu-El-Haija, MD, MS, Mayur Sarangdhar, PhD ...3/15/2023
Stomach Pain and Acute Pancreatitis: Questions To Ask Your Child’s Doctor
3/31/2016
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