Leonel Rodriguez

Leonel Rodriguez, MD, is Professor of Pediatrics (Gastroenterology & Hepatology) at Yale School of Medicine and serves as Section Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Director of the Gastroenterology Procedure Program. He is affiliated with Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital and is a leading expert in pediatric gastrointestinal motility and functional disorders.

• Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine
• Section Chief, Pediatric Gastroenterology & Hepatology
• Director, Gastroenterology Procedure Program
• Board Certified in Pediatric Gastroenterology by the American Board of Pediatrics

Dr. Rodriguez's research focuses on gastrointestinal motility disorders in children, particularly gastric, small bowel, and colonic motility. His work aims to develop less invasive diagnostic tests and therapies. He has made significant contributions, including the discovery of a novel colo-anal reflex, the first use of cyproheptadine for impaired gastric accommodation, and pioneering botulinum toxin therapy for pediatric gastroparesis. He is currently studying wireless motility capsules and serum/tissue biomarkers to reduce invasive procedures in children.

His recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on functional constipation, anorectal manometry, high-resolution manometry, and post-surgical GI outcomes in children. He is actively involved in national guideline development through NASPGHAN and multicenter research collaborations, contributing to standardization and clinical practice in pediatric neurogastroenterology.

Scientific Awards:

• Neurogastroenterology and Motility Basic/Translational Science Award, NASPGHAN (2019)
• Neurogastroenterology and Motility Clinical Science Award, NASPGHAN (2017)

Dr. Rodriguez is a sought-after lecturer nationally and internationally and provides second opinions for complex pediatric GI cases referred from across the U.S. and abroad. He emphasizes family-centered care, ensuring families are fully informed and involved in treatment plans. He has secured research funding from the NIH, Department of Health and Sciences, and hospital sources, supporting his ongoing clinical and translational research.

He leads a clinical and research team focused on improving outcomes for children with chronic GI disorders, aiming to enable patients to return to school and normal activities with minimal intervention.