Timothy A. S. Sentongo, MD

UChicago Faculty Physicians

Timothy A. S. Sentongo, MD

Professor of Pediatrics Director, Pediatric Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Director, Pediatric Nutrition Support Service

Hello. My name is Dr. Timothy Sentongo. I'm a pediatric gastroenterologist. I had an uncle who was a physician. And my family and his used to carpool. And he periodically went by the hospital to finish his rounds before taking us home. And I admired the way he cared for people and the difference he seemed to make in people's lives. And also, he just was a very good thinker. And he had very good ways and perspectives of looking at things. And I wanted to be like that.

My interest is really in taking care of children who have growth problems that are related to a gastrointestinal problem. And also, I use growth as an outcome of how well the treatment is responding-- how somebody is responding to a treatment. When I see a child, they're cute, but I really am looking at the big picture. I know that a child will one day be an adult. And I feel this is an opportunity to create a successful adult. Therefore, whatever I do, I have this time period to do it and help a child become successful.

I'm very, very gratified when I engage a child without them getting very frightened and I'm able to connect with the children. I also am very gratified when parents are empowered, because of what I do, medical stuff is not necessarily-- you have to think through and solve problems, but you also have to educate families. And many times, it's not very, very complicated problems, but if the family understands what they need to do, then they're taught how to take care of their child. So I think that's a great satisfying thing to be.

Timothy A. S. Sentongo, MD, specializes in gastrointestinal problems impacting growth and nutrition in infants, children and adolescents. He has a particular interest in children with chronic illnesses such as short bowel syndrome, food intolerances, feeding problems and cystic fibrosis, which can lead to impaired growth and require specialized nutrition support and gastrointestinal care.

Dr. Sentongo’s research focuses on improving treatment and therapies for children and adolescents with short bowel syndrome, parenteral nutrition (TPN), eosinophilic esophagitis, growth problems and nutritional deficiencies.

Board Certifications

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology

Memberships & Medical Societies

  • American Gastroenterological Association
  • American Society for Nutrition
  • American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
  • North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Practicing Since

  • 2000

Languages Spoken

  • English

Medical Education

  • Makerere University

Internship

  • Mulago National Specialised Hospital

Residency

  • Metrohealth Medical Center

Fellowship

  • Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

News & Research

View Published Papers
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  • BCBS PPO
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  • Cigna POS
  • Cigna PPO
  • CountyCare *see insurance page
  • Aetna Better Health *see insurance page
  • Medicare
  • Multiplan PPO
  • PHCS PPO
  • United Choice Plus POS/PPO
  • United Options (PPO)
  • United Select (HMO & EPO) (specialists only)
  • United W500 Emergent Wrap
  • Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO
  • BCBS Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO
  • Humana Medicare Advantage Choice PPO
  • Humana Medicare Advantage Gold Choice PFFS
  • Humana Medicare Advantage Gold Plus HMO
  • United Choice HMO (specialists only)
  • University of Chicago Health Plan (UCHP)

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