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
Markers of Gut Inflammation in Pediatric Acute Pancreatitis. Pancreas. 2026; 55(6):e661-e662.
Pancreatitis Risk Genes Play a Major Role in Pediatric Pancreatitis: Insights From INSPPIRE. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2026.
Quantitative MRI Markers Detect Post-Pancreatitis Changes and Diabetes: A Prospective Cohort Study. Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology. 2026.
Long-term disease progression in pediatric acute recurrent and chronic pancreatitis: A report from INSPPIRE. Pancreatology. 2026; 26(4):525-531.
INSPPIRE: Advances in the Understanding of Pediatric Pancreatitis. Pancreas. 2026.
Myeloid sarcoma presenting as an isolated pancreatic mass in a 3‐year‐old child. JPGN Rep. 2026.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of health-related quality of life outcomes after total pancreatectomy and islet auto-transplantation. Pancreatology. 2026; 26(3):412-420.
Tu1897 QUANTITATIVE MRI MARKERS DETECT POST-PANCREATITIS CHANGES AND DIABETES MARKERS: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY. Gastroenterology. 2026; 170(6):s-2309.
Tu1897 QUANTITATIVE MRI MARKERS DETECT POST-PANCREATITIS CHANGES AND DIABETES MARKERS: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 2026; 103(5):s-2309.
Mo1901 SPLEEN-PRESERVING TOTAL PANCREATECTOMY WITH ISLET AUTOTRANSPLANTATION IN CHILDREN. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 2026; 103(5):s-2265.
From the Blog
Largest Pediatric Pancreatitis Genetics Study Identifies Risk Variants Tied to Disease Progression
Maisam A. Abu-El-Haija, MD, MS, Wenying Zhang, MD, PhD, MBA, FACMG6/17/2026
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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