Ghassan T Wahbeh, MD

Ghassan T Wahbeh, MD

Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research, Aerodigestive Program

On staff since August 2004

Children's Title: Clinical Medical Director, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Director, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center

Academic Title: Professor

Research Center: Center for Clinical and Translational Research

"As a member of a unique center and care team, I feel that we owe our children and their families the best advanced, comprehensive and compassionate care they deserve. In a rapidly advancing field in the world of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Inflammatory Bowel Disease, I am proud to lead a team of passionate providers from different disciplines whose one goal is to make life better for our patients."

  • Ghassan Wahbeh, MD, is the director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at Seattle Children's Hospital. He is Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Gastroenterology at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

    Dr. Wahbeh's clinical focus is in advanced care for children with Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, including advanced therapeutics and pre and post surgery IBD management. Dr. Wahbeh's research interests include advanced management of moderate and severe colitis in the outpatient and inpatient setting, managing complicated Crohn's disease including fistulizing and stricturing phenotyples, mucosal healing in IBD, navigating surgical options in IBD and novel therapies.
    Dr. Wahbeh is actively involved as teaching faculty in medical student education, resident training and fellow physician specialty training. He is the honored recipient of the Outstanding Teaching Faculty Award, as well as the Family Choice Award, and the Northwest Crohn's and Colitis Foundation service award. He continues to serve as a member of the National Professional Education Committee and the Northwest Medical Advisory Committee of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.

    • Greg Kent Wa 05.13.19

      I met Dr.Wahbeh about 13 years ago at Seattle Children's when I was diagnosed with Crohn's at 9 years old. Over the years I've had numerous different kinds doctors for various reason and I sadly now have a different GI doctor because I'm an adult now. Let me tell you why Dr.Wahbeh is not only the best GI doctor, but one of the best doctors in general period. Other than his impressive resume and experience that you can find by simply googleing him, and being apart of a phenomenal medical team, I want to tell you about the patient experience you'll be receiving with him. Dr.Wahbeh treated my whole family and not just the disease. He was very intentional about the little things like making sure my parents were provided for and supported, and making sure I was comfortable and well informed about what was going on. He made me feel like I was apart of the plan and having a say gave me the control I needed as a child and adolescent. It's the small things, like asking about the sports I play, making changes to my medical plans to help prepare me for highschool and college that let me know he really does care deeply about me as a whole person. Dr.Wahbeh has watched me grow up and has been with me every step of the way. His passion for what he does has also inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare. To me, he's so much more than a doctor.

    • Hannah WA 11.03.17

      Dr. Wahbeh was the third or fourth GI doc I had seen after being diagnosed with UC at the age of 14. I had tried many medications and none of them were working. Dr. Wahbeh completely turned my health around! He found a treatment that works for me. He is the most attentive, kind, smart and warm doctor I have ever worked with (and I have been to a lot of doctors!). He is very involved in the IBD community in Seattle, I ha e seen him at fundraisers and even at Camp Oasis, a summer camp for kids with IBD. He knows about the lastest research, and has always made me feel like I have options when it comes to my treatment. I always look forward to seeing him, he and his staff (especially Nurse. Teresa!) are so kind and helpful. They make me feel so cared for and even when I am facing health challenges I know I have the best possible doctor. I am 19 and in college now, and I wish Dr. Wahbeh could be my doctor forever.

    • Yasin Mukilteo, WA 11.13.16

      A few years ago one of our family members was diagnosed with chronic diseases. We were new to the Seattle area just moved from California at the time. Moving into the new place in Seattle to live and all of a sudden having to deal with this unfortunate situation (chronic diseases). We were very disparate what to do with this situation. It was a very difficult time of our life for all of us in the family. Thanks to Dr. Wahbeh and his GI staff. Our life was changed for better and we are very grateful for ever for that. From the first day that we met Dr. Wahbeh until now. We thanked God that we have one of the best doctors taking care of us. While his patient in our family was going through the unbearable physical pain we in the family were dealing with a tremendous emotional pain. Dr. Wahbeh is for sure on of the best doctors. We noticed his superiority not only in his medical filed being a MD, but the way he (treats, listen and take care) of his patients. We always felt that not only we are visiting our best doctor, but we are visiting a nice friendly gentleman. We highly recommend Dr. Wahbeh and we really appreciate all his efforts which got us through our very difficult time.

    • Shanika Erie 09.10.16

      I am from Seattle, Washington and Dr.Wahbeh helped me tremendously in 2008 - I was going through a terrible time with Ulcerative Colitis - when he joined the team that was taking care of me; it was like a complete 180. I appreciate him then and now, I wish I could still go to Children's for my treatment. Dr. Wahbeh is definitely a great doctor for the youth who struggle with IBD and the embarrassment that may accompany it. This man is an amazing doctor- he made sure to remind me of the importance of keeping my follow ups and almost 9 years later, he's my favorite GI doc.

    • Ray Redmnd, Washington 07.30.12

      Doctor Wahbeh understands and wants to help. His knowledge is vast and his easy to be approached manner is very comforting. He cares and is committed to his patient. My family cannot put into words how much we appreciate Dr. Wahbeh. We are very fortunate to have made his acquaintance. We are grateful Ghassan became a doctor.

    • Daniel Port Angeles, WA 09.13.11

      This man saved my life. At thirteen years of age, I was going through a tough time in my life emotionally, and my health was seriously compromised. Following several tests and appointments, I was referred to Dr. Wahbeh, and was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. After months of treatment, including a bowel resection, I recovered completely. And, because of recommendations and choices made conjointly, with Dr. Wahbeh's shrewd guidance and care, I have been in remission for the last six and a half, almost seven years. You can never go wrong with Dr. Wahbeh. He has my highest respect, and sincerest thanks for being not just the physician, but the man he is.

    • Susan Kennewick, WA 08.20.11

      We look forward to having Dr. Wahbeh treat our 12 year old daughter who has Crohn's. He was highly recommended by her last GI, Dr. John Pohl @ Children's in SLC, whom we loved and credit for saving her life. After meeting Dr. Wahbeh, we are confident she will be in good hands. :)

    • Deborah Lake Stevens, WA 03.10.11

      Dr.Wahbeh is a brilliant & caring down-to-business type doctor. He is not going to under-treat your child, and he speaks to them directly, giving the "cards" to them, as it should be. He is on top of the latest treatments for IBD. He's impressed my 11 year old daughter, and we are so thankful for him! If you are able to have him as your doctor, he will look after your child as if his own...as well as the tremendous nursing staff!

    Recommend Ghassan T Wahbeh, MD
  • Award Name Award Description Awarded By Award Date
    SEATTLE TOP DOCTOR - 2022 Seattle Magazine 2022
    Seattle Top Doctor - 2019 Seattle Magazine 2019
    SEATTLE'S TOP DOCTOR - 2018 Seattle Magazine 2018
    SEATTLE MAGAZINE TOP DOCTOR - 2015 Seattle Magazine 2015
    SEATTLE'S TOP DOCTOR - 2015 Seattle Met Magazine 2015
    SEATTLE MAGAZINE TOP DOCTOR - 2014 Seattle Magazine 2014
    Seattle's Top Doc Seattle Met Magazine 2013
    Seattle Magazine Top Doctor - 2013 Seattle Magazine 2013
    Family Choice Award Seattle Children's 2009
    Outstanding Teaching Faculty Award Seattle Children's 2005 - 2006
    Best Retrospective Study Cleveland Clinic Pediatric Research Day 2001
    Teaching Senior Resident Award The Cleveland Clinic Foundation 2001
    Intern of the Year Award Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Diseases, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation 1999
    Nominated for Alumni 13th Annual Graduate Level I Award The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio

  • Published Books, Videos, Software, etc.

    • Ghassan T. Wahbeh, MD
      CCFA IBD Camp
      King 5 News, 2009 : :
    • Ghassan T. Wahbeh, MD
      Pediatric IBD
      King 5 News, 2009 : :
    • Ghassan T. Wahbeh, MD
      Celiac Disease
      King 5 News, 2008 : :
    • Ghassan T. Wahbeh, MD
      Malnutrition
      King 5 News, 2007 : :

    Other Publications

    • Hyams JS, Chan D, Adedokun OJ, Padgett L, Turner D, Griffiths A, Veereman G, Heyman MB, Rosh JR, Wahbeh G, Strauss R
      Subcutaneous Golimumab in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis: Pharmacokinetics and Clinical Benefit.
      29140944 Inflammatory bowel diseases, 2017 Dec. : 23(12)2227-2237
    • Braly K, Williamson N, Shaffer ML, Lee D, Wahbeh G, Klein J, Giefer M, Suskind DL
      Nutritional Adequacy of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
      28825603 Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, 2017 Nov. : 65(5)533-538 PMCID:PMC5653423
    • Debiec KE, Lee SD, Wahbeh GT, Amies Oelschlager AM
      Outcomes of Therapy for Vulvar Manifestation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Adolescents.
      28919145 Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology, 2017 Sept. 15
    • Wahbeh GT, Ward BT, Lee DY, Giefer MJ, Suskind DL
      Lack of Mucosal Healing From Modified Specific Carbohydrate Diet in Pediatric Patients With Crohn Disease.
      28825776 Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, 2017 Sept. : 65(3)289-292
    • Miller TL, Lee D, Giefer M, Wahbeh G, Suskind DL
      Nutritional Therapy in Very Early-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Case Report.
      28551707 Digestive diseases and sciences, 2017 Aug. : 62(8)2196-2200
    • Afzali A, Wahbeh G
      Transition of pediatric to adult care in inflammatory bowel disease: Is it as easy as 1, 2, 3?
      28611515 World journal of gastroenterology, 2017 May 28 : 23(20)3624-3631 PMCID:PMC5449419
    • Suskind DL, Cohen SA, Brittnacher MJ, Wahbeh G, Lee D, Shaffer ML, Braly K, Hayden HS, Klein J, Gold B, Giefer M, Stallworth A, Miller SI
      Clinical and Fecal Microbial Changes With Diet Therapy in Active Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
      28030510 Journal of clinical gastroenterology, 2016 Dec. 27 : PMCID:PMC5484760
    • Suskind DL, Wahbeh G, Cohen SA, Damman CJ, Klein J, Braly K, Shaffer M, Lee D
      Patients Perceive Clinical Benefit with the Specific Carbohydrate Diet for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
      27638834 Digestive diseases and sciences, 2016 Nov. : 61(11)3255-3260
    • Richards MK, Li CI, Foti JL, Leu MG, Wahbeh GT, Shaw D, Libby AK, Melzer L, Goldin AB
      Resource utilization after implementing a hospital-wide standardized feeding tube placement pathway.
      27306489 Journal of pediatric surgery, 2016 Oct. : 51(10)1674-9
    • Bishop C, Simon H, Suskind D, Lee D, Wahbeh G
      Ustekinumab in Pediatric Crohn Disease Patients.
      26854655 Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, 2016 Sept. : 63(3)348-51
    • Obih C, Wahbeh G, Lee D, Braly K, Giefer M, Shaffer ML, Nielson H, Suskind DL
      Specific carbohydrate diet for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease in clinical practice within an academic IBD center.
      26655069 Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.), 2016 April : 32(4)418-25
    • Wahbeh GT
      Growth parameters early in the course of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.
      26997213 Saudi journal of gastroenterology : official journal of the Saudi Gastroenterology Association, 2016 March : 22(2)89-90 PMCID:PMC4817302
    • Ghassan T. Wahbeh, MD, Siegel CA, Siegel LS, Hyams JS, Kugathasan S, Markowitz J, Rosh JR, Leleiko N, Mack DR, Crandall W, Evans J, Keljo DJ, Otley AR, Oliva-Hemker M, Farrior S, Langton CR, Wrobel IT, Wahbeh G, et al
      A Real-time tool to display the predicted disease course and treatment response for children with Chroh's disease
      Inflamm Bowel Dis, 2010
    • Ghassan T. Wahbeh, MD, Ghassan Wahbeh MD, Daniel Rubens MBBS FANZCA, Jason R. Katz, Kristy Seidel MS, Sally E. Rampersad, MB FRCA, Karen F. Murray MD
      Gastric Contents in Pediatric Patients following Bone Marrow Transplanatation
      Pediatric Anesthesia, 2010 : 20: 660-665
    • Ghassan T. Wahbeh, MD, G Wahbeh
      Inflammatory Bowel Disease
      Pediatric UPDATE CME audio program, 2010
    • Ghassan T. Wahbeh, MD, C Knight, G Wahbeh
      Dairy allergy as potential cause of recurrent intussusception (Accepted poster presentation)
      NASPGHAN, Maryland, 2009 Nov.
    • Ghassan T. Wahbeh, MD, Gisele Ishak, Ghassan Wahbeh, Norbert Yee
      Magnestic Resonance Enterography Use in Pediatric IBD: Review of 20 Patients (Accepted poster presentation)
      International Symposium on Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Paris, 2009 Sept.
    • Ghassan T. Wahbeh, MD, David Suskind, Ghassan Wahbeh, Karen Murray, Dennis Christie, Raj P Kapur
      Collagenous gastritis, a new spectrum of disease in pediatric patients: two case reports
      Cases Journal, 2009 : 2:7511
    • Ghassan T. Wahbeh, MD, G Wahbeh
      Infliximab
      Journal Watch Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 2006 Sept. 6 : Vol. 2006, Issue 906, 3
    • Ghassan T. Wahbeh, MD, Wahbeh G, Christie D
      Chapter 2: Basic Aspects of Digestion and Absorption
      Pediatric Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease 3rd edition; revision submitted for 4th edition
    • Ghassan T. Wahbeh, MD, Chelle Wheat; Cynthia W. Ko, MD; Ghassan Wahbeh, MD; Cory Cullinan, RN; Scott Etter, RN; Mika N. Sinanan, MD; Scott D. Lee, MD
      Assessment of the Safety of Certolizumab Pegol Associated with the Time of Previous Biologic Treatment of Crohn’s Disease at a Single North American Site
    • Ghassan T. Wahbeh, MD, Chelle Wheat; Cynthia W. Ko, MD; Ghassan Wahbeh, MD; Cory Cullinan, RN; Scott Etter, RN; Mika N. Sinanan, MD; Scott D. Lee, MD
      Assessment of the Safety of Certolizumab Pegol Associated with the Time of Previous Biologic Treatment of Crohn’s Disease at a Single North American Site
    • Ghassan T. Wahbeh, MD, G Wahbeh
      The Changing World of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
      Book review (submitted)

    Show More Hide

  • Presentations Title Event Location Date
    Pediatric IBD: what’s new, what’s not Grand Rounds St. Mary Providence Hospital, Walla Walla Oct. 2010
    Decoding Myths in Pediatric GI North Pacific Pediatric Society 180th Conference Bell Harbor International Conference Center, Seattle March 2010

Overview

Board Certification(s)

Pediatric Gastroenterology

Medical/Professional School

University of Jordan, Amman 11942

Research Focus Area

Translational Research