With multiple offices throughout the greater Orange County area, plus consultative services available at multiple hospitals, CHOC Specialists Gastroenterology physicians are available 24-hours-a-day, 7 days a week to help children experiencing chronic, painful or life-threatening symptoms. Our highly experienced pediatric gastroenterologists provide innovative, efficient treatment modalities to improve quality of life, and to reintegrate the child back to family and school activities as much, and as quickly, as possible.
The CHOC Specialists Gastroenterology Medical Director directs inpatient gastroenterology services at Children’s Hospital of Orange County, the only CCS-certified program serving the county. CHOC Specialists Gastroenterology physicians also provide medical directorship for the Pediatric GI Motility Program, a center for the investigation and treatment of motor disturbances, as well as functional problems involving the gastrointestinal tract.
24-Hour Consultation for Digestive, Nutritional and Liver Disorders
Through global expertise and individual professional areas of focus, the CHOC Specialists Gastroenterology team is able to provide treatment and services for a wide range of digestive, nutritional and liver problems, including:
We commonly treat:
- Abdominal pain – acute and chronic
- Diarrhea – acute and chronic
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Celiac disease
- Constipation
- Weight loss – unexplained
- Growth failure
- Nutritional problems
- Parenteral nutrition support – TPN and intravenous access devices
- Enteral nutrition support – gastronomy, jejunostomy and enteral devices
- Feeding problems and dysphagia
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Esophagitis
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis
- Short bowel syndrome
- Gastrointestinal motility disorders
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders
- Liver disorders and gall bladder disease
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
Procedures offered include:
- Upper and lower endoscopy
- Dilation of strictures
- Hemostasis maneuvers, including cautery, sclerosis and banding
- Foreign body removal
- Gastrostomy placement
- pH monitoring studies, including traditional and Bravo
- Impedance monitoring
- Gastrointestinal manometry, including esophageal, antroduodenal, colonic, anorectal
- Rectal suction biopsy
- Liver biopsy
Inpatient services are complemented by the multidisciplinary care provided by other pediatric subspecialists, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, clinical dieticians and social workers at both CHOC and CHOC at Mission.
Family Support and At-Home Care
Treatment planning is based on the whole-child/family approach. CHOC Specialists Gastroenterology physicians examine children and talk to parents to fully evaluate both the physical and emotional needs of the child. Education is also provided, empowering patients and their families to actively participate in care.
Specialized training and comprehensive support for outpatient parenteral and enteral nutrition is provided to help children remain within the home environment.
Active Participants in the Latest Clinical Research
CHOC Specialists Gastroenterology physicians serve as principal investigators for several clinical research studies, providing patients with access to the newest treatment options available. Recent activities have included a variety of medication trials.
Gastroenterology & Nutrition
Mitchell Katz, M.D. Division Chief
Kenneth Grant, M.D. Assistant Division Chief & Gastroenterology Section Chair
Shaheen Idries, M.D.
Michael Wang, D.O.
Bassam Younes, M.D.
Jeffrey Ho, D.O.
Anup Patel, M.D.
Ashish Chogle, M.D.
Gregory Wong, M.D.
Kimberly Silva, M.D.
Keren Appel, M.D.
Katie Ho, RN, MSN, CPNP
Ellen Schonfeld, RN, MSN, CPNP Coordinator – CHOC Eosinophilic Esophagitis Clinic
Janice Fredrickson, RN CCS Case Manager
Susan Alcantara, Office Manager
Yesenia Romero-Hernandez, Procedure Scheduler
Multidisciplinary Feeding Team
Mitchell Katz, M.D. Director
Amber Zaragoza, Financial Coordinator
Natalie Adame, RN,MSN, CPNP Coordinator
Jasmine Busto, RN, MSN, CPNP Coordinator