Faces & Places Winter 2026

PEDIATRIC GI CARE Ochsner Children’s Back row, left to right: Jasmeet Mokha, MD; Ryan Himes, MD; Matthew Giefer, MD Front row, left to right: Ilana Fortgang, MD; Darnna Banks, MD The Faces of

PHOTO CREDIT: JAZMIN HERRERA

O chsner Children’s is proud to deliver nationally recognized pediatric gastroenterology care across New Orleans. When it comes to your child’s digestive health, you deserve care that goes beyond treat- ment — you deserve a team that sets the standard for excellence. For five consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Ochsner Children’s Hospital the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana, and among the best in the nation for pediatric gastroenterolo- gy and GI surgery. These honors reflect Ochsner Children’s devotion to provid- ing advanced, compassionate care for every child and family they serve. Their expertise is backed by prestigious designations. For example, Ochsner Children’s is an Alpha-1 Foundation Clinical Resource Center and a National Pancreas Foundation Center of Excel- lence. These recognitions celebrate

their ability to treat complex conditions with a multidisciplinary approach that focuses on the whole child — not just the diagnosis. The Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Program is a one-of-a-kind program, bringing together pediatric and adult specialists in liver and lung disease to provide seamless care for this rare genetic condition. Beyond medical and surgical treatment, Ochsner Children’s pediatric GI team empowers families with education and lifestyle guidance to help prevent complications. As a National Pancreas Foundation Cen- ter of Excellence, Ochsner Children’s meets rigorous standards for compre- hensive care, including expert gastroen- terologists such as Jasmeet Mokha, MD, director of the Intestinal Rehabilitation and Care Program; Matthew Giefer, MD, director of pediatric endoscopy; Darnna Banks, MD, medical director of

the Neurogastroenterology & Motility Program; Brian Morris, MD, director of the Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program; and Ilana Fortgang, MD, pediatric gastroenterologist and hepatologist. Choosing Ochsner Children’s means choosing a team that combines cut- ting-edge medicine with compassionate, family-centered care. Led by Ryan Himes, MD, the pediatric GI team shares a commitment to patient care, research and teaching to ensure that Ochsner Children’s remains at the forefront of pediatric gastrointestinal care and provides a comprehensive medical home for children with liver and gallbladder conditions and gastrointestinal needs. For more information, visit ochsner.org/services/pediatric- gastroenterology.

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Winter 2026 | Faces & Places ® 21

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