Introduction

Illnesses and health maintenance issues related to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are often managed by nongastroenterologists. Many signs and symptoms of GI issues are nonspecific in infants and young children, and explanations for them can range from constipation to surgical emergencies. This guide covers key areas in pediatric gastroenterology and GI problems commonly seen in infants and children in both the outpatient and inpatient setting.

The following topics are covered in this rotation guide:

Other relevant topics in pediatric gastroenterology are covered in the following rotation guides:

Food Allergy (Pediatric Allergy and Immunology)
Cystic Fibrosis (Pediatric Pulmonology)
Obesity (Endocrinology)
Hyperbilirubinemia and Necrotizing Enterocolitis (Neonatal Care)

For a brief history of pediatric gastroenterology and pediatric endoscopy, see this review.

Christopher J. Moran, MD, is an attending physician who treats patients in the MassGeneral Hospital for Children Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition unit and the MassGeneral Hospital for Children Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center. He is the director of the Pediatric GI Fellowship Program at MassGeneral Hospital for Children.

This rotation guide was developed by a collaborative team of contributors including:
Writers: Christopher Moran, MD; Paul Crowley, MD; Suzanna Hirsch, MD; Irini Batsis, MD; Sarah Papp Crowley, MD; Paul Rufo, MD, MMSc
Section Expert: Christopher Moran, MD
Senior Editor: Julie Ingelfinger, MD
Last updated: May 2024 by Lauren Sussman, MD and Mojdeh Mostafavi, MD