Why our gastroenterology research matters

Digestive health influences many aspects of a child’s life, from growth and nutrition to playing with friends and doing well in school. Its wide-ranging impacts demand better care for common pediatric GI conditions. As part of the CHOC Research Institute, pediatric gastroenterology researchers work to identify more effective diagnostic, monitoring and treatment methods. We translate scientific discovery into meaningful improvements for children so they can grow, learn and play with fewer digestive concerns.

What makes our gastroenterology research different?

At Rady Children’s Health, our researchers partner with academia and industry to study pediatric digestive disorders and develop leading-edge diagnostics and therapeutics, taking science from the lab to the bedside. These are some of the features that set our work apart:

• Advanced AI technology: We use leading-edge technology to analyze tissue scans and clinical data, helping us better predict health outcomes and tailor care for every child.
• App-based disease monitoring: We are developing an app to monitor patients’ IBD symptoms between clinic visits to prevent escalations.
• Electrical nerve stimulation for mental health: We have investigated the potential of the IB-Stim^® device to decrease depression and anxiety and improve quality of life in children with abdominal pain.
• Nonpharmacologic care: We study acupuncture and other alternative therapies that may help manage symptoms.
• Research presentations: We regularly share our results at meetings of the American Gastroenterological Association and other well-known forums in the field.
• Technology-driven caregiver education: We partner with our clinicians on virtual reality headsets to educate caregivers on caring for children with gastrostomy tubes and PICC lines.
• Wide-ranging research collaborations: In addition to partnering with colleagues throughout Rady Children’s Health, our researchers work with academic institutions, including UC Irvine and Stanford University, and some of the biggest names in industry, such as Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Genentech.

Research Stories & Patient Impact

Dr. Ashish Chogle co-authors first international guidelines for pediatric functional abdominal pain disorders

A Rady Children’s Health pediatric gastroenterologist helped lead a global effort to develop a single, evidence-based framework for treating IBS and other abdominal pain disorders.

Mi4 summer internship program is a proven career pipeline for patients, too

Inspired by her care for Crohn’s disease at Rady Children’s Health, one patient fueled her passion for medicine through a sought-after internship focused on clinical care, research and more.

Former patient’s volunteer work with colorectal team comes as program expands its services

Partnering with Rady Children’s Health clinician-scientist Dr. Donald Shaul, a former patient born with an imperforate anus helped show children that colorectal and urogenital conditions shouldn’t define them.

Device for patients with GI issues showing promise in treating Post-Concussion Syndrome

Two Rady Children’s Health clinician-scientists investigated using the IB-Stim^® device to treat patients experiencing chronic nausea after a concussion.