Neha R. Santucci, MBBS, MD

I’m a physician and scientist whose clinical and research activities focus on neurogastroenterology, including motility and functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs).

I became a pediatric clinician and researcher because childhood illnesses take such a large toll on function, quality of life and family dynamics. I want to play a role in alleviating patient and caregiver struggles. In my clinical practice, I diagnose motility disorders, teach children and their families how to cope with chronic illness and prepare them for the eventual transition from pediatric to adult gastroenterology care. I also work closely with other pediatric specialists at Cincinnati Children’s; together we use a multidisciplinary approach to provide patient-centered care.

My research interests include irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, abdominal migraine and functional abdominal pain not otherwise specified. Because current pharmacologic treatments for FGIDs are suboptimal, we’re looking at ways to improve care using a biopsychosocial approach. To that end, I’m studying the effects of sleep and other biopsychosocial influences on pain and the effects of neurostimulation on chronic pain.

Outside of my clinical, scientific and teaching duties, I’m a member of the Center for Understanding Pediatric Pain, the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN), and the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society (ANMS). I am also the vice chair of the NASPGHAN Integrative Medicine Special Interest Group.