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
High Rate of Exocrine Pancreatic Dysfunction in Pediatric Patients with Diabetes Mellitus. Pancreas. 2026; 55(2):e193-e201.
Internet-delivered Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Pain in Pediatric Acute Recurrent and Chronic Pancreatitis: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. Pancreas. 2026; 55(2):e137-e146.
Assessment of automated pancreatic secretory response measurement in a cohort of pediatric patients. Abdominal Radiology. 2026.
The emerging landscape of biorepositories among pancreatitis consortia studies in the US. npj Gut and Liver. 2026; 3(1):2.
Pancreatitis in pediatric patients with pancreatic solid pseudopapillary neoplasms: A single center experience. Journal of Pediatric Surgery. 2025; 61(3):162887.
Markers of Gut Inflammation in Pediatric Acute Pancreatitis. Pancreas. 2025.
Acute kidney injury markers in pediatric pancreatitis: Differentiating disease states and assessing severity. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2025.
Total Pancreatectomy With Islet Autotransplantation for Chronic Pancreatitis. Gastroenterology. 2025; 169(7):1499-1509.
Utility and utilization of transabdominal ultrasound in pediatric patients with acute recurrent or chronic pancreatitis. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2025.
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. 2025; 25(7):1071-1079.
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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