Bharani Pandrangi, MD
(2007-2010)

College: Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio

Medical School: Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Rootstown, Ohio

Residency: University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida

Current Research: I am interested in infectious diarrhea, a significant cause of global childhood deaths and traveler’s diarrhea, and am engaged in a research project on enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). The focus of my research is to further determine the role of Longus, a Type IV pili or fimbriae, in the pathogenesis of ETEC. I am particularly interested in elucidating the role of two regulatory genes and putative promoters encoded in the Longus DNA cluster. These genes share homology with other well known global regulators of bacterial virulence. My long term goal is to identify new virulence factors that when activated by Longus regulators may be used as vaccines candidates to protect against ETEC diarrhea. I have gained knowledge in the fields of molecular microbiology, research data management, and research writing and am looking forward to further advancements in the project.

Comments: The pediatric gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Iowa has provided me with a strong academic environment for both clinical and research work. We see a wide variety of patients and disease processes, since we are the only tertiary referral center for the state of Iowa. Our education is enhanced by practicing evidence based medicine, didactic lectures, journal clubs, attending national meetings, and numerous procedures. Some other unique aspects of our program are our close affiliations with all of the other pediatric fellowships, including a core curriculum program. We also have regular conferences with the pediatric surgeons. All of the faculty and staff have been very kind, helpful, and have a sincere interest in the advancement of the fellows’ careers. The faculty each has a wide range of expertise and backgrounds both clinically and with basic/clinical research, and therefore provide the mentoring we need during fellowship.

Dina Al-Zubeidi, MD
(2008-2011)

College: University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan

Medical School: University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan

Residency: University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa

Current Research: I am currently active in clinical research. I am interested in studying different gastrostomy tubes and their use in children. I am focusing on prospectively comparing gastrostomy tubes, evaluating feeding tube durability, complications and parent satisfaction. There is very little if any literature published in children about this topic which makes it more interesting. I am also studying the practices of pediatric gastroenterologist in North America towards gastrojejunal (GJ) tubes, specifically their experience with placing these feeding tubes in children, different techniques being used, GJ tube indications and complications. I have been attending multiple classes offered in the area of clinical investigations and Biostatistics which has tremendously affected my learning on how to perform good clinical studies.

Comments: Having completed my residency here at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics has given me an additional insight and a unique perspective on our GI fellowship program. For me, this was one of the most enjoyable rotations as a resident and one of the main reasons I was attracted into this field. The division's atmosphere of camaraderie was inviting and the enthusiasm about patient care was quite contagious!

Maisam Abu-El-Haija, MD
(2009-2012)

College: Jordan University of Science & Technology, JUST, Amman, Jordan

Medical School: Jordan University of Science & Technology, JUST, Amman, Jordan

Residency: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA

Current Research: My research involves studying the inflammation in cystic fibrosis pancreatic disease. We use the Porcine cystic fibrosis model to characterize the involved inflammatory pathways and to delineate the timeline of the inflammatory process, starting from the fetal stage, progressing into the newborn period and then into older pigs.

Comments: I did my residency training at the University of Iowa, which gave me a good feel about the pediatric GI program here. I enjoyed seeing that they handle all sorts of diseases from the bread and butter of GI to complex diseases such as liver failure and transplantation. The faculty are very nice and helpful, have extensive expertise and a wide knowledge base. There are many interesting opportunities for basic and clinical science research, which made my decision process quite hard.

Graduate Fellows

Daniel DeMio, MD (2002-2005)
Mercy Medical Center, Pediatric Subspecialty Clinic
Des Moines, Iowa

Sanjoy Banerjee, MD, MPH (2004-2006)
Toledo Children’s Hospital
Toledo, Ohio

Riad Rahhal, MD, MS (2004-2007)
University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine
Iowa City, Iowa

Jason Ellison, MD (2005-2008)
Idaho Pediatric Gastroenterology
Boise, Idaho

Ashish DebRoy, MD (2006-2009)
University of Texas Health Science Center
Houston, Texas