I take care of the child first and deal with the rest of the stuff later. I talk with my patients and families about their questions and then directly address their concerns.
Michael K. Farrell, MD

About

Biography

I am a pediatric gastroenterologist who treats conditions related to digestion and nutrition. I specialize in working with special needs children. Some of the conditions I treat include abdominal pain, celiac disease, common nutrition issues, constipation, gastroesophageal reflux and inflammatory bowel disease.

My mentors in high school, college and medical training inspired me to go into pediatrics. I believe that if we can prevent or reduce a disorder's impact, we can help a child lead a full and productive life.

I take care of the child first and deal with the rest of the stuff later. I talk with my patients and families about their questions and then directly address their concerns.

At Cincinnati Children’s, we use a team approach to care. I work with other doctors, nurses and fellows to diagnose conditions and provide the most effective treatments.

My job also involves research and teaching at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. I study functional pediatric gastroenterological disorders to better understand the conditions and create holistic approaches to treatments.

I am honored to be the recipient of many teaching and clinical awards, including:

  • 2020, 2019 Top Doctor, as recognized by Cincinnati Magazine
  • 2019 Best Doctor, as recognized by Cincinnati Magazine
  • 2006 Founders Award from the Cincinnati Pediatric Society
  • 2007 Murray Davidson Award from the Section on Gastroenterology of the American Academy of Pediatrics

When I’m not working, I love to play sports of all sorts. I’m a dog lover and have two now. I am a history buff — especially military history. I’m proud of my military medical service with the Navy and Marine Corps.

MD: Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, 1970.

Internship: Harrisburg Polyclinic Hospital, Harrisburg, PA, 1970 to 1971.

Residency: Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 1974 to 1976.

Fellowship: Ambulatory Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 1976 to 1977.

Fellowship: Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 1977 to 1979.

Interests

Gastroesophageal reflux; pancreatitis; inflammatory bowel disease; abdominal pain; pediatric nutrition 

Services and Specialties

Gastroenterology GI, Epidermolysis Bullosa EB

Research Areas

Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition

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.

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Publications

50 Years Ago in TheJournalofPediatrics: Zinc Deficiency-Both a Rare and Common Problem!. Farrell, MK. The Journal of Pediatrics. 2023; 252:123.

50 Years Ago in TheJournalofPediatrics: Hyperammonemia in Parenteral Nutrition: The Start of a Long and Winding Road!. Farrell, MK. The Journal of Pediatrics. 2022; 246:70.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Interactive Spaced Education to Support Constipation Management by Pediatric Primary Care Providers. Mallon, D; Fei, L; Farrell, M; Anderson, JB; Klein, M. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2022; 74:568-574.

50 Years Ago in TheJournalofPediatrics: Reye Syndrome: What Was It? Where Did It Go? Will It Come Back?. Farrell, MK. The Journal of Pediatrics. 2022; 244:e10.

Elevated fecal calprotectin is linked to psychosocial complexity in pediatric functional abdominal pain disorders. Moorman, EL; Farrell, M; Santucci, N; Denson, L; Le, C; Cunningham, NR. BMC Research Notes. 2021; 14:360.

Clinical Predictors and Outcomes for Recurrent Pneumatosis Intestinalis in Children: A Case Control Study. de Groot Ta, A; Farrell, M; Dillman, JR; Trout, AT. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2021; 73:e87-e93.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy Tailored to Anxiety Symptoms Improves Pediatric Functional Abdominal Pain Outcomes: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Cunningham, NR; Kalomiris, A; Peugh, J; Farrell, M; Pentiuk, S; Mallon, D; Le, C; Moorman, E; Fussner, L; Dutta, RA; et al. The Journal of Pediatrics. 2021; 230:62-70.e3.

Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Food Allergy. Farrell, MK. Food Hypersensitivity and Adverse Reactions. : Taylor & Francis; Taylor & Francis; 2019.

50 Years Ago in TheJournal ofPediatrics: Esophageal Injury by Liquid Chlorine Bleach: Experimental Study. Farrell, PR; Farrell, MK. The Journal of Pediatrics. 2019; 209:159.

Insurance status predicts health care use and indirect disease burden in youth with functional abdominal pain disorders. Warner, JN; Moorman, E; Mara, C; Farrell, M; Cunningham, NR. Children's Health Care. 2019; 48:176-190.

From the Blog

Farrell Awarded Drake Medal
Community Health

Farrell Awarded Drake Medal

Michael K. Farrell, MD8/12/2022

Patient Ratings and Comments

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4.6
Overall Patient Rating