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
T1 signal intensity ratio variability based on sampling strategies in the pancreas of children and young adults. Abdominal Radiology. 2025; 50:3722-3733.
The clinical course and management of pediatric chronic pancreatitis in the 21st century. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2025; 81:304-313.
Intraoperative Pyloric Botulinum Toxin Injection for Post Total Pancreatectomy With Islet Autotransplantation Gastroparesis Improvement in Children. Journal of Pediatric Surgery. 2025; 60:162341.
1551-P: Exploring Islet Autoantibody Positivity and β-Cell Function after Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Auto Transplantation. Diabetes. 2025; 74.
Islet Autoantibodies and Their Association With β-Cell Function and Diabetes Measures in Children With Acute Recurrent and Chronic Pancreatitis. Diabetes Care. 2025; 48:974-981.
991: PREDICTIVE POWER OF IMAGING: ASSESSING PANCREAS PARENCHYMA FOR HISTOLOGIC FIBROSIS IN PEDIATRIC CHRONIC PANCREATITIS. Gastroenterology. 2025; 169:s-231.
Mo2133: HIGH PREVALENCE OF MENTAL HEALTH COMORBIDITIES IN CHILDREN WITH ACUTE RECURRENT AND CHRONIC PANCREATITIS. Gastroenterology. 2025; 169:s-1294-s-1295.
Endoscopic pancreatic function test and other modalities for exocrine pancreatic disease measures. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2025; 80:847-854.
Sa1442: LIPIDOMIC AND METABOLOMIC INSIGHTS INTO PEDIATRIC CHRONIC PANCREATITIS: DECIPHERING THE METABOLIC LANDSCAPE. Gastroenterology. 2025; 169:s-471.
Author's reply: "Predictors for the development of diabetes mellitus following acute pancreatitis ". Digestive and Liver Disease. 2025; 57:650-651.
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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