A photo of Maisam Abu-El-Haija.

Medical Director, Pancreas Care Center

Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology

Associate Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

513-803-2123

Board Certified

"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."

My Biography & Research

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!

Additional Languages

Arabic

Academic Affiliation

Associate Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

Clinical Divisions

Gastroenterology GI, Pancreas Care

Research Divisions

Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition, Global Health



Blog Posts

Stomach Pain and Acute Pancreatitis

BlogRare and Complex Conditions

Stomach Pain and Acute Pancreatitis: Questions To Ask Your Child’s Doctor

By Maisam Abu-El-Haija, MD3/31/2016

My Locations

My Education

MBBS: Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Jordan, 1997.

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.

My Publications

Current State of Imaging of Pediatric Pancreatitis: AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review. Trout, AT; Ayyala, RS; Murati, MA; Squires, JH; Callahan, MJ; Chavhan, GB; Abu-El-Haija, M; Anupindi, SA. American Journal of Roentgenology. 2021; 1-13.

A Practical Approach to Management of Acute Pancreatitis: Similarities and Dissimilarities of Disease in Children and Adults. Sellers, ZM; Barakat, MT; Abu-El-Haija, M. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2021; 10.

Inaccurate Glucose Sensor Values After Hydroxyurea Administration. Tellez, SE; Hornung, LN; Courter, JD; Abu-El-Haija, M; Nathan, JD; Lawson, SA; Elder, DA. Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics. 2021; 23:443-451.

Improved Glycemic Outcomes with Early Initiation of Insulin Pump Therapy in Pediatric Postoperative Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Autotransplantation. Tellez, SE; Hornung, LN; Courter, JD; Abu-El-Haija, M; Nathan, JD; Lawson, SA; Elder, DA. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2021; 10.

National Trends of Hospitalizations in Cystic Fibrosis Highlight a Need for Pediatric to Adult Transition Clinics. Ramsey, ML; Lara, LF; Gariepy, CE; Abu-El-Haija, M; Hart, PA; Hinton, A; Kirkby, SE; Krishna, SG; Li, SS; Conwell, DL. Pancreas. 2021; 50:704-709.

Pancreas Academy: A Conference-Based Approach for Improving Education in Pancreatic Diseases. Han, S; Akshintala, VS; Coté, GA; Abu-El-Haija, M. Pancreas. 2021; 50:645-647.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit Following Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Autotransplantation in Children: Establishing Accuracy of the Dexcom G6 Model. Segev, N; Hornung, LN; Tellez, SE; Courter, JD; Lawson, SA; Nathan, JD; Abu-El-Haija, M; Elder, DA. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2021; 10.

Hydroxyurea Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients After Total Pancreatectomy With Islet Autotransplantation. Boucher, AA; Dong, M; Vinks, AA; Marahatta, A; Howard, TA; Ware, RE; Nathan, JD; Abu-El-Haija, M; Luchtman-Jones, L. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2021; 61:547-554.

Medical Management of Chronic Pancreatitis in Children: A Position Paper by the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Pancreas Committee. Freeman, AJ; Maqbool, A; Bellin, MD; Goldschneider, KR; Grover, AS; Hartzell, C; Piester, TL; Szabo, F; Kiernan, BD; Khalaf, R; et al. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2021; 72:324-340.

Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation reduces resource utilization in pediatric patients. Kassam, AF; Cortez, AR; Johnston, ME; Zang, H; Fei, L; Lin, TK; Abu-El-Haija, M; Nathan, JD. American Journal of Surgery. 2021.