Pancreas Program
The Pediatric Pancreas Program provides expert care for children of all ages, from infants to teens, with acute or chronic pancreatic conditions. We're one of the few approved National Pancreas Foundation centers in California, a designation reserved for programs that bring together many types of specialists to seek the best possible outcome for each patient. Our team includes specialists in pediatric surgery, endocrinology, radiology and endoscopy, as well as genetic counselors and pain medicine specialists.
We provide state-of-the-art diagnostic tests, using noninvasive or minimally invasive technologies such as MRI, endoscopy (in which a thin, flexible instrument with a camera is inserted into the body to allow viewing of internal organs or tissues) and endoscopic ultrasound.
Our patients have access to the full range of treatments, from medications to surgical procedures. For those who need surgical removal of the pancreas, we are one of the few medical centers in the nation – and the only one in the West – to offer total pancreatectomy with islet auto-transplant (TP-IAT) for pediatric patients. This procedure can prevent a child from developing diabetes after the pancreas is removed by preserving the body's ability to make insulin.
Alongside our commitment to providing the best care is our dedication to improving the understanding and treatment of pancreatic conditions in children through research. Our team is involved in many ongoing studies, including the largest international research consortium focused on pediatric pancreatitis. Interested families may have the option to enroll their child in a clinical trial, a study that evaluates a promising new treatment.
Our locations (1)
Our team
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James M. Gardner
MD, PhD, FACS
Organ transplant surgeon -
Sang-Mo Kang
MD
Organ transplant surgeon -
Roger Long
MD
Endocrinologist -
Amar Nijagal
MD
Pediatric surgeon -
Emily R. Perito
MD, MAS
Gastroenterologist and liver and pancreas specialist -
Andrew Posselt
MD, PhD
Bariatric and transplant surgeon -
Sue Rhee
MD
Gastroenterologist and liver specialist -
Karen I. Sun
MD
Pediatric hospitalist -
Michelle Klosterman
PNP, RD, MSN
Pediatric nurse practitioner -
Cristina Benki
PhD, MA
Pediatric psychologist -
Dimitra Farmas
LMFT
Marriage and family therapist
Awards & recognition
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Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
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One of the nation's best for gastroenterology & GI surgery
Plan your visit
What to Bring
- Photo I.D.
- Health insurance card
- Insurance authorization, if required
- Doctor's referral, if required
- Recent test results related to your child's condition
- List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
- List of questions you may have
- Device or paper for taking notes
Support services
Our research initiatives
Smell the roses