NEW ORLEANS – Ochsner Children’s has been nationally recognized as an approved National Pancreas Foundation (NPF) Center of Excellence . The designation is awarded after a rigorous audit to evaluate an institution’s commitment to multidisciplinary pancreatitis care, treating the whole patient with a focus on the best possible outcomes and an improved quality of life.
“This designation reflects the strength of our pediatric gastroenterology program and our multidisciplinary approach to caring for children with pancreatitis,” said Matthew Giefer, MD , pediatric gastroenterologist, Ochsner Children’s. “From advanced endoscopy to coordinated long-term management, our team is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care that helps children feel better and gives families confidence they are receiving expert treatment close to home."
An approved NPF Center of Excellence must meet criteria developed by a task force of subject matter experts and patient advocates. The criteria include expert physician specialties such as gastroenterologists, pancreas surgeons and interventional radiologists, as well as patient-focused services such as pain management, psychosocial support and other multidisciplinary resources.
“We are thrilled to expand our NPF Centers of Excellence Program to better serve the needs of patients suffering from pancreas disease,” said Sokphal Tun, program director of The National Pancreas Foundation. “The NPF Centers of Excellence Program is one of the pillars of NPF, and we are looking forward to working with our current and new Centers.”
At Ochsner Children’s, pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition specialists care for children across the Gulf South with a wide range of digestive, liver, pancreatic and nutritional conditions, including abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, feeding and swallowing concerns, liver disease and pancreatitis.
Ochsner Children’s is nationally ranked in the top 50 by U.S. News & World Report in pediatric gastroenterology and GI surgery and offers multidisciplinary programs, advanced endoscopic services and coordinated care with pediatric surgery, nutrition, radiology and other teams when children need more specialized testing, procedures or long-term management.
“We are honored to be designated as a NPF Center of Excellence for treatment of pancreatitis,” said Vincent “Butch” Adolph, MD , chief medical officer, Ochsner Children’s. “This designation recognizes our team’s commitment to delivering highly specialized, collaborative care for children and their families and reflects the expertise we have built in treating complex pancreatic conditions.”
To learn more about pediatric gastroenterology at Ochsner Children’s, visit Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition | Ochsner Health
Media contact: pr@ochsner.org
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About Ochsner Children’s
Ochsner Children’s is a nationally recognized leader in pediatric healthcare, serving children and families across Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South. Ochsner Children’s provides nationally recognized expert care across a wide range of pediatric specialties and subspecialties, helping families access advanced care close to home. Opening in early 2028, Ochsner Children’s new home, The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital, will set a new standard for pediatric care as the Gulf South’s most advanced children’s hospital. Visit Ochsner Children's to learn more.