Lusine Ambartsumyan, MD

Lusine  Ambartsumyan, MD

Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Motility Program, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research, Aerodigestive Program, Program for Mitochondrial Medicine and Metabolism

On staff since August 2013

Children's Title: Interim Director, Endoscopy

Academic Title: Associate Professor, Pediatrics

Research Center: Center for Clinical and Translational Research

    • Tiffany Bothell WA 12.16.21

      Our daughter has been a patient of Dr. A since 2016. It's hard to find words to describe how much we appreciate the level of care Dr. A provides. Even in the little things like she can be professional in correspondance with us in office, and then pivot and be gloriously empathetic in connecting and listening to our daughter. She's naturally very consilatory and calming as well, all the time. As emotionally hard and draining as it can be to go to Seattle Childrens, we know we are in the best hands and trust Dr. A. and her team. Thanks again and again Dr. Ambartsumyan. You are a Godsend. -TT, JT, and Ava.

    • Jennifer Fairbanks, Alaska 10.17.20

      Dr A. is patient and understanding and will listen to you as a parent regarding your concerns with motility and other GI issues. She even is good and explaining your child’s diagnosis well.

    • Ann Seattle 01.11.16

      I highly recommend Dr. A. We found Dr. A after years of struggling with our son's stomach issues. He was largely incontinent by the time we found Dr. A. She was great at talking with my son - both to acknowledge how difficult it must be for him and also to give him the confidence that he would get better. She assessed the need for invasive or expensive procedures until we had tried other things first. When I felt the progress was slow, she was our cheerleader, highlighting the progress made and giving us the encouragement we needed to stay the course. I was also impressed with her response time to phone calls and the clear depth of her understanding of our case when responding. If you see Dr. A, you will feel like your special situation is thoroughly considered and in good hands.

    • Kathleen Clinton, WA 08.30.15

      Dr. Ambartsumyan demonstrates exemplary standards in her dedication to helping children digest their food and grow. My daughter has been below zero on the growth charts for all seven years of her life. We finally decided to have a g-tube placed, and the problems only worsened. Dr. Ambartsumyan and her team were steadfast in their determination to discover the problem and to correct the issue so my child would tolerate food and begin to grow. While our hospital stay was arduous, Dr. Ambartsumyan never gave up, and she encouraged me when I was struggling. My daughter has gained two pounds in the last two months, more growth than she ever has made. Thank you Dr. "A"; we are eternally grateful for all you do.

    • Amy Seattle, WA 07.02.15

      Our little guy had quite a few procedures and the one Dr. A had to administer was quite challenging for him. But Dr. A went the extra mile to help keep his spirits and the procedure going in a positive way. Also, very informative and personal approach to our family, really great team of people.

  • Award Name Award Description Awarded By Award Date
    Seattles Top Doctor 2016 Seattle Met Magazine 2016
  • Other Publications

    • Ambartsumyan L
      Transanal Irrigations: A Few Considerations.
      28045776 Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, 2017 March : 64(3)341-342
    • Ambartsumyan L, Flores A, Nurko S, Rodriguez L
      Utility of Octreotide in Advancing Enteral Feeds in Children with Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction.
      27520652 Paediatric drugs, 2016 Oct. : 18(5)387-92
    • Ambartsumyan L, Rodriguez L
      Gastrointestinal motility disorders in children.
      24799835 Gastroenterology and hepatology, 2014 Jan. : 10(1)16-26 PMCID:PMC4008955
    • Ambartsumyan L, Rodriguez L, Morera C, Nurko S
      Longitudinal and radial characteristics of intra-anal pressures in children using 3D high-definition anorectal manometry: new observations.
      24169274 The American journal of gastroenterology, 2013 Dec. : 108(12)1918-28
    • Ambartsumyan L, Nurko S
      Review of organic causes of fecal incontinence in children: evaluation and treatment.
      24070156 Expert review of gastroenterology and hepatology, 2013 Sept. : 7(7)657-67
    • Kim SJ, Roy RR, Zhong H, Suzuki H, Ambartsumyan L, Haddad F, Baldwin KM, Edgerton VR
      Electromechanical stimulation ameliorates inactivity-induced adaptations in the medial gastrocnemius of adult rats.
      17431083 Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 2007 July : 103(1)195-205

Overview

Board Certification(s)

Pediatrics
Pediatric Gastroenterology

Medical/Professional School

Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA

Residency

St. Christophers Hospital for Children GME, Philadelphia, PA

Fellowship

Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA

Clinical Interests

Mechanisms of fecal continence and defecation abnormalities in children with anorectal malformations, spinal cord dysraphism, intractable constipation, and post surgical Hirschsprung's Disease. Diagnosis and management of gastroparesis, pseudo-obstruction, achalasia, and aerodigestive disorders.

Research Description

Dr. Ambartsumyan investigates the pathophysiology and management of defecation disorders in children. Her primary research involves the study of mechanisms of functional and organic fecal incontinence, spinal cord modulation of anorectal function, and the physiological relationship between the anorectum and the bladder in children with and without spinal cord malformations.