Proper diet and nutrition is critical for young patients undergoing medical treatment. Some conditions--such as epilepsy, heart disease and diabetes -- can be greatly improved through dietary regimens. Other conditions, including cancer, require special care to encourage children to eat properly to help their bodies get the greatest benefit from treatment. Still other conditions, such as failure to thrive, malnutrition, nutritional anemias, obesity and food allergies are related directly to a child's diet.

The Children's Center team of pediatric specialists, under the direction of a pediatric endocrinologist and pediatric gastroenterologist, provide nutrition screening, assessment, intervention, education and counseling to ensure patients' diets match the needs of their body. Team members include pediatric nutritionists and pediatric rehabilitation feeding specialists, as needed.

Our pediatric gastroenterologists are:

• Philip McDonald, M.D.
• Yinka Davies, M.D.

Our pediatric endocrinologists are:

• Gnanagurndasan Prakasam, M.D.
• Bagher Sheikholislam, M.D.

Outpatient services provide care to children with medical conditions that require ongoing treatment, education and support. For information on our outpatient weight control services, visit the Pediatric Healthy Lifestyles Program page or call (916) 733-1025. For more information about our outpatient endocrinology services, visit the Pediatric Endocrinology & Nutrition (PENS) page or call (916) 733-1025.

For more information about children and nutrition, visit our health information section.

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