Karen Queliza, MD

As a pediatric gastroenterologist, I perform endoscopy (the examination of the digestive tract through a special tube) to evaluate and treat GI tract disorders. I completed a fellowship in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital. Afterward, I stayed for an additional year to complete a Pediatric Advanced Endoscopy fellowship and learned advanced endoscopic techniques, such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and single balloon enteroscopy. I also earned a Master of Science degree in Clinical Investigation from Baylor College of Medicine. My research interests include hereditary polyposis syndromes, pancreatic and biliary diseases, and outcomes of endoscopy in children.

At MSK Kids, I participate in the Pediatric Cancer Predisposition Screening Program and perform surveillance endoscopy to monitor children with hereditary polyposis syndromes — inherited diseases that involve the development of tissue growths (called polyps) in the GI tract that may develop into cancer. I am also an active member of the Pediatric Multidisciplinary Feeding Program, which focuses on the treatment of children who experience feeding difficulties during and even after cancer therapy. Furthermore, I participate in the Multidisciplinary Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD) Clinic for patients who develop GVHD, a potential complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (receiving a stem cell transplant from a donor).

Pediatric cancer care is complex and can be overwhelming for patients and their families. I strive to continuously recognize these challenges with compassion and to provide comprehensive services. Through diligence and close communication with my cancer care colleagues, I aim to provide high-quality care that aligns with each patient’s needs and values.