The Advanced Pancreatic Care Program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta treats a variety of pancreatic diseases, ranging from acute pancreatitis to rare genetic disorders and congenital abnormalities. Children’s is the only pediatric pancreas program in the Southeast that is approved by the National Pancreas Foundation in the care and treatment of pancreatitis.
We collaborate with other specialties to provide a multidisciplinary approach to pediatric pancreatic care. Our specialists are involved in nationally recognized research, as well as developing national and international pediatric guidelines for acute and chronic pancreatitis.
Patients come to the Advanced Pancreatic Care Program from across the region to receive expert diagnosis and advanced care for acute, recurrent and chronic pancreatitis, as well as pancreatic tumors, pancreatic insufficiency and pancreatic birth defects and/or anatomical abnormalities.
This organization offers support for cutting-edge research.
The National Pancreas Foundation provides hope for those suffering from pancreatitis and pancreatic disease through funding of cutting-edge research, advocating for new and better therapies, and providing support and education for patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals.
Learn more- Anatomical complications of the pancreas, such as annular pancreas and divisum
- Hereditary disorders of the pancreas, such as Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, Johnson-Blizzard syndrome, Pearson marrow-pancreas syndrome
- Pancreatic duct strictures
- Pancreatic fluid collections (cysts and pseudocysts)
- Pancreatic tumors
- Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), including acute (sudden onset), recurrent (happening more than once) and chronic (ongoing) pancreatitis
- Pancreatic trauma
What does the pancreas do?
The pancreas is an important organ that helps digest food. It creates pancreatic enzymes that are released into your digestive system (upper small intestines) that help break down fats and some proteins. The pancreas also creates important hormones that release into your bloodstream. These hormones tell other organs, such as the liver and stomach, what to do to help digest food and drinks.
We offer testing that helps diagnosed disorders of the pancreas or bile ducts.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be used to evaluate symptoms suggestive of pancreatic and biliary disease or to clarify abnormal lab or imaging results. Children’s is Georgia’s only pediatric care facility performing ERCP. Field Willingham, MD, Medical Director of ERCP, is considered a national leader.
Learn moreOur team incorporates a broad range of expertise, from a gastroenterologist specializing in pediatric pancreatology to a surgeon skilled in complex pediatric procedures. The team also includes endoscopists with expertise in ERCP, pain specialists, endocrinologists, radiologists, pathologists, psychologists and dietitians.
A. Jay Freeman, MD, MSc, a nationally recognized leader in the development of therapeutic guidelines for children with pancreatitis and cystic fibrosis (CF), leads this multidisciplinary team to provide unique care and personalized services for children with complex pancreatic disease.
- A. Jay Freeman, MD, MSc, Medical Director, Advanced Pancreatic Care Program
- Field Willingham, MD, MPH, FASGE, Advanced Endoscopist
- Matthew Clifton, MD, Pediatric Surgeon
- Andrew Muir, MD, Endocrinologist
- Adina Alazraki, MD, FAAP, Radiologist
- Matt Hawkins, MD, Interventional Radiologist
- Hong Yin, MD, Pediatric Pathologist
- Chris Fritzen, PA-C, MMSc
- Kinley Perno, RD
Center for Advanced Pediatrics
1400 Tullie Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Contact Us pancreas@choa.org