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David Kawatu, M.D. Pediatric Gastroenterologist

Primary Appointment Location

Arkansas Children’s Hospital
1 Children's Way
Little Rock, AR 72202

Appointment Phone Numbers
501-263-2644
Primary Care
501-222-4596
Specialty Care
View Location

Overview

Areas of Expertise
Digestive Health
Pediatric Care
Accepting New Patients
Yes (Referral Required)
Provides Second Opinion
Yes
Patient Type
Children and Adolescents
Language
English

Patient ratings are not available for this provider.

David Kawatu, M.D.

Make an Appointment With Dr. Kawatu

Appointments for new patients are by referral only.

Existing patients can make an appointment by requesting an appointment online through Arkansas Children’s MyChart or by contacting the clinic directly.

About Dr. Kawatu

Clinical Biography

David Kawatu, M.D. is a Professor of Pediatrics and Chief of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH). Dr. Kawatu holds the Endowed Chair in Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition.

Dr. Kawatu received his medical degree in 1986 from University of Zambia School of Medicine and proceeded with earning a graduate degree in Epidemiology and Community Health from Queen’s University Ontario, Canada (1990) where he also completed his internship in Pediatrics in 1993. Dr. Kawatu Completed Pediatric Residency Program at SUNY Health Science Center Syracuse, NY in 1996 and Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Fellowship at Brown Medical school in 1999. He joined the faculty of UAMS in 2018.

Dr. Kawatu is specialized in Intestinal Failure and Short Bowel Syndrome and is passionate about researching those conditions to create strong knowledge in medical society and improve patient care outcomes. His current research also involves multiple clinical trials, where he serves as co-investigator or consulting investigator, NIH-funded studies and international registries.

Physician Bio: David Kawatu, MD

Dr. Kawatu's Academic Background

Administrative Roles

Department of Pediatrics — Division of Gastroenterology
Section Chief

Faculty Appointments

Department of Pediatrics — Division of Gastroenterology
Professor
Department of Pediatrics — Division of Gastroenterology
Jane and Frank Lyon Endowed Chair

Professional Certifications

  • American Board of Pediatrics — General Pediatrics
  • American Board of Pediatrics — Pediatric Gastroenterology

Dr. Kawatu's Research

Selected Publications

  • Hayes CE, Kawatu D, Mangray S, LeLeiko NS. Rectal suction biopsy to exclude the diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2012 Sep; 55(3):268-71. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e31824c0acc PMID: 22922333.
    View in Pubmed: 22922333
  • Silverstein J, Grand D, Kawatu D, Shah SA, Steinkeler J, LeLeiko N. Feasibility of using MR enterography for the assessment of terminal ileitis and inflammatory activity in children with Crohn disease. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2012 Aug; 55(2):173-7. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e318249595d PMID: 22241511.
    View in Pubmed: 22241511
  • Schaefer ME, Machan JT, Kawatu D, Langton CR, Markowitz J, Crandall W, Mack DR, Evans JS, Pfefferkorn MD, Griffiths AM, Otley AR, Bousvaros A, Kugathasan S, Rosh JR, Keljo DJ, Carvalho RS, Tomer G, Mamula P, Kay MH, Kerzner B, Oliva-Hemker M, Kappelman MD, Saeed SA, Hyams JS, Leleiko NS. Factors that determine risk for surgery in pediatric patients with Crohn's disease. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2010 Sep; 8(9):789-94. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2010.05.021 PMID: 20566311.
    View in Pubmed: 20566311
  • Shapiro JM, Kawatu D, Bancroft B, LeLeiko N. Inflammatory bowel disease in pediatrics. Med Health R I. 2009 Apr; 92(4):135, 145-7. PMID: 19452758.
    View in Pubmed: 19452758
  • LeLeiko NS, Pinkos B, Trotta J, Kawatu D. Nutrition in inflammatory bowel disease. Med Health R I. 2009 Apr; 92(4):131-4. PMID: 19452757.
    View in Pubmed: 19452757
  • Kawatu D, LeLeiko NS. Screening for celiac disease in asymptomatic children with Down syndrome: cost-effectiveness of preventing lymphoma. Pediatrics. 2006 Aug; 118(2):816-7. PMID: 16882844.
    View in Pubmed: 16882844
  • Kawatu D, Weinberger HL, Blatt SD. Universal versus selective screening for lead in children. Pediatrics. 1995 Jan; 95(1):157-9. PMID: 7770298.
    View in Pubmed: 7770298
  • Kawatu D, Lees RE, Maclachlan RA. Screening for intestinal parasites. Is a single specimen valid? Can Fam Physician. 1993 Aug; 39():1748-50. PMID: 8374361.
    View in Pubmed: 8374361
  • Kawatu D, MacLachlan RA, Lees RE. Intestinal parasite control in an institution for developmentally handicapped adults. Can J Public Health. 1992 Jul-Aug; 83(4):295-7. PMID: 1303641.
    View in Pubmed: 1303641

Dr. Kawatu's Areas of Expertise

Image of little boy having tummy examination by pediatrician at doctor's office.

Digestive Health

With highly skilled and trained specialists and the latest technology, UAMS Health's digestive health services are the most complete in the state.

View Area of Expertise
Image of an elementary age little boy sits in his unrecognizable pediatrician's office. He smiles for the camera as he flexes his arm muscles. There is a bandage on his arm. His pediatrician smiles at him.

Pediatric Care

You want the very best medical care for your child. Our doctors care for pediatric patients with state-of-the-art equipment and technology.

View Area of Expertise

Locations Where Dr. Kawatu Practices

Arkansas Children's Hospital

Arkansas Children’s Hospital , Primary Location

1 Children's Way
Little Rock, AR 72202

Appointment Phone Numbers
501-263-2644
Primary Care
501-222-4596
Specialty Care
View Location Get Directions

Make an Appointment With Dr. Kawatu

Appointments for new patients are by referral only.

Existing patients can make an appointment by requesting an appointment online through Arkansas Children’s MyChart or by contacting the clinic directly.