Pediatric Gastroenterology
What is a Pediatric Gastroenterologist?
Children have growing bodies with unique medical needs. Digestive, liver, and nutritional problems in children are often different from those of adults and require treatment from a specialist called a pediatric gastroenterologist.
Pediatric gastroenterologists specialize in the care of infants, children, and teenagers. After completing a pediatric residency, physicians receive three years of additional training in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition. Their education also includes medical research and the treatment of infants, children, and teenagers with liver, digestive, and nutritional disorders.
PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGISTS OF DIGESTIVE HEALTH ASSOCIATES OF TEXAS
Pediatric gastroenterologists generally provide treatment for a variety of health concerns, which include:
- • Acute of chronic abdominal pain
- • Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract
- • Chronic constipation
- • Chronic or severe diarrhea
- • Feeding disorders
- • Food allergies or intolerances
- • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohns, Ulcerative Colitis, IBD)
- • Lactose intolerance
- • Liver disease
- • Nutritional problems (malnutrition, failure to thrive, and obesity)
- • Pancreatic insufficiency and pancreatitis
- • Severe or complicated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- • Short bowel syndrome
Some gastrointestinal ailments may be diagnosed through endoscopic procedures, such as esphagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy, with special instruments called endoscopes, to examine the inside of the digestive tract and to obtain tissue samples. Pediatric gastroenterologists treat bleeding, swallowing troubles, as well as intestinal and liver problems. They also have extensive expertise in placing and managing feeding tubes and administering intravenous nutrition for infants, children, and teenagers with nutritional problems.
Pediatric Gastroenterology / Nutrition Library
DFW Gastroenterologists Locations
Featured Physician
Pediatric Gastroenterologist
Dr. Annette Whitney obtained her medical degree from University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston. She completed her pediatric residency and fellowship training in pediatric gastroenterology at Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta. She is Board Certified in Pediatric Gastroenterology and is a member of Digestive Health Associates of Texas. Her areas of clinical interest are pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis, celiac disease (celiac sprue), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Dr. Whitney is in private practice. She has been rated, “Top Pediatricians in Dallas”, D Magazine 2004, D Magazine 2007, and D Magazine 2010.
She is a member of the Board of Directors, Digestive Health Associates of Texas and is an Assistant Clinical Professor, Pediatrics, UT Southwestern and is on the Medical Advisory Board, North Texas Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.
Dr. Whitney serves as an advisor on a subcommittee of the American College of Gastroenterology on how to transition pediatric GI patients into adult gastroenterologists practice.
She is past Medical Director of CCFA Camp Oasis. Camp Oasis is a co-ed residential camp program that’s mission is to enrich the lives of children with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis by providing a safe and supportive camp community. Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to finding the cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.