Marwa Abu El Haija, MD

I grew up believing that medicine is a noble profession. Being able to help a person for his or her entire life is a great privilege. I became a pediatric gastroenterologist because I connected with the patients I saw during my medical school training. I find it very rewarding to help each of my patients in the way that fits his or her life best. I treat each patient individually because each patient is unique and has his or her own story.

I have a special research interest in treating obesity, which often involves making changes to the whole family's approach to diet. Because food plays such a central role in our lives, I work with the family and a team of providers that includes a dietician to provide a treatment plan and education around grocery shopping and cooking. My goal is to educate patients and families so they can make smart, positive changes in their lives. Even if two patients have the same disease, they come from different backgrounds, households and circumstances that make them distinct. I find out my patients' concerns and treat each of them as a whole person. I don't look at my patients as a number but as human beings whom I care deeply for.