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Gastroenterology and nutrition

From routine to rare: Comprehensive gastroenterology care

Some of the most common ailments in infants, children and teenagers involve the gastrointestinal system (digestive and stomach issues). At CHoR, we care for children with a wide variety of gastrointestinal and nutrition needs. We provide care at the Children's Pavilion in downtown Richmond and at multiple community outpatient centers across central and northern Virginia. Our team offers on-site testing as well as urgent appointments when needed. 

Digestive and stomach conditions we treat

Treatment is tailored to each individual child and family. We work with a large team of pediatric subspecialists to care for all GI conditions, from the common to the complex, including:  

  • Acid reflux 
  • Constipation 
  • Growth failure
  • Chronic idiopathic nausea
  • Functional dyspepsia
  • Cyclic vomiting syndrome
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Pseudo-obstruction
  • Postural tachycardia syndrome
  • Orthostatic intolerance
  • Chronic overlapping pain conditions
  • Tube feeding dependence 
  • Malabsorptive disorders (such as celiac disease) 
  • Bacterial overgrowth 
  • Gastritis 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Eosinophilic esophagitis
  • Congenital malformations 

See all conditions we treat

What to expect at your child's first appointment

There are no dietary restrictions for the first appointment.

The first appointment requires a detailed interview and comprehensive physical examination, and may also include blood work and/or a rectal exam. Radiology tests and/or endoscopic procedures will be scheduled for a later date after the first appointment. Please bring notes or test results from the pediatrician (CD of x-rays, blood test results, biopsy slides, etc.)

Support groups

Our goal is to treat the whole child, not just their illness. Support groups can help complement medical care provided at CHoR. 

  • Ostomy Association of Greater Richmond – support for individuals who have a colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy, J-pouch, neobladder, etc. 
  • VACTERL Network – supporting individuals with a variety of physical birth defects that include the vertebrae, anal/rectal problems, trachea, esophagus, renal/kidneys, limbs
  • One in 5000 Foundation – world-wide support organization for individuals with anorectal malformations
  • REACH HD – supports children with Hirschprung's Disease
  • Oley Foundation – for individuals requiring parenteral or enteral nutrition 
 

Meet the team

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Gisela Chelimsky, MD
Gisela Chelimsky MD Gastroenterology and nutrition Read more
Heather Y Agnew, RN, CPNP
Heather Agnew RN, CPNP Gastroenterology and nutrition Read more
Amber Banta, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC
Amber Banta MSN, RN, CPNP-PC Gastroenterology and nutrition Read more
Katie Marie Gagnon, CPNP
Katie Gagnon CPNP Gastroenterology and nutrition Read more
Anna Hues, CPNP-PC
Anna Hues CPNP-PC Gastroenterology and nutrition Read more
Amanda Koski, RD
Amanda Koski RD Gastroenterology and nutrition Read more
Kathleen A. Moyer, MD
Kathleen Moyer MD Gastroenterology and nutrition Read more
Shiva Sharma, MD
Shiva Sharma MD Gastroenterology and nutrition Read more
Andrea Spangler, M.Ed, RD, CSP
Andrea Spangler M.Ed, RD, CSP Gastroenterology and nutrition Read more
Amy Spinella, MSN, RN, CPNP
Amy Spinella MSN, RN, CPNP Gastroenterology and nutrition Read more
Flora K Szabo, MD, PhD
Flora Szabo MD, PhD Gastroenterology and nutrition Read more
Narendra Vadlamudi, MD, DCH, MRCPCH
Narendra Vadlamudi MD, DCH, MRCPCH Gastroenterology and nutrition
Eosinophilic Esophagitis Clinic
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Locations

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