Mercedes Martinez MD: Leading Expert in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Transplant Hepatology

Mercedes Martinez, MD, stands as a distinguished figure in pediatric gastroenterology and transplant hepatology. As a Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at the prestigious Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), she is at the forefront of treating complex liver and intestinal conditions in children. Dr. Martinez’s dedication to her young patients and her pioneering work in liver and intestinal transplantation have earned her national and international recognition. Parents seeking the highest level of care for their children’s liver and digestive health will find a compassionate and exceptionally skilled physician in Dr. Mercedes Martinez.

Comprehensive Expertise in Pediatric Liver and Intestinal Health

Dr. Mercedes Martinez’s expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of pediatric gastrointestinal and liver disorders. She provides cutting-edge medical care for children facing a wide array of conditions, with a particular focus on:

• Liver Transplantation: Dr. Martinez is the Medical Director of both the Intestinal Transplant Program and the Pediatric Abdominal Organ Transplantation at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Her leadership in these critical programs highlights her profound expertise in managing children with liver and intestinal failure requiring transplantation. This includes pediatric liver transplants and innovative intestinal transplant procedures.
• Intestinal Failure and Associated Liver Disease: Children suffering from intestinal failure often develop secondary liver complications. Dr. Martinez is uniquely skilled in addressing this complex interplay, offering integrated treatment strategies to manage both intestinal and liver dysfunction.
• Liver Tumors in Children: Recognized for her expertise in pediatric liver tumors, Dr. Martinez utilizes the latest diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to provide optimal outcomes for young patients battling these challenging conditions, including hepatoblastoma and pediatric liver cancer.
• Autoimmune Liver Disorders: Dr. Martinez is a leading expert in autoimmune liver diseases affecting children. Her deep understanding of these conditions allows her to tailor individualized treatment plans, aiming to effectively manage diseases like autoimmune hepatitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis in her pediatric patients.
• General Pediatric Gastroenterology: Beyond her transplant and specialized expertise, Dr. Martinez provides comprehensive care for general pediatric gastrointestinal issues, including failure to thrive, gastrointestinal bleeding, and a wide range of hepatic and hepatobiliary diseases.

Image: Location map for Mercedes Martinez MD’s office at CUIMC/NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital in New York City.

Pioneering Research and Academic Contributions

Dr. Mercedes Martinez is not only a dedicated clinician but also a prolific researcher and academic. Her research interests are deeply rooted in improving the lives of children with liver and intestinal diseases. Key areas of her research include:

• Liver Biomarkers for Transplant Tolerance: Dr. Martinez is actively involved in investigating liver biomarkers that can predict operational tolerance after transplantation. This groundbreaking research aims to personalize immunosuppression regimens, minimizing side effects while ensuring graft survival in pediatric liver transplant recipients.
• Personalized Immunosuppression: Driven by the goal of improving long-term outcomes after transplantation, Dr. Martinez’s research explores strategies for personalized immunosuppression. This approach seeks to tailor immunosuppressive therapy to each child’s unique immunological profile, optimizing the balance between preventing rejection and minimizing immunosuppression-related complications.
• Clinical Trials and Collaborative Studies: Dr. Martinez actively participates in multi-center collaborative efforts and clinical trials. Her involvement in these initiatives, such as studies on autoimmune liver disorders in children and immunosuppression withdrawal protocols, demonstrates her commitment to advancing the field of pediatric hepatology through rigorous scientific inquiry. She is a member of prestigious organizations like the Studies in Pediatric Liver Transplantation (SPLIT) and the Intestinal Rehabilitation and Transplant Association (IRTA), further highlighting her commitment to collaborative research and knowledge sharing.

Dedication to Patient-Centered Care

Patients and families seeking Dr. Mercedes Martinez’s care can expect a compassionate and patient-centered approach. She is known for her clear communication, ensuring families are fully informed and actively involved in their child’s care plan. Dr. Martinez is fluent in Spanish, enhancing her ability to connect with and provide care for a diverse patient population. She is currently accepting new patients and offers virtual visits/telehealth, increasing accessibility for families seeking her specialized expertise.

Locations and Appointments

Dr. Martinez sees patients at two convenient locations:

• CUIMC/NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital: 3959 Broadway, Floor 7, New York, NY 10032 (Primary Location)
• ColumbiaDoctors – 300 Frank Burr Blvd: 300 Frank W Burr Blvd, Suite 130, Teaneck, NJ 07666

Image: Map showing the location of Mercedes Martinez MD’s office at ColumbiaDoctors in Teaneck, New Jersey.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mercedes Martinez, please use the following options:

• Virtual Visits/Telehealth: Schedule Virtual Visit
• Phone Appointments: New and Existing Patients: (212) 305-3000
• Connect Patient Portal: Connect Sign In (for existing patients)

Credentials and Accolades

Dr. Mercedes Martinez’s outstanding career is marked by impressive credentials and numerous honors, reflecting her expertise and dedication:

• Education and Training: Higher Institute of Medical Sciences, Santiago De Cuba; Internship and Residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center Bronx, NY; Fellowship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center.
• Board Certifications: Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology, and Pediatric Transplant Hepatology.
• Honors & Awards: Consistently recognized as a top doctor, including “New York Magazine Best Doctors” (2016-2022), “Exceptional Women In Medicine” (2019-2022), and the Academy of Clinical Excellence at Columbia University (ACE) in 2018.

Dr. Mercedes Martinez’s commitment to excellence in pediatric gastroenterology and transplant hepatology, combined with her compassionate patient care and groundbreaking research, makes her a leading figure in her field. For families seeking the best possible care for their children’s liver and intestinal health, Dr. Martinez represents an exceptional choice.

Selected Publications:

• Troendle DM, Ruan W, Fishman DS, et al. Technical Outcomes in Pediatric Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: Data from an International Collaborative. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2022 Sep 19;. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003612.
• Bowlus CL, Arrivé L, Bergquist A, et al. AASLD practice guidance on primary sclerosing cholangitis and cholangiocarcinoma. Hepatology. 2022 Sep 9;. doi: 10.1002/hep.32771.
• Perito ER, Persyn E, Bucuvalas J, et al. Graft Fibrosis Over 10 to 15 Years in Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipients: Multicenter Study of Paired, Longitudinal Surveillance Biopsies. Liver Transpl. 2022 Jun;28(6):1051-1062.
• Kang E, Martinez M, Moisander-Joyce H, et al. Stable liver graft post anti-PD1 therapy as a bridge to transplantation in an adolescent with hepatocellular carcinoma. Pediatr Transplant. 2022 May;26(3):e14209.
• Griesemer A, Martinez M, Emond JC. Autologous Stem Cell Transplant to Treat Recurrent Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Tolerance, But at What Price?. Transplantation. 2022 Mar 1;106(3):458-459.

For a complete list of publications, please visit PubMed.gov.