UNC Pediatrics - 2024 Annual Report

2024 Annual Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS‌ 3 Departmental Leadership‌‌ 9 By the Numbers‌ 11 Education‌ 24 Research‌ 27 New Faculty & Providers‌ 31 Promoted Faculty‌ 34 Retirements‌ 35 UNC Childrens‌ 47 Division Highlights, Part 1‌ 73 Quality Improvement‌ 74 Division Highlights, Part 2‌ 91 Palliative Care‌ 92 Division Highlights, Part 3‌ 109 Global Health‌ 111 Division Highlights, Part 4‌ 131 In Memory‌

Friends and Colleagues, It’s with great pride and gratitude that we share the Department of Pediatrics’ 2024 Annual Report—a reflection of a year filled with progress, purpose, and the power of collaboration. From patient care and education to groundbreaking research and deepening community partnerships, this report captures the heart of our mission: to support the health and well-being of every child and family we serve.

This past year has brought meaningful growth across our department. Our clinical teams continued to expand access to high-quality, compassionate care, often through innovative models that meet children and families where they are. At the same time, our faculty enriched our academic community through dynamic teaching, mentorship, and a shared commitment to shaping the pediatric leaders of tomorrow.

Our researchers have made significant strides in tackling some of the most pressing issues in child health, advancing knowledge in areas such as preventative care, chronic conditions of childhood, and diseases that impact developmental outcomes. These efforts have been strengthened by strong partnerships—across disciplines, institutions, and communities—that help us reach further and do more. We’re especially proud of how our work continues to grow beyond our hospital walls, as we listen to and collaborate with the communities we serve.

We have also made instrumental progress in planning North Carolina Children’s (NCC) – our freestanding children’s campus in the Triangle. We have officially partnered with Duke Children’s on this effort and are working with architects to outline the campus. To lay the groundwork for NCC, we are launching a children’s service line, which will be a main area of focus over the next few years.

Looking back on 2024, we are inspired by what we’ve achieved together—and excited about what lies ahead. This report is more than a summary of milestones; it’s a celebration of the people, values, and vision that drive us forward. I want to express my sincere gratitude to our dedicated faculty, staff, and learners for their continued commitment to driving our mission and vision of transforming care and bringing hope to families across North Carolina and beyond. Thank you for being part of this journey.

2‌

Michael Steiner, MD, MPH‌ Vice Chair, Clinical Affairs‌‌ Durfee Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics‌ Pediatrician in Chief, UNC Children's Hospital‌

Stephanie Duggins Davis, MD‌ Chair, Department of Pediatrics‌ Edward C. Curnen, Jr.‌ Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics‌ System & Physician in Chief, UNC Children’s‌‌

Benny Joyner, Jr., MD, MPH‌ Senior Vice Chair of Clinical Operations‌ Charles Everette & Katherine M. Brewer Endowed Professor of Pediatrics‌ Associate Chief Medical Officer: Pediatric Professional Services, UNC Medical Center‌ Division Chief, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine‌

Kenya McNeal-Trice, MD, MPH‌ Vice Chair, Education‌ Professor of Pediatrics‌

Toni Darville, MD‌ Vice Chair, Research‌ Denny Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics‌ Scientific Director, Children's Research Institute‌ Co-Director, UNC School of Medicine MD-PhD Program‌ Division Chief, Division of Infectious Disease‌‌

3‌

Elisabeth Dellon, MD, MPH‌

Lane Donnelly, MD‌

Associate Vice Chair, Faculty Development‌ Professor of Pediatrics‌

Vice Chair, Quality & Safety‌ Professor of Radiology & Pediatrics‌ Chief Quality & Safety Officer, UNC Children’s‌ Executive Medical Director, Pediatric Population Health & Quality UNC Health Alliance‌

Nina Jain, MD‌ Associate Vice Chair, Health, Equity and Access‌ Professor of Pediatrics‌

Corinne Keet, MD, PhD‌ Vice Chair, Clinical & Translational Research‌ Professor of Pediatrics‌

Matthew Laughon, MD, MPH‌ Vice Chair, Academic Affairs‌ Professor of Pediatrics‌

4‌

Christian Lawrence, MD, MPH‌

Ceila Loughlin, MD‌

Associate Vice Chair, Health Equity, and Access‌ Assistant Professor of Pediatrics‌

Associate Vice Chair, Outpatient Clinical Care‌ Professor of Pediatrics‌

Sue Meier, ND, NNP, MBA, MHA‌ APP Director, UNC Children’s‌ Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pediatrics‌

Ashley Sutton, MD‌ Associate Vice Chair, Inpatient Clinical Care & Safety‌ Professor of Pediatrics‌ Inpatient Medical Director, UNC Children’s‌ Associate Chief Safety Officer, UNC Children’s‌

Eric Zwemer, MD‌ Associate Vice Chair, Faculty Development‌ in Education‌ Professor of Pediatrics‌

5‌

Our Mission‌is to promote the health of all children in an inclusive, equitable culture through compassionate familycentered care, tireless advocacy, scientific discovery, and education of future leaders.

Our vision‌is transforming care‌ ‌and inspiring hope for all children.‌

6‌

Administrative Leadership‌ Spencer Brady‌ Jack Curran‌ Logan Blinman‌ Melisa Campbell‌ Miriam Davis‌ Mandy DuPont‌ Kira Frediani‌ Britt Mann‌ Bays Seagroves‌ Charlotte Weaver‌

Associate Chair for Administration‌ Associate Chair for Administration‌ Director, Strategic Planning‌ Interim Director, Finance‌ Director, Clinical Research Programs‌ Director, Contracts/Grants‌ Director, Research‌ Director, Outreach‌ Chief of Staff‌ Director, Communication‌

Division Administrators‌ Jessi Stark‌‌

Allergy/Immunology, and Rheumatology‌

Lynn Worth‌‌

Cardiology‌

Jaime Cooke‌‌

Central Administration‌

Amy Spruance‌ ‌

Critical Care Medicine

Kelly Lear‌‌

Education Office‌

Jason Hadley

Endocrinology‌

Thalia Tulloch‌‌

Gastroenterology‌

Jessie Feudale‌‌

General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine‌

Jordan Thorndyke-Smith

General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine‌

Justin Moxley‌‌

Genetics & Metabolism‌

Lauren Davis‌‌

Hematology/Oncology‌

Gonzalo Loza‌‌

Hospital Pediatrics‌

Colleen Vavra‌‌

Infectious Diseases‌

Gwen Burrows‌‌

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine‌

Brittney Stone‌‌

Emergency Medicine‌

Robin Foster‌‌

Pulmonology‌

Elizabeth Stinson‌

Children’s Specialties - Wilmington‌

7‌

Chair’s Office‌ Jaketa Anderson‌ Margo Flanagan‌ Marty Flannery‌

Program Specialist‌ Executive Assistant‌ Sr. Executive Assistant‌

Gaybriell Kilpatrick‌ Executive Assistant‌ Kate Matthews‌ Project Manager‌

‌Finance‌ Brian Eley‌ Beth Ellis‌ Andrea Hargrow‌ Deborah John‌ Cassie Joint‌ Victoria Locust‌ Lucson Thomas‌

Accountant‌ Accounting Specialist‌ Accounting Specialist‌ Finance Manager‌ Accounting Specialist‌ Accountant‌ Accountant‌

Contracts & Grants‌ Sophie Ing‌ Harriet McCarter‌ Heather Torres‌ Sahmila Womack‌

8‌

Contracts and Grants Manager‌ Contracts and Grants Manager‌ Contracts and Grants Manager‌ Accounting Specialist‌

PERMANENT FACULTY, STAFF & POST DOCS‌ Faculty‌

Allergy/Immunology‌ Allergy/Immunology‌ Cardiology‌ Cardiology‌ Children’s Research Institute‌ Institute‌ Central Administration‌ Administration‌ Critical Care Medicine‌ Medicine‌ Education Office‌ Office‌ Endocrinology‌ Endocrinology‌ Gastroenterology‌ Gastroenterology‌ General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine‌ Medicine‌ Genetics & Metabolism‌ Metabolism‌ Hematology/Oncology‌ Hematology/Oncology‌ Hospital Pediatrics‌ Pediatrics‌ Infectious Diseases‌ Diseases‌ Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine‌ Medicine‌ Emergency Medicine‌ Medicine‌ Pulmonology‌ Pulmonology‌ Rheumatology‌ Rheumatology‌ Children’s Specialties - Wilmington‌ Wilmington‌

‌18‌ 18‌ 9‌ -‌ -‌ 14‌ 14‌ -‌ 9‌ 11‌ 11‌ 35‌ 35‌ 23‌ 23‌ 23‌ 23‌ 18‌ 18‌ 12‌ 12‌ 21‌ 21‌ 12‌ 12‌ 21‌ 21‌ 4‌ 30‌ 30‌

APPs‌

Clinical Staff‌

Research Staff‌

Admin Staff‌

Post Docs‌

6‌ 1‌ -‌ -‌ 5‌ -‌ 1‌ 4‌ 4‌ 4‌ 13‌ 13‌ 4‌ -‌ 31‌ 31‌ 2‌ 2‌ 1‌ 36‌ 36‌

1‌ 12‌ 12‌ -‌ -‌ -‌ -‌ 6‌ 4‌ 18‌ 18‌ 2‌ -‌ -‌ 2‌ -‌ -‌ 16‌ 16‌ 1‌ -‌

9‌ -‌ 21‌ 21‌ -‌ 1‌ -‌ 1‌ 4‌ 3‌ 18‌ 18‌ 6‌ -‌ 9‌ 15‌ 15‌ -‌ 9‌ -‌ 1‌

2‌ 8‌ 2‌ 26‌ 26‌ 2‌ 6‌ 2‌ 3‌ 5‌ 3‌ 5‌ 1‌ 1‌ 3‌ 1‌ 3‌ 1‌ 7‌

2‌ -‌ -‌ -‌ -‌ -‌ -‌ -‌ -‌ -‌ -‌ -‌ 4‌ -‌ -‌ 2‌ -‌ -‌

9‌

PEDIATRICS OUTPATIENT CARE‌ Allergy/Immunology‌ Cardiology‌ Emergency Medicine‌ Endocrinology‌ Gastroenterology‌ General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine‌ Genetics & Metabolism‌ Hematology/Oncology‌ Infectious Diseases‌ Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine‌ Pulmonology‌ Rheumatology‌

10‌

‌5,305 5,305‌ 5,325‌ 21,505‌ 6,870‌ 7,990‌ 17,150‌ 2,660‌ 10,580‌ 667‌ 1,395‌ 6,505‌ 2,060‌

www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/education‌

Sofia Aliaga, MD, MPH, FAAP‌

Associate Director, Pediatric Residency Program‌ Professor of Pediatrics -‌‌ Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine‌

Meg Kihlstrom, MD‌

Director, Pediatric Residency Program‌ Associate Professor of Pediatrics‌ Pediatric Critical Care Medicine‌

Whitney Haddix, MD‌

Michael Brown, MD, MPH‌

Cone Health Director of Clinical Education‌ Associate Director,‌‌ Adjunct Instructor‌‌ Pediatric Residency Program‌ Moses Cone Pediatrics‌ Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pediatrics‌ WakeMed Pediatric Hospital Medicine‌

Katie Jordan, MD‌

Associate Director, Primary Care‌ Residency Program‌ Associate Professor of Pediatrics -‌‌ General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine‌

Christian Lawrence, MD Associate Director, Pediatric Residency‌ Program‌ Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Hospital Pediatrics‌

11‌

Rasheeda Monroe, MD‌

Suresh Nagappan, MD, MSPH‌

WakeMed Site Director for Outpatient Services Adjunct Instructor‌‌ WakeMed Pediatrics‌

Cone Health Site Director‌ Adjunct Associate Professor‌ Pediatric Hospitalist - Moses Cone‌

Shiva Zargham, MD, MSc‌ Associate Director, Pediatric Residency Program‌ Associate Professor of Pediatrics - Emergency Medicine‌

Eric Zwemer, MD‌ Associate Director, Pediatric Residency Program‌ Professor of Pediatrics - Hospital Pediatrics‌

Michael Contarino, MD‌ Program Director, Med-Peds Residency Program‌ Associate Professor of Medicine & Pediatrics -‌‌ Hospital Medicine‌

Ria Dancel, MD‌ Associate Director, Med-Peds Residency Program‌ Professor of Medicine & Pediatrics - Hospital Medicine‌

12‌

Jenn McCauley, MD‌

Misty Good, MD, MS‌

Continuity Clinic Director, Med-Peds Residency Program‌ Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pediatrics -‌‌ General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine‌

Co-Program Director, Pediatric Physician-‌ ‌Scientist Training Program‌ Associate Professor of Pediatrics -‌‌ Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine‌

Corinne Keet, MD, PhD‌ Co-Program Director, Pediatric Physician-Scientist Training Program‌ Professor of Pediatrics - Allergy/Immunology‌

Administrative Coordinators‌ Kelly Lear, Pediatric Residency

Julie Seger, Pediatric Fellowship

Denita Moore, Pediatric Residency

Lynn West, Medical Student Education

Robin Howard, Med-Peds Residency

Reneva Grimsley, Medical Student Education Kate Matthews, Physician-Scientist Training Program

13‌

Did you know...

In 2024,‌ ‌the Pediatric & Med-Peds Residencies produced‌:‌

4 Chief Residents​‌ 2 Hospitalists‌ ‌- Practicing in North Carolina & Florida‌ 6 General Pediatricians - Practicing in North Carolina, Virginia & Georgia‌ 15 Fellowship Trainees across the country‌

For the 2024 match, 15 UNC medical students applied to join a residency in Pediatrics and 5 applied in MedicinePediatrics‌

The incoming residents are from 52 different medical schools representing 25 states, Washington D.C., and three countries.‌

In 2024, our residents presented at:

North Carolina Pediatric (NC Peds) Society Southeastern Consortium for Dermatology Conference Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Conference Pediatric Hospital Medicine (PHM) Meeting American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Congress Associate of Pediatric Program Directors (APPD) American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) International Conference on Clinical Ethics and Consultation Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 14‌

2024-2025 Chief Residents‌

Emma Bick, MD‌

Kaitie Cudahy, MD‌

Alex Card, MD‌

Rohit Jaswaney, MD‌

First Year Residents, June 2024‌ Tyler Beauchamp, MD – ‌Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University‌ Ebony Blaize, MD – ‌Pediatrics, University of Florida,College of Medicine‌ Wyatt Bowles, MD – ‌Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine‌ Chine Chime-Eze, MD, MS, MPH – ‌Preliminary Pediatrics, Howard University College of Medicine‌ Claire Di Bella, MD – ‌Primary Care, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Charleston‌ Morgan Everheart, MD, MS, MHS - ‌Pediatrics, Meharry Medical College‌ Rebecca Gibson, MD, PhD – ‌Pediatrics-Medical Genetics, Duke University School of Medicine‌‌ Meera Jairath, DO –‌Primary Care, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Carolinas Campus‌ Anna Kenan, MD – ‌Medicine-Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine‌ Sol Khaitas, DO – ‌Primary Care, Western Univ. of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific‌ Molly Kuo, MD, PhD – ‌Pediatrics-Medical Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School‌‌ Annika Lintvedt-Miller, MD – ‌Medicine-Pediatrics, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine‌ Samantha Maurice, MD – ‌Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine‌ Rosie May, MD – Medicine - ‌Medicine-Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan School of Medicine‌ Meghan McCarthy, MD, MS – ‌Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University‌‌ Topher McGee, MD – ‌Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin‌ Caroline Mebane, MD, MS – ‌Child Neurology, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine‌ Kendra Moore, MD, MPH - ‌Pediatrics, Mercer University School of Medicine‌ Robyn Naron, DO, MPH -‌Pediatrics, Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine‌ Meaghan Nazareth, DO, MPH - ‌Pediatrics, Campbell Univ. Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine‌ Rachel Neuson, MD – ‌Pediatrics, Georgetown University School of Medicine‌ Justin Penninger, MD – ‌Pediatrics, University of South Alabama College of Medicine‌ Stephanie Peres-da-Silva, MD – ‌Medicine-Pediatrics, Univ. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine‌ Polly Pessoa, MD –‌Primary Care, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB) Colegiado de Medicina‌ Meena Ravi, MD – ‌Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine‌ Initha Setiady, MD – ‌Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine‌ Shivani Shah, MD –‌Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine‌ Supriya Sivadanam, MD – ‌Pediatrics, The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University‌ Heather Swain, MD ‌– Medicine-Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine‌ Aidan Walker, MD‌– Child Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine‌ Emily Wechsler, MD – ‌Medicine-Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth‌

15‌

2024 Graduating Residents & Chiefs‌‌ Naseer Ahmed, MD‌– Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine Fellowship, Boston Children’s Hospital (Boston, MA)‌ Joanne Alfred, MD, MS‌- Pediatrics, Hematology-Oncology Fellowship, UNC Children’s (Chapel Hill, NC)‌ Maria Ansar, MD, PhD‌– Pediatrics, Pulmonary Medicine Fellowship, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital (Cincinnati, OH)‌ Menna Awadalla, MD ‌– Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine Fellowship, Texas Children’s Hospital (Houston, TX)‌ Gretter Benitez, MD‌– Medicine-Pediatrics, Adult Hospitalist at Jackson North Hospital (North Shore, FL)‌ Emma Bick, MD ‌- Medicine-Pediatrics, Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Chief Resident, UNC (Chapel Hill, NC)‌ Theresa Borcky, MD ‌– Pediatrics, Atrium Health, Levine Children’s Cabarrus Pediatrics (Concord & Kannapolis, NC)‌ Hannah Boutros-Khoury, MD‌– Pediatrics, UNC Pediatrics at Southpoint (Durham, NC)‌ Alex Card, MD‌- Primary Care, Pediatric Chief Resident, UNC (Chapel Hill, NC)‌ Josh Coons, MD, MS‌– Pediatrics, Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville (Charlottesville, VA)‌ Kaitie Cudahy, MD‌– Pediatrics, Pediatric Chief Resident, UNC (Chapel Hill, NC)‌ Nina Dawson, MD‌– Pediatrics, Whole Child Pediatrics (Ashburn, VA) Anna DePrenger, DO‌– Pediatrics, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship, UNC Children’s (Chapel Hill, NC)‌ Erin Dunneback, MD‌- Hospital Medicine, WakeMed Hospital (Raleigh/Cary, NC)‌ Tia Fish-Nye, MD‌– Pediatrics, Critical Care Medicine Fellowship, Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt (Nashville, TN)‌ Heather Frank, MD‌– Medicine-Pediatrics, Combined Pediatric/Adult Hospice & Palliative Medicine Fellowship, UNC‌ ‌(Chapel Hill, NC)‌ Shanice Glasco, MD‌– Medicine-Pediatrics, Adult Cardiology Fellowship, UT Southwestern (Dallas, TX)‌ Caitlyn Gold, MD‌– Primary Care, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Fellowship, Texas Children’s Hospital‌ ‌(Houston, TX)‌ Sydney Hendricks, MD‌– Pediatrics, Pulmonary Medicine Fellowship, UNC Children’s (Chapel Hill, NC)‌ Rohit Jaswaney, MD ‌– Pediatrics, Pediatric Chief Resident, UNC (Chapel Hill, NC)‌ Ghallia Kaouk, MD‌– Pediatrics, Critical Care Medicine Fellowship, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center (Baltimore, MD)‌ Joi McLaughlin, MD, MS ‌- Pediatrics, Gastroenterology Fellowship, Children’s National Medical Center‌ ‌(Washington, DC)‌ Arianna Michaels, MD‌– Medicine-Pediatrics, Adult Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship, UNC (Chapel Hill, NC)‌ Alhaji Mohammed, MD‌– Pediatrics, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship, Duke Children’s (Durham, NC)‌ Aigner Moore, MD‌– Primary Care, J.C. Lewis Pediatric Center (Savannah, GA)‌ Will Parker, MD‌- Pediatrics, UNC Pediatrics at SouthPoint (Durham, NC)‌ Harshini Pyata, MD‌– Pediatrics, Endocrinology Fellowship, UNC Children’s (Chapel Hill, NC)‌ Sarah Stafford, MD‌– Medicine-Pediatrics, Adult Cardiology Fellowship, Vanderbilt (Nashville, TN)‌ Rukiayah Warner-Moxley, MD‌– Pediatrics, WakeMed Pediatric Primary Care (Fuquay-Varina, NC)‌ Sebastian Werner, MD ‌– Medicine-Pediatrics, Medicine-Pediatrics Hospitalist, WakeMed (Raleigh, NC)‌ Xavier Williams, MD, MPH‌- Pediatrics, General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, UNC (Chapel Hill, NC)‌

16‌

40th Annual Thomas F. Boat Evening of Scholarship‌ The annual Thomas F. Boat Evening of Scholarship was an extraordinary event with 4 platform presentations and 57 posters on display. It was held at The Carolina Club on April 25, 2024. The event began with poster and oral presentations before dinner and the keynote address by Magee Leigh, MD, Professor of Pediatrics at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Former Division Chief of the UNC Division of Pediatric Pulmonology.

We are honored to have such outstanding learners! The awards below highlight their successes: Jud Van Wyk Award for Best Basic Science Research Ahmed Salah Sami, MD - “Urolithin A-mediated aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling attenuates necrotizing enterocolitis” Harvey J. Hamrick Award for Best Case Report Brendan Lawson, MD, MMS - “This Rash IZn’t Viral” Click image to enlarge

Walter Tunnessen Award for Best Clinical Science Research Olivia Brown, MD - “Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes for pediatric patients treated with rituximab for idiopathic pulmonary capillaritis” Jessica Benjamin-Eze, DO - “A pilot study prospectively measuring changes in body composition and physical function during treatment for childhood cancers” Jerry Fernald Award for Best Quality Improvement Research Jessica Benjamin-Eze, DO - “Addressing emotional health in children with sickle cell disease: A Quality Improvement Initiative at UNC” Alan Stiles Award for Best Resident Research Olivia Brown, MD “Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes for pediatric patients treated with rituximab for idiopathic pulmonary capillaritist” Best Student Award Amanda Martin “Accelerated aging and social determinants of health in chlidren and adolescents with cancer” Johnny Carson Award for Best Overall Research Ahmed Salah Sami, MD

17‌

Pediatric Physician-Scientist Training Programs www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/research/carolina-child-health-scholars-program/‌

The Department of Pediatrics is committed to fostering the development of future generations of physicianscientists who will improve children’s health. The goal of the program is to provide a comprehensive, collaborative, resource-rich environment to foster the development of diverse and successful pediatric physician-investigators.

The Child Health Scholars Program for pediatric fellows was established in 2022. Under the leadership of CoDirectors Dr. Misty Good and Dr. Corinne Keet, the fellowship training program merged with the residency Physician-Scientist Fellowship Training Program (PSTP) in 2023.

The first PSTP fellow graduated 2024 and is currently a working as a physician scientist at the University of Virginia.

In 2024, there were 7 PSTP fellows; two of whom were selected for the National Physician Scientist Development Program. Many others in the program have received institutional and national research honors and grants.

In 2024, there were 4 PSTP residents. This year, these scholars received multiple awards including from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and from the UNC Pediatrics’ Thomas F. Boat Evening of Scholarship.

18‌

www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/education/fellowships‌ PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY Amy Levenson, MD‌

Director, Pediatric Subspecialty Training Programs‌ Program Director, Pediatric Endocrinology‌‌ Professor of Pediatrics‌

Jason Hadley

Program Coordinator

ALLERGY/IMMUNOLOGY Amika Sood, MD‌

Program Director‌ Assistant Professor of Medicine

Jessi Stark

Program Coordinator

Edwin Kim, MD, MS‌

Associate Program Director‌ Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics‌

PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY Francisco Sylvester, MD‌ Program Director‌ Professor of Pediatrics‌

Thalia Tulloch

Program Coordinator

Erica Brenner, MD, MSCR‌ Associate Program Director‌ Assistant Professor of Pediatrics‌

19‌

PEDIATRIC CRITICAL CARE Paul Shea, MD‌

Program Director‌ Associate Professor of Pediatrics

Amy Spruance

Program Coordinator

Melissa Smith, MD‌

Associate Program Director‌ Assistant Professor of Pediatrics‌

MEDICAL GENETICS Cynthia Powell, MD, MS‌ Program Director‌ Professor of Pediatrics‌

Justin Moxley

Program Coordinator

Clara Hildebrandt, MD‌

Program Director‌ Assistant Professor of Pediatrics‌

PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY Michael Winstead, MD

Associate Program Director Associate Professor of Pediatrics

Sawyer Everett

Program Coordinator

Patrick Thompson, MD‌ Program Director‌ Professor of Pediatrics‌

20‌

PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL MEDICINE Wade Harrison, MD, MPH‌ Associate Program Director‌ Assistant Professor of Pediatrics‌

Gonzalo Loza

Program Coordinator

Jen Fuchs, MD‌

Program Director‌ Associate ‌Professor of Pediatrics‌

PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES Tom Belhorn, MD, PhD‌ Program Director‌ Professor of Pediatrics‌

Colleen Vavra

Program Coordinator

Peyton Thompson, MD‌

Associate Program Director‌ Associate Professor of‌ ‌Pediatrics‌

NEONATAL-PERINATAL MEDICINE Wayne Price, MD‌ Program Director‌ Professor of Pediatrics‌

Gwen Burrows

Program Coordinator

Cara Beth Carr, MD‌

Associate Program Director‌ Assistant Professor of Pediatrics‌

21‌

PEDIATRIC NEPHROLOGY Katie Westreich, MD‌

Program Director‌ Assistant Professor of Pediatrics‌

Rochelle Moser

Program Coordinator

PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY Adam Gower, MD, MS‌

Program Director‌ Associate Professor of‌ ‌Pediatrics‌

Chuck Esther, MD, PhD‌ Program Director‌ Professor of Pediatrics‌

Robin Foster

Program Coordinator

William Stoudemire, MD‌ Associate Program Director‌ Assistant Professor of Pediatrics‌

Marianne Muhlebach, MD‌ Associate Program Director‌ Professor of Pediatrics‌

22‌

The Graduating Fellows - June 2024‌ Madison Archer, MD - Hospitalist, Clinical Assistant Professor, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Jessica Benjamin-Eze, DO - Hematology/Oncology, Sanford Health, Fargo, ND Stephanie Borinsky, MD - Gastroenterology, Federal Drug Administration (FDA) Kenneth Busby, DO - Hematology/Oncology, Pediatric Integrative Medicine Fellow, Stanford University Melissa Diaz, MD – Hospitalist, Clinical Assistant Professor, Texas Children's Hospital Drew Gardner, MD - Pulmonology, Levine Children’s Hospital, Charlotte, NC Rayan Kaakati, MD - Allergy and Immunology, Raleigh Capitol ENT Macrina Liguori, MD - Neonatology, Cone Health Amy MacKay, MD - Neonatology, University of Alabama, Birmingham Jeremy Owens, MD, MS - Allergy and Immunology, Allergy Partners, Virginia Beach, VA Isabelle Riley, MD - Critical Care Medicine, Prisma Health Richland Hospital, South Carolina Katherine Schroeder, MD - Critical Care Medicine, WakeMed, Raleigh, NC Monika Williams, MD - Genetics, Duke Biochemical Fellowship Training Program Jade Wyatt, MD - Endocrinology, Children’s Hospital, Colorado Springs, CO

The New Fellows - June 2024‌ Joanne Alfred, MD - Hematology/Oncology, UNC Katherine Caid, MD - Allergy and Immunology, University of Arkansas forMedical Sciences Elizabeth Carroll, MD - Critical Care Medicine, University of Virginia Hemadhanvi Chagarlamudi, MD, MHS, MPH - Allergy and Immunology, UNC Anna DePrenger, DO - Neonatology, UNC Vivian Doyle-Mason, MD - Hospital Medicine, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Sydney Hendricks, MD - Pulmonology, UNC Kathleen Herman, DO - Nephrology, Medical College of Georgia Rachel Levy, MD - Neonatology, University of Utah Emma Livne, MD - Hematology/Oncology, Hasbro Children’s / Brown Dena Lowing, MD - Hospital Medicine, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Anushree Murugan, MD - Gastroenterology, Brookdale Hospital - One Brooklyn Health Harshini Pyata, MD - Endocrinology, UNC Alexis Rodriguez, MD - Hematology/Oncology, University of Tennessee Marielys Collazo Roman, MD – Infectious Diseases, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital Allison Steinauer, MD - Critical Care Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina

23‌

24

www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/research/‌ Research is a cornerstone of the Department of Pediatrics,‌which has a long-standing tradition of pioneering‌ investigations. While our researchers continue to engage in significant bench research, we have increasingly‌ expanded our focus on translational, clinical, and health services studies.‌‌ In 2024, the Pediatrics Contracts & Grants team supported faculty by submitting 178 projects. Overall, 95 Principal Investigators in the department worked on 260 awarded projects. For fiscal year 2024, the department secured $48,027,514 in research funding—an increase of nearly $5 million from the previous year and more than $25 million above 2018 levels.‌

For 2024, the department was ranked 25th in the Blue Ridge Institute Rankings!‌ Total Research Award Funding

Federal Funding

Funding Sources

25‌

Foundation Funding

UNC Children’s researchers have multiple avenues to pursue their projects—independently, through interdisciplinary centers and institutes, or with the support of the Children’s Research Institute (CRI). The CRI, along with its integrated Clinical Research Unit (CRU), serves as a collaborative hub for pediatric research at UNC, centralizing efforts across campus while maintaining a virtual presence across schools, centers, and institutions.‌ In 2024, the CRI contributed to securing over $17.5 million in grants, facilitated through its Proposal‌ Development Team.‌‌ Beyond funding, the CRI is dedicated to guiding researchers as they progress‌ from mentored early career (K) awards to independent funding such as R-series‌ awards. Since launching this initiative in 2021, the CRI has supported 12‌ investigators on this path.‌‌ A key driver of CRI’s success is the Pediatric Clinical Research Unit (CRU), which‌ provides expert research coordinators to support pediatric clinical studies. In 2024, the CRU expanded to 18 coordinators, reinforcing its capacity to manage‌ over 100 ongoing studies led by 60 faculty researchers across 24 divisions,‌ departments, and schools at UNC.‌

$17.5 M

‌ K01s‌ 2 ‌3 K08s‌ ‌2 K12s‌ ‌1‌ ‌K23‌

The focus for the CRU in coming years is ongoing growth. The CRU Leadership Team is expanding, and CRI is extending its research support beyond Chapel Hill and Raleigh. Notably, Children’s Specialties in Wilmington is launching research initiatives through the Coastal Carolina Children’s Research Initiative. This effort is gaining momentum with support from the UNC–Novant Research Advisory Council’s Capacity Building Award, signaling a strong start for pediatric research in Wilmington.‌ With a commitment to fostering groundbreaking pediatric research, the CRI continues to expand its reach, resources, and impact. As research efforts grow across North Carolina, UNC Children’s remains at the forefront of advancing scientific discovery and improving child health.‌

Paris Bennett‌ Sherry Bossard‌ Nicole Capps‌ Kelly Chason‌ Rachel Cooke‌ Miriam Davis‌ Ally Guinta‌ Joseph Hatch‌ Natalie Hurley‌

CRI STAFF‌ Shradhdha Joshi Gabrella Keller‌ Ariel Lunsford Kate‌Matthews‌ Katherine Mills‌ Katherine Murray‌ Alison Mathers‌

26‌

Austin Neurerburg‌ Carolina Pastrana-Medina‌ Jordan Thorndyke-Smith‌ Karen Sharpe‌ Mia Sharrock‌ Kelli Sullivan‌ Abigail Taber‌ Corinne Taylor‌ Colleen Vavra‌

We are thrilled to welcome these new‌ clinicians to the Department of Pediatrics.‌ Our dedicated team of physicians and advanced practice providers are all committed to delivering exceptional care to children and families.

Together, we will continue to provide compassionate, innovative, and family-centered care while shaping the future of pediatric medicine in North Carolina. Thank you for bringing your unique talents to our team—we look forward to achieving great things together!

Benjamin Bowden, MSN, FNP‌ Advanced Practice Provider‌ Wilmington - Hospitalists‌ January 8, 2024‌

Amanie Khairullah, PharmD‌

Jordan Pung, MD‌

Martin Moya, MD, MPH, MHS‌

Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner‌‌ Endocrinology‌ January 8, 2024‌

Assistant Professor‌ Wilmington - Critical Care‌ January 8, 2024‌

Professor‌ Wilmington - Neonatology‌ January 15, 2024‌

Theresa Heifert, MD‌‌

Rollyn Ornstein, MD‌

Samuel Young, Jr., PhD‌

Assistant Professor‌ Pediatric Gastroenterology‌‌ February‌12, 2024‌

Professor‌ General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine‌ June 28, 2024‌

Professor & Director‌ Gene Therapy Center‌ June 28, 2024‌

27‌

Kayce Brantham, MD‌

Brittany Raffa, MD, MPH

Maureen Petersen, MD‌

Assistant Professor‌ Hospital Pediatrics‌ July 1, 2024‌

Assistant Professor‌ General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine‌ July, 1, 2024‌

Associate Professor‌ Allergy/Immunology‌ July 8, 2024‌

Rebecca Chasnovitz, MD‌

Xavier Williams, MD, MPH‌

Elizabeth Armstrong, MD‌

Associate Professor‌ General Pedis & Adolescent Medicine‌ July 8, 2024‌

Assistant Professor‌ General Peds & Adolescent Medicine‌ July 22, 2024‌

Clinical Instructor‌ General Peds & Adolescent Medicine‌ July 31, 2024‌

Emily Greengard, MD‌

Justin Sperlazza, MD, PhD‌

Alexandra Borst, MD‌

Associate Professor‌ Hematology-Oncology‌ July 31, 2024‌

Research Instructor‌ Hematology-Oncology‌ July 31, 2024‌

Associate Professor‌ Hematology-Oncology‌ August 1, 2024‌

28‌

Madi Rooney, MSN, NNP‌

Caitlan Pinotti, MD‌

Ivy Gwynn, PA-C‌

Advanced Practice Provider‌ Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine‌ August 1, 2024‌

Assistant Professor‌ Rheumatology‌ August 5, 2024‌

Advanced Practice Provider‌ Genetics & Metabolism‌ August 12, 2024‌

Michaela Reinhart, MD‌

Alexis Darling, MS‌

Kristen Capito DO‌

Assistant Professor‌ Genetics & Metabolism‌ August 15, 2024‌

Clinical Instructor‌ Genetics & Metabolism‌ August 15, 2024‌

Assistant Professor‌ Emergency Medicine‌ August 19, 2024‌

Sandeep Dhadvai, MD‌‌

Jill Kauffmann, MD‌

Travis Kauffmann, MD‌

Assistant Professor‌ General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine‌ August‌21‌, 2024‌

Assistant Professor‌ Wilmington - Hospitalist‌ August 26, 2024‌

Assistant Professor‌ Wilmington - Critical Care‌ August 30, 2024‌

29‌

Ellie Mears Ward, MSN, NNP‌

Jane Gross, MD, PhD‌

Maura Olcese, MD‌

Associate‌ ‌Professor‌ Pulmonology‌ September 1, 2024‌

Assistant Professor Emergency Medicine‌ September 14, 2024‌

Advanced‌ ‌Practice Provider‌ Wilmington - Neonatology‌ September 30, 2024‌

Sydney Stryker, MSN, NNP‌

Ric Orr, MD‌

Jennifer Talbot, MSN, CPNP‌

Assistant Professor‌ Genetics & Metabolism‌ October 7‌, 2024

Advanced Practice Provider‌ Critical Care Medicine‌ October 14, 2024‌

Advanced Practice Provider‌ Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine‌ October 3‌, 2024‌

Danielle Wood, DNP, CPNP‌ Kasey Zawodniak, MSN CPNP‌ Candice Ryan-Supples, FNP‌ Advanced Practice Provider‌ Critical Care Medicine‌ October 14, 2024‌

Advanced Practice Provider‌ Critical Care Medicine‌ October 14, 2024

30‌

Advanced Practice Provider‌ Emergency Medicine‌ December, 2024‌

Many congratulations to our newly promoted faculty members! We are dedicated to supporting and encouraging faculty throughout their careers, and promotion serves as both a recognition of meritorious service and an inspiration for continued professional growth. Dedication to excellence in teaching, research, and service has earned this well-deserved achievement. We celebrate your hard work and commitment to advancing knowledge and enriching our academic community.‌‌ The faculty members listed below have been promoted between January and December of 2024, and we look forward to their continued success and contributions.‌

Yasmina Abajas, MD‌

Alex Ahearn, MD, MPH‌

Matthew Egberg, MD PhD‌

Associate Professor‌ Hospital Pediatrics‌

Associate ‌Pro‌fessor‌ Gastroenterology‌

Camille Ehre, PhD‌

Nina Jain, MD‌

Pace Johnson, MD‌

Associate Professor‌ Hematology/Oncology‌

Associate Professor‌ Pulmonology‌

Professor‌ Endocrinology‌

31‌

Associate Professor‌ Cardiology‌

Katie Jordan, MD‌

Elisabeth Leong, DO‌ Associate Professor‌ Cardiology‌

Associate ‌Professor‌ Critical Care Medicine‌

Amy Levenson, MD‌

Emilee Lewis, MD‌

Catherine O’Connell, PhD‌

Colin Orr, MD, MPH‌

Matthew Pizzuto, MD‌

Priyanka Rao, MD‌

Associate Professor‌ General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine‌

Professor‌ Endocrinology‌

Associate Professor‌ General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine‌

Associate ‌Professor‌ Hospital Pediatrics‌

Associate ‌Professor‌ Critical Care Medicine‌

32‌

Dan Lercher, MD‌

Professor‌ Infectious Diseases‌

Associate Professor‌ General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine‌

Associate Professor‌ Critical Care Medicine‌

Associate Professor‌ Cardiology‌

Ryan Shea, MD‌

Tracie Walker, MD, MPH‌

Michael Winstead, MD‌

Shiva Zargham, MD‌

Xiaojing Zheng, PhD‌

Stephanie Schwartz, MD‌

Associate Professor‌ Hematology-Oncology‌

Associate Professor‌ Emergency Medicine‌

Eric Zwemer, MD‌ Professor‌ Hospital Pediatrics‌

33‌

Associate Professor‌ Critical Care Medicine‌

Professor‌ Infectious Diseases‌

We extend our deepest gratitude to our newly retired physician faculty for their years of dedicated service, compassionate care, and unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of countless children.

Their expertise, kindness, and mentorship have not only shaped the lives of young patients and their families but have also inspired generations of medical professionals to follow in their footsteps. The impact on the field of pediatrics and the community they have served is immeasurable, and their legacy will continue to thrive through those they have taught and cared for throughout their career.

We wish them a joyful and fulfilling retirement, knowing that their contributions will always be cherished and remembered.

Julie Blatt, MD‌

Hematology-Oncology‌

Ali Calikoglu, MD‌ Endocrinology‌

Cynthia Powell, MD‌

Genetics & Metabolism‌

Pam Reitenauer, MD‌

George Retsch-Bogart, MD‌

Genetics (AHEC/Cone)‌

Pulmonology‌

34‌

www.uncchildrens.org‌

UNC Children’s named to U.S. News’ “Best Children’s Hospitals” list for 16th straight year‌ UNC Children’s was nationally ranked in 9 out of 11 pediatric specialties, two in the top 20 UNC Children’s pediatric specialties nationally ranked by US News include:

SPECIALTY‌

RANK‌

Top 50 ‌*‌ Behavioral Health Cancer (Hematology/Oncology) 28 Diabetes (Endocrinology) 16 Gastroenterology & GI Surgery 34 Orthopedics 34

SPECIALTY‌

RANK‌

Pulmonology & Lung Surgery Nephrology Neurology & Neurosurgery Urology

14 35 39 32

* No ordinal ranks assigned to this new specialty

Since the establishment of the Department of Pediatrics in 1952, children's care at UNC has evolved into a comprehensive network of inpatient and specialty services. This collaborative effort unites professionals across UNC entities, clinical specialties, and academic disciplines—all dedicated to advancing pediatric care. Thanks to this shared commitment, UNC Children's has expanded tremendously in both volume and scope, enhancing the care we provide to children and families across North Carolina.

Looking ahead, UNC Children's will continue to grow its facilities and clinical capacity at the Medical Center in Chapel Hill and throughout the state. At the same time, we are committed to developing a world-class, freestanding children's hospital—bringing together 150 years of excellence in pediatric care, research, and education through UNC Health, Duke Health, and the UNC and Duke Schools of Medicine.

This extraordinary progress is made possible by the collective efforts of the Department of Pediatrics, the dedicated faculty and staff of the School of Medicine, and thousands of UNC Health employees. Together, we are shaping the future of pediatric care. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this success!

35‌

Medical instruction in Chapel Hill predates the Civil War, though a formal School of Medicine was not established until 1879. Initially, the curriculum focused on anatomy, supported by free community clinics that provided hands-on experience. However, with limited faculty and financial constraints, the program struggled to sustain itself and temporarily closed in 1885.

Reopening in 1890, the School developed a stronger academic reputation, emphasizing foundational sciences. By 1902, the University Medical Department in Raleigh expanded clinical training through partnerships with local hospitals. However, inadequate funding and the recommendations of the 1910 Flexner Report led to its closure. Despite this setback, the School enhanced its preclinical education, preparing students for transfer to other medical institutions, many of whom later returned to practice in North Carolina.

The completion of Caldwell Hall in 1912 provided the first dedicated facility for medical education, equipped with laboratories, classrooms, and a library. The School remained there until 1938, when a larger science building was constructed to accommodate its growing needs.

Throughout the early 20th century, efforts to expand the program to four years were repeatedly thwarted by financial constraints and debates over location, allowing other institutions in the state to establish full medical programs.

By the 1940s, the need for improved healthcare across North Carolina became evident, especially as many young men were deemed unfit for military service during World War II. In 1943, medical leaders formally urged the state to take action, proposing the development of a centrally located teaching hospital and the expansion of the medical school.

CELEBRATING OUR LEADERS 1952 - 1960 Dr. Edward Curnen Inaugural Chair

1960 - 1981 Dr. Floyd Denny

1981 - 1993 Dr. Thomas Boat

1995 - 2000 Dr. Roberta Williams

2000 - 2011 Dr. Alan Stiles

2011 - 2016 Dr. Wesley Burks

2017 - present Dr. Stephanie Davis Add a little bit of body text

36‌

Recognizing the urgency of these recommendations, the North Carolina General Assembly approved funding in 1947 for the construction of a 400-bed hospital, additional medical education facilities, and a nursing school.

The North Carolina Memorial Hospital opened in 1952, and two years later, the School of Medicine awarded its first MD degrees from the newly expanded four-year program. At the time, a significant portion of the state’s physicians had received their initial medical training in Chapel Hill.

Strengthened by the recruitment of top faculty and the establishment of a comprehensive clinical education program, the School became a leading institution in medical training and research.

In 1971, governance of the hospital was restructured, separating its administration from the University while maintaining a strong partnership with the School of Medicine. This relationship has supported continued advancements in patient care, research, and education, ensuring the institution remains a cornerstone of healthcare in North Carolina. Over the years, investments in medical infrastructure, faculty, and student training have positioned the School as a leader in preparing physicians to serve communities across the state and beyond.

37‌

Since admitting its first pediatric patients in 1953, the Department of Pediatrics at NC Memorial Hospital has grown into a leading institution dedicated to pediatric care, education, and research. In 1954, the department comprised two full-time faculty, four part-time faculty, and nine house staff, and it also welcomed its first female member, Dr. Annie Scott. The department quickly advanced pediatric medicine, establishing pediatric open-heart surgery in 1957 through a collaboration between Pediatrics and Medicine. The following year, in 1958, the department further expanded its services with the creation of a dedicated newborn nursery.

The 1960s marked a period of remarkable growth with the establishment of several key divisions. In 1960, Dr. Harrie Chamberlin led the launch of the Child Development/Neurology division, Dr. Herb Harned founded the Cardiology division, and Dr. Jud Van Wyk established the Endocrinology division. The Infectious Disease division was introduced in 1961 by Drs. Floyd Denny and Wallace Clyde, alongside the Hematology division, led by Dr. Campbell McMillan.

Expansion continued in 1965 with the creation of the Rehabilitation division under Dr. Loren McKinney and the Genetics division under Dr. Neil Kirkman. Demonstrating a commitment to community outreach, the department opened its first outreach clinic in Wilmington in 1968, followed by the establishment of the Community Pediatrics division in 1969 under the leadership of Dr. Frank Loda. This momentum carried into 1970 with the formation of the Nephrology division, led by Dr. Richard Morris.

By the 1980s, the department had seen substantial growth, reaching 50 faculty, 44 house staff, and approximately 20 fellows in 1981. In 1982, Dr. Suzanne Tropez-Sims became the first African American faculty member, further enriching the department’s diversity and leadership.

The department continued to evolve with the recruitment of its first pediatric surgeon, Dr. Richard Azizkhan, in 1985, and that same year, it held its first Evening of Scholarship, reinforcing its dedication to academic excellence.

The 21st century ushered in even greater expansion and innovation. In 2001, the department celebrated the dedication of the new Children’s Hospital addition, a milestone in its continued mission to provide exceptional pediatric care. A new leadership structure was introduced in 2011, focusing on expanding care beyond Chapel Hill to better serve children across the region. By 2024, the department had grown exponentially, comprising more than 250 faculty, 85 advanced practice providers, and 140 residents and fellows, reflecting its enduring legacy of excellence, innovation, and compassionate care.

38‌

Dr. Annie Scott

Dr. Suzanne Tropez-Sims & Dr. Stephanie Davis

www.ncchildrens.org‌

39‌

40‌

go.unc.edu/childrens-family-partners‌ The Family Partners Program empowers families to collaborate in enhancing care at UNC Children’s, with family involvement at the core of our mission. We strive to create a culture where families are true partners in advancing quality, safety, and the patient experience. Our vision is a healthcare environment where families’ voices are heard, valued, and seamlessly integrated into every aspect of care.

The Family Advisory Councils play a key role in shaping family-centered care by participating in planning and decision-making. Their input helps improve communication, support inclusive systems, and inform policies, projects, and facility updates—directly enhancing the patient and family experience.

Our current teams, below, strive to create a supportive, inclusive environment where families connect, contribute, and strengthen bonds while positively impacting children’s lives both in the hospital and the community.

Cardiac Hematology/Oncology NICU Operations and Access REACH Rehab Teen Empowerment

ANNUAL OVERVIEW Throughout 2024, the Family Advisory Councils have continued their steady efforts across key teams, including Cardiac, Hem/Onc Operational, and NICU. These teams provide ongoing feedback on healthcare projects and offer family support through initiatives like distributing meals and gifts. The program has also contributed to educational materials and participated in discussions on facility expansion, fostering strong collaboration between families and hospital staff to support patient care.

FUTURE PLANS Expand services to all clinical teams within the Family Partners Program, incorporating Peer Mentoring and Corporate Perks programs.

Ensure active representation in key hospital-wide committees by appointing advisory board members to provide family-centric insights.

Contribute to research and quality improvement projects that impact patient and family experiences.

We have actively integrated families into NCC Hospital planning, ensuring their voices shape policies, programs, and patient-centered initiatives to enhance care and support.

Expand advisory board teams to include: REACH Rehab: Dedicated initiatives embracing the physical medicine and rehab team Teen Empowerment: Leadership opportunities for younger family members.

41‌

20

Total C2a4 & Commitmsh ents

$5.6Million 42‌

The UNC Health Social Media team has been busy! Please take a second to follow UNC Children’s on Facebook and Instagram, and check our award winning content!

In 2024, the "My Parents Our Doctors" Instagram reel garnered 6 million views.

To put those numbers into perspective that reel far exceeded the topperforming posts from multiple major North Carolina corporations like Bojangles (444K views), Krispy Kreme (2M views), and Lowe Home Improvement (3.9M views).

Thanks to Dr. Dan Park and his daughters, this reel was instrumental in winning a Carolina Healthcare Marketing & Public Relations Society Award.

Top 3 Posts

Top 3 posts

Dunkin Prom 22,953 total engagements, 3,490 total reactions, 104 shares (photo gallery)

We're Cute Kids, Of Course, Our Reel Went Viral 6.2 million views, 140,103 total engagements, 110,000 likes

NICU Christmas Babies 2023 8,879 total engagements, 2,221 total reactions, 209 shares (photo gallery)

Child Life Specialists 199,000 views, 7,587 total engagements, 6,955 likes (Reel)

We're Cute Kids, Of Course, Our Reel Went Viral 1.6 million views, 8,341 total engagements, 7,916 total reactions, 145 shares

Baby Philip Goes Home 77,200 views, 2,854 total engagements, 2,368 likes (Reel) Total followers gained: 5,753, up 2.7K% Total posts: 364, up 420% Post impressions: 394,559, up 320% Profile reach: 4,211,938, up 4,183,668

Total followers gained: 2,586, up 93.6% Total posts: 721, up 137% Profile reach: 2,866,188, up 160,251

43‌

M eet M i

randa!

44‌

45‌

46‌

www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/pulm‌ UNC Pediatric Pulmonology continues to lead in clinical care, research, and education, making significant advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory conditions in children. Over the past year, the division has expanded its clinical services, strengthened partnerships, and contributed to groundbreaking research in pulmonology. The division welcomed two new faculty members, ‌Jane Gross, MD, PhD‌, and ‌Maimoona Zariwala, PhD. Additionally, deep appreciation is extended to those who have retired or transitioned, including ‌George Retsch-Bogart, MD, Carol Barlow-Woody, RN,‌ and‌Robert (Drew) Gardner, MD‌, for their dedicated service and contributions.‌

THOMAS FERKOL, MD‌ Division Chief‌

PROFESSORS‌

Stephanie D. Davis, MD‌ Elisabeth Dellon, MD, MPH‌ Charles Esther, Jr., MD, PhD‌ Thomas Ferkol, MD‌ James Hagood, MD‌ Ceila Loughlin, MD‌ Marianne Muhlebach, MD‌ Terry Noah, MD‌ Lawrence Ostrowski, PhD‌ George Retsch-Bogart, MD‌ Timothy Vece, MD‌ Maimoona Zariwala, PhD‌

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE‌ The Pediatric Pulmonology Division continues to expand its clinical practice, forging new partnerships to advance care for patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), neuromuscular diseases, and severe thoracic abnormalities. A new severe asthma clinic has been established in Raleigh through collaboration with the Divisionof Pediatric AllergyImmunology. The division has also increased its ambulatory presenceat Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro and expanded the capabilities of the pediatric pulmonary function laboratory.‌ The University of North Carolina (UNC) Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis (CF) team was featured in the January edition of the CFF Network News. Authored by ‌Mary‌ Beth Prieur, PhD‌, the article highlights the growing importance of mental health in the CF community, particularly regarding anxiety, depression, and the potential mental health impacts of CFTR modulators. The UNC Pediatric CF Center has been at the forefront of integrating mental health care into CF management, including initiating select mental health-related medications such as SSRIs.‌

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS Camille Ehre, PhD‌ Martina Gentzsch, PhD‌ Jennifer Goralski, MD‌ Adam‌Gower, MD, MS‌ Jane Gross, MD, PhD‌ Marianna Henry, MD, MPH‌

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS‌ Gang Chen, PhD‌ Nicole Stephenson, MD‌ William Stoudemire, MD‌

ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDERS‌ Samantha Jemiolo, MSN‌ Cynthia Reilly, MSN‌

EHRA NON-FACULTY‌ Lauraine Rivier, PhD‌

INSTRUCTORS‌ Carol Barlow, RN‌

Significant growth in clinical activity was demonstrated by increases in clinical billings(7.1%), revenues (8.4%),and work relative value units (14.8%).Additionally, the division achieved an improved ranking in the U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals list moving up from #15 in 2023 to #14 in 2024.‌ ADVANCEMENTS IN EDUCATION‌ The division welcomed ‌Dr. Sydney Hendricks‌, as a new fellow in July 2024.

Our graduating fellow, ‌Dr. Robert (Drew) Gardner‌, transitioned to Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte. Another of our fellows, ‌Dr. Andre Espaillat‌ was named a trainee in the UNC Research Training Program in Respiratory Diseases and Critical Care (T32HL166141), further strengthening the division’s commitment to training the next generation of pediatric pulmonologists.‌

47‌

GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH‌ Faculty members contributed extensively to the field through authorship or co- authorship of 67 peer-reviewed manuscripts in highimpact journals. Several faculty members received extramural grant awards and furthered notable research initiatives:‌ Dr. Martina Gentzsch‌assumed directorship of the CF Research and Translation Core Center.‌ Dr. Charles Esther‌assumed directorship of the CF Center and CF Research Development Program.‌ Dr. Jim Hagood‌, co-principal investigator,‌ ‌Localizing Therapeutics to Target Lung‌ ‌Myofibroblasts & Reverse Fibrosis‌ Dr. Stephanie Davis ‌and‌Dr. Tom Ferkol‌, U54 Genetic Disorders of Mucociliary‌ ‌Clearance Consortium (HL096458).‌ Numerous faculty members contributed as investigators on the submitted‌ ‌U54 grant proposal (RFA-TR-18-020) for the Rare Bronchiectatic Diseases‌ ‌Consortium.‌‌ RECOGNITION & ACCOMPLISHMENTS‌ Stephanie D. Davis, MD, ‌Chair and Edward C. Curnen, Jr. Distinguished‌ ‌Professor of Pediatrics, was selected as the 2024 recipient of the‌ ‌Elizabeth A. Rich, MD Award by the American Thoracic Society (ATS). This‌ ‌prestigious honor recognizes women who have made significant‌ ‌contributions to pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine while also‌ ‌serving as exemplary mentors.‌ Dr. Elisabeth Dellon ‌was formally elected to active membership in the‌ ‌American Pediatric Society (APS), highlighting her significant‌ ‌contributions to pediatrics and palliative care.‌ Dr. Margaret (Magee) Leigh ‌was named a recipient of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2025 Edwin L. Kendig, Jr. Award, recognizing her lifetime achievements in pediatric pulmonology.‌‌ Dr. Martina Gentzsch‌was elected as President of the Association for Professional Women in Medical Sciences at UNC School of Medicine.‌ Dr. Will Stoudemire ‌and ‌Ms. Samantha Jemiolo ‌were recipients of the UNC‌ Health Carolina Quality Award.‌ Dr. Will Stoudemire ‌was appointed to the Pediatric Home Nursing Workgroup‌ of the NC Commission on Children with Special Health Care Needs.‌ Dr. Elisabeth Dellon ‌was named to the Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition of‌ North Carolina and co-director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Palliative‌ Care Guidelines Committee.‌ Dr. Mary Beth Prieur ‌was a recipient of the CF Foundation Mattingly‌ Leadership in Mental Health Care Award.‌ Dr. Nicole Stephenson ‌was named a UNC School of Medicine Simmons‌ ‌Scholar. Since its inception in 1994, this program has supported faculty‌ ‌members from groups traditionally underrepresented in medicine while ‌ fostering an interdisciplinary community of scholars.‌

FELLOWS‌

Alex Despotes, MD‌ Andre Espaillat, MD‌ Drew Gardner, MD‌ Sydney Hendricks, MD Nadia Hoekstra, MD‌ Paige Noreen, MD‌ Maheem Rehman, MD‌ Cindy Williams, DO‌

STAFF‌

Ashley Austin‌ Quentin Barrett‌ Kelly Baumberger‌ Erin Bennard‌ Danie Cockrum‌ Robin Foster‌ Mandy Gee‌ Kelsey Haywood‌ Robin Johnson‌ Sundass Khan‌ Chelsea Kirk‌ Tara Lee‌ Taura Manison Alannah Mascarella‌ Ruth Medlin‌ Grace Morningstar‌ Traci Ockomon‌ Ellen Penta‌ Ronnie Reynolds‌ Amy Sangvak‌ Liz Schecterman‌ Emily Shill‌ Tonya Stafford‌ Kimberly Stephenson‌ Martha Taylor‌ Cathy Tutka‌

Dr. Nicole Stephenson‌

48‌

Research Awards‌ Gang Chen, PhD‌‌

Was awarded new funding from University of Colorado Denver in the amount of $93,673 for the project 'Mechanisms Regulating Lung Injury and Early Lung Fibrosis'.‌ Received ongoing support from NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood‌ Institute (NHLBI) in the amount of $737,003 for the project 'Role of the ER‌ stress transcription factor XBP1S in the development of idiopathic‌ pulmonary fibrosis'.‌

Stephanie Davis, MD‌

Received ongoing support from University of Arizona in the amount of $15,900 for the project 'Primary Prevention of Asthma and Wheezing in Children-CCC Lead Application (Core)'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Recode Therapeutics, Inc. in the amount of‌ $582,951 for the project 'Recode PCD'.‌ Was awarded new funding from University of Arizona in the amount of‌ $33,648 for the project 'Randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter study‌ to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of ORal Bacterial EXtract for‌ the prevention of wheezing lower respiratory tract illness (ORBEX)'.‌

Elisabeth Dellon, MD, MPH‌‌

Received ongoing support from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the amount of $67,288 for the project 'Implementation of Outpatient Clinical Pharmacy Services: Award for a Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technician'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Emory University (EU) in the amount of‌ $5,048 for the project 'A Multi-Site Trial of Specialist Palliative Care in CF'.‌ Was awarded new funding from University of Pittsburgh in the amount of‌ $22,053 for the project 'Health Outcomes of Parents with Cystic Fibrosis‌ (HOPe:CF)'.‌ Received ongoing support from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the amount of‌ $83,348 for the project 'CF Foundation to lead a palliative care initiative'.‌

Alex Despotes, MD‌

Received ongoing support from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the amount of $101,500 for the project 'The Effects of Hypertonic Saline on Mucociliary Clearance in Non-CF Bronchiectasis'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the amount of‌ $13,521 for the project 'Defining the Composition, Experiences, and Needs of the Current United States Physician Workforce in Cystic Fibrosis Care'.‌

Camille Ehre, PhD‌

Was awarded new funding from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the amount of $167,717 for the project 'Investigate CF Gut Mucosal Barrier: Implications for Intestinal Transit and Therapeutic Strategies'.‌

49‌

Research Awards‌ Charles Esther, Jr, MD, PhD‌‌

Received ongoing support from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the amount of $900,000 for the project 'UNC CF RDP'.‌ Received ongoing support from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the amount of‌ $140,716 for the project 'Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics Core'.‌ Received ongoing support from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the amount of‌ $217,190 for the project 'CF Center Grant FY20 - FY25'.‌ Received ongoing support from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the amount of‌ $201,000 for the project 'CFF First/Second Year Clinical Fellowship'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the amount of‌ $10,000 for the project 'Pharmacogenomics of‌ Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor in Young Children with Cystic Fibrosis'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Spirovation, Inc. in the amount of $6,120 for‌ the project 'Measurement of Na Gluconate in Urine'.‌

Thomas Ferkol, MD

Was awarded new funding from Spirovation, Inc. in the amount of $6,120 for the project 'Measurement of Na Gluconatein Urine'.‌ With Dr. Davis, received continued support from NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in the amount of $1,000,000 for the project ‘Genetic Disorders of Mucociliary Clearance Consortium.'‌ Received continued funding from NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in the amount of in the amount of $150,000 for the project ‘Characterizing Respiratory Exacerbations in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia.’‌ Assumed responsibility and received ongoing support from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, $179,732 for the project 'TDNCC Faculty Director of Network Operations.'‌

Martina Gentzsch, PhD‌

Received ongoing support from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the amount of $284,963 for the project 'Development and production of antibodies for CFTR detection'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the amount of‌ $125,000 for the project 'Inflammation-Enhanced HEMT Efficacy: CFTR Stability and Regulation Mechanisms and Impact on Rare Mutations'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Spirovation, Inc. in the amount of $43,403‌ for the project 'Effect of Anoat Therapeutics' ASO4 compound on the‌ Calcium-Activated Chloride Channel TMEM16A'.‌

Jennifer Goralski, MD‌ ‌

Was awarded new funding from Seattle Children's in the amount of $5,295 for the project 'The CHEC-SC Cohort Study: CHaractErizing CFTR Modulated Changes in Sweat Chloride & Clinical Outcomes (the CHEC-SC study) PROTOCOL NO.: CHEC-OB-17'.‌

50‌

Research Awards‌ Jennifer Goralski, MD‌ ‌

Was awarded new funding from Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in the amount‌ of $31,281 for the project 'A Phase 3 Open-label Study Evaluating the Long-‌ term Safety and Efficacy of Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor Triple‌ Combination Therapy in Cystic Fibrosis Subjects 2 Years and Older'.‌

Adam Gower, MD, MS‌‌

Received ongoing support from NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in the amount of $116,625 for the project 'Asthma among children born extremely preterm: multi-omic perinatal predictors'.‌ Was awarded new funding from NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood‌ Institute (NHLBI) in the amount of $116,625 for the project 'Asthma among‌ children born extremely preterm: multi-omic perinatal predictors'.‌

Jim Hagood, MD‌‌

Received ongoing support from UH Harrington Discovery Institute in the amount of $250,000 for the project 'Thy-1 molecular mimicry as a therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Proteogenomics Research Institute for‌ Systems Medicine (PRISM) in the amount of $251,913 for the project‌ 'Localizing Therapeutics to Target Lung Myofibroblasts and Reverse Fibrosis'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Spirovation, Inc. in the amount of $120,858‌ for the project 'Effects of Calico/Abbvie compounds on cut lung slice (PCLS)‌ ex-vivo fibrosis model'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Boston Children's Hospital in the amount of‌ $29,900 for the project 'Inflammatory Childhood Interstitial Lung Disease‌ Cell Atlas'.‌ Received ongoing support from University of Rochester in the amount of‌ $203,153 for the project 'The Human Lung BioMolecular Multi-Scale Atlas‌ Program (HuBMAP-Lung) (OSP) AWD00005686'.‌

Marianne Muhlebach, MD‌‌

Received ongoing support from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the amount of $201,330 for the project 'Worldwide Inhaled Antipseudomonal Antibiotic Treatment Practices in CF'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical‌ Center (CCHMC) in the amount of $62,111 for the project 'Assessing‌ accuracy and reliability of self-obtained respiratory cultures, and‌ implementation of home respiratory cultures as part of clinical care'.‌

Lawrence Ostrowski, PhD‌‌

Was awarded new funding from Spirovation, Inc. in the amount of $218,896 for the project 'Functional rescue of CCDC39 in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia cell culture models'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Spirovation, Inc. in the amount of $243,147‌ for the project 'Rescue of Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia using lipid‌ nanoparticles containing mRNA in mouse models'.‌ Was awarded new funding from University of Maryland in the amount of‌ $34,987 for the project 'Airway epithelial cytoglobin regulates nitric oxide‌ synthase and development of primary ciliary dyskinesia and situs inversus'.‌

51‌

Research Awards‌ Mary Beth Prieur, PhD‌

Was awarded new funding from Children's Hospital of Orange County, CA in the amount of $10,690 for the project 'Predictors of Mental Health Risk and Resilience in Caregivers of Children with CF'.‌ Was awarded new funding from SUNY Research Foundation in the amount‌ of $7,187 for the project 'TIDES 2.0: Prevalence and longitudinal course of‌ depression, anxiety, and behavior problems in children with cystic fibrosis‌ under 12 years of age'.‌

George Retsch-Bogart, MD‌

Was awarded new funding from Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in the amount of $12,819 for the project 'VX19-809-124: A Phase 3, Open-label, and Rollover Study to Evaluate the Long-term Safety and Tolerability of Lumacaftor/Ivacaftor Treatment in Subjects with Cystic Fibrosis Who Are Homozygous for F508del and 12 to <24 Months of Age at Treatment Initiation'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in the amount‌ of $29,109 for the project 'A Phase 3, Open-label Study Evaluating the Long-‌ term Safety and Efficacy of VX-445/TEZ/IVA Combination Therapy in‌ Subjects With Cystic Fibrosis Who Are 6 Years of Age and Older'.‌

Nicole Stephenson, MD‌‌

Was awarded new funding from Academic Pediatric Association in the amount of $15,000 for the project 'Monitoring Preterm Lung Disease Through Point-of Care Lung Ultrasound'.‌

52‌

Featured Publications‌ Effect of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor on mucus and mucociliary clearance in cystic fibrosis.‌ Donaldson SH, Corcoran TE, Pilewski JM, Mogayzel P, Laube BL, Boitet ER, Harris ES, Ceppe A, Edwards LJ, Zeman K, Wu J,‌Esther CR Jr‌, Nichols DP, Bennett WD, Rowe SM.J Cyst Fibros. 2024 Jan;23(1):155-160. doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2023.10.010. Epub 2023 Oct 14.PMID: 37845149.‌‌

Safety and efficacy of the epithelial sodium channel blocker idrevloride in people with primary‌ ciliary dyskinesia (CLEAN-PCD): a multinational, phase 2, randomised, double-blind, placebo-‌ controlled crossover trial.‌

Ringshausen FC, Shapiro AJ, Nielsen KG, Mazurek H, Pifferi M, Donn KH, van der Eerden MM, Loebinger MR,‌ Zariwala MA, Leigh MW‌, Knowles MR, ‌Ferkol TW‌; CLEAN-PCD investigators and study team.Lancet Respir Med.‌ 2024 Jan;12(1):21-33. doi: 10.1016/S2213-2600(23)00226-6. Epub 2023 Aug 31.PMID: 37660715.‌‌

Proximal and Distal Bronchioles Contribute to the Pathogenesis of Non-Cystic Fibrosis‌ Bronchiectasis.‌

Asakura T, Okuda K, ‌Chen G‌, Dang H, Kato T, Mikami Y, Schworer SA, Gilmore RC, Radicioni G, Hawkins P, Barbosa Cardenas SM, Saito M, Cawley AM, De la Cruz G, Chua M, Alexis NE, Masugi Y, Noone PG, Ribeiro CMP, Kesimer M, Olivier KN, Hasegawa N, Randell SH, O'Neal WK, Boucher RC.Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2024 Feb 15;209(4):374-389. doi: 10.1164/rccm.202306-1093OC.PMID: 38016030.‌

Child Health and the Pediatric Pulmonology Workforce: 2020-2040.‌

Noah TL‌, Boyer D, ‌Davis SD‌, Vinci RJ, Oermann CM.Pediatrics. 2024 Feb 1;153(Suppl 2):e2023063678Q. doi:‌ 10.1542/peds.2023-063678Q.PMID: 38300006.‌

Longitudinal changes in the cystic fibrosis airway microbiota with time and treatment.‌

Einarsson GG, Sherrard LJ, Hatch JE, Zorn B, Johnston E, McGettigan C, O'Neill K, Gilpin DF, Downey DG, Murray‌ M, Lavelle G, McElvaney G, Wolfgang MC, Boucher R, ‌Muhlebach MS‌, Bradbury I, Elborn JS, Tunney MM.J Cyst‌ Fibros. 2024 Mar;23(2):252-261. doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2023.11.010. Epub 2023 Dec 28.PMID: 38158284.‌‌

Situs Ambiguus Is Associated With Adverse Clinical Outcomes in Children With Primary Ciliary‌ Dyskinesia.‌

Kaspy KR, Dell SD, ‌Davis SD, Ferkol TW‌, Rosenfeld M, Sagel SD, Milla C, Olivier KN, Barber AT, Wee W, Lin FC, Li L,‌ Rampakakis E, ‌Zariwala MA‌, Knowles MR, ‌Leigh MW‌, Shapiro AJ.Chest. 2024 May;165(5):1070-1081. doi:‌ 10.1016/j.chest.2023.12.005. Epub 2023 Dec 9.PMID: 38072392.‌

Recessively Inherited Deficiency of Secreted WFDC2 (HE4) Causes Nasal Polyposis and‌ Bronchiectasis.‌

Dougherty GW, ‌Ostrowski LE‌, Nöthe-Menchen T, Raidt J, Schramm A, Olbrich H, Yin W, Sears PR, Dang H, Smith‌ AJ, Beule AG, Hjeij R, Rutjes N, Haarman EG, Maas SM, ‌Ferkol TW‌, Noone PG, Olivier KN, Bracht DC, Barbry P,‌ Zaragosi LE, Fierville M, Kliesch S, Wohlgemuth K, König J, George S, Loges NT, Ceppe A, Markovetz MR, Luo H,‌ Guo T, Rizk H, Eldesoky T, Dahlke K, Boldt K, Ueffing M, Hill DB, Pang YP, Knowles MR, ‌Zariwala MA‌, Omran H.Am‌ J Respir Crit Care Med. 2024 Jul 1;210(1):63-76. doi: 10.1164/rccm.202308-1370OC.PMID: 38626355.‌‌

53‌

Featured Publications‌ Detection of Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome after Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell‌ Transplantation: An Official American Thoracic Society Clinical Practice Guideline.‌

Shanthikumar S, ‌Gower WA‌, Srinivasan S, Rayment JH, Robinson PD, Bracken J, Stone A, Das S, Barochia A,‌ Charbek E, Tamae-Kakazu M, Reardon EE, Abts M, Blinman T, Calvo C, Cheng PC, Cole TS, Cooke KR, Davies SM,‌ De A, Gross J, Mechinaud F, Sheshadri A, Siddaiah R, Teusink-Cross A, Towe CT, Walkup LL, Yanik GA, Bergeron A,‌ Casey A, Deterding RR, Liptzin DR, Schultz KR, Iyer NP, Goldfarb S.Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2024 Aug‌ 1;210(3):262-280. doi: 10.1164/rccm.202406-1117ST.PMID: 38889365.‌

Clinical and research innovations in childhood interstitial lung disease (chILD).‌

Wambach JA,‌Vece TJ‌.Pediatr Pulmonol. 2024 Sep;59(9):2233-2235. doi: 10.1002/ppul.27025. Epub 2024 Apr‌ 23.PMID: 38651871.‌‌

Effect of prednisone on woodsmoke-induced sputum inflammation in healthy volunteers: A‌ randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study.‌

Noah TL,‌Alexis NE, Bennett WD, Hernandez ML, Burbank AJ, Li H, Zhou H, Jaspers I, Peden DB.J Allergy Clin‌ Immunol Glob. 2024 Oct 10;4(1):100347. doi: 10.1016/j.jacig.2024.100347. eCollection 2025 Feb.PMID:‌ 39524042.‌‌ Chest CT scan with signs of bronchiolitis‌

54‌

www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/id‌ The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Division at UNC welcomed several new members to its research teams in 2024. The Hood-Pishchany Lab expanded with the addition of Postdoctoral Fellow ‌Eun Sol Kim, PhD‌, and Lab Technician ‌Erica Klaiber ‌and Lab Manager ‌Will Hendrick, PhD‌. The Vogt Lab grew with the appointments of Research Assistant Professor ‌You Li, PhD‌, Postdoctoral Fellow ‌Lorellin Durnell, PhD‌, and Lab Technician ‌Rutledge‌ Smith‌. The Darville Lab also welcomed two new Lab Technicians,‌Aakash‌ Bhardwaj‌and ‌Camille Campbell and Lab Manager‌Jenna Girardi.‌ Gratitude is extended to those who transitioned to new roles this year,‌ including‌Kelly Eick, Priyanka Baghaie, ‌and ‌Courtne Hanlan‌, for their‌ contributions to the division.‌ TONI DARVILLE, MD‌ Division Chief‌

PROFESSORS‌

Thomas Belhorn, MD, PhD Toni Darville, MD Catherine O’Connell, PhD Xiaojing Zheng, PhD

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS‌ Zachary Willis, MD, MPH‌

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS‌

Bryce Duncan, PhD You Li, PhD Indriati Hood Pishchany, MD, PhD Taylor Poston, PhD Marsha Russell, MD Peyton Thompson, MD, MSCR Matthew Vogt, MD, PhD

FELLOWS‌

Marielys Collazo-Roman, MD‌ Sahal Thahir, MD‌

EHRA NON-FACULTY‌ Jenna Girardi‌ Muzammel Haque, PhD‌ Will Hendrick, PhD‌

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE‌ The division saw measurable growth in clinical activity, with inpatient work‌ growing by 3% and outpatient efforts rising by 12%, reflecting an ongoing‌ commitment to providing high-quality infectious disease care.‌ Efforts are underway to establish the UNC Children’s International Travel‌ Clinic, set to open in mid-2025. Led by ‌Dr. Peyton Thompson‌, this clinic will‌ provide comprehensive pre-travel consultations, including immunization‌ recommendations, medication prescriptions, education on travel-related‌ health risks, and post-travel follow-up care. The clinic will also extend‌ services to family members traveling with pediatric patients.‌ RESEARCH ENDEAVORS‌ Significant research advancements‌ were achieved in 2024:‌ Dr. Peyton Thompson‌, Assistant‌ Professor in Infectious Diseases, was‌ prominently featured in an Institute for‌ Global Health and Infectious Diseases‌ publication for her work on Hepatitis B‌ elimination in sub-Saharan Africa‌. Her‌ research focuses on preventing vertical‌ transmission of HBV in the Democratic‌ Republic of the Congo.‌

STAFF‌

Priyanka Baghaie‌ Aakash Bhardwaj‌ Camille Campbell‌ Laura Gallaher‌ Dawn Garner‌ Courtne Hanlan‌ Erica Klaiber‌ Kathryn McFadden‌ Karen Sharpe‌ Brett "Rutledge" Smith‌ Colleen Vavra‌

Dr. Patrick Ngimbi & Dr. Peyton Thompson‌‌

Dr. Zach Willis ‌successfully completed and published society-endorsed‌ guidelines for the prevention and management of COVID-19 in pediatric‌ patients. As co-chair of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society task force‌ since 2022, Dr. Willis has played a pivotal role in developing guidelines‌ endorsed by PIDS leadership. His contributions also include a systematic‌ review and meta-analysis of risk factors for severe COVID-19 in children, with‌ plans for continued updates based on emerging data.‌

55‌

Dr. Matt Vogt ‌launched a new program aimed at pandemic preparedness for‌ picornavirus infections. As part of the Research and Development of Vaccines and‌ Monoclonal Antibodies for Pandemic Preparedness (‌ReVAMPP‌) network launched by‌ the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the Vogt laboratory is‌ pioneering rapid molecular detection methods to isolate human monoclonal‌ antibodies that neutralize picornaviruses such as enterovirus D68, enterovirus A71,‌ and echovirus 11. The project has dual goals of creating therapeutic antibodies for‌ the present and being ready to apply techniques developed with these prototype‌ pathogens to any emergent picornaviruses of high concern.‌ ADVANCEMENTS IN EDUCATION‌ Dr. Peyton Thompson‌assumed the role of Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship‌ Associate Director.‌

Dr. Matt Vogt‌

Dr. Indriati Hood Pishchany ‌took on the role of First Year Group faculty mentor for the‌ Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program (BBSP) and is actively serving on three‌ thesis committees.‌ Dr. Sahal Thahir‌, a third-year pediatric infectious diseases fellow, received the‌ prestigious American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) Award,‌ recognizing excellence in tropical medicine and global health research. Dr. Thahir was‌ one of three ID fellows nationwide awarded the competitive Burroughs Wellcome‌ Fund/ASTMH Postdoctoral Fellowship in Tropical Infectious Diseases, designed to‌ stimulate or sustain interest in research in tropical infectious diseases in low and low-‌ middle-income countries. His awarded project builds upon his work in the DRC with‌ long-term IDEEL collaborator Prof. Antoinette Tshefu at the Kinshasa School of Public‌ Health, who was also recognized at the meeting with induction as an International‌ Fellow of ASTMH.‌

Dr. Sahal Thahir‌

RECOGNITION & ACCOMPLISHMENTS‌ Dr. Tom Belhorn‌, Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Infectious Diseases, was‌ selected by the UNC School of Medicine Medical Alumni to receive the 2024 UNC‌ School of Medicine Distinguished Faculty Award. This prestigious honor recognizes his‌ decades of leadership in pediatric infectious diseases, excellence in medical‌ education, and contributions to improving healthcare within North Carolina. As part of‌ this recognition, Dr. Belhorn served as a "coater" for the White Coat Ceremony in‌ October 2024.‌

Dr. Tom Belhorn‌

Dr. Toni Darville‌, Denny Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics and Professor of‌ Microbiology and Immunology, was awarded the 2024 Distinguished Research Award‌ by the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS). A leading clinician and researcher‌ in Chlamydia trachomatis prevention, Dr. Darville's impactful contributions to‌ pediatric infectious disease research were honored at IDWeek 2024, held October 16-‌ 19 in Los Angeles, CA.‌ The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Division continues to advance excellence in patient‌ care, research, and education, reflecting a steadfast commitment to improving child‌ health locally and globally.‌ Dr. Toni Darville‌

56‌

Research Awards‌‌ Tom Belhorn, MD, PhD‌‌

Received ongoing support from Duke University in the amount of $91,100‌ for the project 'Coordinated Comprehensive Medical Services for HIV‌ Infected Women, Children and Youth'.‌

Toni Darville, MD‌‌

Was awarded $57,300 from American Association of Immunologists to support post-doctoral fellow, Kacy Yount, PhD in 'The AAI Intersect Fellowship Program for Computational Scientists and Immunologist'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Pfizer Inc. in the amount of $395,549 for the project 'mRNA vaccine against ‌Chlamydia trachomatis‌'.‌ Was awarded new U01 funding from NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in the amount of $1,959,365 for the project 'Development of a recombinant protein vaccine for ‌Chlamydia trachomatis‌'.‌ Received ongoing ‌funding from National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) as a subcontract from Vetmeduni Vienna in the amount of $85,002 for the project 'Development of a ‌Chlamydia trachomatis‌Vaccine in an Outbred Pre-exposed Swine Animal Model'.‌

Indriati Hood Pishchany, MD, PhD‌

Received ongoing support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in the‌ amount of $84,255 for the project 'Vaginal Microbiome preclinical testbed for WEED, SEED, FEED, PROCEED.'‌

Catherine O’Connell, PhD‌

Received ongoing support from NIH National Institute of Allergy and‌ Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in the amount of $1,520,044 for the project‌ 'Natural History of Chlamydia trachomatis genital tract infection in women'.‌

Peyton Thompson, MD, MSCR‌‌

Received ongoing support from NIH National Institute of Allergy and‌ Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in the amount of $200,929 for the project‌ 'Characterizing Hepatitis B Transmission in Congolese Children'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Center for Disease Analysis Foundation‌ (CDAF) in the amount of $178,867 for the project 'Relinking pregnant and‌ postpartum individuals to care for HBV and HCV in North Carolina: The NC-‌ ReLink Pregnancy cohort'.‌

57‌

Research Awards‌‌ Matthew Vogt, MD, PhD‌‌

Received ongoing support from NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in the amount of $150,011 for the project 'Human antibody modification of enterovirus D68 infection'.‌ Received ongoing support from NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in the amount of $611,746 for the project 'Human Antibody Cross-Reactivity in Non-Polio Enteroviruses'.‌ Was awarded new funding from University of Colorado Denver, through a subcontract from the NIH, in the amount of $588,673 for the project 'Pandemic Response Repository - Microbial and Immune Surveillance and Epidemiology (Premise): Enterovirus D68 (Ev-D68) Pilot Study'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Vanderbilt University Medical Center,‌ through a subcontract from the NIH, in the amount of $1,719,527 for the project 'Protective human antibodies for picornaviruses'.‌ Was awarded new funding from HDT Bio Corp. in the amount of $12,000 for the project 'Adaptable RNA-based antibody platform for protection against contemporary/emerging human enteroviruses'.‌

Zachary Willis, MD, MPH‌‌

Was awarded new funding from Merck Sharp and Dohme Corp. in the‌ amount of $20,138 for the project 'A Phase 3, Multicenter, Randomized,‌ Partially Blinded, Palivizumab-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Safety,‌ Efficacy, and Pharmacokinetics of MK-1654 in Infants and Children at‌ Increased Risk for Severe RSV Disease'.‌

Chlamydia bacteria‌

58‌

Featured Publications‌ “PROTAC" modified dihydroquinolizinones (DHQs) that cause degradation of PAPD-5 and inhibition of‌ hepatitis A virus and hepatitis B virus, in vitro.‌‌ Li Y, Hwang N, Snedeker A, Lemon SM, Noe D, Sun L, Clement JA, Zhou T, Tang L, Block T, Du Y. Bioorg Med Chem Lett.‌ ‌2024 Apr 1;102:129680.‌ ‌doi: 10. 1016/j. bmcl. 2024. 129680.‌ ‌Epub 2024 Feb 29. PMID: 38428537.‌

Biochemical analysis of the host factor activity of ZCCHC14 in hepatitis A virus replication.‌‌

Li Y*, Lemon SM. J Virol.‌ ‌2024 Apr 16;98(4):e0005724.‌ ‌doi: 10. 1128/jvi. 00057-24.‌ ‌Epub 2024 Mar 19. PMID:‌ 38501662. (*corresponding author)‌

Guidance for prevention and management of COVID-19 in children and adolescents: A consensus‌ statement from the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society Pediatric COVID-19 Therapies Taskforce.‌‌

Willis ZI‌, Oliveira CR, Abzug MJ, Anosike BI, Ardura MI, Bio LL, Boguniewicz J, Chiotos K, Downes K, Grapentine SP,‌ Hersh AL, Heston SM, Hijano DR, Huskins WC, James SH, Jones S, Lockowitz CR, Lloyd EC, MacBrayne C, Maron‌ GM, Hayes McDonough M, Miller CM, Morton TH, Olivero RM, Orscheln RC, Schwenk HT, Singh P, Soma VL, Sue PK,‌ Vora SB, Nakamura MM, Wolf J. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc.‌ ‌2024 Mar 19;13(3):159-185.‌ ‌doi: 10. 1093/jpids/piad116.

PMID: 38339996.‌‌

A self-amplifying RNA vaccine prevents enterovirus D68 infection and disease in preclinical models.‌

Wa‌rner NL, Archer J, Park S, ‌Singh G‌, ‌McFadden KM‌, Kumura T, Nicholes K, Simpson A, Kaelber JT, Hawman DW,‌ Feldmann H, Khandhar AP, Berglund P, ‌Vogt MR‌, Erasmus JH. Sci Transl Med. 2024 Aug 7;16(759):eadi1625. doi:‌ 10.1126/scitranslmed.adi1625. Epub 2024 Aug 7. PMID: 39110777.‌

Risk Factors for Pediatric Critical COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.‌‌

Aparicio C, ‌Willis ZI‌, Nakamura MM, Wolf J, Little C, Maron GM, Sue PK, Anosike BI, Miller C, Bio LL, Singh P, James‌ SH, Oliveira CR. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc.‌ ‌2024 Jul 20;13(7):352-362.‌ ‌doi: 10. 1093/jpids/piae052. PMID:‌ 38780125.‌‌

Chlamydia trachomatis induces low-frequency, sustained CD4 T cell responses in most women,‌ predominantly targeting chlamydial protease-like activity factor, CPAF.‌‌

Li Y, Warren JA, ‌Poston TB‌, Clutton G, Shaw FR, Conrad SZ, Xu Y, ‌Zheng X‌, Yount KS, ‌O'Connell CM‌, Wiesenfeld HC,‌ Darville T‌, Goonetilleke N. J Infect Dis.‌ ‌2024 Sep 9:jiae443.‌ ‌doi: 10. 1093/infdis/jiae443.‌ ‌Online ahead of print.‌ PMID: 39250505.‌‌

Immunity to Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Infections of the Female Genital Tract: Toward Effective‌ Vaccines. ‌

Yount KS, Darville T.‌Vaccines (Basel).‌ ‌2024 Aug 1;12(8):863.‌ ‌doi: 10. 3390/vaccines12080863. PMID: 39203989.‌‌ Viral-vectored boosting of OmcB- or CPAF-specific T-cell responses fail to enhance protection from Chlamydia‌ muridarum in infection-immune mice and elicits a non-protective CD8-dominant response in naïve mice.‌‌ Poston TB, Girardi J‌, Polson AG,‌Bhardwaj A, Yount KS,‌Jaras Salas I, Trim LK, ‌Li Y, O'Connell CM‌, Leahy D, Harris‌ JM, Beagley KW, Goonetilleke N, ‌Darville T‌.‌ ‌Mucosal Immunol.‌ ‌2024 Oct;17(5):1005-1018.‌ ‌doi: 10. 1016/j.‌ mucimm. 2024. 06. 012.‌ ‌Epub 2024 Jul 3. PMID: 38969067.‌‌

Hepatitis B Elimination Globally: The Answer May Not Be the Same for Everyone.‌‌

Thompson P‌. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc.‌ ‌2024 Nov 21;13(Supplement_5):S139-S141.‌ ‌doi: 10. 1093/jpids/piae067.‌ PMID: 38943670.‌‌

Immunogenicity of a Birth Dose of Hepatitis B Vaccine in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: A‌ Randomised, Controlled Trial.‌‌

Tulenko SE, Ngimbi P, Mwandagalirwa K, Tabala M, Matondo J, Ntambua S, Mbonze N, Mbendi C, Luhata C, Jhaveri‌ R, Edwards JK, Becker-Dreps S, Moormann AM, Kaba D, Yotebieng M, Parr JB, Gower EW, ‌Thompson P‌. J Viral‌ Hepat.‌ ‌2024 Dec;31(12):795-807.‌ ‌doi: 10. 1111/jvh. 14003.‌ ‌Epub 2024 Sep 24. PMID: 39314125.‌‌

59‌

www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/endo‌ The UNC Pediatric Endocrinology Division welcomed several new team members in 2024. ‌Amanie Khairullah, PharmD, BCPPS, CPP‌, joined as a Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner. ‌Avery Anderson, MD, RND, LDN‌, was welcomed as a Clinical Dietitian, and ‌Harshini Pyata, MD,‌joined the division in July as a new fellow.‌ We extend our gratitude to those who have transitioned to new roles or‌ retired in 2024, including ‌Dr. Jade Wyatt‌and ‌Dr. Ali Calikoglu‌, whose‌ contributions have left a lasting impact on the division.‌ ADVANCING CLINICAL CARE AND RESEARCH‌ Reflecting the division’s commitment to excellence, the 2024 U.S. News & World Report ranking for UNC Pediatric Endocrinology improved from #24 in 2023 to #16 in 2024.‌ A major milestone in 2024 was the introduction of a groundbreaking‌ immunomodulatory therapy for Type 1 Diabetes. ‌Dr. Nina Jain ‌and‌‌ Dr. Ali Calikoglu‌played a pivotal role in bringing this therapy to the‌ bedside, from clinical trials to the infusion of the first pediatric patient in‌ North Carolina at UNC Children's. Currently, UNC Children's is the‌‌ only site in the state‌ offering teplizumab‌ infusions to prevent‌ or delay the onset of‌ The cutting-edge scientists and clinicians at UNC Children’s began Type 1 Diabetes.‌ participating in clinical trials testing teplizumab in 2019. This new approach to prevent or delay the onset of Type 1 diabetes has been a great example of the importance of scientific research in creating new treatments to improve health. As the first treatment center in the state, UNC Children’s is leading the way to provide this for the children of North Carolina.‌

Stephanie Davis, MD‌ Edward C. Curnen, Jr.‌‌ Distinguished Professor and Chair‌

60‌

NANCIE MACIVER, MD, PhD‌ Division Chief‌

PROFESSORS‌ Ali Calikoglu, MD‌ Nina Jain, MD‌ Jennifer Law‌, MD, MPH‌

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS‌ Amy Levinson, MD‌ Nancie MacIver, MD, PhD‌

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS‌ Yazan Alwarawrah, PhD‌ Sara Duffus, MD‌ Camilia Kamoun, MD‌ Rebecca Vitale, MD‌

ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDERS‌ Taylor Murphy, MSN‌

EHRA NON-FACULTY‌ Amanda Nichols‌

FELLOWS‌

Claire Abram, DO‌ Rachel Modarelli, MD‌ Harshini Pyata, MD‌ Jade Wyatt, MD‌

STAFF‌

Avery Anderson‌ Katie Cooper‌ Michelle Curl‌ Michelle Gunter‌ Jason Hadley‌ Lauren Kager‌ Amanie Khairullah‌ Xiaoyan Zhang‌

RECOGNIZING LEADERSHIP AND ACHIEVEMENTS‌ Dr. Rebecca Vitale‌was selected to participate in the 2024 cohort of the Leadership in Academic Medicine‌ ‌Program (LAMP), designed to support junior faculty within their first three years at UNC by fostering‌ ‌professional development, networking, and career success.‌ Additionally, ‌Dr. Vitale‌was selected for the National NIH K12 Diabetes-Docs: Physician-Scientist Career‌ Development Program (DiabDocs) Award, a three-year program supporting promising investigators in‌ research-intensive settings to successfully compete for NIH Career Development Awards.‌ Dr. Ali Calikoglu‌was honored in a special edition of PedEndoGram. Since assuming its preparation in‌ ‌2004, he has played an essential role in maintaining the monthly newsletter for Pediatric‌ ‌Endocrinologists, ensuring its continued publication.‌ Dr. Amy Levenson‌was accepted to attend the AAMC 2024 Mid-Career Women Faculty Leadership‌ ‌Development Seminar in New Mexico. This program focuses on organizational leadership and career‌ ‌advancement strategies crucial for faculty leaders.‌ Dr. Nina Jain ‌was appointed Co-Associate Vice Chair of the NC Children’s Committee for Health Equity‌ ‌and Access.‌ Dr. Sara Duffus‌joined the North Carolina Newborn Screening Advisory Board.‌ Dr. Nancie MacIver‌served as Medical Director of the American Diabetes Association Camp Carolina Trails.‌ ‌Additional contributions to the camp’s medical team and advisory board came from ‌Dr. Sara Duffus, Dr.‌ ‌Rebecca Vitale,‌and‌Avery Anderson.‌ Dr. Jennifer Law‌contributed as a member of the Advisory Board for the Turner Syndrome Society of the‌ ‌United States and the Turner Syndrome of the Carolinas state chapter.‌ Dr. Camilia Kamoun‌received a grant of $240,272 from the Greenwall Foundation’s Making a Difference‌ ‌program for her research project, "Moving Away from Race-Ethnicity Based Clinical Care of Early Female‌ ‌Puberty Towards Race and Ethnicity Conscious Puberty Justice." The Making a Difference program funds‌ ‌bioethics research addressing critical challenges in healthcare, policy, and research.‌

Kamoun Awarded Greenwall Foundation‌‌ Making a Difference Grant‌ Camilia Kamoun, MD‌, Assistant Professor in Pediatric Endocrinology, was recently awarded a grant by the ‌Greenwall Foundation‌ through its Making a Difference Program, in the amount of $240,272 in support of her project, “Moving Away from Race-Ethnicity Based Clinical Care of Early Female Puberty Towards Race and Ethnicity Conscious Puberty Justice”.‌ Clinical care of early female puberty is troubled by unsound race and ethnicity based guidance, which is compounded by inadequately addressed sex-related psychosocial health outcomes. Given the limited empiric data on race and ethnicity based differences in clinical care of early female puberty, this project aims to first conduct quantitative and qualitative research to gather the necessary empiric data to then generate a set of recommendations to advance equitable, race and ethnicity conscious, patient-informed, clinical care of early female puberty based on a new puberty justice framework.‌

61‌

Read More‌

Research Awards‌ Ali Calikoglu, MD‌

Was awarded new funding from Provention Bio, Inc. in the amount of $133,222 for the project 'Phase 3 Randomized Double-Blind Multinational Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of Teplizumab, a Humanized FcR Non-Binding Anti-CD3 Monoclonal Antibody, in Children and Adolescents With Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes'.‌

Nina Jain, MD‌

Was awarded new funding from Aeterna Zentaris in the amount of $8,647 for the project 'Multicenter, open label trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of a single oral dose of 1.0 mg/kg macimorelin acetate as growth hormone stimulation test (GHST) in pediatric patients with suspected growth hormone deficiency (GHD) DETECT'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.‌ in the amount of $20,210 for the project 'A Double-blind, Randomised,‌ Placebo-controlled, Parallel Group Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety‌ of Empagliflozin and Linagliptin Over 26 Weeks, With a Double-blind Active‌ Treatment Safety Extension Period up to 52 Weeks, in Children and‌ Adolescents With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Provention Bio, Inc. in the amount of $3,187‌ for the project 'A Multicenter, Multinational Extension of Study PRV-031-001‌ to Evaluate the Long-Term Safety of Teplizumab (PRV-031), a Humanized,‌ FcR Non-Binding, Anti-CD3 Monoclonal Antibody, in Children and‌ Adolescents with Recent-Onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus PRV-031-003'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Ultragenyx Pharmaceuticals in the amount‌ of $116,899 for the project 'An Open-label, Randomized, Active-Controlled,‌ Phase 3 Study of Setrusumab Compared With Bisphosphonates in Pediatric‌ Subjects With Osteogenesis Imperfecta Types I, III or IV'.‌ Was awarded new funding from University of South Florida Tampa in the‌ amount of $2,450 for the project 'TN-01 Natural History Study of the‌ Development of Type 1 Diabetes'.‌ Was part of a multi-PI team awarded new funding from NIH NIDDK in the amount of $269,730” for the project ‘Mapping Neurocognitive Complications of Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes and Potential Risk and Protective Factors.’‌ Was awarded new funding from the NIH NIDDK through Duke University in the amount of $44,000 for the project ‘Impact of Integrated Pet Care on Glycemic Control and Diabetes Responsibility.’‌

Camilia Kamoun, MD, MSME‌

Was awarded new funding from Greenwall Foundation in the amount of $240,272 for the project 'Development of a Race-Ethnicity Conscious Ethical Care Model of Early Female Puberty: Moving Away from Race-Ethnicity Based Care'.‌

62‌

Research Awards‌ Jennifer Law, MD‌

Was awarded new funding from Ascendis Pharma Endocrinology Division A/S in the amount of $56,585 for the project 'A Multicenter, Phase 2, Randomized, Open-label, Active-controlled, Parallel Group Clinical Trial to Investigate the Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of Different Dose Levels of Once-weekly Lonapegsomatropin Compared to Daily Somatropin in Prepubertal Individuals with Turner Syndrome'.‌

Nancie MacIver, MD, PhD‌

Received ongoing support from Duke University in the amount of $7,535 for the project 'IRGM proteins as regulators of inflammation'.‌ Received ongoing support from NIH National Institute of Allergy and‌ Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in the amount of $222,787 for the project‌ 'Utilizing alternative dietary interventions to alter gut microbiome and‌ improve T cell responses to viral infection in obesity'.‌ Was awarded new funding from NIH National Institute of Diabetes and‌ Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) in the amount of $655,369 for the‌ project ‘Identifying mechanisms by which metformin regulates T cell‌ responses in obesity.’‌

Rebecca Vitale, MD, MPH‌

Was awarded new funding from the NIH DiabDocs National K12 program in the amount of $192,672 for the project 'The Impact of Diabetes Technology Use in Adolescents and Emerging Adults with Type 1 Diabetes and Executive Function Challenges'.‌

Featured Publications‌ Inspiring New Science to Guide Healthcare in Turner Syndrome: Rationale, design, and methods for‌ the InsighTS Registry.‌ Kanakatti Shankar R, Carl A, ‌Law JR‌, Bamba V, Brickman WJ, Prakash SK, Dowlut McElroy T, Howell S, Gutmark‌ Little I, Klein KO, Pinnaro CT, Ranallo K, Good M, Davis SM. Am J Med Genet A. 2024 Feb;194(2):311-319. doi:‌ 10.1002/ajmg.a.63441. Epub 2023 Oct 12.PMID: 37827984.‌‌

Insulin and IGF-1 have both overlapping and distinct effects on CD4+ T cell mitochondria,‌ metabolism, and function.‌ Kiernan K, ‌Alwarawrah Y‌, ‌Nichols AG‌, Danzaki K, ‌MacIver NJ‌. Sci Rep. 2024 Feb 21;14(1):4331. doi:‌ 10.1038/s41598-024-54836-w.PMID: 38383709.‌‌

Emerging mechanisms of obesity-associated immune dysfunction.‌

Shaikh SR, Beck MA, ‌Alwarawrah Y, MacIver NJ.‌Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2024 Mar;20(3):136-148. doi:‌ 10.1038/s41574-023-00932-2. Epub 2023 Dec 21.PMID: 38129700.‌‌

Transition to self-management among emerging adults with type 1 diabetes: a mixed methods study.

Vitale RJ‌, Asher N, Shank K, Katyal B, Tinsley LJ, Garvey KC, Laffel LMB. Front Clin Diabetes Healthc. 2024 May‌ 7;5:1332159. doi: 10.3389/fcdhc.2024.1332159. eCollection 2024.PMID: 38774897.‌‌

Lower Independent Self-Care Readiness Persists over Time in Teens with Type 1 Diabetes and‌ Executive Function Challenges.‌ Vitale RJ,‌Tinsley LJ, Volkening LK, Laffel LM. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2024 Jun 12:dgae391. doi:‌ 10.1210/clinem/dgae391. Online ahead of print. PMID: 38864451.‌

63‌

Featured Publications‌ Metformin use associated with lower rate of hospitalization for influenza in individuals with diabetes.‌ Greene E, Green CL, Hurst J, ‌MacIver NJ‌. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2024 Aug;26(8):3281-3289. doi:‌ 10.1111/dom.15655. Epub 2024 May 14.PMID: 38742467.‌

Heightism, growth hormone treatment, and social functioning: a holistic approach to a persistent‌ clinical challenge.‌

Kamoun C‌, Largent EA, Grimberg A. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2024 Aug 1;36(4):442-448. doi: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000001363. ‌ Epub 2024 May 10.PMID: 38747208.‌

Lymphedema in Turner syndrome: correlations with phenotype and karyotype.‌

Ik‌omi C, Blatt J, Ghofrani S, Zhang R, Ross J, ‌Law JR‌. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2024 Aug 8;37(9):789-795. doi:‌ 10.1515/jpem-2024-0174. Print 2024 Sep 25.PMID: 39113198.‌ Metformin as a Therapeutic Agent for Obesity-Associated Immune Dysfunction.‌ Rajeev D, ‌MacIver NJ‌. J Nutr. 2024 Aug;154(8):2534-2542. doi: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.07.001. Epub 2024 Jul‌ 6.PMID: 38972391.‌

Evaluation and application of American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data‌ System for improved malignancy detection in paediatric thyroid nodules.‌

Ortega CA, Gallant JN, Kilic I, Patel S, Chen SC, Wood CB, Adams R, Azer F, Wang H, Liang J, ‌Duffus SH‌, Belcher‌ RH, Andreotti RF, Krishnasarma R, Lim-Dunham JE, Barkan GA, Ye F, Weiss VL. Cytopathology. 2024‌ Nov;35(6):749-756. doi: 10.1111/cyt.13414. Epub 2024 Jun 30.PMID: 38946029.‌

Computer model showing the structure of a molecule of the hormone insulin.

64‌

www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/hosp‌ The Division of Hospital Pediatrics has experienced significant growth, expanding clinical services and strengthening regional collaborations. The division welcomed a new faculty member, Kayce Brantham, MD, along with two new fellows, Dr. Vivian Doyle Mason and Dr. Dena Lowing. Several faculty members assumed new leadership roles within the division and department.

Ashley Sutton, MD‌– Appointed Associate Vice-Chair in the Department of Pediatrics, Inpatient Medical‌ ‌Director and Associate Chief Safety Officer at UNC Children’s.‌ Virginia Crowder, MD ‌– Newborn Nursery Education Director.‌ Alex Ahearn, MD‌– Clinical Pathways Effectiveness Director.

Kelley Ward, MD‌– Division Didactics and Conferences Director.‌ Alison Sweeney, MD‌– Onslow Memorial Hospital’s Newborn Nursery Medical Director.‌‌ Ashley Wallace, PA-C ‌– Named New APP Supervisor for Children’s Acute Care Services‌ CLINICAL ADVANCEMENTS‌ UNC Medical Center welcomed over 4,115 newborns in 2024, with more than 3,300 infants cared for in the Newborn Nursery, marking the highest birth rate at UNC since 1990.‌ Dr. Lindsay Chase ‌and the division have expanded its reach beyond Chapel Hill, now providing clinical services at ‌Onslow‌ Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC‌.‌‌ Pediatric providers have implemented virtual consults‌‌ for the Emergency Department and remotely supervised newborn care delivered by a high-skilled team of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs). This initiative has enhanced‌‌ access to high-quality pediatric care, ensuring families receive‌ exceptional treatment close to home.‌ Efforts continue to establish virtual pediatric consults for Emergency Department teams at ‌UNC Rex Hospital‌ in Raleigh ‌and‌UNC Rex Holly Springs Hospital‌, with the objective of keeping pediatric patients within their communities whenever possible.‌ 6 Children’s celebrated a major milestone—one year without a Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI)—a testament to the dedication of ‌Dr. Kathy Bradford‌and the entire pediatric team!‌

PROFESSORS‌

Kathleen Bradford, MD‌ Lindsay Chase‌, MD‌ Kenya McNeal-Trice‌, MD‌ Ashley Sutton‌, MD‌‌ Eric Zwemer, MD‌

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS

LINDSAY CHASE, MD‌ Division Chief‌

Alex Ahearn, MD, MPH‌ Jennifer Fuchs, MD‌ Emilee Lewis, MD‌ Amy Liu, MD, MPH‌ Alison Sweeney, MD‌ Steven Weinberg, MD‌

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS‌

FELLOWS‌

ADVANCED PRACTICE‌ PROVIDERS‌

STAFF‌

Arshiya Ahuja, MD‌ Kayce Brantham, MD Virginia Crowder, MD‌ Wade Harrison, MD, MPH‌ Adriana Herrera, MD, MPH‌ Christian Lawrence, MD‌ Kelley Ward, MD‌

Lindsay Mize, CPNP‌ Lara Reller, CPNP‌ Athena Samaras, DNP, MPH‌‌ Ashley Wallace, PNP‌

65‌

Madison Archer, MD‌ Katie Butler, MD‌ Melissa Diaz, MD‌ Vivian Doyle Mason, MD‌ Dena Lowing, MD‌ Kristin Sundy-Boyles, MD‌

Gonzalo Loza‌

ACADEMIC COLLABORATIONS‌ The division’s second “Paper in a Day,” titled “Differences in Testing for Drugs of Abuse Amongst Racial and‌ Ethnic Groups at Children's Hospitals,” was published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine, with ‌Dr. Adriana‌ Herrera ‌serving as lead author. Multiple members of the division collaborated from inception of the clinical‌ question to data analysis and writing of the manuscript.‌ The first ever ‌Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship Regional Conference‌was hosted at UNC in 2024. This‌ event brought together 11 fellows and 13 faculty from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia to enhance‌ professional growth, academic development, and cross-institutional collaboration among Pediatric Hospital‌ Medicine (PHM) fellowship programs. Special thanks to ‌Dr. Jennifer Fuchs, Dr. Wade Harrison,‌and‌Gonzalo‌ Loza‌for their leadership in organizing this event.‌ EDUCATION EXCELLENCE‌ 2024 marked a significant achievement with the graduation of t‌he division’s first cohort of Pediatric Hospital‌ Medicine fellows. Upon graduation, ‌Dr. Madison Archer‌was appointed a Clinical Assistant Professor at‌ Cincinnati Children’s and ‌Dr. Melissa Diaz‌was appointed a Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas Children’s.‌ The divison’s fellows received notable recognitions this year:‌ Dr. Madison Archer‌– Winner of the AOE 2024 Trainee Post‌er Session for his project on simulation-based‌ ‌assessment tools for pediatric medical education.‌ Dr. Katie Butler‌– Selected for the IHQI Improvement Scholar Program.‌ Dr. Kristin Sundy-Boyles‌– Awarded the Dr. Jacob A. Lohr Research Award for her research on ACGME‌ ‌Milestone Scores and pediatric resident remediation.‌

66‌

UNC Health Value Superstars are teammates who exemplify our system values and make a positive impact on our teammates, patients, and communities.

This month’s Value Superstar is Ashley Wallace, MSN, RN, FNP-C. Ashley, a Nurse Practitioner in the UNC Hospitals Newborn Nursery, is Leading the Way by ensuring that our tiniest patients receive exceptional Carolina Care. Her dedication to providing the highest quality of care has led her to spearhead several projects aimed at standardizing care, resulting in enhanced patient outcomes and streamlined workflows for her teammates.

Read More‌ NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS‌ Dr. Arshiya Ahuja ‌– Named site lead for the American Academy of Pediatrics GHEARD Curriculum and‌ ‌received a grant for the 2024 AAMC Early-Career Women Faculty Leadership Development Seminar.‌ Dr. Jen Fuchs‌– Received the AOE Innovation in Teaching Award and lead facilitator of Equity Training for all Pediatric Fellows.‌ Dr. Wade Harrison‌– Selected for UNC’s Leadership in Academic Medicine Program (LAMP), designed to support junior faculty in career development and professional networking.‌ Dr.‌Christian Lawrence‌– Appointed Co-Associate Vice Chair of the NC Children’s Committee for Health‌ ‌Equity and Access.‌ Dr. Emilee Lewis‌– Joined the Physician Advisor team for Care Management at UNC Hospitals and was‌ ‌named Associate Division Chief of Clinical Operations for Hospital Pediatrics.‌ Athena Samaras, DNP, MPH, PPCNP-BC‌– Graduated with a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Duke‌ ‌University.‌ Dr. Kelley Ward‌– Published in JAMA’s A Piece of My Mind series, highlighting the complexities and rewards of modern medical practice.‌ Dr. Steven Weinberg ‌– Led a discussion with senior pediatric residents at UNC SOM on MedEd Strategies for Ensuring a Gender-Affirming Learning Environment and Inclusive Healthcare.‌ Ms. Ashley Wallace ‌- Presented the UNC Health Value Superstars for Leading the Way.‌

67‌

Featured Publications‌ Expanding PHM Fellowships: Current Landscape, Challenges, and Potential Solutions.‌

Fuchs J,‌Rajbhandari P, Webb N, Walker J. Hosp Pediatr. 2024 Feb 1;14(2):e116-e119. doi: 10.1542/hpeds.2023-‌ 007416.PMID: 38282530.‌

Child Health Needs and the Pediatric Hospital Medicine Workforce: 2020-2040.‌

Harrison WN,‌Mittal VS, O'Toole JK, Quinonez RA, Mink R, Leyenaar JK. Pediatrics. 2024 Feb 1;153(Suppl‌ 2):e2023063678M. doi: 10.1542/peds.2023-063678M.PMID: 38300016.‌

Association Between In-Training Exam Scores and Clinical Exposure During the COVID-19 Pandemic.‌ Rao P, Jordan K, Burrows H, Helms L, Latch R, Perin R, Crawford MA, Kang D, Morgan A, Beck Dallaghan GL,‌ Zwemer E‌. Acad Pediatr. 2024 Jan-Feb;24(1):3-7. doi: 10.1016/j.acap.2023.05.014. Epub 2023 May 28.PMID:‌ 37253414.‌‌

Differences in testing for drugs of abuse amongst racial and ethnic groups at children's hospitals.‌

Herrera A, ‌Hall M‌, Alex Ahearn M, Ahuja A, Bradford KK, Campbell RA, Chatterjee A, Coletti HY, Crowder VL,‌ Dancel R, Diaz M, Fuchs J, Guidici J, Lewis E, Stephens JR, Sutton AG, Sweeney A, Ward KM, Weinberg S,‌ Zwemer EK, Harrison WN.‌J Hosp Med. 2024 May;19(5):368-376. doi: 10.1002/jhm.13305. Epub 2024 Feb‌ 21.PMID: 38383949.‌

Quieting the Quiver.‌

Ward K‌.JAMA. 2024 Apr 16;331(15):1273. doi: 10.1001/jama.2024.0543.PMID: 38512231.‌

Using an Innovative Model to Improve Performance of the Infant Hip Examination.‌

Joshi NS, Zven S, Graziose B, Manno G, Manwaring L, ‌Ahuja A‌, Tyrrell H, Zafar N, Weissbrod E, Lopreiato JO,‌ Loyal J.Hosp Pediatr. 2024 Aug 1;14(8):666-673. doi: 10.1542/hpeds.2023-007504.PMID: 39015087.‌

Decreasing Pain in Hospitalized Patients by Increasing Topical Anesthetic Use for Peripheral IVs.‌

Lewis EC‌, Komkov S, Rickles J, Saccoccio M, Thomesen M, Turcotte L, Zempsky WT, Waynik I.Pediatr Qual Saf.‌ 2024 Aug 9;9(5):e753. doi: 10.1097/pq9.0000000000000753. eCollection 2024 Sep-Oct.PMID: 39131230.‌‌

Best Practices for Point of Care Ultrasound: An Interdisciplinary Expert Consensus.‌

Oto B, Baeten R, Chen L, Dalal P, ‌Dancel R‌, Fox S, Lange Iv CW, Baston C, Bornemann P, Dugar S, Goldsmith A,‌ Herbst MK, Kirkpatrick JN, Koratala A, Lanspa MJ, Lobo V, Nomura JT, Pustavoitau A, Senussi MH, Sorrell VL,‌ West FM, Sarwal A.POCUS J. 2024 Apr 22;9(1):95-108. doi: 10.24908/pocus.v9i1.17240. eCollection 2024.PMID:‌ 38681157.‌

Childhood Opportunity Index and Low-Value Care in Children's Hospitals.‌

Ugalde IT, Schroeder AR, Marin JR, Hall M, McCoy E, Goyal MK, Molloy MJ, ‌Stephens JR, Steiner MJ,‌Tchou MJ,‌ Markham JL, Cotter JM, Noelke C, Morse R, House SA.Pediatrics. 2024 Oct 1;154(4):e2023065524. doi:‌ 10.1542/peds.2023-065524.PMID: 39246171.‌‌

Improving Timely Evaluation of Newborns at Risk for Hemolytic Disease From a Positive Maternal Antibody.

Samaras AT, Sweeney AE, Lewis EC, Thompson JA, Waldrop J. J Nurs Care Qual. 2025 Apr-Jun 01;40(2):165172. doi: 10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000831. Epub 2025 Jan 27.PMID: 39977837.

68‌

www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/pccm‌ The Division of Critical Care Medicine welcomed several new team members in 2024. Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) ‌Kasey Zawodniak,‌ Danielle Wood,‌and‌Jenn Talbot‌joined the division, strengthening the team’s expertise and clinical capabilities. Additionally, two new fellows, ‌Dr.‌ Hanna Carroll ‌and‌Dr. Allison Steinauer‌, began their training, contributing to the division’s mission of excellence in pediatric critical care.‌

BENNY JOYNER, JR.,MD, MPH‌ Division Chief‌

PROFESSORS‌

Benny Joyner, MD, MPH‌ S. David McSwain, MD, MPH‌

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS‌ Jenny Boyd, MD‌ Katherine Clement, MD‌ Margaret Kihlstrom, MD‌ Daniel Lercher, MD, MPH‌ Afsaneh Pirzadeh, MD‌ Matthew Pizzuto, MD‌ Erin Reade, MD, MPH‌ Stephanie Schwartz, MD‌ Paul Shea, MD‌ Tracie Walker, MD‌

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS‌ Kieran Leong, DO‌ Melissa Smith, MD‌

ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDERS‌

Kaitlin Campbell, MSN, CPNP-AC/PC‌ Renee Milroy‌, MSN, CPNP-AC‌ Jennifer Talbot, MSN, CPNP AC/PC‌ Danielle Wood, DNP, CPNP-AC‌ Kasey Zawodniak, MSN, CPNP-AC‌‌

EHRA NON-FACULTY‌

Christina Coleman‌

FELLOWS‌

Lauren Brown, DO‌ Elizabeth Hanna Carroll, MD‌ Sarah Fleisher, MD‌ Andrew Hayes, DO‌ Isabelle Riley, MD‌ Katherine Schroeder, MD‌ Allison Steinauer, MD‌ Catherine Trub, MD‌

STAFF‌

Symone Parker‌ Amy Spruance‌

The division extends its deepest appreciation to ‌Dr. Benny Joyner‌for‌‌ his years of leadership and service. At the end of 2024, Dr. Joyner‌ transitioned to a new role as the A. Conger Goodyear Professor and Chair‌ of the Department of Pediatrics at the Jacobs School of Medicine and‌ Biomedical Sciences at The University at Buffalo. In this capacity, he also‌ serves as Pediatrician-in-Chief at John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital, Chief‌ of Service for Pediatrics for Kaleida Health, and President and CEO of‌ UMBD Pediatrics. His impact on the division has been profound, and his‌ contributions will be long remembered.‌ CLINICAL ACHIEVEMENTS‌ Dr. Jenny Boyd‌was recognized with the‌ prestigious Super Steward award by the Carolina‌ Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (CASP) for her exceptional contributions to antimicrobial‌ stewardship. In addition, Dr. Boyd stepped into the role of Interim Chief Medical Officer for the‌ UNC Hospital System during a critical time. Her‌ leadership was instrumental in navigating the‌ nationwide IV fluid shortage caused by‌ Hurricane Helene’s impact on a major‌ manufacturing site in North Carolina.‌ Jenny Boyd, MD‌

Dr. Tracie Walker‌assumed the role of service line leader for the Pediatric‌ Intensive Care Unit (PICU), succeeding Dr. Boyd as she took on broader‌ responsibilities within the UNC Health System.‌ Significant strides were made in the expansion of the Pediatric Cardiac‌ Intensive Care Unit (PCICU). Although space modifications are planned for‌ 2025, the team successfully increased APP staffing, growing from two to‌ five providers in 2024.‌ RESEARCH ADVANCEMENTS‌ The division’s faculty members contributed to approximately 24 published‌ manuscripts in 2024, reflecting a commitment to advancing pediatric‌ critical care research. Several faculty members also served as site principal‌ investigators for multiple ongoing multicenter trials, reinforcing the‌ division’s national leadership in clinical research.‌ Dr. Afsaneh Pirzadeh‌had her proposal accepted to implement a‌ standardized care pathway for pediatric patients meeting criteria for acute‌ stroke. This initiative was selected for support through the IHQI‌ Improvement Scholars program, highlighting a dedication to improving‌ patient outcomes through quality improvement initiatives.‌

69‌

Renee Milroy, CPNP ‌presented‌ ‌poster titled “A Protocol for Pediatric Cardiac Post-Operative Chylothorax‌ Reduces Chest Tube Duration and Fat-Modified Diet Duration” atthe 2024 Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society‌ (PCICS) Meeting in San Diego, CA, in November.‌‌ EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE‌ Dr. Meg Kihlstrom‌, Director of the Pediatric Residency Training Program, was selected for the Association of‌ Pediatric Program Directors Leadership in Educational Academic Development (APPD LEAD) Program for the‌ upcoming year, further enhancing her contributions to medical education.‌ New graduates of the fellowship program have embarked on promising careers: ‌Dr. Katie Schroeder‌joined‌ Wake Med in Raleigh, NC, while ‌Dr. Isabelle Riley‌joined Prisma Health Children’s Richland in Columbia, SC.‌ Fellows showcased their research at prestigious conferences in 2024. First-year fellow ‌Dr. Allison Steinauer‌ presented an abstract at the 35th Annual Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Conference in‌ Michigan, while third-year fellow ‌Dr. Catherine Trub‌presented a poster at the International Conference on‌ Clinical Ethics and Consultation (ICCEC) in Montreal.‌ NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS & CONTRIBUTIONS‌ Faculty members continued to play key leadership roles in national and international committees. ‌Dr. Paul Shea‌ founded and directs the PICU Multi-Institutional Collaborative, ‌Dr. Tracie Walker‌serves as Co-Chair of the‌ Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) ICU Liberation Committee, and ‌Dr. Benny Joyner‌co-chairs the‌ Pediatric Basic Life Support Guidelines Writing Committee.‌ Dr. Benny Joyner‌was awarded a distinguished professorship, further recognizing his leadership and‌ contributions to pediatric medicine. ‌Dr. Boyd‌was accepted as a Fellow in the 2024-2025 Executive Leadership‌ in Health Care (ELH) Program, a track of the Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine‌ (ELAM) program, where she will develop healthcare leadership skills and network with ELAM fellows.‌ Dr. Matt Pizzuto‌stepped in as Interim Division Chief to support the planning and transition following Dr.‌ Joyner’s departure.‌ Dr. David McSwain‌represented UNC Health at the White House in the fall of 2024, visiting with the Center for‌ Telehealth and eHealth Law (CTel) to advocate for the permanency of telehealth flexibilities and discuss the‌ impact of virtual care on healthcare access, equity, costs, and clinical outcomes.‌

The Division of Critical Care Medicine continues to make substantial contributions in clinical care, research, education, and leadership. The dedication of faculty and staff ensures that the division remains at the forefront of pediatric critical care, providing exceptional care for patients while advancing the field through research and education. The accomplishments of 2024 set the stage for continued growth and excellence in the years to come.‌

70‌

Research Awards‌‌ Benny Joyner, Jr., MD, MPH‌

Was awarded new funding from University of Michigan (UMICH) in the amount of $22,100 for the project 'Pediatric Influence of Coolng Duration of Efficacy in Cardiac Arrest Patients (P-ICECAP)'.‌

Stephanie Schwartz, MD‌‌and‌‌‌ Tracie Walker, MD‌

Were awarded new funding from Boston Children's Hospital in the amount of $36,730 for the project 'Project Title: Respiratory Virus Surveillance and COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness (VE) in preventing Severe COVID-19, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C), and related Complications in US Children'.‌

Tracie Walker, MD‌

Received ongoing support from Johns Hopkins University in the amount of $23,740 for the project 'Clinical Effectiveness of PICU Up!'.‌

Featured Publications‌ Current and emerging pharmacotherapies for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in infants.

Pizzuto MF, Laughon MM, Jackson WM. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2023 Sep-Dec;24(17):1875-1886. doi: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2257598. Epub 2023 Sep 14. PMID: 37707346.

Optimizing sedation for ECMO patients in the pediatric ICU: Outcomes after implementation of a hydromorphone based sedation protocol.

Atha R, Walker TC, Clement KC, Phillips M, Levintow S, Schwartz SP. Presented at the 34th Annual ELSO Conference, Seattle, WA. September 2023. ASAIO 60(Supp3):66.

The Use Of Pocus To Confirm Post-Pyloric Tube Placement In Critically Ill Children: A Pilot Study.

Seaman C, Lercher D, Shea P, Leong K, Park D. 662: Critical Care Medicine 52(1):p S304, January 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/01.ccm.0001000820.09435.b2 .

Tricuspid Atresia.

Pizzuto MF, Shea JR, & Hoffman TM. (2024) In: Abdulla, Ri., et al. Pediatric Cardiology. Springer, Cham.Published Online January 2024. 10.1007/978-3-030-42937-9.

Averted Sudden Cardiac Death And Survival To Transplant In A Child With Histiocytoid Cardiomyopathy.

Schroeder K, Leong K, Joyner B. 765: Critical Care Medicine 52(1):p S355, January 2024. DOI: 10.1097/01.ccm.0001001228.86434.93.

Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes of Vaccine-Eligible US Children Under-5 Years Hospitalized for Acute COVID-19 in a National Network.

Zambrano LD, Newhams MM, Simeone RM, Fleming-Dutra KE, Halasa N, Wu M, Orzel-Lockwood AO, Kamidani S, Pannaraj PS, Chiotos K, Cameron MA, Maddux AB, Schuster JE, Crandall H, Kong M, Nofziger RA, Staat MA, Bhumbra SS, Irby K, Boom JA, Sahni LC, Hume JR, Gertz SJ, Maamari M, Bowens C, Levy ER, Bradford TT, Walker TC, Schwartz SP, Mack EH, Guzman-Cottrill JA, Hobbs CV, Zinter MS, Cvijanovich NZ, Bline KE, Hymes SR, Campbell AP, Randolph AG; Overcoming COVID-19 Investigators. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2024 Mar 1;43(3):242-249. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000004225. Epub 2023 Dec 25. PMID: 38145397.

Optimal Fat-Modified Diet Duration for the Treatment of Postoperative Chylothorax in Children.

Winder MM, Schwartz S, Buckley JR, Fogg KL, Matiasek M, Lyman A, Tortorich A, Holmes K, Frank DU, Nasworthy M, Vichayavilas PE, Bertrandt RA, Kasmai C, Kuester JC, Raymond TT, Greiten LE, Reeder RW, Bailly DK. Ann Thorac Surg. 2024 Jul;118(1):181-187. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2023.05.021. Epub 2023 Jun 10. PMID: 37308065.

71‌

Featured Publications‌ Severe Pediatric Neurological Manifestations With SARS-CoV-2 or MIS-C Hospitalization and New Morbidity.

Francoeur C, Alcamo AM, Robertson CL, Wainwright MS, Roa JD, Lovett ME, Stulce C, Yacoub M, Potera RM, Zivick E, Holloway A, Nagpal A, Wellnitz K, Even KM, Brunow de Carvalho W, Rodriguez IS, Schwartz SP, Walker TC, Campos-Miño S, Dervan LA, Geneslaw AS, Sewell TB, Pryce P, Silver WG, Lin JE, Vargas WS, Topjian A, McGuire JL, Domínguez Rojas JA, Tasayco-Muñoz J, Hong SJ, Muller WJ, Doerfler M, Williams CN, Drury K, Bhagat D, Nelson A, Price D, Dapul H, Santos L, Kahoud R, Appavu B, Guilliams KP, Agner SC, Walson KH, Rasmussen L, Pal R, Janas A, Ferrazzano P, Farias-Moeller R, Snooks KC, Chang CH, Iolster T, Erklauer JC, Jorro Baron F, Wassmer E, Yoong M, Jardine M, Mohammad Z, Deep A, Kendirli T, Lidsky K, Dallefeld S, Flockton H, Agrawal S, Siruguppa KS, Waak M, Gutiérrez-Mata A, Butt W, Bogantes-Ledezma S, Sevilla-Acosta F, Umaña-Calderón A, Ulate-Campos A, YockCorrales A, Talisa VB, Kanthimathinathan HK, Schober ME, Fink EL; Global Consortium Study of Neurologic Dysfunction in COVID-19 (GCS-NeuroCOVID) Investigators. JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Jun 3;7(6):e2414122. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.14122. PMID: 38857050.

A Protocol for Pediatric Cardiac Post-Operative Chylothorax Reduces Chest Tube Duration and FatModified Diet Duration.

Milroy, R., Leong, K., Hartman, R., Bailly, D. K., Winder, M. M., Schwartz, S. P. 2024, March. 2024 PCICS Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA. Poster presentation.

72‌

www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/quality-safety/‌ At UNC Children’s, our commitment to delivering the highest quality of care drives our continuous improvement efforts. A key element of this work is the rigorous measurement of our performance— identifying gaps between actual and desired care allows us to target areas for improvement effectively. By developing expertise in systematic quality improvement methodologies, we not only address immediate challenges but also create sustainable, long-lasting transformations in pediatric healthcare.

One outstanding example of this commitment is the success of our Children’s CLABSI Reduction team, which was honored with the 2024 Carolina Quality Award for its exceptional efforts in reducing central lineassociated bloodstream infections. This achievement highlights the power of data-driven interventions, multidisciplinary collaboration, and relentless dedication to patient safety. As we continue our journey in quality improvement, we remain focused on advancing care for all children and families who rely on us, ensuring that every child receives the safest, most effective, and compassionate treatment possible.

Children’s CLABSI Reduction Wins 2024 Carolina Quality Award In 2024, the Children’s CLABSI Reduction team won an award at the Quality Expo, October 24, 2024. The poster received the Carolina Quality award for “The project submission that best exemplifies the Carolina Quality Values.” The Initiative to reduce CLABSI across UNC Children’s resulted in a 54% decrease in CLABSI in FY24 compared to FY23 – a reduction in 20 CLABSIs. The major components of reduction approach were: Standardization of processes across UNC Children’s Accountability for results; Data Transparency and Visibility.

Click to Enlarge

73‌

www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/npm‌ The Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine remains at the forefront of clinical excellence, research innovation, and educational leadership. With continued dedication and growth, the division is poised to advance neonatal care, improve outcomes, and drive meaningful change in the field and for the children of North Carolina.‌ CLINICAL ACHIEVEMENTS‌ The Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Division successfully expanded to a total of 74 NICU‌ beds, incorporating 24 new beds, including 22 single-family rooms and two twin rooms‌ on 6 NCCC. This expansion enhances the family-centered care approach, providing a‌ more supportive environment for neonatal patients and their families.‌ A dedicated consult service was introduced to support the growing needs of prenatal‌ diagnosis and fetal intervention services. The division continues to provide round-the-‌ clock neonatal resuscitation consultation services to UNC Lenoir, ensuring consistent‌ and expert neonatal care.‌ Participation in the Children’s Hospital Neonatal Consortium and the Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Collaborative has strengthened benchmarking efforts and advanced quality improvement initiatives. Looking ahead to 2025, the division is preparing for a significant increase in patient volume, with an expected rise in the average peak census from approximately 58 to 68 patients per day, translating to nearly 25,000 patient days per year and an increase in annual admissions from 900 to approximately 1,100.‌ The Special Infant Care Clinic (SICC) continues to grow, with patient visits increasing by over 60% in the past two years. Leadership advancements include ‌April Smithwick,‌ NNP‌, assuming the role of Advanced Practice Provider Manager in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. ‌Andrea Trembath, MD, MPH ‌and‌Sarah Croop, DNP, NNP‌were selected as Co-Medical Directors for the Small Baby Unit, set to launch in 2025. Additionally, ‌Amy‌ Scofield, PNP‌, has taken on the role of Associate Medical Director of the SICC.‌ Susan Meier, ND, NNP, MBA, MPH‌was appointed APP Director of Children’s Services, bringing a wealth of experience in managing and developing a robust team of Neonatal and Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Her leadership continues to drive excellence in neonatal care and developmental follow-up services.‌ Sue Meier, ND, NNP, MBA, MPH

PROFESSORS‌

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS‌

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS‌

Sofia Aliaga, MD, MPH‌ Matthew Laughon, MD, MPH‌ Susan Lynch, MD‌ Martin McCaffrey, MD‌ Michael O'Shea, Jr., MD, MPH‌ Wayne Price, MD‌ Andrea Trembath, MD, MPH‌ Karen Wood, MD‌

Natalia Akopyants, PhD, MS‌ Melissa Bauserman, MD, MPH‌ Misty Good, MD, MS‌ Wesley Jackson, MD, MPH‌ Jacquelyn Patterson, MD, MPH‌

Cara Beth Carr, MD‌ Lauren Frazer, MD, PhD Kathryn Paul, MD‌ Vijaya K. Reddy, MD, MRCP‌ Laura Reniker, MD‌ Genevieve Taylor, MD‌ Yukihiro Yamaguchi, PhD‌ Erika Yazawa, MD‌

FELLOWS‌ MISTY GOOD, MD, MS Division Chief‌

Catherine Bernstein, MD, MPH‌ Emily Cox, DO‌ Anna DePrenger, DO‌ Amalia Lee, MD‌

74‌

Rachel Levy, MD‌ Macrina Liguori, MD‌ Amy Mackay, MD‌ Kelly Orgel, MD, PhD‌ Jeanette Van Steyn, MD‌

RESEARCH EXCELLENCE The division published an impressive 97 manuscripts and secured 27 active grants.

Notably, a recent $10.3 million Gates Foundation grant was awarded to Drs. Melissa Bauserman, Jackie Patterson, and Wes Jackson.

Dr. Lauren Frazer received a prestigious five-year NIH K08 grant for her research on epithelial cell injury in the neonatal intestine, amounting to $870,570. Dr. Frazer was also elected to the Society of Pediatric Research, a recognition of her contributions to pediatric scientific advancements.

Lauren Frazer, MD, PhD‌

At PAS 2024, the NEC Society honored Dr. Frazer with the Early Career Research Award, a $5,000 research grant supporting promising investigations into necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

EDUCATION AND TRAINING‌ Dr. Kelly Orgel,‌Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine fellow, was selected for the prestigious American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Marshall Klaus Neonatal-Perinatal Research Award. ‌Dr. Orgel was also elected Chair of the SPR Junior Section and appointed ChairElect of the Society of Pediatric Research Emerging to Established (E2E) Leadership Committee. ‌Dr. Orgel‌was awarded new funding from the AAP in the amount of $5,000 for the project 'Signaling pathways modulating the immune response in necrotizing enterocolitis'.‌ Dr. Jeanette Van Steyn ‌secured a position on the editorial board of NeoReviews as a‌ NeoQuest Junior Author and received a UNC Gillings School of Public Health Award to‌ support her MPH studies. ‌Dr. Emily Cox‌was invited to participate in the AAP’s 52nd‌ Annual Fellows’ Seminar on Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine and recognized as an‌ AAP/Vermont Oxford Network Scholar.‌ Graduating fellows‌Dr. Amy Mackay ‌and‌Dr. Macrina Liguori ‌have joined the faculty at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and Cone Health, respectively.‌‌

Kelly Orgel, MD, PhD‌

The division also welcomed two new fellows: ‌Dr. Rachel Levy‌from the University of Utah and ‌Dr. Anna DePrenger‌ from UNC. ‌Dr. Rachel Levy ‌was named Vice Chair for the Advocacy section of the AAP Trainees and Early Career‌ Neonatologists (TECaN), furthering efforts in patient and policy advocacy.‌‌ ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDERS‌ Kelly Allis, MSN, NNP‌ Alison Blake, MSN, NNP, IBCLC‌ Krista Bonner, MSN, NNP‌‌ Jenny Bowles-White, MSN, NNP, PNP‌ Riley Welch Bramley, MSN, NNP Kristen Brandt, MSN, NNP‌ Theresa Campbell, MSN, NNP‌ Sarah Croop, DNP, NNP‌ Rani Delaney, DNP, NNP‌ Tina DeLoache, MSN, NNP‌‌ Katie DesJardin, MSN, NNP‌ Mary Earp, MSN, NNP‌ Kristey Evans, MSN, NNP‌‌ Nathan Glorioso, MSN, NNP‌ Carol Hubbard, MSN, AC-PNP‌ Lauren Hughes, MSN, NNP‌

Christian James, MSN, PNP‌ Nicole Kuhn, MSN, NNP, PCP‌ Sherry LeBlanc, MSN, NNP‌‌ Beth Lee, MSN, NNP‌ Lauren Lucas, MSN, NNP‌ Matthew Massaro, MSN, NNP‌ Sue Meier, ND, NNP, MBA, MPH‌ Jenny Miedema, MSN, NNP, PNP‌ Kimberly Nail, MSN, NNP‌‌ Madi Rooney, MSN, NNP‌ Amy Scofield, MSN, PNP‌ Ayla Sherman, MSN, NNP‌ April Smithwick, MSN, NNP‌‌ Felicia Soza, MSN, NNP‌ Sydney Stryker, MSN, NNP‌

75‌

INSTRUCTORS‌

STAFF‌

Susan Gutierrez, BSN‌ Julie Rollins, MA‌

Lauren Bolzan‌ Gwen Burrows‌ Lynda Clodfelter‌ Jennifer Leonard‌ Sneha Makhijani‌ Vikram Puri‌ Kalyn Purnell‌ Catherine Rizzuto‌ Owen Roque‌ Danielle Sklar‌ Joe Yi‌

EHRA NON-FACULTY‌ Elizabeth Balskus Keith Cochran‌ Caroline Hays‌ Corey Jania‌ Stephen Mackay, PhD‌

LEADERSHIP AND IMPACT Dr. Cara Beth Carr and Dr. Samia Aleem co-hosted the inaugural UNC/Duke NPM Boot Camp for incoming neonatology fellows. Dr. Andrea Trembath was honored with the 2023-24 UNC Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Kcal Award for excellence in fellow development.

Dr. Sofia Aliaga was awarded the Educational Research Mentor Award by the Academy of Educators, recognizing her contributions to medical education.

Dr. Matt Laughon was appointed to the American Board of Pediatrics Subboard of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, playing a critical role in shaping subspecialty certification standards.

Dr. Matt Laughon also contributed to the Pediatric Trials Network study on the safety of furosemide in premature infants, leading to an FDA label change to better guide dosing recommendations.

Dr. Katie Paul was selected for the 2024-2025 Passing the Torch faculty development program, which fosters medical humanism among clinician-educators.

Dr. Misty Good was invited to join a National Institutes of Health expert working group on necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm neonates. Dr. Good was also selected as the American Academy of Pediatrics Section of NeonatalPerinatal Medicine District IV Representative.

Dr. Misty Good continues to collaborate with the NEC Society as a Scientific Advisory Council member. On NEC Awareness Day, the division made a significant impact through social media, local news, and advocacy efforts in partnership with the Titus Strong Foundation.

The NNP team continues to lead the way APP clinical education, with April Smithwick, NNP, receiving ECU’s Preceptor of the Year award.

Drs. Jackie Patterson, Wes Jackson, Melissa Bauserman, and Keia Sanderson (Peds Nephrology) were invited to Dubai to speak at a global convening by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on Neuroprotection for infants with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy.

The Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Division remains at the forefront of clinical excellence, research innovation, and educational leadership. With continued dedication and growth, the division is poised to advance neonatal care, improve outcomes, and drive meaningful change in the field of Neonatology.

76‌

Research Awards‌ Melissa Bauserman, MD, MPH‌‌

Received ongoing support from Duke University in the amount of $62,200 for the project 'Improving Neonatal health Through Rapid malaria testing in Early Pregnancy with high-sensitivity Diagnostics (INTREPiD)'.‌ Received ongoing support from NIH National Institute of Child Health and‌ Human Development (NICHD) in the amount of $596,431 for the project‌ 'The University of North Carolina-Kinshasa School of Public Health Research‌ Partnership in the Democratic Republic of Congo; a Model for Improving‌ Women's and Children's Health Through Research'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Foundation for the National Institutes of‌ Health in the amount of $82,720 for the project 'Postpartum IV Iron to Treat‌ Maternal Anemia'.‌

Lauren Frazer, MD, PhD‌

Was awarded new funding from NEC Society in the amount of $5,000 for the project 'Defining predictive and diagnostic biomarkers for necrotizing enterocolitis'.‌ Was awarded new funding from NIH National Institute of Diabetes,‌ Digestive, and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) in the amount of $174,114 for the‌ project 'Regulation of signaling pathways mediating epithelial cell injury in‌ the neonatal intestine'.‌

Misty Good, MD, MS‌

Received ongoing support from Mother's Milk is Best, Inc. in the amount of $174,065 for the project 'SBIR: Point of Care maternal milk concentration device to optimize neonatal growth with targeted nutrition support'.‌ Received ongoing support from NIH National Institute of Child Health and‌ Human Development (NICHD) in the amount of $566,175 for the project‌ 'Neonatal gut-on-a-chip platform for high content drug testing and precision‌ medicine'.‌ Received ongoing support from NIH National Institute of Diabetes,‌ Digestive, and Kidney Diseases (NIDDKD) in the amount of $16,485 for the‌ project 'Modulation of the Intestinal Immune Response in Necrotizing‌ Enterocolitis'.‌ Received ongoing support from NIH National Institute of Diabetes,‌ Digestive, and Kidney Diseases (NIDDKD) in the amount of $560,545 for the‌ project 'Non-invasive analysis of methylated cell free DNA in necrotizing‌ enterocolitis'.‌ Was awarded new funding from NIH National Institute of Diabetes,‌ Digestive, and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) in the amount of $725,077 for the‌ project 'Reprogramming intestinal immunity in preterm neonates to prevent‌ and cure necrotizing enterocolitis'.‌ Was awarded new funding from The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative in the‌ amount of $800,000 for the project 'Integrating Patients to Accelerate the‌ Science Towards a World Without NEC'.‌

77‌

Research Awards‌ Wesley Jackson, MD, MPH‌‌

Was awarded new funding from Duke University in the amount of $39,500 for‌ the project 'Safety of Sildenafil in Premature Infants with Severe‌ Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia'. ‌ Was awarded new funding from NIH National Institute of Child Health and‌ Human Development (NICHD) in the amount of $173,315 for the project 'Dose‌ Optimization for Novel Drugs for Infants with Hypoxic-Ischemic‌ Encephalopathy'.‌

Matthew Laughon, MD, MPH‌‌

Received ongoing support from Duke University in the amount of $19,998 for the project 'Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD Cooperative Multicenter Neonatal Research Network'.‌ Received ongoing support from Duke University in the amount of $220,726 for the project 'Sildenafil in premature infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Duke University in the amount of $14,438 for the project 'Evaluation of Healthy Term Infants to Define Impairment Thresholds and Promote Unbiased Assessments of High-Risk Infants: A Quality Assurance Measure for Network Follow-Up Assessments'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Duke University in the amount of $27,564 for the project 'PTN 2.0'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Duke University in the amount of $44,764 for the project 'Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Study of Montelukast in Infants with Developing BPD (PRISM)'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Duke University in the amount of $47,727 for the project 'Duke NRN Fixed Rate Subawards'.‌

Martin McCaffrey, MD‌‌

Received ongoing support from DHHS Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in the amount of $200,000 for the project 'PQCNC Building AIM Capacity'.‌ Received ongoing support from NCDHHS Division of Health Benefits (DHB) (Formerly NCDHHS Division of Medical Assistance) in the amount of $746,450 for the project 'PQCNC State Contract'.‌

Michael O'Shea, MD, MPH‌‌

Received ongoing support from NIH Office of the Director (OD) in the amount of $801,705 for the project 'Environment, Epigenetics, Neurodevelopment & Health of Extremely Preterm Children'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Tufts University in the amount of $28,318 for the project 'Planning the VICTORY (VIsual ComplicaTions Of PrematuRitY) Study'.‌ Was awarded new funding from University of Miami (UM) in the amount of $124,729 for the project 'Genetic and Epigenetic Effects on Childhood Cognitive Trajectories'.‌

Jackie Patterson, MD, MPH‌

Received ongoing support from NIH National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) in the amount of $169,896 for the project 'An Integrated mHealth Strategy to Improve Newborn Resuscitation in Low and Lower-Middle Income Countries'.‌

78‌

Featured Publications‌ Implicit Bias and Health Disparities Education in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.‌

Dyess NF, ‌Carr CB‌, Mavis SC, Caruso CG, Izatt S, French H, Dadiz R, Bonachea EM, Gray MM.Am J Perinatol. 2024‌ Sep;41(12):1634-1644. doi: 10.1055/a-2240-1979. Epub 2024 Jan 8.PMID: 38190976.‌

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Extremely Preterm Infants Fed Donor Milk or Preterm Infant‌ Formula: A Randomized Clinical Trial.‌

Colaizy TT, Poindexter BB, McDonald SA, Bell EF, Carlo WA, Carlson SJ, DeMauro SB, Kennedy KA, Nelin LD,‌ Sánchez PJ, Vohr BR, Johnson KJ, Herron DE, Das A, Crawford MM, Walsh MC, Higgins RD, Stoll BJ; Eunice‌ Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network; MILK‌ Trial Investigators; Ambalavanan N, Wyckoff MH, D'Angio CT, Bugg GW, Ohls RK, Reynolds AM, Sokol GM,‌ Laptook AR, Olsen SL, White JR, Jadcherla SR, Bajaj M, Parimi PS, Schmidt B, ‌Laughon MM‌, Barks J, Fisher KA,‌ Hibbs AM, Peralta-Carcelen M, Cook N, Heyne RJ, Cavanaugh B, Adams-Chapman I, Fuller J, Hartley-McAndrew‌ ME, Harmon HM, Duncan AF, Hines AC, Kilbride HW, Richards LA, Maitre NL, Natarajan G, ‌Trembath AN‌, Carlson‌ MD, Malcolm WF, Wilson-Costello DE; MILK Trial Investigators; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of‌ Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network.JAMA. 2024 Feb 20;331(7):582-591. doi:‌ 10.1001/jama.2023.27693.PMID: 38497706.‌

Measuring Clinical Benefit in Neonatal Randomized Clinical Trials: Challenges and Opportunities.‌ Massaro AN, Boyer B, Gill M, Kim D, ‌Laughon M‌, Walsh M, Lemmon ME, Pilon B, Baer G; Duke-Margolis/FDA‌ Measuring Clinical Benefit in Neonatal RCTs Workshop Participants. J Pediatr. 2024 Jun;269:113972. doi:‌ 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.113972. Epub 2024 Feb 22.PMID: 38401783.‌

Correlating Severity of Pulmonary Hypertension by Echocardiogram with Mortality in Premature‌ Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.‌

Torok RD, Gardner RA, Barker PCA, McCrary AW, Li JS, Hornik CP, ‌Laughon MM, Jackson WM‌. Am J Perinatol.‌ 2024 Dec;41(16):2206-2213. doi: 10.1055/s-0044-1786544. Epub 2024 May 2.PMID: 38698596.‌

Neurodevelopment of Children Whose Mothers Were Randomized to Low-Dose Aspirin During‌ Pregnancy.‌‌ Hoffman MK, Goudar S, Dhaded S, Figueroa L, Mazariegos M, Krebs NF,‌ Westcott J, Tikmani SS, Karim F, Saleem S, Goldenberg RL, Lokangaka A, Tshefu‌ A, ‌Bauserman M‌, Patel A, Das P, Hibberd P, Chomba E, Mwenchanya M, Carlo‌ WA, Trotta M, Williams A, Moore J, Nolen T, Goco N, McClure EM, Lobo MA,‌ Cunha AB, Derman RJ.Obstet Gynecol. 2024 Apr 1;143(4):554-561. doi:‌ 10.1097/ AOG.0000000000005514 , Epub 2024 Jan 23.PMID: 38262066.‌‌

Chemical formula of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)‌

79‌

Featured Publications‌ Neurodevelopmental Outcomes After Late Preterm Antenatal Corticosteroids: The ALPS Follow-Up‌ Study.‌

Gyamfi-Bannerman C, Clifton RG, Tita ATN, Blackwell SC, Longo M, de Voest JA, ‌O'Shea TM‌, Bousleiman SZ,‌ Ortiz F, Rouse DJ, Metz TD, Saade GR, Rood KM, Heyborne KD, Thorp JM Jr, Swamy GK, Grobman WA, Gibson KS,‌ El-Sayed YY, Macones GA; Eunice Kennedy Shriver Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network. JAMA. 2024 May‌ 21;331(19):1629-1637. doi: 10.1001/jama.2024.4303.PMID: 38656759.‌

Acetaminophen for Patent Ductus Arteriosus and Risk of Mortality and Pulmonary Morbidity.‌

Jensen EA, DeMauro SB, Rysavy MA, Patel RM, ‌Laughon MM‌, Eichenwald EC, Do BT, Das A, Wright CJ; Eunice‌ Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network.‌ Pediatrics. 2024 Aug 1;154(2):e2023065056. doi: 10.1542/peds.2023-065056.PMID: 39011550.‌

A phase I trial of caffeine to evaluate safety in infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.‌ Jackson W‌, Gonzalez D, Greenberg RG, Lee YZ, ‌Laughon MM‌. J Perinatol. 2024 Apr;44(4):508-512. doi:‌ 10.1038/s41372-023-01752-y. Epub 2023 Aug 16.PMID: 37587184.‌

Methylxanthine use in infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: a retrospective cohort study.‌ Laughon ME, Johnson JK, Greenberg RG, Clark RH, ‌Jackson WM. Sci Rep. 2024 Aug 17;14(1):19082. doi:‌ 10.1038/s41598-024-70410-w.PMID: 39154109.‌

Intrapartum and postpartum antibiotic use in seven low- and middle-income countries: Findings‌ from the A-PLUS trial.‌

Saleem S, Yasmin H, Moore JL, Rahim A, Shakeel I, Lokangaka A, Tshefu A, ‌Bauserman M‌, Mwenechanya M,‌ Chomba E, Goudar SS, Kavi A, Derman RJ, Krebs NF, Figueroa L, Mazariegos M, Nyongesa P, Bucher S, Esamai F,‌ Patel A, Waikar M, Shivkumar P, Hibberd PL, Petri WA, Billah SM, Haque R, Carlo WA, Tita A, Koso-Thomas M,‌ Hemingway-Foday J, McClure EM, Goldenberg RL.BJOG. 2025 Jan;132(1):72-80. doi: 10.1111/1471-0528.17930.‌ Epub 2024 Aug 14.PMID: 39140197.‌‌

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) drug molecule model.‌

80‌

www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/gene‌ The Division of Genetics and Metabolism experienced an exceptional year in 2024, marked by growth, innovation, and advancements in clinical care, research and education. Several new faculty members joined the division in 2024, enhancing its expertise and clinical offerings. Two physician faculty members, ‌Dr. Michaela Reinhart ‌and ‌Dr. Ric Ong‌, along with Genetic Counselor Alexis Darling‌, became valuable additions to the team.‌ Kristin Clinard‌, Genetic Counselor, and ‌Becky Brinson‌, Administrative Staff,‌ transitioned from central division roles to dedicated support positions at the‌ Muenzer MPS Research and Treatment Center, further strengthening its‌ operations.‌ ARTI PANDYA, MD, MBA‌ Division Chief‌

PROFESSORS‌

Joseph Muenzer, MD, PhD‌ Cynthia M. Powell, MD‌ Ed Spence, MD‌ Samuel M. Young, Jr., PhD‌

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS‌ Muge Calikoglu, MD, MPH‌ Haiyan Fu, PhD‌ Arti Pandya, MD, MBA‌

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS‌ Michael Adams, MD‌ Tierra Bobo, PhD‌ Kristen Clinard, MS CGC‌ Clara Hildebrandt, MD‌ Elizabeth Jalazo, MD‌ Jennifer Mathews, MS, CGC‌ Ric Ong, MD, MBA‌ Yezmin Perilla Young, MS, CGC‌ Michaela Reinhart, MD‌ Sara Powell, PhD‌

In a notable transition, ‌Dr. Cynthia Powell‌retired in October 2024 after a distinguished career with UNC Pediatrics that began in 1993. She served in multiple leadership roles, including Division Chief for Pediatric Genetics & Metabolism. ‌Dr. Pam Reitenauer‌, a genetic specialist with UNC AHEC at Moses Cone, also retired in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of excellence.‌ CLINICAL ACHIEVEMENTS The division achieved significant improvements in patient care, including enhanced referral conversion rates and reduced time to third appointments.

Despite faculty retirements and family leave absences, clinical volumes remained steady, and services were expanded to include care for adult patients with genetic disorders.

The division has been recognized as a Center of Excellence for Rare Disorders, one of 44 in the nation, by NORD (National Organization of Rare Disorders) with Dr. Pandya as the Center Director.

A major milestone was the grand opening of the Muenzer MPS Research and Treatment Center at UNC Children’s, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to improving the lives of patients with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS). The event, held on November 2 in Southern Village, Chapel Hill, featured a video presentation on the center’s development, a keynote address by Dr. Joseph Muenzer, and opportunities for attendees to tour the facility and engage with the expert team. The center is committed to pioneering new treatment avenues, including clinical trials in enzyme replacement therapy and gene therapy.

INSTRUCTORS‌

Alexis Darling, MS, CGC‌ Alexis Poss, MS, CGC‌ Raphael Smith, MS, CGC‌ Ashlyn Stackhouse, MS, CGC‌ Jennifer Sullivan, MS, CGC‌ Leigh Anne Weisenfeld, MSW‌

ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDERS‌ Sarah Bennick, MSN‌ Shauna Coleman, MSN‌ Ivy Glenn, PA-C‌ Lindsay Torrice, MSN, CPNP-PC‌

81‌

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS‌ The Early Check research study, a collaborative effort between UNC Pediatrics‌ and RTI International, reached a major milestone by screening 1,000‌ newborns in North Carolina under its genome sequencing initiative. Led by‌ Drs. Cindy Powell, Liz Jalazo‌, and Jennifer Law, the study expands newborn‌ screening to detect genetic conditions not included in the standard state‌ screening, offering early intervention opportunities.‌ Dr. Samuel M. Young, Jr‌. joined UNC as a Roper Investigator, Professor with‌ Tenure, and Director of the UNC Gene Therapy Center. Previously at the‌ University of Iowa, Dr. Young’s research focuses on synaptic control of‌ auditory processing and viral vector-mediated gene therapy for hearing and‌ balance disorders. He officially assumed his role on June 28, 2024.‌ Dr. Tierra Bobo‌, Assistant Professor in Pediatric Genetics and Metabolism,‌ received the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT) Career‌ Development Award for her research on viral vector development. This‌ $100,000 award marks an important step in establishing an independent‌ research laboratory dedicated to advancing gene therapy applications.‌ EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS‌ Dr. Monika Williams‌completed her fellowship and joined the Duke‌ Biochemical Fellowship Training Program, furthering educational‌ collaborations in the field.‌ Looking ahead, a new combined Pediatrics and Genetics/Genomics residency‌ program will launch in the upcoming recruitment cycle, offering a unique‌ training pathway for future clinicians. Additionally, the division is increasing its‌ number of FIRST students over the next two years to enhance the retention of‌ pediatric providers in North Carolina.‌ NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS‌ Dr. Cynthia Powell‌received the North Carolina Pediatric‌ Society (NCPS) Outstanding Academic Service Award for her‌ groundbreaking contributions to genetics, newborn‌ screening, and the ethical, legal, and social implications of‌ expanded screening. Her efforts have positioned North‌ Carolina as a leader in newborn screening technology.‌ Dr. Elizabeth Jalazo‌collaborated with the ForeBatten‌ Foundation to offer an n-of-2 personalized ASO study to two‌ sisters, marking a major breakthrough in targeted genetic‌ treatment. The children recently received their second‌ dosage at UNC, a testament to the success of this pioneering‌ initiative.‌ Dr. Michaela Reinhart‌was selected for the 2024-2025 Passing the Torch cohort. This faculty development program, supported by the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, enhances humanistic skills in medical education and patient care.‌

82‌

FELLOWS‌

Monika Williams, MD‌

EHRA NON-FACULTY‌ Cecile Arias-Saleh‌ Kimberly Stephens‌

DIETITIANS‌

Christine Hall‌ Emily Ramsey‌

STAFF‌

Becky Brinson‌ Ryan Dant‌ Roberta Fritz-Klaus‌ Maureen Furlong‌ Sophie Hughes‌ Deepak Joshi‌ Barbara Kelly‌ Veronica Lippuner‌ Justin Moxley‌ Hannah Pemi Mignosa-Martin‌ Benjamin Milford‌ Ansley Mills‌ Jazlyn Nelson‌ Alexander O'Brien‌ Syvonne Owens‌ Yesenia Pineda Reyes‌ Heather Preiss‌ Elizabeth Rice‌ Sarah Richardson‌

ADVOCACY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT‌ Rare Disease Day 2024 was a resounding success, raising awareness and support for individuals navigating rare‌ medical conditions. The event, held on February 29—the rarest day of the year—brought together patients,‌ families, and medical professionals in a unified effort to highlight the challenges and advancements in rare‌ disease care.‌ The Pediatric Division of Genetics and Metabolism continues to set new benchmarks in clinical care, research,‌ and education. With an unwavering commitment to innovation and patient-centered care, the division is poised‌ for another year of groundbreaking advancements in 2025.‌

Research Awards‌ Tierra Bobo, PhD‌

Was awarded new funding from American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT) in the amount of $100,000 for the project 'Enhancing AAV Gene Therapy with EVMediated mRNA Cargo Delivery'.‌

Haiyan Fu, PhD‌‌

Received ongoing support from NeuroGT, Inc. in the amount of $76,021 for the project 'SBIR: Development of gene therapy product for treating MPS IIIB'.‌ Received ongoing support from RTW Charitable Foundation in the amount of‌ $149,952 for the project 'AAV-mediated gene replacement therapy for treating MPS‌ IIID'.‌ Was awarded new funding from NeuroGT, Inc. in the amount of $263,748 for the‌ project 'SBIR: Protein depleting pre-existing antibodies for viral gene therapy'.‌

83‌

Research Awards‌ Elizabeth Jalazo, MD‌‌

Was awarded new funding from Denali Therapeutics Inc. in the amount of $250,443 for the project ': DNLI-I-0001, A Phase 1/2, Multicenter, Open-Label Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of DNL126 in Pediatric Participants with Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA (Sanfilippo Syndrome Type A)'.‌ Was awarded new funding from REGENXBIO, Inc. in the amount of $42,613 for the‌ project 'A Phase 1/2/3 Multicenter, Open-Label Study to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety,‌ Tolerability, and Pharmacodynamics of RGX-121 in Pediatric Subjects with MPS II‌ (Hunter Syndrome)'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Research Triangle Institute (RTI International) in the‌ amount of $2,500 for the project 'Collection of Anonymized Blood Samples to Aid in‌ Assay Verification and Monitoring of Assay Performance for Newborn Screening of‌ Chromosome 15 Disorders Pilot Project'.‌

Joseph Muenzer, MD, PhD‌‌ Was awarded new funding from Applied Therapeutics, Inc in the amount of $20,515 for the project 'Expanded access use of AT-007 in a pediatric patient with phosphomannomutase 2-congenital disorder of glycosylation (PMM2-CDG)'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Denali Therapeutics Inc. in the amount of $103,013‌ for the project 'An Extension Study of the Long-Term Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy‌ of DNL310 in Participants With Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II (MPS II) From Study‌ DNLI-E-0002 or Study DNLI-E-0007'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Denali Therapeutics Inc. in the amount of $109,799‌ for the project 'A Phase 2/3, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized Study to‌ Determine the Efficacy and Safety of DNL310 vs Idursulfase in Pediatric Participants‌ with Neuronopathic or Non-Neuronopathic Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Denali Therapeutics Inc. in the amount of $21,735‌ for the project 'A Study Of Potential Treatment Responsive Biomarkers in Hunter‌ Syndrome'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Research Triangle Institute (RTI International) in the‌ amount of $45,000 for the project 'MPS II Newborn Screening'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc. in the amount of $1,024‌ for the project 'Long-Term Follow-up of Subjects Who Were Treated with SB-318, SB-‌ 913, or SB-FIX, for Targeted Genome Editing into the Albumin Gene in the Liver'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Shire Human Genetics Therapies, Inc in the amount‌ of $1,929 for the project 'HGT-HIT-046: An Open-Label Extension of Study HGT-HIT-‌ 045 Evaluating Long-Term S'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Shire Human Genetics Therapies, Inc in the amount of $277,829 for the project 'An Open Label Extension of Study HGT-HIT-094 Evaluating Long Term Safety and Clinical Outcomes of Intrathecal Idursulfase Administered in Conjunction with Elaprase in Patients with Hunter Syndrome and Cognitive Impairment.'‌

84‌

Research Awards‌ Joseph Muenzer, MD, PhD‌

Was awarded new funding from Shire Human Genetics Therapies, Inc in the amount‌ of $6,731 for the project 'A Global, Multi-Center, Observational Survey of Patients‌ with Hunter Syndrome (M).‌ Was awarded new funding from Denali Therapeutics Inc. in the amount of $315,661‌ for the project 'A Phase 1/2, Multicenter, Open-Label Study to Determine the Safety,‌ Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Dnl310 In Pediatric Subjects with‌ Hunter Syndrome'.‌

Cynthia M. Powell, MD‌‌

Was awarded new funding from Research Triangle Institute (RTI International) in the amount of $177,934 for the project 'Early Check Newborn Sequencing Preparatory and Implementation Phases'.‌

Samuel M. Young, Jr., PhD‌

Was awarded new funding from Action for A-T in the amount of $322,166 for the project 'Development of Gene Therapy Approaches to treat Ataxia-Telangiectasia Induced Cerebellar Degeneration'.‌ Was awarded new funding from NIH National Institute on Deafness and Other‌ Communication Disorders (NIDCD) in the amount of $324,881 for the project‌ 'Regulation of Synaptic Vesicle Dynamics in the Auditory System'.‌ Was awarded new funding from University of Iowa in the amount of $45,860 for the‌ project 'Life-long phenotypic correction of CF airways'.‌ Was awarded new funding from University of Pennsylvania the Orphan Disease‌ Center in the amount of $43,541 for the project 'Development of a Novel Viral‌ Vector Gene Therapy Approach to treat CACNA1A Cerebellar Disorders'.‌ Was awarded new funding from University of South Florida Tampa in the amount of‌ $66,347 for the project 'Research Related to Deafness and Communication‌ Disorders'.‌

Featured Publications‌ Novel CHRNA3 variants identified in a patient with bladder dysfunction, dysautonomia, and‌ gastrointestinal dysmotility.‌ Anand A, ‌Hildebrandt CC‌, Shenoy V, Sutherland RW. Am J Med Genet A. 2024 May;194(5):e63526. doi:‌ 10.1002/ajmg.a.63526. Epub 2024 Jan 8.PMID: 38192228.‌

Rare predicted deleterious FEZF2 variants are associated with a neurodevelopmental phenotype.‌

Garber A, Weingarten LS, Abreu NJ, Elloumi HZ, Haack T, ‌Hildebrant C‌, Martínez-Gil N, ‌Mathews J,‌Müller AJ,‌ Valenzuela Palafoll I, Steigerwald C, Chung WK. Am J Med Genet A. 2024 Jul;194(7):e63578. doi:‌ 10.1002/ajmg.a.63578. Epub 2024 Feb 29.PMID: 38425142.‌

Development of adenoviral vectors that transduce Purkinje cells and other cerebellar cell-types in‌ the cerebellum of a humanized mouse model.‌

Kul E, Okoroafor U, Dougherty A, Palkovic L, Li H, Valiño-Ramos P, Aberman L, ‌Young SM Jr‌. Mol Ther Methods‌ Clin Dev. 2024 Mar 26;32(2):101243. doi: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101243. eCollection 2024 Jun 13.PMID: 38605812.‌

85‌

Featured Publications‌ Frontiers in congenital disorders of glycosylation consortium, a cross-sectional study report at year‌ 5 of 280 individuals in the natural history cohort.‌

Lam C, Scaglia F, Berry GT, Larson A, Sarafoglou K, Andersson HC, Sklirou E, Tan QKG, Starosta RT, Sadek M,‌ Wolfe L, Horikoshi S, Ali M, Barone R, Campbell T, Chang IJ, Coles K, Cook E, Eklund EA, Engelhardt NM, Freeman‌ M, Friedman J, Fu DYT, Botzo G, Rawls B, Hernandez C, Johnsen C, Keller K, Kramer S, Kuschel B, Leshinski A,‌ Martinez-Duncker I, Mazza GL, Mercimek-Andrews S, Miller BS, Muthusamy K, Neira J, Patterson MC, Pogorelc N,‌ Powers LN, Ramey E, ‌Reinhart M‌, Squire A, Thies J, Vockley J, Vreugdenhil H, Witters P, Youbi M, Zeighami A,‌ Zemet R, Edmondson AC, Morava E. Mol Genet Metab. 2024 Aug;142(4):108509. doi:‌ 10.1016/j.ymgme.2024.108509. Epub 2024 Jun 6.PMID: 38959600.‌

AAV gene replacement therapy for treating MPS IIIC: Facilitating bystander effects via EV-mRNA‌ cargo.‌ Bobo TA‌, Robinson M, Tofade C, Sokolski-Papkov M, Nichols P, Vorobiov S, ‌Fu H‌.J Extracell Vesicles. 2024‌ Jul;13(7):e12464. doi: 10.1002/jev2.12464.PMID: 38961538.‌‌

Examining the impact of Native American myopathy on the quality of life and healthcare‌ accessibility of patients and caregivers.‌

Wang MG, Lancaster K, ‌Powell CM‌. Am J Med Genet A. 2024 Dec;194(12):e63829. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63829.‌ Epub 2024 Jul 29.PMID: 39073004.‌

Genotype-phenotype findings in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis II from the Hunter Outcome‌ Survey.‌

Muenzer J‌, Amartino H, Burton BK, Scarpa M, Tylki-Szymańska A, Audi J, Botha J, Fertek D, Merberg D, Natarajan‌ M, Whiteman DAH, Giugliani R. Mol Genet Metab. 2024 Sep-Oct;143(1-2):108576. doi:‌ 10.1016/j.ymgme.2024.108576. Epub 2024 Sep 10.PMID: 39303318.‌

A systematic framework for selecting gene-condition pairs for inclusion in newborn sequencing‌ panels: Early Check implementation.‌

Cope HL, Milko LV, ‌Jalazo ER‌, Crissman BG, Foreman AKM, Powell BC, deJong NA, Hunter JE, Boyea BL, Forsythe‌ AN, Wheeler AC, Zimmerman RS, Suchy SF, Begtrup A, Langley KG, Monaghan KG, Kraczkowski C, Hruska KS,‌ Kruszka P, Kucera KS, Berg JS, ‌Powell CM‌, Peay HL. Genet Med. 2024 Dec;26(12):101290. doi:‌ 10.1016/j.gim.2024.101290. Epub 2024 Oct 5.PMID: 39375994.‌

Hereditary Hearing Impairment‌

Pandya, A‌., (2024, In press). In R.E. Pyeritz,‌ ‌B.R. Kort & W.W. Grody (Eds.), Emery and Rimoin’s – Principles and‌ Practice of Medical Genetics and Genomics, 8th Edition Vol 4. Pages 227-279, ISBN 9780128152348.‌

Heterozygous UBR5 variants result in a neurodevelopmental syndrome with developmental delay,‌ autism, and intellectual disability.‌

Sabeh P, Dumas SA, Maios C, Daghar H, Korzeniowski M, Rousseau J, Lines M, Guerin A, Millichap JJ, Landsverk‌ M, Grebe T, Lindstrom K, Strober J, Ait Mouhoub T, Zweier C, Steinraths M, Hebebrand M, Callewaert B, Abou‌ Jamra R, Kautza-Lucht M, Wegler M, Kruszka P, Kumps C, Banne E, Waberski MB, Dieux A, Raible S, Krantz I,‌ Medne L, Pechter K, Villard L, Guerrini R, Bianchini C, Barba C, Mei D, Blanc X, Kallay C, Ranza E, Yang XR, O'Heir‌ E, Donald KA, Murugasen S, Bruwer Z, ‌Calikoglu M, Mathews JM,‌Lesieur-Sebellin M, Baujat G, Derive N, Pierson‌ TM, Murrell JR, Shillington A, Ormieres C, Rondeau S, Reis A, Fernandez-Jaen A, Au PYB, Sweetser DA, Briere LC,‌ Couque N, Perrin L, Schymick J, Gueguen P, Lefebvre M, Van Andel M, Juusola J, Antonarakis SE, Parker JA,‌ Burnett BG, Campeau PM. Am J Hum Genet. 2025 Jan 2;112(1):75-86. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2024.11.009. Epub 2024‌ Dec 24.PMID: 39721588.‌

86‌

www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/rheum‌

EVE WU, MD, MSCR‌ Division Chief‌

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS‌ Eveline Wu, MD, MSCR‌

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS‌

Laura Cannon, MD‌ Caitlan Pinotti, MD, MMCi‌ Aliese Sarkissian, MD, MBOE‌

ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDERS‌

Lenny Kovalick, MS, CPNP‌

STAFF‌

Breean Falcon‌ Jessica Faucette‌ Jessi Stark‌

In 2024, the Division of Rheumatology‌ experienced significant growth and innovation,‌ further solidifying its role as a leader in‌ pediatric rheumatology. The team welcomed‌ Dr. Caitlan Pinotti‌, who joined the faculty in‌ August following her fellowship in pediatric‌ rheumatology at Duke. Dr. Pinotti immediately‌ enhanced the division’s commitment to clinical‌ excellence and technological advancement by‌ assuming a leadership role as the Epic Lead‌ Informatics Physician (eLIP) for Pediatrics.‌ Dr. Caitlan Pinotti‌

The division successfully maintained clinic volume, utilization, and a steady influx of new referrals, while expanding to locations outside the Triangle.

The division expanded its reach through a collaboration with Novant Health, increasing the frequency of clinics in Wilmington from once to twice per month and establishing a new Pediatric Rheumatology presence at the Jacksonville clinic. These enhancements have improved access to specialized care for children in these regions.‌ A new multidisciplinary Neuroimmunology clinic was established, bringing together expertise from pediatric rheumatology, pediatric neurology, adult neuroimmunology, and psychiatry. Additionally, multidisciplinary care was further strengthened with the re-establishment of the TMJ in JIA clinic in collaboration with oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) and the JDM clinic with physical therapy (PT). These initiatives expanded the division’s portfolio of multidisciplinary, specialized clinics to five.‌

RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS‌ A collaborative study with Duke Pediatric Rheumatology, titled "Psychological and Cardiovascular Health in Juvenile Lupus and Dermatomyositis," was completed with funding from the Rheumatology Research Foundation. All providers played a key role in participant recruitment and clinical data collection. Findings from this study were accepted as an oral abstract presentation at the 2024 American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting, reflecting the division’s contributions to advancing pediatric rheumatology research.‌ Dr. ‌Eve Wu‌served as a study co-investigator and steering committee member for the PCORI-funded‌ international study "Trial of Sequential Medications After TNF Inhibitor Failure (SMART-JIA)," which received‌ $2,858,571 in funding. Additionally, she was awarded a Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research‌ Alliance-Arthritis Foundation grant for "Advancing Biosample Collection" to support the collection of‌ biosamples from SMART-JIA trial participants.‌ The division activated its 15th clinical research study in the past five years, marking significant growth in its‌ research portfolio. This expansion was supported by the Children’s Research Institute and driven by the efforts‌ of‌Dr. Eve Wu ‌and‌Dr. Laura Cannon‌, who was selected for the prestigious Clinical Trialist Training Program‌‌ for 2024.‌

87‌

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT‌ Faculty and staff actively participated in various community events, reinforcing a commitment to advocacy and p‌ublic awareness. Notable events included:‌ Cure Juvenile Myositis Day (April 27, 2024)‌ Walk to End Lupus Now (October 19, 2024)‌ Arthritis Foundation JA Family Day (October 26, 2024)‌ Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run (December 7, 2024)‌ Through these efforts, the division demonstrated its dedication to advancing pediatric rheumatology care,‌ fostering research innovation, and strengthening community ties.‌

Research Awards‌ Laura Cannon, MD‌

Was awarded new funding from Duke University in the amount of $22,318 for the project 'A Randomized, Open Label, Multi-Center, Phase 3 Efficacy Study of Sub-Q Abatacept (Orencia) in Preventing Extension of Oligoarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis JIA (LIMITJIA)'.‌

Eveline Wu, MD, MSCR‌

Was awarded new funding from AbbVie, Inc. in the amount of $25,281 for the project 'Open-label, randomized, assessor-blinded, efficacy, safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics study of subcutaneous risankizumab with an adalimumab reference arm in children with active juvenile psoriatic arthritis'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Duke University in the amount of $22,603 for the project 'Improving Outcomes in Limited Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (LIMIT JIA)'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Duke University in the amount of $380 for the project 'Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Biologic Drugs in Obese Patients with Arthritis (PRECISE Study)'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Duke University in the amount of $11,915 for the project 'Psychological Stress and Cardiovascular Health in Juvenile Lupus and Dermatomyositis’.‌

88‌

Eveline Wu, MD, MSCR‌

Was awarded new funding from Duke University in the amount of $45,807 for the project‌ 'The Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART-JIA)'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) in the amount of $176,685 for the project 'CARRA Registry'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Duke University in the amount of $63,678 for the project‌ 'Observational Study of Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases: The CARRA Registry'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Pfizer Inc. (Connecticut) in the amount of $22,717 for the‌ project 'A Long-Term, Open-Label Follow-Up Study of Tofacitinib for Treatment Of‌ Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Sumitomo Pharma America (formerly Enzyvant) in the‌ amount of $46,323 for the project 'Protocol DEV-2022-001-P: Study of Collection and‌ Transference of Thymus Tissue'.‌

Featured Publications‌ Integrating education for clinical practice change.

Chawla EM, Schuler CL, Barnhardt EW, Herbst LA, Sarkissian A, McNeal-Trice K, Newmeyer A, Perry M, Poynter SE, Lannon C. Clin Teach. 2024 Aug;21(4):e13753. doi: 10.1111/tct.13753. Epub 2024 Feb 29.PMID: 38419551.

Renal Response Outcomes of the EuroLupus and National Institutes of Health Cyclophosphamide Dosing Regimens in Childhood-Onset Proliferative Lupus Nephritis.

Wang CS, Sadun RE, Zhou W, Miller KR, Pyle L, Ardoin SP, Bacha C, Hause E, Hui-Yuen J, Ling N, Pereira M, Riebschleger M, Rouster-Stevens K, Sarkissian A, Shalen J, Soulsby W, Twilt M, Wu EY, Lewandowski LB, Wenderfer SE, Cooper JC; Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Lupus Nephritis Working Group.Arthritis Rheumatol. 2024 Mar;76(3):469-478. doi: 10.1002/art.42725. Epub 2024 Jan 11.PMID: 37800549.

COVID-19 Vaccination in Patients with Inborn Errors of Immunity Reduces Hospitalization and Critical Care Needs Related to COVID-19: a USIDNET Report.

McDonnell J, Cousins K, Younger MEM, Lane A, Abolhassani H, Abraham RS, Al-Tamemi S, Aldave-Becerra JC, AlFaris EH, Alfaro-Murillo A, AlKhater SA, Alsaati N, Doss AMA, Anderson M, Angarola E, Ariue B, Arnold DE, Assa'ad AH, Aytekin C, Bank M, Bergerson JRE, Bleesing J, Boesing J, Bouso C, Brodszki N, Cabanillas D, Cady C, Callahan MA, Caorsi R, Carbone J, Carrabba M, Castagnoli R, Catanzaro JR, Chan S, Chandra S, Chapdelaine H, Chavoshzadeh Z, Chong HJ, Connors L, Consonni F, Correa-Jimenez O, Cunningham-Rundles C, D'Astous-Gauthier K, Delmonte OM, Demirdag YY, Deshpande DR, Diaz-Cabrera NM, Dimitriades VR, El-Owaidy R, ElGhazali G, AlHammadi S, Fabio G, Faure AS, Feng J, Fernandez JM, Fill L, Franco GR, Frenck RW, Fuleihan RL, Giardino G, GalantSwafford J, Gambineri E, Garabedian EK, Geerlinks AV, Goudouris E, Grecco O, Pan-Hammarström Q, Khani HHK, Hammarström L, Hartog NL, Heimall J, Hernandez-Molina G, Horner CC, Hostoffer RW, Hristova N, Hsiao KC, Ivankovich-Escoto G, Jaber F, Jalil M, Jamee M, Jean T, Jeong S, Jhaveri D, Jordan MB, Joshi AY, Kalkat A, Kanarek HJ, Kellner ES, Khojah A, Khoury R, Kokron CM, Kumar A, Lecerf K, Lehman HK, Leiding JW, Lesmana H, Lim XR, Lopes JP, López AL, Tarquini L, Lundgren IS, Magnusson J, Marinho AKBB, Marseglia GL, Martone GM, Mechtler AG, Mendonca L, Milner JD, Mustillo PJ, Naderi AG, Naviglio S, Nell J, Niebur HB, Notarangelo L, Oleastro M, OrtegaLópez MC, Patel NR, Petrovic G, Pignata C, Porras O, Prince BT, Puck JM, Qamar N, Rabusin M, Raje N, Regairaz L, Risma KA, Ristagno EH, Routes J, Roxo-Junior P, Salemi N, Scalchunes C, Schuval SJ, Seneviratne SL, Shankar A, Sherkat R, Shin JJ, Siddiqi A, Signa S, Sobh A, Lima FMS, Stenehjem KK, Tam JS, Tang M, Barros MT, Verbsky J, Vergadi E, Voelker DH, Volpi S, Wall LA, Wang C, Williams KW, Wu EY, Wu SS, Zhou JJ, Cook A, Sullivan KE, Marsh R. J Clin Immunol. 2024 Apr 5;44(4):86. doi: 10.1007/s10875-023-01613-5.PMID: 38578389.

89‌

Featured Publications‌ Meeting report: patient and caregiver recommendations for a mobile health application for‌ paediatric systemic lupus erythematosus.‌

Guardino K, Gaerlan M, ‌Pinotti CS‌, Burnett KR, Kofoed D, Schanberg LE, Hightow-Weidman LB, Randell RL.Lupus‌ Sci Med. 2024 Jul 31;11(2):e001305. doi: 10.1136/lupus-2024-001305.PMID: 39089735.‌‌

Examining the role of patient-reported external factors and risk of relapse in anti-neutrophilic‌ cytoplasmic autoantibody vasculitis.‌

Collie MM, Chen DP, Hu Y, Blazek LN, Derebail VK, ‌Wu EY‌, Jain K, Orzechowski N, Poulton CJ, Henderson CD, Falk‌ RJ, Hogan SL. Front Nephrol. 2024 Jul 2;4:1404451. doi: 10.3389/fneph.2024.1404451. eCollection 2024.PMID:‌ 39015144.‌

Complement as a major mediator of ANCA vasculitis and a target for precision therapy.‌

Bunch DO, Lewis SE, Xiao H, Hu P, Jennette JC, ‌Wu EY‌. Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2025 Jan;21(1):45-53. doi:‌ 10.1080/1744666X.2024.2405170. Epub 2024 Sep 18.PMID: 39275806.‌‌

Update on antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody vasculitis in children.‌

Bloom JL, ‌Wu EY‌. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2024 Sep 1;36(5):336-343. doi: 10.1097/BOR.0000000000001033.‌ Epub 2024 Jul 10.PMID: 38990100.‌

Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes for Pediatric Patients Treated With Rituximab for‌ Idiopathic Pulmonary Capillaritis.‌ Brown OR, Gardner RA, ‌Cannon L‌, Lawler C, McKinzie C, ‌Wu E‌, Vece TJ. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2024; 209:‌ 2310.‌‌

90‌

go.unc.edu/childrens-palliative-care‌ Palliative care is a specialized approach to medical care that focuses on enhancing the quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses. This focused support is provided alongside curative and life-extending treatments to ensure comprehensive care.‌ The Children’s Supportive Care Team delivers expert palliative care services tailored to improve the overall well-being of children and their families. The team’s goals include maintaining a high volume of inpatient consultations, expanding our presence in outpatient settings, and advancing multidisciplinary quality improvement initiatives to enhance care for children with serious illnesses.‌

In 2024, the Supportive Care Team:‌ Remained a highly utilized consult service within the hospital.‌ Continued to offer education to learners from multiple discipline‌s ‌and coordinate palliative care learning opportunities for colleagues in the Children’s Hospital.‌ Served as leaders‌in professional organizations, clinical care guideline initiatives, and research‌ Played a key role in developing clinical pathways for end-of-life care and tracheostomy decision-making‌ Partnered‌with colleagues in Pastoral Care, Child Life, and Social Work to enhance bereavement care for families after the loss of a child‌ The Children’s Supportive Care Team works in collaboration with primary medical teams, offering support at‌ any stage of an illness. We partner with families and healthcare providers to:‌ A‌lleviate symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and sleep disturbances.‌ Provide guidance on complex medical treatments and support informed decision-making.‌ Explore and align medical care with family and patient goals.‌ Assist in planning for future medical care and transitions.‌ Support families, including parents and siblings, as they navigate medical decisions.‌ Faci‌litate hospital-to-home transitions.‌ Assist with end-of-life care planning, including coordination for families choosing hospice care.‌ By integrating compassionate, patient-centered care, the Children’s Supportive Care Team enhances the wellbeing of children with serious illnesses and provides invaluable support to their families.‌

Our Team‌ Physicians‌ Lauren Baumgardner, DO‌ Elisabeth Dellon, MD, MPH‌ Catherine Habashy, MD, MPH‌ Lindsay Marszal MD, MA‌‌ Alyssa Tilly, MD‌

Psychologist‌ Mary Beth Prieur, PhD‌

Advanced Practice Provider‌ La Monica Hunter, DNP, APRN, CPNP‌

Administrative Lead‌ Jessica Simo, MHA‌

91‌

Social Worker‌ Annie Creasey, LCSW‌

www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/wilmington‌ The Wilmington Children’s Specialties Division experienced significant growth and transformation in 2024. Several esteemed professionals joined the team, bringing expertise and dedication to pediatric care. New team members include Jordan Pung, MD; Martin Moya, MD; Ben Bowden, NP; Travis Kauffmann, MD; Jill Kauffmann, MD; Ellie Ward, NNP; and Allison Bundy.

At the same time, the division bids farewell to valued colleagues Stephanie Chambers, NNP; Kelly Zeigler, NNP; Stephanie Blake, NNP; and Kristin Holland. Their contributions have left a lasting impact.

The team is excited to share that a pediatrics residency program in Wilmington is under consideration, with senior leadership actively exploring the initiative to further enhance medical education and pediatric care in the region.

CLINICAL ADVANCEMENTS Significant strides have been made in expanding clinical services and accessibility. Admissions to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center for children living outside the immediate, five-county, region have increased substantially. Outpatient visits within the division have risen nearly 25% year-to-date, reflecting the growing demand for specialized pediatric care. The division has substantially expanded its outpatient clinic offerings, now providing services in Hematology/Oncology, Rheumatology, Nephrology, Urology, Neurosurgery, Pulmonology, Neurology, Click to Endocrinology, Cardiology, Enlarge Gastroenterology, Feeding Team, Special Infant Care, Y-HaWC (weight management), Development, and Mental Health.

Improved access to care is evident, with six of the fifteen specialty clinics now offering new patient appointments within two weeks. Additionally, outreach efforts continue to grow, with clinics now established in Brunswick, Scotts Hill, and Jacksonville, NC. There are further plans to launch a fourth location in Lumberton, NC within the next year.

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS‌ PROFESSORS‌

Jack Sharp‌, MD‌ Martin Moya, MD, MPH, MHS‌

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS Shellie Kendall, MD‌ Marzena Krawiec, MD‌ Yvonne‌ ‌Paris, MD‌ Sean Sullivan, MD‌

MIKE STEINER, MD‌ Interim ‌Division Chief‌

INSTRUCTORS‌

Donna Vaught, PhD‌

92‌

Matthew Adams, MD‌ Sheri Carroll, MD‌ Yvette Chop, MD, MPH‌ Robert Digiuseppe, MD‌ Meghan Dougherty, MD‌ Lauren Gainor, MD‌ Amari Howard, MD‌ Jill Kauffmann, MD‌ Travis Kauffmann, MD‌ Whitney King, MD‌ Kateryna Kotlyarevska, MD‌ Sarah Majstoravich, MD‌

Deana Miller, MD‌ Laura Parente, MD, MPH‌ Stephen Parsons, MD‌ Thomas Paulson, MD‌ Bradley Podd, MD, PhD‌ Jordan Pung, MD‌ Lauren Rust, MD‌ Mohamed Sharaf, MD‌ Christine Tangredi, MD‌ Sonia Varghese, MD, MBA‌ Chip Williams., MD‌

GROWING RESEARCH‌‌ The Wilmington Children’s Specialties Division, in collaboration with UNC Children’s, remains at the forefront of pediatric research, fostering partnerships that enhance clinical trials and treatment opportunities for children in southeastern North Carolina. Novant Health, UNC Health, and UNC School of Medicine have collectively awarded‌ $1 million to launch two clinical trials in the state. The Research Advisory Council has allocated $500,000 over the next two years to build clinical trial capacity, with ‌Dr. Michelle Hernandez‌, ‌Dr. Marzena Krawiec‌, and ‌Dr. Jack Sharp‌serving as co-principal investigators.‌ Initial research efforts focus on asthma clinical trials, with a particular emphasis on addressing health equity in asthma outcomes. The newly established infrastructure will support future clinical trials across all pediatric specialties, further advancing treatment options and medical knowledge.‌

Novant Health, UNC Health and UNC School of Medicine collaborative awards $1 million to launch two clinical trials in North Carolina‌ A $1 million investment will launch two physicianled clinical research efforts in North Carolina to grow medical knowledge by seeking to answer pressing questions.‌‌ The pair of $500,000 research grants focusing on urgent health needs marks the largest single investment awarded by the collaborative involving Novant Health, UNC Health and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine.‌

Read More‌ ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDERS‌‌ Rachel Almond, MSN, FNP‌ Julie Andrews, DNP, PNP‌ Lacey Aycock ,MSN, FNP‌ Emily Baldwin, DNP, NNP‌ Ashley Batten, MSN, NNP‌ Stephanie Blake, DNP, NNP‌ Benjamin Bowden, FNP‌ Susan Boyd, MSN, FNP‌ Stephanie Chambers, MSN, NNP‌ Laura David, MSN, NNP‌ Cashe Emory, MSN, PNP‌ Christen Ferguson, MSN, NNP‌ Diana Gordon, MSN, PNP‌ Elizabeth Granger, MSN, NNP‌ Erin Graves, MSN, FNP‌

Susan Hall, MSN, NNP‌ Julie Heintz, MSN, NNP‌ Morgan Holt, PA-C‌ Carolyn Jones, PhD, NNP‌ Pam Kasten, MSN, NNP‌ Kristin Leahy, DNP, NNP‌ Kelly Lefler, MSN, NNP‌ Jordan Lewis, MSN, PNP‌ Carolanne Majeski, MSN, FNP‌ Elizabeth Ward Mears, MSN, NNP‌ Brenda Melvin, MSN, FNP‌ Heather Moore, MSN, NNP‌ Julie Oliver, MSN, NNP Deb Parker, MSN, NNP‌ Megan Peedin, MSN, FNP‌

93‌

Paula Roach, MSN, NNP‌ Amanda Rogers, MSN, PNP‌ Morgan Such, MSN, PNP‌ Natalie Tracy, MSN, NNP‌ Sarah Williamson, MSN, NNP‌ Kelly Zeigler, MSN, NNP‌

STAFF‌

Tiffony Blanks‌ Allison Bundy‌ Kayla Cole‌ Melinda Cutrell‌ Elizabeth Stinson Janet Hoffer‌ Carolyn Whitehead‌

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP‌ The division remains deeply connected to the children and families of North Carolina, demonstrating a strong‌ commitment to advocacy and leadership in pediatric health. Physicians within the division continue to contribute‌ to public health initiatives, including policy efforts aimed at improving child and family well-being.‌ In honor of neonatologist Fernando Moya, MD, the division, welcomed pediatric visiting professor, Steven M. Donn, MD who facilitated two educational sessions on October 22 and 23, 2024. Topics included Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Myths of Management and Prospective Risk Management and Transparency and were held at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and the Nunnelee Pediatric Multispecialty Clinic at Autumn.

Dr. Christine Tangredi has been actively raising awareness about epilepsy. She shared her professional insights with WECT News during National Epilepsy Awareness Month, in addition to speaking on a panel at the 27th Annual Pediatric Epilepsy Symposium in Asheville, NC. Dr. Brad Podd is leading a state-wide study on capacity monitoring of pediatric ICUs, contributing vital data to enhance pediatric critical care resources.

Dr. Kateryna Kotlyarevska’s recognition as a finalist for the Greater Wilmington Business Journal Health Care Heroes Award underscores the division’s leadership in pediatric healthcare.

Drs. Moya, Donn, and Steiner‌

Featured Publications‌ Opportunistic dried blood spot sampling validates and optimizes a pediatric population pharmacokinetic‌ model of metronidazole.‌ Randell RL, Balevic SJ, Greenberg RG, Cohen-Wolkowiez M, Thompson EJ, Venkatachalam S, Smith MJ, Bendel C,‌ Bliss JM, Chaaban H, Chhabra R, Dammann CEL, Downey LC, Hornik C, Hussain N, Laughon MM, Lavery A, ‌Moya F,‌ Saxonhouse M, Sokol GM, Trembath A, Weitkamp J-H, Hornik CP; Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act – Pediatric‌ Trials Network Steering Committee.Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2024 Apr 3;68(4):e0153323. doi:‌ 10.1128/aac.01533-23. Epub 2024 Mar 14.PMID: 38477706.‌

The Growth of Regional Children's Campuses and Academic Departments of Pediatrics.‌

Steiner MJ, ‌Moya F,‌Liles BL, Jaskolka M, Pino J, Hurtado CW, Manno CS, Davis SD.J Pediatr. 2024 Sep; 272:114141.‌ doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114141. Epub 2024 Jun 12.PMID: 38876153.‌‌

Early, Persistent Lymphopenia Is Associated With Prolonged Multiple Organ Failure and Mortality in‌ Septic Children.

Podd BS‌, Banks RK, Reeder R, Telford R, Holubkov R, Carcillo J, Berg RA, Wessel D, Pollack MM, Meert K, Hall M,‌ Newth C, Lin JC, Doctor A, Shanley T, Cornell T, Harrison RE, Zuppa AF, Sward K, Dean JM, Randolph AG; Eunice‌ Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care‌ Research Network.Crit Care Med. 2023 Dec 1;51(12):1766-1776. doi: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000005993. Epub 2023‌ Jul 18.PMID: 37462434.‌

Hypoglycemia and a Weak Cry in a 4-month-old Infant.‌

Miller DH‌. Pediatr Rev. 2024 Sep 1;45(9):522-524. doi: 10.1542/pir.2022-005882.PMID: 39217119.‌

A homozygous missense variant in the YG box domain in an individual with severe spinal muscular‌ atrophy: a case report and variant characterization.‌

Li L, Perera L, ‌Varghese SA‌, Shiloh-Malawsky Y, Hunter SE, Sneddon TP, Powell CM, Matera AG, Fan Z.Front Cell‌ Neurosci. 2023 Sep 26;17:1259380. doi: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1259380. eCollection 2023.PMID: 37841286.‌

Synthetic surfactants.‌

Moya F,‌Curstedt T, Johansson J, Sweet D.Semin Fetal Neonatal Med. 2023 Dec;28(6):101503. doi: 10.1016/j.siny.2023.101503. Epub 2023 Nov 22.PMID: 38036308.‌

94‌

www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/gi‌ The Division of Gastroenterology is pleased to welcome ‌Dr. Theresa‌ Heifert‌as a clinical provider, ‌Jennifer Grosser‌as a social worker integrated into multidisciplinary clinics, and ‌Dr. Anushree Murugan‌as a first-year fellow. This year also marked significant transitions within the division, as graduating fellow ‌Dr. Stephanie Borinsky ‌joined the FDA and Dr. Vivek Shenoy‌departed for a faculty position at Emory University, Atlanta. Their contributions have been invaluable, and their dedication to advancing pediatric gastroenterology is deeply appreciated.‌

FRANCISCO SYLVESTER, MD‌ Division Chief‌

PROFESSORS‌

Ajay Gulati, MD‌ Michael Kappelman, MD, MPH‌ Steven Lichtman, MD‌ Francisco Sylvester, MD‌

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS‌

Sabina Mir, MD‌ Matthew Egberg, MD, MPH, MMSc‌

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS‌ Erica Brenner, MD, MSCR‌ Theresa Heifert, MD‌ Camilla Mills, MD‌ Vivek Shenoy, MD‌ Monica Shukla-Udawatta, MD‌

ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDERS‌ Katherine Gilmore, APRN‌ Tina Greeson, MSN‌ Maureen Kelly, DNP‌‌ Jessica Owens, MSN‌

FELLOWS‌

Stephanie Borinsky, MD‌‌ Christian Hochhalter, MD‌ Anushree Murugan, MD‌ Ahmad Sami, MD‌‌

EHRA NON-FACULTY‌ Xian Zhang, PhD‌

STAFF‌

Tasha Alston‌ Margaret Boccieri‌ LaKina Bullock‌ Brenda Hansen‌ EJ Lee‌ Beth McLean‌ Lindsay Pattison‌ Alicia Schnack‌ Rose Thomas Becket‌ Thalia Tulloch‌

CLINICAL GROWTH AND ADVANCEMENTS‌ The division experienced sustained growth in outpatient clinic visits, an‌ increased number of biologic infusions for children with inflammatory‌ bowel diseases, and a rise in procedural volume. To enhance the breadth‌ and accessibility of specialized care, ‌Dr. Theresa Heifert‌provides full-time‌ services at Sanford, while ‌Dr. Camilla Mills‌is dedicated full-time to Cone‌ Health.‌ Through process improvement initiatives, procedural volume increased by 15% compared to the previous year, reaching 1,600 endoscopic procedures. The number of biologic infusions administered for pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases surpassed 1,300 this year. Furthermore, the pediatric IBD program experienced an 8% growth, now serving 539 patients.‌ RESEARCH EXCELLENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS Fellows Dr. Stephanie Borinsky completed her Masters in Clinic Research at the Gillings School for Global Public Health and published six peerreviewed manuscripts in eosinophilic esophagitis. Main mentor: Dr. Evan Dellon Dr. Ahmad Sami, Carolina Child Health Scholar and Pediatric GI Fellow, delivered an oral presentation at the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition annual conference. His abstract, Dr. Ahmad Sami‌ "Urolithin A-mediated Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling Attenuates Necrotizing Enterocolitis," presented on‌ behalf of a distinguished group of co-authors. Main mentor: Dr. Misty Good‌ Dr. Christian Hochhalter‌was selected by our residents for the UNC Fellow‌ Clinician Educator Award and was inducted into the UNC Academy of‌ Educators. He was accepted into the UNC Pediatric Physician Scientist‌ Training T32 Program. Main mentor: Dr. Daniel Gonzales.‌ Faculty‌ Dr. Erica Brenner ‌received the IQVIA Pediatric Clinical Research Scholar, a Career Development Award that provides protected time and research support to evaluate the safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and estrogen-based contraceptives, respectively, for treating dysmenorrhea among young women with IBD, using real-world data.‌

95‌

Dr. Matthew Egberg‌was named Co-Chair of NASPGHAN’s Data Science Interest Group. He was invited to join‌ the editorial board for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. He was invited to give Grand Rounds at the University of‌ West Virginia Dept. Pediatrics. ‘Improving Clinical Outcomes in Pediatric IBD Using Secondary Analyses’ and‌ was invited speaker at the Crohn’s and Colitis Patient Education Day; Emerging AI research in IBD.‌ Dr. Ajay Gulati‌was invited to present ‘Preventing and Detecting Disease Recurrence after Surgery in Children‌ with Crohn’s Disease’, at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress.‌ Dr. Michael Kappelman‌led a groundbreaking study revealing that 100,000 American youth are living with‌ inflammatory bowel disease. Published in Gastroenterology, the study underscores the rising prevalence of pediatric IBD in the United States, now ranking among the highest globally. Additionally, Dr. Kappelman secured‌ a $14.4 million grant to study emerging medications for pediatric IBD patients.‌ Dr. Sabina Mir‌was the site co-investigator at UNC for a randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study‌ to investigate the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in pediatric patients with active eosinophilic esophagitis‌ (www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04394351 PI Evan Dellon). Based on this study, dupilumab was FDA-approved‌ in January 2024 for children 1-11 years of age with EoE. She is a member of the NASPGHAN Polyposis Special‌ Interest Group.‌ Dr. Francisco Sylvester‌delivered ‘The Alphabet Soup of Treatment of Pediatric IBD’ Grand Rounds at‌ Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Hartford, CT, June 2024; Pediatric GI Grand Rounds “Bone and Vitamin‌ D in Pediatric IBD”. Cohen Children's Medical Center Gastroenterology And Nutrition; Crohn’s and Colitis‌ Foundation Triangle Patient Education Session ‘Research Updates In IBD’.‌ EDUCATION AND MENTORSHIP‌ Dr. Ahmad Sami r‌eceived the Johnny Carson Award for Best Overall Research and the Jud Van Wyk Award for‌ Best Basic Science Research at the Annual Evening of Scholarship. Additionally, Dr. Sami was recognized with‌ the APS/SPR Journeys and Frontiers in Pediatric Research Award.‌

96‌

FACULTY RECOGNITION AND LEADERSHIP‌ Dr. Camilla Mills ‌was selected for the 2024 cohort of the Leadership in Academic Medicine Program (LAMP),‌ which supports junior faculty within their first three years at UNC by fostering professional development,‌ networking, and career success. She is a member of the NASPGHAN Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.‌ Dr. Ajay Gulati ‌was formally elected to active membership in the American Pediatric Society (APS), highlighting‌ his significant contributions to the field.‌ Dr. Sabina Mir‌completed her tenure at the American Board of Pediatrics sub-board in Pediatric‌ Gastroenterology, which is responsible for developing the initial certifying exam, maintenance of certification‌ (MOC), MOCA-Peds and SITE examination. She served as the Chair of the ABP sub-board of Pediatric‌ Gastroenterology Credentials Committee.‌ COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT‌ The Division of Gastroenterology continued its commitment to community outreach and patient advocacy‌ through active participation in the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s Patient and Family Education Day and the‌ annual Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation Walk.‌ With continued dedication to clinical excellence, research innovation, education, and community engagement,‌ the Division of Gastroenterology remains at the forefront of advancing care for children with gastrointestinal‌ disorders.‌

Research Awards‌ Matthew Egberg, MD, MPH, MMSc‌ Was awarded new funding from AbbVie, Inc. in the amount of $15,279 for the project 'A Phase 3 Multicenter Study to Evaluate Efficacy, Safety, and Pharmacokinetics of Upadacitinib with Open-Label Induction, Randomized, Double-Blind Maintenance and Open-Label Long-Term Extension in Pediatric Subjects with Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis and Inadequate Response, Intolerance, or Medical Contraindications to Corticosteroids, Immunosuppressants, and/or Biologic Therapy'.‌ Was awarded new funding from AbbVie, Inc. in the amount of $27,938 for the project 'A Phase 3, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Parallel-group, Safety and Efficacy Study of Linaclotide versus Placebo in Pediatric Subjects, Ages 2 to 5 Years, with Functional Constipation (FC) with a 24-week Open-label Treatment Extension'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) in the amount of $60,921 for the project 'Cohort for Pediatric Translational and Clinical Research in IBD project'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality‌ through the University of Michigan (UMICH) in the amount of $26,286 for the project 'Standardization of Evaluation to Treatment of pediatric perianal Crohn's disease and improving Outcomes through Networking (SETON)'.‌

97‌

Research Awards‌ Ajay Gulati, MD‌

Received ongoing support from NIH National Institute of Diabetes,‌ Digestive, and Kidney Diseases (NIDDKD) in the amount of $442,875 for the‌ project 'Mechanisms of gut microbiota-driven Paneth cell regulation'.‌ Was awarded new funding from the Leona M and Harry B Helmsley‌ Charitable Trust through the Washington University in Saint Louis in the‌ amount of $258,092 for the project 'Cellular biomarkers for pediatric‌ Crohn's disease'.‌ Was awarded new funding from the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America through the American Dental Association in the amount of $49,379 for the project ‘Monitoring Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Using Salivary Multiomics.’‌

Michael Kappelman, MD, MPH‌

Received ongoing support from DHHS Centers for Disease Control and‌ Prevention (CDC) in the amount of $774,997 for the project 'Improving‌ Outcomes and Reducing Disparities for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel‌ Disease through Epidemiology, Enhanced Disease Management,‌ Dissemination, and Education'.‌ Received ongoing support from Janssen Services LLC. in the amount of‌ $40,525 for the project 'C0168Z02 A Multicenter, Prospective, Long-term,‌ Observational Registry of Ped'.‌ Was awarded new funding from AbbVie, Inc. in the amount of $4,457 for the‌ project 'Long-Term Non-Interventional Registry to Assess Safety and‌ Effectiveness of Humira® (Adalimumab) in Pediatric Patients with‌ Moderately to Severely Active Crohn's Disease (CD) - CAPE'.‌ Was awarded new funding from ImproveCareNow in the amount of $67,059 for the project 'Implementing the COMBINE Trial Results in the ImproveCareNow (ICN) Learning Health Network'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the amount of $41,863 for the project 'Subcontract Vanderbilt PCORnet Infrastructure Capacity Building Innovation Workgroup. Dr. Kappelman will serve as SME for the Innovation Workgroup'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the amount of $62,650 for the project 'Subcontract Vanderbilt PCORnet Mental and Behavioral Health Workgroup. Dr. Meltzer-Brody will serve as co-chair for the Workgroup'.‌

Steven Lichtman, MD‌

Was awarded new funding from AbbVie, Inc. in the amount of $1,869 for the‌ project 'An Open-Label, Multicenter Study to Evaluate the‌ Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Efficacy of Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir in‌ Pediatric Subjects with Genotypes 1-6 Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Gilead Sciences, Inc. in the amount of $2,670 for the project 'Gilead HCV Registry 334-1113'.‌

98‌

Featured Publications‌ Spanish-Speaking Parents' Experiences Accessing Care: Evolving Challenges and Promising Approaches.‌ Flower KB, Gutierrez-Wu JC, McBride JP, ‌Sylvester F‌, Díaz-González de Ferris ME. Acad Pediatr. 2024 Apr;24(3):391-‌ 393. doi: 10.1016/j.acap.2024.01.012. Epub 2024 Jan 20. PMID: 38253176.‌

Long-Term Effectiveness and Durability of COVID-19 Vaccination Among Patients With Inflammatory‌ Bowel Disease.‌

Brenner EJ‌, Weaver KN, ‌Zhang X,‌Kastl AJ, Strople JA, Adler J, Dubinsky MC, Bousvaros A, Watkins R, Dai X, Chen W,‌ Cross RK, Higgins PDR, Ungaro RC, Bewtra M, Bellaguarda EA, Farraye FA, Chun KY, Zikry M, Bastidas M, Firestine A,‌ Craig RG, Boccieri ME, Long MD, ‌Kappelman MD‌. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024 Jul;22(7):1475-1486.e4. doi:‌ 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.02.001. Epub 2024 Feb 17. PMID: 38369224.‌

High Body Mass Index and Response to Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Therapy in Pediatric Crohn's Disease.‌

Ebach DR, Jester TW, ‌Galanko JA‌, Firestine AM, Ammoury R, Cabrera J, Bass J, Minar P, Olano K, Margolis P, Sandberg‌ K, Linnville TM, Kaplan J, Pitch L, Steiner SJ, Bass D, Moses J, Adler J, ‌Gulati AS‌, Wali P, Pashankar D, Ivanova A,‌ Herfarth H, Wohl DA, Benkov KJ, Strople J, Sullivan J, Tung J, Molle-Rios Z, Saeed SA, Bousvaros A, ‌Kappelman MD‌.‌ Am J Gastroenterol. 2024 Jun 1;119(6):1110-1116. doi: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002741. Epub 2024 Mar 6. PMID:‌ 38445644.‌‌

Real-world Evidence Comparing Tofacitinib and Vedolizumab in Anti-TNF-experienced Patients With‌ Ulcerative Colitis.‌

Adimadhyam S, Lewis JD, Simon AL, Wolfe AE, Smith S, Hou L, Moyneur É, Reynolds JS, Toh S, Dobes A, Parlett L,‌ Haynes K, Burris J, Dorand JE, Long MD‌, Kappelman MD‌. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2024 Apr 3;30(4):554-562. doi:‌ 10.1093/ibd/izad115. PMID: 37358904.‌

High Use of Estrogen-based Contraceptives in Young Women With Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the‌ United States.‌ Brenner EJ, Zhang X, ‌Long MD, Dubinsky MC, ‌Kappelman MD‌. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024 Feb;22(2):427-‌ 429.e28. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.07.007. Epub 2023 Jul 22. PMID: 37482173.‌

A clinical predictive model identifies pediatric patients at risk for eosinophilic esophagitis.‌

Borinsky SA‌, Miller TL, Dellon ES. Dig Liver Dis. 2024 Dec;56(12):2045-2051. doi: 10.1016/j.dld.2024.06.019. Epub‌ 2024 Jul 6. PMID: 38972789.‌

Travel Time to Treating Center is Associated With Diagnostic Delay in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel‌ Disease.‌

McLaughlin JF, Linville T, Jester TW, Marciano TA, Lazare F, Dotson JL, Samson C, Niklinska-Schirtz B, Cabrera J,‌ Leibowtiz I, Batra S, Ammoury R, Strople JA, Saeed S, Sandberg KC, Tung J, Verstraete SG, Cox RF, Na S, Steiner SJ, Ali‌ SA, Israel EJ, Dorsey J, Adler J, Rekhtman Y, ‌Egberg MD‌, Waduge ER, Savas J, Brensinger CM, Lewis JD, ‌Kappelman‌ MD‌. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024 Aug 23:S1542-3565(24)00761-4. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.07.027. Online ahead of‌ print. PMID: 39181423.‌

Corticosteroids but not Anti-TNF Are Associated With Increased COVID-19 Complications in Patients With‌ Inflammatory Bowel Disease.‌ Long MD, Parlett L, Lewis JD, Haynes K, Adimadhyam S, Hou L, Wolfe A, Toh S, Burris J, Dorand J, ‌Kappelman MD‌.‌ Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2024 Aug 1;30(8):1345-1352. doi: 10.1093/ibd/izad176. PMID: 37611117.‌

Metagenomic, metabolomic, and lipidomic shifts associated with fecal microbiota transplantation f‌or‌ recurrent Clostridioides difficile‌‌infection.‌ McMillan AS, Zhang G, Dougherty MK, McGill SK, ‌Gulati AS‌, Baker ES, Theriot CM. mSphere. 2024 Oct 29;9(10):e0070624. doi: 10.1128/msphere.00706-24. Epub 2024 Oct 8. PMID: 39377587.‌

Daily or Twice Daily Treatment with Topical Steroids Results in Similar Responses in Eosinophilic‌ Esophagitis.‌

Reed CC, LaFata SS, Gee TS, Thel HL, Cameron BA, Xue AZ, Kiran A, Ocampo AA, McCallen J, Lee CJ, ‌Borinsky SA‌,‌ Redd WD, Barlowe T, Kaakati RN, Cotton CC, Eluri S, Dellon ES. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024 Nov 17:S1542-‌ 3565(24)01039-5. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.10.016. Online ahead of print. PMID: 39551254.‌

99‌

www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/ai‌ The Division of Allergy/Immunology proudly welcomed several new members in 2024, reinforcing its commitment to clinical excellence, research innovation, and education. Among the newest additions to the team is Maureen Petersen, MD, who joins as an Associate Professor. The fellowship program has also expanded with the arrival of first-year fellows Hema Chagarlamudi, MD, and Katherine Caid, MD. The research team also grew with the addition of James Krempski, PhD, as a postdoctoral research associate, Latoya Obende as a clinical research nurse coordinator, and Regan Brown as a research assistant. These new team members bring fresh perspectives and expertise, enriching the division’s multidisciplinary approach to allergy and immunology care.

The division also extends its deepest gratitude to those departing, including research assistant Heba Akhtar and coordinator Jennifer Gartrell, and graduating fellows, Dr. Jeremy Owens and Dr. Rayan Kaakati, both of whom have embarked on new professional endeavors. Their commitment to patient care, research, and education has left a lasting impact, and they will be greatly missed.

CLINICAL ACHIEVEMENTS This year marked meaningful progress in clinical services. The Blue Ridge Allergy Clinic successfully introduced sublingual immunotherapy treatment, enhancing treatment options for patients managing allergic conditions.

Patient engagement and clinical services expanded further, as demonstrated by the increase in completed appointments at the Raleigh and Chapel Hill locations, rising from 5,076 in 2023 to 5,305 in 2024. This growth reflects the division’s dedication to improving access to specialized care.

Additionally, the efficiency of clinical operations saw considerable improvement, with template utilization rising from 88.4% in 2023 to an impressive 94.2% in 2024.

A significant advancement in patient care emerged through the work of Lauren Herlihy, DNP, RN, CPNP. The clinical decision support toolkit for early peanut introduction in infants is aimed at preventing peanut allergy development.

EDWIN KIM, MD, MS‌ Division Chief‌

PROFESSORS‌

Neil Alexis, PhD‌ Wesley Burks, MD‌ Michelle Hernandez, MD‌ Ilona Jaspers, PhD‌ Corinne Keet, MD, PhD‌ David Peden, MD, MS‌

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS‌ Allison Burbank, MD‌ Edwin Kim, MD, MS‌ Michael Kulis, PhD‌ Timothy Moran, MD, PhD‌ Maureen Petersen, MD‌ Yamini Virkud, MD, MPH‌

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS‌ Elizabeth Corteselli, PhD‌ Anusha Penumarti, PhD‌ Meghan Rebuli, PhD‌ Johanna Smeekens, PhD‌ Kathleen Wang, MD‌

INSTRUCTORS‌

Deanna Hamilton, RN‌ Lauren Herlihy, DNP, RN, CPNP‌

RESEARCH EXCELLENCE The Division of Allergy/Immunology continues to be at the forefront of research, securing major funding awards and contributing groundbreaking insights into allergy and immunology. Dr. Corinne Keet received a prestigious NIAID grant totaling over $828,000 annually for five years, focusing on the role of food sensitization in cardiovascular disease. Dr. Keet was also named Chair of the AITC Study Section for the NIAID/NIH. The division also celebrated Dr. Meghan Rebuli’s selection for the Jefferson-Pilot Fellowship Award and Dr. Michelle Hernandez’s receipt of the TraCS-Novant Health Capacity Building Grant, both of which recognize their pioneering research efforts.

100‌

ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDERS‌

Holly Barber, MSN, CPNP‌ Samantha Borden, MSN, CPNP‌ Emily English, MSN, CPNP‌ Jennifer Gartrell, MSN, CPNP‌ Lauren Herlihy, DPN, CPNP‌ Pamela Steele, MSN, CPNP‌

FELLOWS‌

Nonie Arora, MD, MBA‌ Catherine Caid, MD‌ Hema Chagarlamudi, MD‌ Rayan Kaakati, MD‌ Jeremy Owens, MD, MS‌ Mayuran Ravindran, MD‌

EHRA NON-FACULTY‌ Xiaohong Yue‌

STAFF‌

Heba Akhtar‌ Emma Blair‌ Regan Brown‌ Jacob McCauley‌ Rishu Guo‌ Janelle Kesselring‌ Latoya Obende, RN‌ Aliviya Schulze‌ Julie Seung‌ Jessi Stark‌ Andrew Turner‌

Dr. Ilona Jaspers‌secured multiple NIH-funded projects exploring various‌ aspects of respiratory health, including the effects of wildfire smoke on‌ antiviral defense responses, the health implications of cannabidiol vaping,‌ and the role of nasal mucosal immunity in HIV-associated lung disease.‌ Another important research milestone was achieved by ‌Dr. Edwin Kim ‌and‌‌ Dr. Corinne Keet‌, who were awarded a seven-year, $390,000 per year NIAID grant for the Consortium for Food Allergy Research Clinical Research Center.

Dr. Kim‌also received funding from FARE to support a three-year study investigating cross-reactive desensitization with tree-nut sublingual immunotherapy.‌ The division’s research presence was prominently felt at the 2024 AAAAI‌ Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, where faculty and fellows presented their‌ latest findings. Further advancing research infrastructure, ‌Dr. Edwin Kim‌was‌ named Associate Medical Director of the Clinical & Translational Research‌ Center at NCTraCS, enhancing access to essential research support services‌ such as examination rooms, specimen processing, and skilled research‌ professionals.‌

EDUCATION & FELLOWSHIPS‌ The division remains deeply committed to training the next generation of allergy and immunology specialists. As‌ part of her role as Vice Chair of Clinical and Translational Research for the Department of Pediatrics, ‌Dr. Corinne‌ Keet ‌co-leads the Carolina Children's Health Scholar Program, which mentors residents and fellows who are‌ pursuing academic research careers in pediatrics. Graduates from the Allergy & Immunology fellowship program‌ have moved on to promising careers. ‌Dr. Jeremy Owens‌has joined private practice at Allergy Partners in Virginia‌ Beach, while ‌Dr. Rayan Kaakati ‌has begun her ‌practice at Raleigh Capitol ENT.‌ Among this year’s most notable accomplishments, senior fellows ‌Dr. Mayuran Ravindran ‌and ‌Dr. Nonie Arora‌ attended the NC Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Society conference, where they presented on peanut sublingual immunotherapy and recorded an educational video on the subject to be used in the Pediatric Allergy outpatient clinics. In addition, ‌Dr. Mayuran Ravindran ‌was recognized for his research excellence, receiving the Best Fellow Presentation award at the Southeast Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Society Meeting. His winning abstract explored the impact of atopic comorbidities on pediatric peanut sublingual immunotherapy outcomes.‌‌ ADVOCACY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT‌ Division members remain dedicated to advocacy and public health‌ outreach, contributing to key discussions on respiratory and allergic‌ conditions. ‌Dr. Mayuran Ravindran ‌contributed to community education‌ with his presentation on food allergy awareness at the FooDiversity‌ Fundraiser in Chapel Hill.‌ Dr. Corinne Keet ‌and ‌Dr. Edwin Kim‌participated in the Carolinas Feeding Community Health session on Food Allergy in January 2024, educating community members who work to increase access to healthy foods on the current state of food allergy.‌ Dr. Michelle Hernandez‌played an active role in the UNC Children’s Asthma Fair, providing critical education and resources to families managing pediatric asthma‌.‌‌

101‌

Dr. Allison Burbank ‌joined the Alliance for Patient Access’s Respiratory Therapy Access Working Group in‌ Washington, D.C., advocating for patient access to effective treatments. Meanwhile, ‌Dr. Edwin Kim‌participated in multiple high-profile educational and advocacy engagements, including the FARE Courage at Congress event in‌ Washington, DC, where he highlighted the importance of funding for food allergy research.‌Dr. Kim ‌also delivered‌ the keynote address at the Gores Family Allergy Center Symposium in Los Angeles, discussing therapeutic‌ advancements in food allergy treatment.‌ FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS & RECOGNITION‌ Faculty members received numerous accolades in 2024, recognizing their leadership‌ and contributions to allergy and immunology. ‌Dr. Meghan Rebuli ‌was accepted as a‌ Fellow of the American Thoracic Society and selected for the AAMC Early Career‌ Women Faculty Leadership Development Seminar, an honor reflecting her leadership in‌ the field.‌‌ Dr. Rebuli‌was also awarded the CEHS New Environmental Health Sciences Innovator‌ Award and the Jefferson-Pilot Fellowship, further solidifying her role as a leader in‌ environmental health and immunology research.‌ Dr. Allison Burbank‌was accepted into the NC TraCS Clinical Trialist Training Program‌ and was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, a‌ prestigious recognition of her expertise.‌‌

Meghan Rebuli, PhD‌

Additionally, ‌Dr. Tim Moran‌was elected Secretary of the Mechanisms of Asthma and‌ Allergic Inflammation Interest Section of AAAAI, with his term beginning in March 2025.‌ MEDIA PRESENCE & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT‌ The division’s faculty played a prominent role in shaping public conversations around‌ allergies and immunology through widespread media engagement. National and‌ regional media outlets such as WRAL, ABC11, NPR, and the Raleigh News & Observer‌ featured expert insights from division members on critical topics such as the FDA‌ approval of new food allergy treatments, the impact of climate change on seasonal‌ allergies, and advancements in diagnostic tools.‌‌ Dr. Edwin Kim‌provided expert commentary in multiple outlets regarding emerging‌ therapies for food allergies. HCPLive showcased research on the potential benefits of‌ nasal epinephrine spray for severe allergies, while NPR’s The People’s Pharmacy‌ featured a segment with ‌Dr. David Peden ‌on managing allergies year-round through a‌ combination of pharmaceuticals and natural remedies. Additionally, Expert‌ Perspectives in Medicine covered discussions led by division faculty on biologic‌ therapy for IgE-mediated food allergies and the importance of shared decision-‌ making in allergy management. This media presence highlights the division’s‌ commitment to public education and its role as a leader in the field.‌ Through clinical innovation, groundbreaking research, dedicated education, and‌ impactful advocacy, the Division of Allergy/Immunology remains steadfast in its‌ mission to improve patient outcomes and advance the understanding of allergy and‌ immunology. The dedication of faculty, fellows, and researchers continues to drive‌ progress in the field, ensuring a lasting impact on both patients and the broader‌ medical community.‌

102‌

Allison Burbank, MD‌

Timothy Moran, MD, PhD‌

Research Awards‌ Neil Alexis, PhD‌

Received ongoing support from NIH National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) in the amount of $233,250 for the project 'PM exposure and changes in respiratory host defense responses.'.‌ Received ongoing support from Spirovation, Inc. in the amount of $3,366 for‌ the project 'Staining, QC and Cell Differential Counts for ARORAGE Samples'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Columbia University in the amount of‌ $61,452 for the project 'Airway trees in the Anthropocene: Defining resilient‌ airway trees and identifying the candidate mechanisms and etiologic factors‌ that increase susceptibility to tobacco smoke and air pollution'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Spirovation, Inc. in the amount of $12,304‌ for the project 'Sputum Processing of 30 Untreated Sputum Samples'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Spirovation, Inc. in the amount of $224,150‌ for the project 'Sputum Processing of up to 590 Untreated Sputum Samples‌ - AstraZeneca Oberon-Titania Study'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Spirovation, Inc. in the amount of $25,851‌ for the project 'Identification and Preparation of Biorepository Samples'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Spirovation, Inc. in the amount of $86,140‌ for the project 'Lung BAL/Brushings, Sputum and Blood/Plasma from‌ Healthy Smokers and Subjects with COPD'.

Elizabeth Corteselli, PhD‌

Was awarded new funding from Francis Family Foundation in the amount of‌ $75,000 for the project 'Oxidative Inactivation of Cathepsin B, Disruption of‌ Airway Epithelial Cell Plasticity and Pulmonary Fibrosis'.‌

Michelle Hernandez, MD‌

Received ongoing support from DARTNet Institute in the amount of $130,935 for the project 'iTREAT-PC Individualizing Treatment for Asthma in Primary Care'.‌ Received ongoing support from NIH National Center for Advancing‌ Translational Sciences (NCATS) in the amount of $1,619,730 for the project‌ 'Mentored Research Career Development Program Award in Clinical and‌ Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program (K12 Clinical Trial Optional)'.‌ Was awarded new funding from ALK-Abello A/S in the amount of $8,035 for‌ the project 'A one-year placebo-controlled phase III trial evaluating the‌ efficacy and safety of the house dust mite (HDM) SLIT-tablet in children (5-‌ 11 years of age) with HDM allergic rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis with or without‌ asthma'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Lilly USA LLC in the amount of $17,365 for‌‌ the project 'Pediatric Options for Migraine Relief: A Randomized, Double-‌ Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Lasmiditan for Acute Treatment of‌ Migraine: PIONEER-PEDS1 H8H-MC-LAHV'.‌

103‌

Research Awards‌ Michelle Hernandez, MD‌

Was awarded new funding from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in the amount of $28,798 for the project 'NCCU RCMI Practice Based Equity Research Network (PBERN)'.‌ Was awarded new funding from OM Pharma Ltd. in the amount of $37,740‌ for the project 'A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind,‌ Multicenter, Phase 2 Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Daily OM-85‌ Treatment vs. Placebo in Children Aged 6 Months to 5 Years with Recurrent‌ Wheezing'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Pfizer Inc. (Connecticut) in the amount of‌ $14,178 for the project 'A Phase 2/3, Interventional Safety, Pharmacokinetics,‌ and Efficacy, Open-Label, Multi-Center, Single-Arm Study To Investigate‌ Orally Administered PF-07321332 (Nirmatrelvir)/Ritonavir In Non-‌ hospitalized Symptomatic Pediatric Participants with Covid-19 Who Are At‌ Risk Of Progression To Severe Disease'.‌ Was awarded new funding from AstraZeneca AB in the amount of $38,253‌ for the project 'A Multicentre, Randomised, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group‌ Placebo-Controlled, Phase 3, Efficacy and Safety Study of Tezepelumab in 5‌ to < 12 Year Old Children with Severe Uncontrolled Asthma'.‌

Ilona Jaspers, PhD‌

Received ongoing support from NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in the amount of $40,040 for the project 'FELLOW:C LOVE Respiratory health effects of aerosolized delta-8-THC and its oxidation products'.‌ Was awarded new funding from NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood‌ Institute (NHLBI) in the amount of $73,828 for the project 'The Effects of‌ Ozone-Induced Oxysterols on Thrombotic Risk'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Society of Toxicology (SOT) in the amount of‌ $12,000 for the project '2024 SOT Summer Undergraduate Internship‌ Program - 21st Century Environmental Health Scholars'.‌ Was awarded new funding from United States Environmental Protection‌ Agency (EPA) in the amount of $1,231,955 for the project 'Convergence‌ Science in Environmental Health (COSINE)'.‌

Corinne Keet, MD, PhD‌

Received ongoing support from Johns Hopkins University in the amount of $33,557 for the project 'The Effect of a Housing Mobility Program on Environmental Exposures and Asthma Morbidity Among Low-Income Minority Children'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in‌ the amount of $20,972 for the project 'Systems Biology of Early Atopy‌ (SUNBEAM) Analysis and Bioinformatics Center'.‌ Received ongoing support from NIH National Institute of Allergy and‌ Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in the amount of $828,775 for the project 'The‌ Role of Food Sensitization in Cardiovascular Disease'.‌

104‌

Research Awards‌ Edwin Kim, MD, MS‌

Received ongoing support from Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) in the amount of $100,000 for the project 'FARE Clinical Network - FCN'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Abbott Nutrition in the amount of $27,734 for‌ the project 'Abbott: AL60, Determination of Hypoallergenicity of an Extensively‌ Hydrolyzed Infant Formula in Infants and Children with Cow's Milk Allergy'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Aimmune Therapeutics, Inc. in the amount of‌ $29,778 for the project 'ARC008 A Multicenter, Open-Label, Long-Term Safety‌ Study Of AR101 Characterized Oral Desensitization Immunotherapy In Subjects‌ Who Participated In A Prior AR101 Study'.‌ Was awarded new funding from ALK-Abello A/S in the amount of $13,988 for the‌ project 'phase I open label trial to assess the tolerability and safety of an up-‌ dosing regimen with a once-daily peanut sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)-‌ tablet in adults, adolescents, and children with peanut allergies'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Alladapt Immunotherapeutics, Inc. in the‌ amount of $18,603 for the project 'An Open-Label Extension Study Evaluating‌ the Safety and Efficacy of ADP101 for Oral Immunotherapy'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Aravax Pty Ltd in the amount of $74,523 for the‌ project 'Aravax Phase 2 Clinical Trial'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Benaroya Research Institute in the amount of‌ $46,538 for the project 'Immune Tolerance Network'.‌ Was awarded new funding from DBV Technologies S.A. in the amount of $21,708‌ for the project 'EPITOPE Open-label Extension Study to Evaluate the Long-term‌ Clinical Benefit and Safety of DBV712 in Peanut-Allergic Children (EPOPEX)'.‌ Was awarded new funding from DBV Technologies S.A. in the amount of $28,650‌ for the project 'A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Phase III Trial‌ to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Viaskinâ® Peanut In Peanut-Allergic Young Children 1-3 Years of Age (EPITOPE)'.‌ Was awarded new funding from DBV Technologies S.A. in the amount of $54,132‌ for the project 'A Phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study‌ to assess the efficacy and safety of epicutaneous immunotherapy with DBV712‌ 250 in 4-7 year old children with peanut allergy.'.‌ Was awarded new funding from DBV Technologies S.A. in the amount of $6,925‌ for the project 'Viaskin Peanut (DBV712) Compassionate Use in Peanut-Allergic‌ Children Previously Enrolled in a DBV712 Clinical Study'.‌ Was awarded new funding from DBV Technologies S.A. in the amount of $9,765‌ for the project 'Open-Label Follow-Up Study of the PEPITES Study to Evaluate‌ the Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Viaskinâ® Peanut (PEOPLE Study)'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) in‌ the amount of $1,000,000 for the project 'Assessing the Potential for Cross-‌ Reactive Desensitization with Tree-Nut Sublingual Immunotherapy'.‌

105‌

Research Awards‌ Edwin Kim, MD, MS‌

Was awarded new funding from Johns Hopkins University in the amount of $327,560 for the project 'New Horizons in the Prevention and Treatment of Food Allergy - OUTMATCH‘.‌ Was awarded new funding from NIH National Institute of Allergy and‌ Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in the amount of $390,000 for the project 'UNC‌ Food Allergy Initiative'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation in‌ the amount of $11,919 for the project 'A 52 week, multi-center, randomized,‌ double-blind placebo-controlled study to assess the clinical efficacy and‌ safety of ligelizumab (QGE031) in decreasing the sensitivity to peanuts in‌ patients with peanut allergy'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation in‌ the amount of $92,446 for the project 'A three-year, multi-center, double-‌ blind extension study to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of‌ ligelizumab in patients who completed ligelizumab's Phase III studies in food‌ allergy'.‌ Received ongoing support from Johns Hopkins University in the amount of‌ $691,539 for the project 'Systems Biology of Early Atopy - SUNBEAM'.‌‌

Mike Kulis, PhD‌

Received ongoing support from Johns Hopkins University in the amount of $393,807 for the project 'CoFAR Leadership Center/UNC BioMarker Facility'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Clemson University in the amount of $37,242‌ for the project 'Reduced-Immunogenicity High-Oleate Peanuts through‌ Applied Innovation'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Duke University in the amount of $199,567‌ for the project 'NIH Adjuvant Comparison and Characterization'.‌ Was awarded new funding from University of Colorado Denver in the‌ amount of $76,160 for the project 'Exploiting and Enhancing IgE-binding‌ Epitopes of the 2S Albumins of Peanuts and Tree Nuts'.‌

Timothy Moran, MD, PhD‌

Received ongoing support from NIH National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) in the amount of $470,005 for the project 'Role of the indoor exposome in peanut allergy development'.‌

David Peden, MD, MS‌

Was awarded new funding from Tulane University in the amount of $104,580 for the project 'Novel Mucosal Vaccine Approaches for Pneumonia'.‌ Received ongoing support from NIH National Institute of Allergy and‌ Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in the amount of $426,816 for the project‌ 'Research Training in Allergy and Clinical Immunology'.‌

Anusha Penumarti, PhD‌

Was awarded new funding from Benaroya Research Institute in the amount‌ of $5,799 for the project 'ZENITH Manufacturing Contract'.‌

106‌

Research Awards‌ Meghan Rebuli, PhD‌

Received ongoing support from NIH National Institute of Environmental‌ Health Sciences (NIEHS) in the amount of $187,458 for the project 'Impact of‌ sex on respiratory response to wood smoke exposure'.‌ Received ongoing support from NIH National Institute of Environmental‌ Health Sciences (NIEHS) in the amount of $593,944 for the project 'Pre- and‌ Postdoctoral Training in Toxicology'.‌ Received ongoing support from University of Texas at Austin in the amount‌ of $18,539 for the project 'Childhood Asthma: Disease Course and Lung‌ Function Trajectories and Air Pollution Exposure'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Johns Hopkins University in the amount of‌ $21,610 for the project 'Environmental determinants of sleep disparities and‌ the consequences for low income children with asthma'.‌ Was awarded new funding from NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood‌ Institute (NHLBI) in the amount of $633,216 for the project 'Health effects of‌ cannabidiol vaping products'.‌ Was awarded new funding from NIH National Institute of Environmental‌ Health Sciences (NIEHS) in the amount of $607,668 for the project 'Effects‌ of wildfire smoke on respiratory antiviral defense responses'.‌ Was awarded new funding from NIH National Institute of Environmental‌ Health Sciences (NIEHS) in the amount of $40,277 for the project 'FELLOW:C‌ COBOS-URIBE The respiratory microbiome and its role in the host response‌ to wood smoke'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Spirovation, Inc. in the amount of $30,282‌ for the project 'Effects of IL-4Ra Inhibition of the Respiratory Microbiome‌ and Immunologic Correlates in patients with Severe Asthma: A Pilot Study'.‌

Yamini Virkud, MD, MA, MPH‌

Was awarded new funding from NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in the amount of $311,000 for the project 'Metabolomics of Food Allergen Immunotherapy'.‌

107

Featured Publications‌ Frequency and predictors of multisystem reactions to peanut in infant oral food challenges.‌

Keet CA,‌Wood RA, Dantzer J, Plesa M, Taneja I, Andre M, Shreffler W, Togias A, Pistiner M. J Allergy Clin Immunol‌ Pract. 2024 Jan;12(1):252-254. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.10.019. Epub 2023 Oct 16.PMID: 3785244.‌

IgE to common food allergens is associated with cardiovascular mortality in the National Health and‌ Examination Survey and the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.‌

Keet C‌, McGowan EC, Jacobs D, Post WS, Richards NE, Workman LJ, Platts-Mills TAE, Manichaikul A, Wilson JM. J‌ Allergy Clin Immunol. 2024 Feb;153(2):471-478.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.09.038. Epub 2023 Nov 9.PMID:‌ 37943208.‌‌

Different airborne particulates trigger distinct immune pathways leading to peanut allergy in a mouse‌ model.‌ Immormino RM, ‌Smeekens JM‌, Mathai PI, Clough KM, Nguyen JT, Ghio AJ, Cook DN, ‌Kulis MD‌, ‌Moran TP‌. Allergy.‌ 2024 Feb;79(2):432-444. doi: 10.1111/all.15908. Epub 2023 Oct 7.PMID: 37804001.‌‌

Rates of New Peanut Allergy and Discontinuation Following Introduction in High-Risk Infants.‌ Banerjee A, Wood R, Dunlop J, Dantzer J, Plesa M, Togias A, ‌Keet C‌.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2024‌ Mar;12(3):645-651.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.11.035. Epub 2023 Nov 29.PMID: 38036248.‌

Frequency and predictors of multisystem reactions to peanut in infant oral food challenges.‌

Keet CA,‌Wood RA, Dantzer J, Plesa M, Taneja I, Andre M, Shreffler W, Togias A, Pistiner M. J Allergy Clin Immunol‌ Pract. 2024 Jan;12(1):252-254. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.10.019. Epub 2023 Oct 16.PMID: 3785244.‌

Omalizumab for the Treatment of Multiple Food Allergies.‌

Wood RA, Togias A, Sicherer SH, Shreffler WG, ‌Kim EH‌, Jones SM, Leung DYM, Vickery BP, Bird JA, Spergel JM,‌ Iqbal A, Olsson J, Ligueros-Saylan M, Uddin A, Calatroni A, Huckabee CM, Rogers NH, Yovetich N, Dantzer J, Mudd‌ K, Wang J, Groetch M, Pyle D, ‌Keet CA‌, ‌Kulis M‌, Sindher SB, Long A, Scurlock AM, Lanser BJ, Lee T, Parrish C,‌ Brown-Whitehorn T, Spergel AKR, Veri M, Hamrah SD, Brittain E, Poyser J, Wheatley LM, Chinthrajah RS. N Engl J‌ Med. 2024 Mar 7;390(10):889-899. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2312382. Epub 2024 Feb 25.PMID: 38407394.‌

Home spirometry monitoring to identify loss of asthma control in adolescents.‌

Burbank AJ‌, Laux J, Brown J, Sims M, Ivins S, ‌Hernandez ML‌. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2024 Apr;59(4):1117-1119. doi:‌ 10.1002/ppul.26856. Epub 2024 Jan 15.PMID: 38224240.‌

Inhalational exposure history is associated with differential sinonasal gene expression profiles and‌ clinical outcomes in chronic rhinosinusitis patients: A pilot study.‌ Worden CP, Thorp BD, Ebert CS Jr, Klatt-Cromwell CN, Senior BA, Kimple AJ, ‌Rebuli ME, Jaspers I‌. Int Forum‌ Allergy Rhinol. 2024 Oct;14(10):1652-1655. doi: 10.1002/alr.23403. Epub 2024 Jul 3.PMID: 38958881.‌

Indoor air pollution and airway health.‌

Radbel J*, ‌Rebuli ME*‌, Kipen H, Brigham E.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2024 Oct;154(4):835-846. doi:‌ 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.08.013. Epub 2024 Aug 23.PMID: 39182629. *co-first authors‌

E-Cigarette Use, Cigarette Smoking, and Sex Are Associated With Nasal Microbiome Dysbiosis.‌ Hickman E, Roca C, Zorn BT, ‌Rebuli ME‌, Robinette C, Wolfgang MC, ‌Jaspers I‌. Nicotine Tob Res. 2024 Dec‌ 23;27(1):114-124. doi: 10.1093/ntr/ntae176.PMID: 39018186.‌

Atopic dermatitis, food allergy, anaphylaxis, and other atopic conditions.‌

Hernandez ML,‌Giavina Bianchi P, Lockey R, Patil SU.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2024 Dec;154(6):1416-1418. doi:‌ 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.10.011. Epub 2024 Oct 19.PMID: 39433161.‌

108‌

www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/global-health‌ TEAM MEMBERS‌ Arshiya Ahuja, MD‌‌ Thomas Alexander, MD, MPH‌ Melissa Bauserman, MD, MPH‌‌ Sylvia Becker-Dreps, MD, MPH‌‌ Emily Ciccone, MD, MHS‌‌ Elizabeth Fitzgerald, MD‌‌ Dorey A. Glenn, MD, MPH‌‌ Adriana Herrera, MD, MPH‌‌ Tisungane Mvalo, MBBS‌‌ Jackie Patterson, MD, MPH‌‌ Raquel Reyes, MD, MPA‌‌ Peyton Thompson, MD, MSCR‌‌ Alyssa Tilly, MD‌‌ Steven Weinberg, MD‌ Kate Westmoreland, MD‌

This year, the Pediatric Global Health program continued its mission of training the next generation of pediatricians to be globally minded— regardless of where they practice—while advocating for worldwide health equity and improving child health in low-resource settings through research, education, and clinical care.‌ The program offers a diverse range of experiences in global health clinical‌ care and research, complemented by didactic activities covering an array of‌ topics within the School of Medicine, School of Public Health, and other‌ disciplines. To further support the professional development of Med-Peds,‌ Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine residents pursuing global health careers,‌ the Global Health Pathway was established, welcoming its first cohort in‌ 2020.‌

We are excited to share the developments in 2024 that reflect our‌ ongoing commitment to global child health and the training of future‌ leaders in the field:‌

Malawi‌ Dr. Elizabeth Fitzgerald‌collaborated with Kamuzu Central Hospital to establish a children’s hospital.‌ Dr. Alyssa Tilly,‌serving as Palliative Care Director for Project Malawi, oversaw research initiatives while ‌providing clinical and educational support for palliative care.‌ Rwanda‌ Endocrinology fellow ‌Dr. Harshini Pyata‌partnered with the University of Global Health Equity to support‌ ‌the medical school’s pediatric clerkship.‌ Zambia‌ UNC team members worked alongside staff at the Women’s Medical Ward at Mukinge Mission Hospital in‌ ‌Kasempa.‌ Kenya‌ UNC Int‌ernal Medicine resident ‌Dr. Joseph Cornett‌contributed to patient care in the PICU and High‌ ‌Dependency Unit and collaborated on the Hospital-Acquired Infections initiative under Kijabe’s IRB.‌ Nicaragua‌ UNC Internal Medicine resident ‌Dr. Amanda Tosi‌joined the UNC cardiology team to provide ongoing cardiac‌ ‌support for patients.‌ United States‌ The team conducted a Global Health SIM session, allowing residents to practice real-world global medicine‌ ‌scenarios in a simulation lab.‌ UNC Pediatric resident ‌Dr. Ghallia Kaouk‌, a 2024 graduate, contributed to refugee resettlement efforts near Charlotte.‌ Dr. Arshiya Ahuja‌has implemented the GHEARD (Global Health, Equity, Anti-Racism, Decolonization) curriculum into the pediatric residency program, developed a toolkit for LGBTQIA+ learners who practice global health and along with for their mentors/educators, and is creating a global health curriculum for PHM fellows, applicable to any pediatric training program.‌

109‌

110‌

www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/cardiology‌ The Division of Cardiology continues to expand its expertise and leadership in‌ pediatric cardiovascular care and research. This year, three esteemed faculty‌ members received well-earned promotions: ‌Dr. Elisabeth Leong, Dr. Pace‌ Johnston,‌and ‌Dr. Ryan Shea.‌ To further strengthen its team, the division welcomed several new members:‌ Gianna Monaco‌, Echo Technician, and staff members ‌Hugo Campus Diaz,‌ Adam Greenwood, ‌and ‌Alicia Snyder.‌

TIMOTHY HOFFMAN, MD‌ Division Chief‌

PROFESSORS‌

John Cotton, MD‌ Elman Frantz, MD‌ Timothy Hoffman, MD‌ Pamela Ro, MD‌

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS‌ Scott Buck, MD‌ Rob Hartman, MD‌ Pace Johnston, MD‌ Elisabeth Leong, DO, MSCR‌ Ryan Shea, MD‌

ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDERS‌ Karen Jones, MSN‌

ECHO TECHNICIANS‌

Angela Blanchette‌ Erika Bynum‌ TIffany Decarlo‌ Gianna Monaco‌ Stephen Spangler‌ Jonathan Sweatman‌ Madeline Wallace‌ Cristen Weaver Chambers‌

CLINICAL ADVANCEMENTS‌ The division remains committed to supporting UNC Health and the children of‌ North Carolina by extending outreach services to centers without local‌ pediatric cardiology support. Over the past year, two new centers, UNC Health‌ Southeastern and Pardee, have joined this growing network. Additionally, the‌ division maintains 11 active telemedicine sites across the state, ensuring that‌ specialized pediatric cardiac care remains widely accessible.‌ With an annual outpatient volume exceeding 5,000 clinic visits, more than‌ 8,000 echocardiograms, and over 270 catheterization procedures performed‌ each year, the division continues to play a crucial role in pediatric cardiac‌ care.‌ To enhance post-procedural patient care, an advanced practice nurse post-‌ catheterization and post-surgical follow-up clinic was established, offering‌ families a comprehensive and accessible first visit following hospitalization.‌ The Abbott Piccolo device has revolutionized the treatment of patent ductus‌ arteriosus (PDA) closure in infants as small as 650 grams. Since its FDA‌ approval in 2019, case volume has more than doubled, from seven cases in‌ 2019 to 19 in 2023. The UNC Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization team, in‌ collaboration with UNC Neonatology and Anesthesiology, developed a‌ Newborn Critical Care Center Guideline to standardize this procedure,‌ ensuring optimal safety and minimal stress for medically fragile infants.‌ Efforts are underway to streamline referrals from affiliate hospitals, with‌ expectations for continued growth in annual transcatheter PDA closures as‌ outcomes remain consistently excellent.‌

111‌

RESEARCH INITIATIVES Faculty within the division are actively engaged in groundbreaking research aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of pediatric cardiac conditions: Denali Therapeutics-DNLI-I-0001 Lead Investigator: Dr. Elizabeth Jalazo Co-investigator: Dr. John Cotton Study: Phase ½, multicenter, open-label study evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of DNL 126 in pediatric patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA (Sanfilippo Syndrome Type A).

CDC Nat. Center on Birth Defects & Developmental Disabilities Office-DD-18-001 Lead Investigator: Dr. Andrew Olshan Co-investigator: Dr. John Cotton Study: Birth Defects Study to Evaluate Pregnancy Exposures (BD-STEPS II), examining environmental and genetic factors influencing birth defects.

NC-DEFINE Study UNC Site PI: Dr. Timothy M. Hoffman Co-investigator: Dr. Elisabeth Leong Study: NIH-funded initiative aimed at identifying genetic factors influencing heart failure and early mortality in congenital heart disease patients across NC North Carolina CHD STAR Surveillance Network UNC Site PI: Dr. Timothy M. Hoffman Co-investigator: Dr. Robert Hartman Study: CDC-funded statewide surveillance project assessing the impact of congenital heart disease in NC through a comprehensive research network.

PEOPLE AND CONTRIBUTIONS Team members continue to make significant contributions locally and globally: Dr. Elman Frantz serves on the Board of Project Health for Leon, a global health initiative providing educational, consultative, and congenital interventional catheterization services to a resource-limited population in Leon, Nicaragua. This initiative, in partnership with the UNC-UNAN collaboration, includes week-long medical missions in March and September 2024.

Dr. Elisabeth Leong successfully completed the Passing the Torch program, an initiative designed to enhance medical humanism by fostering faculty role models.

This faculty development program is particularly suited to Clinician Educator faculty, enhancing patient care and teaching skills through a person-centered approach.

Jonathan Sweatman, Pediatric Echo Technician, was honored with the Providing Excellence to All Lives (PETAL) Award. Jonathan was nominated by the family of a patient. The family said, “Our child had his first ECHO today. Jon showed an exceptional level of patience. Not once did he make us feel hurried or rushed. He showed compassion and thoughtfulness in what was a very stressful situation for our kid (and us!). Thanks to Jon, this was a very much needed positive experience with a medical procedure!” The PETAL Award is given by UNC Hospitals to recognize people who go above and beyond, providing compassionate care, and sincere professionalism in their work.

The Division of Cardiology remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering highquality care, advancing research, and fostering innovation in pediatric cardiovascular medicine. Through continued collaboration and dedication, the division is poised to further impact the field and improve outcomes for children with heart disease.

112‌

STAFF‌ Hugo Campos Diaz‌ Keith Clarke‌ M'Lissa Ellis‌ Vernita Fearrington‌ Adam Greenwood‌ Debra Harris‌ Katie Lane‌ Genevieve Levis‌ Dana Roberson‌ Alicia Synder‌ Dulce Vidal‌ Lynn Worth‌

Elman Frantz, MD‌

Jonathan Sweatman‌

Research Awards‌‌ Timothy Hoffman, MD‌

Received ongoing support from Duke University in the amount of $148,884‌ for the project 'Determining the genetic determinants of heart failure and‌ mortality in patients with congenital heart disease'.‌ Received ongoing support from Duke University in the amount of $20,000‌ for the project 'The North Carolina Congenital Heart Disease Surveillance‌ Network'.‌

Featured Publications‌ Risk Factors and Outcomes Associated with Gaps in Care in Children with Congenital Heart‌‌Disease.‌

Rosamilia MB, Williams J, Bair CA, Mulder H, Chiswell KE, D'Ottavio AA, ‌Hartman RJ‌, Sang CJ Jr, Welke KF, Walsh‌ MJ, ‌Hoffman TM,‌Landstrom AP, Li JS, Sarno LA.Pediatr Cardiol. 2024 Jun;45(5):976-985. doi: 10.1007/s00246-‌ 024-03414-y. Epub 2024 Mar 14.PMID: 38485760.‌

An Unusual Culprit: Syncope in an Adolescent With Congenital Left Main Coronary Artery Atresia.‌‌ Sang CJ 3rd, Khoury A, Yeung M, Caranasos TG, ‌Frantz EG‌. World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg. 2024‌ Nov;15(6):851-855. doi: 10.1177/21501351241263819. Epub 2024 Sep 19. PMID: 39295521.‌‌

Heart transplantation for pediatric patients with malignant arrhythmias: Indications and Outcomes.‌‌

Atallah J, Urschel S, Kirklin JK, Cantor R, Zhao H, Motiuk J, ‌Hoffman TM‌, Weisert M, Lytrivi ID, Singh NM, Azeka E,‌ Wittlieb-Weber CA. Heart Rhythm. 2024 Oct 9:S1547-5271(24)03420-9. doi: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.09.066. Online‌ ahead of print. PMID: 39389519.‌

Novel linkage of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons database and hospital electronic health records.‌‌

Atkins CA, Nellis JR, Vekstein AM, D'Ottavio A, DeLaRosa JM, Chiswell K, Turek JW, Beckerman Z, Raskind Hood‌ C, Book WM, ‌Hoffman TM, Hartman RJ‌, Walsh M, Li JS, Welke KF. Cardiol Young. 2024 Dec;34(12):2570-2576. doi:‌ 10.1017/S1047951124026520. Epub 2024 Oct 8. PMID: 39376085.‌

113‌

s t ha ty. a h t li work hospita ald e m n weso care and ld McDo anks a e h l a h t e at h medica the Ron e daily t ally w a v t t re n I’m i done wi stayed a on impro board. I for been family ed my s teers on eciation the y h n pr nd m ile I watc and volu e my ap keep up a e d M e wh at staff and voic uch an s u o m H e gre to show u all so h t o t e have been in the PICU for a yo W nt a k n w just one. Tha ! h and I am very grateful to the nt mo K y nald ever T WOR staff and everyone from the Ro A E ce to GR McDonald house. It gave me a pla

and come when I was overwhelmed couldn’t stop crying.

114‌

o, ars ag e y 0 2 baby as a junior. a s a Clinic ed to UNC y t l a i c Spe ith so nsferr a w ’s r t C e r t N s u U t ju his fu the first of ent at ter, he has i t t u a o p b ain a ere among hope, t was a se years la r s e n u c o n s My and u our staff w . You gave all sorts all the d e w o n e n t and frigh and y g the way get. He had ll Silver u e r o e y w n t r se e, we knowns, bu d us - alo I’ll never fo ia and Rus he is. m i t e n n a y m as At th ountless u im - ofessionalis letal dyspl ight the wa h r c o f y e r r man to cheer was el of p including sk , and just v s e r l e b a y m em man ssion, and iagnoses, just hi aff m l pattern of ’s t e s h d a r , p t e u l o r ou ib com e of y as the who ht it was so y poss as it turns n r o a c , s o g g h n of e, but ears a teristics, suc n, and thou g for certai m y o r s d t n n o e c sy as in pointm rious chara t was going ecific, look who she w h p a r p u a a (whic mber HAT s t his v ea wh e of o At on carefully a , had no id y a detail T could reme hat she saw I see a e w g said, “ lookin . I, of cours u could stud is. I wish I asked her e h s d I s ir his ha ting that yo a diagno omforting. worry), an a to and c a tone of y!! fascin e leading d g to n i n i k a n h s t r c o i o s u n t t w e e evid e she was laced sweet thing now r have felt y l ’s n e s i h u a t a and bec and t cer y”. What a e p s l o o c cludes p r n i m i l c t a s h l o l u c j i s b u f h wa by come im I could et here - w ful ba i ’s t t i u a t h g e a b me th o proud of helped us o t e l o arkab dent. I’m s people wh m e r u e It’s s a st nk all of th a C UN Our son has fr to tha d e n equented this h i l c in ospital quite a b it si n c e l l b ir e th ! and is currentl w o P you! . r y on his second D stay. After rec eiving so much much, o s u love and compassion fro yo m everyone, I Thank fe lt it was time to return some . So, we wante d to thank: - Ronald McD onald House C h a ri - The entire PIC ties U team - Dr. Ross Ung erleider - His General Peds team - His Endocrin e team and Dr. Kamoun - Dr. Koonce - Kerry Gibson and - Katie Lane There are so m any others and we love you all .

115‌

I am writing, albeit belatedly, to ensure you are awar e of some of the amazing clinicians and staff you have working in Pediatrics.

My child has been under the care of Dr. Pamela Ro since 2020 for a ventricular arrythmia and POTS/Dysautonomia. The cardiac condition mak es treating GI illness difficult due to the need to avoid QT prolonging medications. In early April we were faced with the difficulty of rehydrating in the setting of profound GI illness and the inability to use typical antiemetics.

By April, my child was requesting IV fluids due to continued symptoms despite trying all appropriate conservative measures. While the Peds Cardiologist on call that evening declined to send my child to the ED, we knew to call Dr. Ro's office promptly the next morning for guidance and are so grateful we did so. GiGi knew immediately we would be sent to the ED and she began instructing us on how to reach Dr. Ro who happened to be on in-service, while she was also messaging Dr. Ro. And this is where the stars really aligned for us...D r. Ro contacted the ED departments to see which would be appropriate for us that day and put everything in motion. The Peds ED was willing to see us, and the experience was wonderful .

Dr. Nina Dawson was lovely and has a terrific beds ide manner, my child is a fan! Dr. Elizabeth Fitzgerald was the calm and reassuring support this mom needed. I am a fan! The nurses that shift took the time to answer my child 's questions and were also a great, calming presence. Thank you, Dwight! I apologize that I have forgotten the other nurse's name, she had the best energy and is a perfect fit for pedia trics. Dr. Ro remained in contact with the ED staff as needed and even called to check in that evening once we were home.

I will forever be grateful for GiGi's excellent know ledge of her patients and their conditions which led to her quick action contacting the MD. IVF, labs, cardiac monitoring, rest and thoughtful, personable care was exactly what was needed.

We are so thankful for everyone's kindness and expertise.

We have long appreciated the Peds cardiology tea m of Carrie, GiGi, and Dr. Ro. We are now immensely impres sed by your Peds ED. The Peds ED staff that day were simply terrific, and the experience could not have been better.

! l l a u o y k n a Th

We wanted you to know that. I hope you'll pass alon g our praises to the nurses and physicians.

116‌

www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/emerg‌ This year, the Division of Emergency Medicine was pleased to welcome two outstanding new faculty members: Dr. Kristen Capito and Dr. Maura Olcese.

Their expertise and dedication will enhance the division’s commitment to excellence in pediatric emergency care.

Gratitude is extended to departing team members Dr. Morgan Sims, Dr. Allison Wood, and Dr. Aisha Venugopal for their valuable contributions to the department. Their dedication has had a lasting impact, and their presence will be greatly missed.

CHERYL JACKSON, MD‌ Division Chief‌

PROFESSORS‌

Cheryl Jackson‌, MD‌ Amy Levine, MD‌ Rebecca Matthews, MD‌ William Mills, MD, MPH‌

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS‌ Daniel Park, MD, MBA‌ Shiva Zargham, MD, MSc‌

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS‌ Kristen Capito, DO‌ Robert Clemmons, MD, MPH‌ Maura Olcese, MD‌ Morgan Sims, MD‌ Aisha Venugopal, MD‌ Allison Wood‌, DO‌

ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDERS‌ Latonya Logan, MSN‌ Alexandria Whitted, MSN‌

A special congratulations to Dr. Shiva Zargham on her promotion to Associate Professor. This milestone reflects her continued commitment to advancing pediatric emergency medicine through clinical excellence, education, and research.

CLINICAL ACHIEVEMENTS Patient volumes and acuity have steadily increased, reflecting the growing demand for high-quality pediatric emergency services. The division remains committed to meeting these challenges with continued excellence in care delivery.

Sepsis care metrics remain exemplary, with the department consistently meeting key performance targets. The time to bolus and time to antibiotic administration continue to be under 60 minutes, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.

The department has entered the third year of operations in the new 12-bed Pediatric Emergency Department Transition Unit (EDTU). This state-of-the-art facility, featuring a central workstation, has significantly improved operational efficiency, faculty recruitment, and interdisciplinary collaboration, including the addition of nursing, child life, and pharmacy colleagues.

Looking ahead, planning is underway for the construction of a new trauma bay in FY26, which will further enhance the division’s ability to provide life-saving care to critically ill and injured children.

The UNC Children’s Urgent Care at Raleigh team has been recognized as the UCIC FY24 Top Performing Practice. The team achieved all performance and Brittney Stone‌ population health measures, a testament to its commitment to providing highquality, patient-centered care. This recognition, announced during the UCIC Operations Meeting on August 21, 2024, and published in the August UCIC Newsletter, reflects the team’s unwavering dedication to excellence.

STAFF‌

Further recognition was awarded to UNC Children’s Urgent Care at Raleigh, which was ranked #2 in the Best Urgent Care/Walk-In Clinic category in the 2024 edition of Raleigh’s Best, a publication by The News & Observer.

Notably, it was the only pediatric urgent care to be ranked, highlighting its unique impact on the community. This honor underscores the outstanding service provided to children and families throughout the region.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Dr. Dan Park and Dr. Shiva Zargham continue to serve as site champions for the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Children’s Research Collaborative (PEM CRC). As key contacts for UNC Children’s, they play a vital role in facilitating national pediatric emergency medicine research initiatives.

117‌

Dr. Shiva Zargham was awarded the IHQI Improvement Scholars Program Award for her project, Creating a Debriefing Culture in the Pediatric Emergency Department. This prestigious program provides structured, experiential learning opportunities, enabling scholars to develop and implement meaningful clinical improvement projects. As part of the program, Dr. Zargham will receive mentorship, faculty coaching, and project management support to drive innovation in pediatric emergency care.

Additionally, Dr. Zargham was honored with the Academy of Educators Junior Faculty Award for 2024. This distinction recognizes her exceptional teaching and commitment to education in the early stages of her career.

Her dedication to fostering the next generation of pediatric emergency medicine professionals is commendable.

The Division of Emergency Medicine continues to advance pediatric emergency care through clinical excellence, research, and education. The achievements of the past year reflect the dedication of faculty, staff, and trainees who work tirelessly to ensure the highest standards of care for children and families. Looking forward, the division remains committed to innovation, collaboration, and growth in the years to come.

Featured Publication‌ Understanding Trends in Pediatric Drowning Injuries in North Carolina.

Olcese M, Waller AE. South Med J. 2024 Dec;117(12):690-695. doi: 10.14423/SMJ.0000000000001763.PMID: 39622517.

118‌

www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/gpam‌ The Division of General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine welcomed several new team members in 2024. Shanta Smith has joined the administrative staff, supporting the Developmental and Behavioral Health team. Additionally, new clinical providers—Elizabeth Armstrong, MD; Rebecca Chasnovitz, MD; Sandeep Dhadvai, MD; Brittany Raffa, MD, MPH; Candice Ryan-Supples, FNP; Xavier Williams, MD, MPH; and Rollyn Ornstein, MD—bring valuable expertise that strengthens the division’s mission to provide comprehensive pediatric care.

KORI FLOWER, MD, MS, MPH‌ Division Chief‌

PROFESSORS‌

Rebecca Baum, MD‌ Molly Berkoff, MD. MPH‌ Maria Ferris, MD, PhD, MPH‌ Kori Flower, MD, MS, MPH‌ Rollyn Ornstein, MD‌ Carl Seashore, MD‌ Michael Steiner, MD, MPH‌

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS‌

Rebecca Chasnovitz, MD‌ Neal deJong, MD, MPH‌ Elizabeth Fitzgerald, MD‌ Lucien Gonzalez, MD, MS‌ Katherine Jordan, MD‌ Tisungane Mvalo, MD‌ Colin Orr, MD, MPH‌ Priyanka Rao, MD‌ Samantha Schilling, MD, MSHP‌ Emily ‌Vander Schaaf, MD, MPH‌

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS‌ Bianca Allison, MD, MPH‌ Lauren Baumgardner, DO‌ Sandeep Dhadvai, MD‌ Jessica Hart, MD‌ Katherine MacDonald, MD‌ Stephanie MacPherson, MD‌ Lindsay Marszal, MD, MA‌ Rohan Patel, MD‌ Brittany Raffa, MD, MPH‌ LaClaire Stewart, MD, MPH‌ Jasmine Weiss, MD‌ Heather Williams, MD‌ Xavier Williams, MD, MPH‌ Jessica Young, MD, MPH‌

At the same time, gratitude is extended to departing colleagues, Kristen Cole, NP, Stephanie MacPherson, MD, and Colin Orr, MD, MPH whose contributions have been invaluable.

CLINICAL ACHIEVEMENTS Throughout 2024, the division has expanded services and enhanced patient care. Primary care services now span three locations—Carolina Pointe 2, Panther Creek, and Pittsboro—ensuring access for more families in need. The Complex Care program has grown to support 420 patients and now includes a Perioperative Clinic pilot, designed to improve surgical care for medically complex children.

Celebrating its first anniversary on May 2, UNC Pediatrics at East Pittsboro, under the leadership of Dr. Heather Wright Williams, continues to make a significant impact on families in Chatham County.

Similarly, the division provides a medical team to support the newly established Youth Behavioral Health Center in Butner. The division’s medical team serving juvenile detention has extended its reach to three Juvenile Detention Centers in Butner, Reidsville, and Hoffman, broadening access to essential health services.

UNC Children’s Primary Care at Carolina Pointe 2 was recognized by UNC’s Primary Care Improvement Collaborative as the most improved practice for 2023-2024, a testament to the dedication of Medical Director Dr. Katie Jordan and Clinic Manager Sherri Woody.

Additionally, Horizons, a substance use disorder treatment program for mothers and infants, has introduced a new integrated care model led by Dr. Carl Seashore, lactation consultant Sonia Lai, and Clinic Manager Sherri Woody. By combining infant well and sick care with lactation support, this initiative ensures accessible, high-quality healthcare for families in recovery.

Finally, Dr. Neal deJong, in collaboration with Pediatric Urology, began the pilot period for a Perioperative Optimization Clinic to enhance perioperative care for medically complex children.

119‌

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP Dr. Priyanka Rao’s teaching excellence was acknowledged through selection for the Academic Pediatric Association’s APEX Teaching Program. Dr. Xavier Williams was selected for the UNC Academy of Educators FLAGship program!

This is an educational leadership program for faculty to continue to develop and refine skills as educators.

Additionally, Dr. Becky Baum led the development of a new online QI course created by the AAP to help pediatricians identify, assess, and manage mental health concerns: EQIPP: Mental Health - Identify, Assess, and Manage [online course]. PediaLink. American Academy of Pediatrics.

RESEARCH EXCELLENCE A strong commitment to advancing medical education remains a priority.

Dr. Brittany Raffa, following the completion of the UNC National Research Service Award fellowship, was appointed Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and later selected for the Physician-Scientist Training Program.

The division continues to make significant contributions to pediatric research, with over 80 peer-reviewed publications in 2024. Notably, Dr. Neal deJong, as part of the CYSHCN National Research Network, secured a $5.5 million PCORI grant to study hospital-to-home transitions for children with special healthcare needs.

Dr. Bianca Allison was selected for funding through the LAUNCH Innovation program, through the Office of Population Affairs of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for their project, "Let’s Talk App to Revolutionize Family Communication About Sexual Health.”

Dr. Emily Vander Schaaf ​received an award from the AMA Change Medical Education program - the AMA ChangeMedEd® initiative to accelerate change in medical education.

120‌

INSTRUCTORS‌

Susan Smith‌, MA‌ Elizabeth Armstrong, MD‌

ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDERS Cheryl Crawford, CPNP, DNP Holly Gross, FNP Jennifer John, FNP Candice Ryan-Supples, FNP Elizabeth Walters, PNP, DNP

EHRA NON-FACULTY‌

Michelle Smith, MSW‌ Christi Stephenson, MSW‌

STAFF‌

Brittney Anderson‌ Amber Bobbitt‌ Ayana Brown‌ Erin Calloway‌ Maria Carvajal‌ Kristin Chadha‌ Allison Chiancone‌ Gabrielle Cox‌ Jessie Feudale‌ Denise Fortson‌ Amanda Gilleispie‌ Jessica Guice-Albritton‌ Tisha Harper‌ Amanda Holland‌ Lauren Ledford‌ Jennifer McBride‌ Alyssa McRae‌ Samantha Orr‌ Mark Patricio-Castillo‌ Molly Schloss‌ Lyndsi Sigmon‌ Shanta Smith‌ Heidie Tkach‌ Karen Wysocki‌ Mary Catherine Youngpenn‌

Dr. Jessica Young was named a UNC School of Medicine Simmons Scholar. This program supports faculty from groups traditionally underrepresented in medicine while fostering an interdisciplinary community of scholars.

The UNC Center for AIDS Research Development Core, awarded Dr. Katherine MacDonald the Development Award for her project “Adolescent and young adult HIV disclosure to partners and its impact on HIV prevention in Western Kenya.

ADVOCACY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Community engagement and advocacy are key components of division culture. To foster a sense of community among families with medically complex children, the inaugural UNC Children’s Complex Care Family Fun Day was held at Downtown Cary Park on November 9, bringing families together for a day of connection and support.

Dr. Xavier Williams, with support from Carolina for the Kids (CFTK) developed the LIT Empowerment project, which provides books to juvenile detention centers. Similarly, at UNC Children’s Primary Care at Carolina Pointe 2, a new partnership with Book Harvest ensures that all newborns seen at the clinic receive a box of books through the Books from Birth program.

Efforts to address food insecurity have been strengthened through collaboration with PORCH, sustaining a food pantry at the Primary Care Clinic for pediatric patients and their families. Additionally, a partnership with the UNC School of Nursing and local school systems has enabled children without regular medical care to receive free school physicals.

The Child Medical Evaluation Program provided ongoing support to the North Carolina Child Welfare Policy Team on improved communication with medical providers.

LEADERSHIP AND RECOGNITION The division continues to celebrate the accomplishments of its faculty. Several notable achievement include: Dr. Kenya McNeal-Trice completed her tenure as President of the North Carolina Pediatric Society, while Dr. Emily Vander Schaaf was appointed to the organization’s Board of Directors.

In addition, Dr. Vander Schaaf was awarded the Academic Pediatric Association Public Policy and Advocacy Developing Award for 2024 as well as the Medical Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professorship by the Academy of Educators. In addition, Dr. Vander Schaaf was selected to be on the APA's Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.

The APA Public Policy and Advocacy Committee (PPAC) is responsible for setting the public policy and advocacy strategies for the organization.

Dr. Lauren Baumgardner was elected Chair of the Safety Net Special Interest Group of the American Academy of of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

Dr. Neal deJong served as Co-Chair for the Academic Pediatric Association Region 4 meeting in Charlottesville.

Dr. Kori Flower was formally elected to active membership in the American Pediatric Society (APS), highlighting her‌ significant contributions to the field.‌

121‌

Dr. Maria Ferris was invited to serve on the NIH/NIDDK sponsored CKiD Observational Monitoring Board, supporting a study of children and adults with chronic kidney disease. The goals of the CKiD study will focus on the effects of CKD in childhood on kidney and systemic diseases and the life course of teenagers and young adults. Dr. Ferris was also named a Carolina Care Provider Superstar for FY24. This UNC Health program recognizes providers who improve the patient experience and exemplify the Carolina Care behaviors.

Dr. Lucien Gonzalez gave the opening presentation for the inaugural Statewide Virtual Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Conference on June 6. This event was sponsored by several NC agencies including NC DMH/DD/SUS, to bring together experts and NC practitioners who serve children, adolescents, and families.

Dr. Jessica Hart was selected to join the 2024 Passing the Torch cohort. Passing the Torch is a faculty development program uniquely suited to junior Clinician Educator faculty to develop further patient care and teaching skills with a person-centered model. Supported by the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, the Passing the Torch program strives to equip faculty with a variety of humanistic skills through experiential learning methods.

Dr. Katie Jordan was selected for the 2024 AAMC Early-Career Women Faculty Leadership Development Seminar in San Diego.

Dr. Rohan Patel was selected to participate in the 2024-2025 cohort of LAMP at UNC School of Medicine. The Leadership in Academic Medicine Program (LAMP) has been designed to assist junior faculty at UNC within their first 3 years to build a sense of community, purpose, direction, and confidence so they may thrive in their career.

Dr. Samantha Schilling was selected for UNC's Center for Faculty Excellence ADVANCE Leadership Journeys program. This is in recognition of her growing influence and expertise in pediatric research, and this leadership program will enable her to further develop as a research leader.

Also, Dr. Schilling received the Jefferson-Pilot Fellowship Award in support of her scholarly endeavors.

Dr. Heather Williams was top provider across UNC/UNC Physician’s Network in Pediatric Assessment of Social Determinants of Health.

122‌

Research Awards‌ Bianca Allison, MD, MPH‌

Was awarded new funding from Teen Health Research Institute in the amount of $15,900 for the project 'Let's Talk App'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Triangle Community Foundation in the‌ amount of $10,000 for the project 'Helping clinicians address digital‌ information about contraception with adolescents'.‌

Molly Berkoff, MD, MPH‌‌

Received ongoing support from NCDHHS Division of Social Services (DSS) in the amount of $2,451,359 for the project 'Child Medical Evaluation Program Administrative Contract FY 2025 - FY 2027'.‌ Received ongoing support from NCDHHS DSS Childrens Services in the‌ amount of $95,800 for the project 'Child Medical Evaluation Program,‌ Medical Aspects Training FY23'.‌

Neal deJong, MD, MPH‌‌

Was awarded new funding from Duke University in the amount of $367,988 for the project 'Hospital-to-Home Care Coordination for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs'.‌ Was awarded new funding from University of Colorado Anschutz Medical‌ Campus in the amount of $10,000 for the project 'MCH Research Network‌ Programs'.‌

Kori Flower, MD, MS, MPH‌

Was awarded new funding from American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in the amount of $2,000 for the project 'A Partnership in Child Literacy Promotion'.‌

Samantha Schilling, MD, MSHP‌‌

Received ongoing support from NIH National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) in the amount of $647,994 for the project 'Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement in Primary Care: Effectiveness Trial of a Primary Care Based Parenting Intervention to Prevent Child Maltreatment'.‌ Was awarded new funding from NIH National Institute of Diabetes,‌ Digestive, and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) in the amount of $685,747 for the‌ project 'A type I hybrid effectiveness-implementation study of a parent-‌ centered tool to promote shared decision-making in hypospadias care'.‌

Mike Steiner, MD, MPH‌‌

Received ongoing support from Duke University in the amount of $509,547 for the project 'Integrated Care for Kids'.‌

123‌

Featured Publications‌ Association Between In-Training Exam Scores and Clinical Exposure During the COVID-19 Pandemic.‌ Rao P,‌‌Jordan K‌, Burrows H, Helms L, Latch R, Perin R, Crawford MA, Kang D, Morgan A, Beck Dallaghan GL,‌ Zwemer E. Acad Pediatr. 2024 Jan-Feb;24(1):3-7. doi: 10.1016/j.acap.2023.05.014. Epub 2023 May 28. PMID:‌ 37253414.‌

Promoting Health‌for Latino Immigrant Families-A Call for Improved Systems and Policies.‌

Raffa BJ,‌Montiel C, Cholera R. JAMA Pediatr. 2024 Jan 1;178(1):10-12. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.4960.

PMID: 38010723.‌

Child Health Needs and the Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Workforce Supply: 2020-2040.‌

Baum RA‌, Berman BD, Fussell JJ, ‌Patel R,‌Roizen NJ, Voigt RG, Leslie LK. Pediatrics. 2024 Feb 1;153(Suppl 2):‌ e2023063678H. doi: 10.1542/peds.2023-063678H. PMID: 38300001.‌

Struggling to Stem the Tide of Child Maltreatment.‌

Schilling S‌, Wood JN, Christian CW. JAMA. 2024 Mar 19;331(11):918-919. doi: 10.1001/jama.2024.0899. PMID:‌ 38502084.‌

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Initiation Among Adolescents After an American Academy of‌ Pediatrics Policy Statement.‌ Allison BA‌, Ritter V, Lin FC, ‌Flower KB‌, Perry MF. JAMA Pediatr. 2024 Mar 1;178(3):306-308. doi:‌ 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.5932. PMID: 38190303.‌

Health-related quality‌of life for pediatric patients with end-stage kidney disease: A systematic‌ review and meta-analysis of th‌e Pediatric ‌Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL).‌

Doshi K, Raina R, Ng KH, Koch V, Bhatt GC, Nada A, Foresi B, Kamalakkannan SS, McCulloch M, Sethi S, ‌de Ferris‌ MD‌. Hemodial Int. 2024 Apr;28(2):198-215. doi: 10.1111/hdi.13138. Epub 2024 Mar 11. PMID: 38468403.‌

Where Are All the Pediatricians?‌

Jordan KA, Rao P‌, Byerley JS. JAMA. 2024 Sep 10;332(10):783-784. doi: 10.1001/jama.2024.8485.PMID:‌ 38958947.‌

The Growth‌of Regional Children's Campuses and Academic Departments of Pediatrics.‌

Steiner MJ,‌Moya F, Liles BL, Jaskolka M, Pino J, Hurtado CW, Manno CS, ‌Davis SD‌. J Pediatr. 2024 Sep;272:114141. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114141. Epub 2024 Jun 12. PMID: 38876153.‌

Exploring primary care physician biases‌in adolescent contraceptive counseling.‌

Allison BA,‌Bullington BW, Makhijani SA, Arora KS. Contraception. 2025 Jan;141:110706. doi: 10.1016/ j.contraception.2024.110706. Epub 2024 Sep 13. PMID: 39278343.‌

Prevalence of Preceding and Follow-up Outpatient Care Surrounding Emergency Department Visits for Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Identifying Opportunities for Quality Improvement.‌ deJong N,‌Zhang X, Kappelman M. Am J Gastroenterol. 2024 Nov 1;119(11):2338-2341. doi:‌ 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002936. Epub 2024 Jul 5. PMID: 39051825.‌

124‌

www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/hemonc‌ The Division of Hematology/Oncology has experienced a year of remarkable transition, welcoming esteemed new faculty and staff while bidding farewell to dedicated colleagues who have made lasting contributions. Notably, Dr. Julie Blatt has retired, leaving a profound legacy through the development of the vascular malformations program and in the care of hundreds of hematology-oncology patients.

Dr. Blatt’s work will continue through the recruitment of Dr. Alex Borst, a nationally recognized leader in vascular malformations care and research. Additionally, the division welcomed Dr. Emily Greengard, a leader in neuroblastoma, and Dr. Justin Sperlazza, a physician-scientist investigating new immunooncology strategies to treat pediatric solid tumors.

New staff members, Sawyer Everett and Josiah Graham, have joined the division, strengthening support for the team. The contributions of departing team members, including Arpita Patel, Bone Marrow Transplant Inpatient APP, are deeply appreciated.

Julie Blatt, MD‌

CLINICAL ADVANCEMENTS The division continues to enhance leadership and patient care initiatives. Dr. Alex Borst has become the Section Chief of the hematology section in the division. Krisi Geib and Jodi O’Connor have assumed new roles in pediatric APP leadership, fostering excellence in clinical practice. Additionally, several new Nursing Care Partners have joined the clinical teams, significantly improving patient care and communication. The National Cancer Institute has recognized the UNC Lineberger Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology Program for its success in increasing access to recommended cancer care. A decade-long initiative at the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center has substantially enhanced support for AYA patients, reinforcing the division’s commitment to comprehensive, age-appropriate oncology care.

RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS Faculty members have produced nearly 40 publications, reflecting the division’s robust commitment to advancing scientific discovery. Several faculty have secured prestigious grants and funding to drive innovative research: Dr. Thomas Alexander and Dr. Jeremy Wang (Pathology and Laboratory Medicine) received an NCI R01 grant to evaluate novel high-throughput sequencing for leukemia diagnosis.

PROFESSORS‌

Julie Blatt, MD‌ Ian Davis, MD, PhD‌ Kimberly Kasow, DO‌ Chengwen Li, PhD‌ Barbara Savoldo, MD, PhD‌ Patrick‌Thompson, MD‌

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS‌ ASSISTANT PROFESSORS‌ Yasmina Abajas, MD‌ Jacquelyn Baskin-Miller, MD‌ Alexandra Borst, MD‌ Emily Greengard, MD‌ John Hipps, MD‌ David Kram, MD, MCR‌ Andrew Smitherman, MD, MS‌ Michael Winstead, MD‌

Thomas Alexander, MD, MPH‌ Maria Boucher, MD‌ Catherine Habashy, MD‌ George Hucks, Jr., MD‌ Alison Manikowski, PsyD‌ Gerardo Quezada, MD‌ Kate Westmoreland, MD‌

INSTRUCTORS‌

Justin Sperlazza, MD‌

IAN DAVIS, MD, PhD‌ Division Chief‌

125‌

Dr. Ian Davis and Dr. David Drewery (Eshelman School of Pharmacy) are developing a novel protein degrader molecule (PROTAC) with support from the Lander Foundation.

Dr. Andrew Smitherman and Dr. Sheila Santacroce (School of Nursing) received NIH funding to address inequities in food-related social determinants of health.

Dr. David Kram and Dr. Andrew Satterly (Eshelman School of Pharmacy) secured an award from the Isabella Santos Foundation to study brain tumor sensitivity to chemotherapy agents.

Dr. David Kram and Dr. Barbara Savoldo received a $1.18 million grant to investigate an innovative immunotherapy for relapsed medulloblastoma. This collaborative project, involving the UNC Chapel Hill, University of Florida, and Children’s National Medical Center, seeks to overcome key resistance mechanisms in pediatric brain cancer.

Dr. Justin Sperlazza was honored with a Young Investigator Award from the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and additional funding from its “Shark Tank” program for his work on chromatin-directed inhibitors in Ewing sarcoma.

ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH Faculty members continue to lead in advocacy efforts for pediatric patients.

Dr. Kate Westmoreland has expanded outreach and advocacy for Down syndrome, particularly in leukemia therapy. Dr. Thomas Alexander remains dedicated to improving leukemia care for children in low- and middle-income countries, strengthening global pediatric oncology initiatives.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING The division proudly welcomed new fellows: Dr. Joanne Alfred (UNC Pediatric Chief Resident) Dr. Emma Livne (Hasbro Children’s/Brown) Dr. Alexis Rodriguez (University of Tennessee) Graduating fellows from the Class of 2024 have achieved significant milestones: Dr. Ken Busby earned an MPH from the Gillings School of Public Health with a Global Health Concentration during his fellowship and is now a Pediatric Integrative Medicine fellow at Stanford University.

Dr. Jessica Benjamin-Eze has joined Sanford Health in Fargo, ND. ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDERS‌ Elizabeth Beaddles, MSN‌ Bridget Condit, MSN‌ Lindsay Dyer, MSN‌ Kristen Geib, MSN‌ Kate Gitzinger, MSN‌ Hannah Hinds, MSN‌ Melissa Matson, MSN‌ Jodi O'Connor, MSN‌ Molly Parker, MSN‌ Arpita Patel, MSN‌ Cammie Presler, MSN‌ Stephanie Schouten, MSN‌ Frances Wright, MSN‌

FELLOWS‌

Joanne Alfred, MD‌ Nicole Artz, MD‌ Jessica Benjamin-Eze, DO‌ Kenneth Busby, DO‌ Beatriz Caceres, MD‌ Lauren Hernandez, MD‌ Emma Livne, MD‌ McCauley Massie, MD‌ Chi Chi Onuoha, MD‌ Alexia Rodriguez, MD‌ Jamie Zeal, MD‌

126‌

EHRA NON-FACULTY‌ Juanita Ramirez, MPH‌

STAFF‌

Juanita Cuffee‌ Lauren Davis‌ Sawyer Everett‌ Josiah Graham‌ Nicky Graham‌ D'Amani Hillman‌ Kayla Keels‌ LaTonya Marshall‌ April Scharfenburg‌ Amelia Stewart‌

Dr. McCauley Massie, current Pediatric HemOnc Fellow and Carolina Child Health Scholar, was awarded a position on the Lineberger iTOP T32 and co-authored a published abstract on improving the pediatric hematology/oncology rotation experience alongside Drs. Jacquelyn Baskin-Miller, Joanne Alfred, and Maria Velez.

FACULTY RECOGNITIONS AND APPOINTMENTS The division celebrates the outstanding achievements of its faculty: Dr. Barbara Savoldo, MD, PhD, was appointed the Champion Mitchell Distinguished Professor, recognizing her nearly nine years at UNC and her pioneering work in T-cell immunotherapy. In addition, her research was featured in a news article about her collaboration with her husband, Dr. Gianpietro Dotti, in advancing cancer care and managing one of the largest cell therapy facilities on the East Coast.

Dr. Ian Davis was elected to active membership in the American Pediatric Society (APS) reflecting his impactful contributions to pediatrics. Additionally, Dr. Davis was named the Stuart H. Gold Distinguished Professor.

Dr. Chengwen Li and his research was featured in recent news about the Carolina-connected startup GeneVentiv Therapeutics that is developing the first universal, single-dose gene therapy for all types of hemophilia.

The division remains grateful to the community for its support of the mission to provide exceptional patient care, drive groundbreaking research, and train the next generation of pediatric hematologists and oncologists.

Fourth Annual Lax Ball Event Raises Money For UNC Children’s Hospital October 2024 - The UNC baseball, softball, and men's and women's lacrosse teams support UNC Children’s Cancer Care

127‌

Research Awards‌ Thomas Alexander, MD, MPH‌‌

Was awarded new funding from Public Health Institute in the amount of $21,500 for the project 'COG NCORP Per Case Reimbursement (5UG1CA189955-10)'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Public Health Institute in the amount of $28,325 for the project 'NIH COG Chair Grant Workload Intensity (U10CA180886)'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Public Health Institute in the amount of‌ $70,600 for the project 'NIH COG Chair Grant Per Case Reimbursement‌ (U10CA180886)'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)‌ in the amount of $2,000 for the project 'CC-5013-AML-002, A Phase 2,‌ Multicenter, Single-Arm, Open-Label Study to Evaluate the Activity, Safety‌ and Pharmacokinetics of Lenalidomide (Revlimid®) in Pediatric Subjects‌ From 1 To S 18 Years of Age with Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid‌ Leukemia'.‌

Alexandra Borst, MD‌

Was awarded new funding from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation in the amount of $28,175 for the project 'EPIK-P2: A Phase II double-blind study with an upfront, 16-week randomized, placebo-controlled period, to assess the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of Alpelisib (BYL719) in pediatric and adult patients with PI3Kα-related overgrowth spectrum (PROS)'.‌

Maria Boucher, MD‌

Was awarded new funding from Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc. in the amount of $10,000 for the project 'An Open-label, Expanded Access Protocol for Pediatric Patients with Sickle Cell Disease Who Have No Alternative Treatment Options'.‌

Ian Davis, MD, PhD‌‌

Received ongoing support from Duke University in the amount of $36,503 for the project 'Unified Program for Therapeutics in Children (UPTiC)'.‌ Received ongoing support from NIH National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the‌ amount of $414,512 for the project 'Developmental control of chromatin‌ states in cancer'.‌

Kimberly Kasow, DO‌

Was awarded new funding from Bluebird bio, Inc. in the amount of $7,393 for the project 'Long-term Follow-up of Subjects With Sickle Cell Disease Treated With Ex Vivo Gene Therapy Using Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cells Transduced With a Lentiviral Vector'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Editas Medicine in the amount of $46,382‌ for the project 'A Phase 1/2 Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of a‌ Single Dose of Autologous Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short‌ Palindromic Repeats Gene-edited CD34+ Human Hematopoietic Stem and‌ Progenitor Cells (EDIT-301) in Subjects with Severe Sickle Cell Disease'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Emory University (EU) in the amount of‌ $1,800 for the project 'Long-term Outcomes following HCT for Pediatric‌ SCD'.‌ Was awarded new funding from National Marrow Donor Program in the‌ amount of $5,500 for the project 'Natural History and Biology of Long-Term‌ Late Effects Following Hematopoietic Cell Transplant for Childhood‌ Hematologic Malignancies'.‌

128‌

Research Awards‌ David Kram, MD, MCR‌

Was awarded new funding from National Pediatric Cancer Foundation‌ (NPCF) in the amount of $457,500 for the project 'B7-H3-CAR- iNKT Therapy‌ for High-Risk Medulloblastoma'.‌

Chengwen Li, PhD‌

Was awarded new funding from GeneRevive Therapeutics, Inc. in the‌ amount of $200,000 for the project 'Study on therapeutic roles of AAV-‌ GLP-1 in human diseases'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Nabgen, Inc. in the amount of $130,000 for‌ the project 'STTR: Development of an Effective Strategy to Block Nab‌ Activity for AAV Brain Transduction'.‌ Received ongoing support from NIH National Institute of Allergy and‌ Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in the amount of $617,680 for the project 'Novel‌ strategy to block Nabs for AAV gene delivery'.‌

Barbara Savoldo, MD, PhD‌‌

Received ongoing support from NIH National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the‌ amount of $599,281 for the project 'Tailoring CAR T cell therapy for Hodgkin‌ Lymphoma'.‌

Andrew Smitherman, MD, MS‌‌

Received ongoing support from Georgetown University in the amount of‌ $84,837 for the project 'Randomized Trial of a Multilevel Intervention to‌ Improve Adherence to Childhood Cancer Survivorship Guidelines'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Georgetown University in the amount of‌ $15,000 for the project 'Bridging Information Divides and Gaps to Ensure‌ Survivorship: the BRIDGES Randomized Controlled Trial of a Multilevel‌ Intervention to Improve Adherence to Childhood Cancer Survivorship'.‌ Received ongoing support from University of Alabama at Birmingham in the‌ amount of $14,799 for the project 'Predictors of Systemic Exposure to Oral‌ 6MP During Maintenance in Adolescents and Young Adults with Acute‌ Lymphoblastic Leukemia'.‌

Justin Sperlazza, MD, PhD‌

Was awarded new funding from Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation in the‌ amount of $181,500 for the project 'Utilizing chromatin directed inhibitors‌ to regulate gene expression in Ewing sarcoma for therapeutic benefit'.‌ Was awarded new funding from Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation in the‌ amount of $25,000 for the project 'Noninvasive detection of tumor antigen‌

by PET imaging'.‌

Patrick Thompson, MD‌‌

Was awarded new funding from H Lee Moffitt Cancer and Research Institute‌ in the amount of $1,444 for the project 'Blood based biomarkers for minimal‌ residual disease detection in pediatric sarcomas'.‌

Kate Westmoreland, MD‌‌

Was awarded new funding from Baylor College of Medicine in the amount of‌ $216,065 for the project 'Pediatric HIV/AIDS & Infection-Related‌ Malignancies Research Consortium for Sub-Saharan Africa (PARCA)'.‌

129‌

Featured Publications‌ IL-12 reprograms CAR-expressing natural killer T cells to long-lived Th1-polarized cells with potent antitumor activity.

Landoni E, Woodcock MG, Barragan G, Casirati G, Cinella V, Stucchi S, Flick LM, Withers TA, Hudson H, Casorati G, Dellabona P, Genovese P, Savoldo B, Metelitsa LS, Dotti G.Nat Commun. 2024 Jan 2;15(1):89. doi: 10.1038/s41467023-44310-y.PMID: 38167707.

Anti-CD30 CAR T cells as consolidation after autologous haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in patients with high-risk CD30(+) lymphoma: a phase 1 study.

Grover NS, Hucks G, Riches ML, Ivanova A, Moore DT, Shea TC, Seegars MB, Armistead PM, Kasow KA, Beaven AW, Dittus C, Coghill JM, Jamieson KJ, Vincent BG, Wood WA, Cheng C, Morrison JK, West J, Cavallo T, Dotti G, Serody JS, Savoldo B. Lancet Haematol. 2024 May;11(5):e358-e367. doi: 10.1016/S2352-3026(24)00064-4. Epub 2024 Mar 28.

PMID: 38555923.

Complex lymphatic anomalies: Molecular landscape and medical management.

Borst AJ, Britt A, Adams DM. Semin Pediatr Surg. 2024 Jun;33(3):151422. doi: 10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2024.151422.

Epub 2024 May 22. PMID: 38833763.

A phase 1/2 study of pepinemab in children, adolescents, or young adults with recurrent or refractory solid tumors: A children's oncology group consortium report (ADVL1614).

Greengard E, Williams R, Moriarity B, Liu X, Minard CG, Reid JM, Fisher T, Evans E, Pastore DR, Zauderer M, Voss S, Fox E, Weigel BJ.Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2024 Jun;71(6):e30938. doi: 10.1002/pbc.30938. Epub 2024 Mar 23.PMID: 38520670.

Co-targeting JAK1/STAT6/GAS6/TAM signaling improves chemotherapy efficacy in Ewing sarcoma.

Yu L, Deng Y, Wang X, Santos C, Davis IJ, Earp HS, Liu P. Nat Commun. 2024 Jun 21;15(1):5292. doi: 10.1038/s41467024-49667-2. PMID: 38906855.

Type II innate lymphoid cell plasticity contributes to impaired reconstitution after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Laurie SJ, Foster JP 2nd, Bruce DW, Bommiasamy H, Kolupaev OV, Yazdimamaghani M, Pattenden SG, Chao NJ, Sarantopoulos S, Parker JS, Davis IJ, Serody JS.Nat Commun. 2024 Jul 17;15(1):6000. doi: 10.1038/s41467-02450263-7.PMID: 39019846.

Transfusional hemosiderosis in childhood cancer patients and survivors.

Baskin-Miller J, Carson S, Jaffray J, Fletcher C, Singer J, Freyer DR, Wood J, Coates TD, Denton CC. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2024 Oct;71(10):e31220. doi: 10.1002/pbc.31220. Epub 2024 Aug 3. PMID: 39096194.

Long-term quality of life after hematopoietic cell transplant for sickle cell disease in childhood: A STELLAR interim analysis.

Arnold SD, Bakshi N, Ross D, Smith C, Sinha C, Veludhandi A, Dutreuil V, Bai S, Meacham LR, Guilcher G, Bhatia M, Abraham A, Kasow KA, Haight A, El Rassi F, Stenger E, Lipscomb J, Krishnamurti L. Am J Hematol. 2024 Oct;99(10):2037-2040. doi: 10.1002/ajh.27436. Epub 2024 Aug 6. PMID: 39105410.

Transcriptome profiling of pediatric extracranial solid tumors and lymphomas enables rapid low-cost diagnostic classification.

Opoku KB, Santiago T, Kumar P, Roush SM, Fedoriw Y, Tomoka T, Leventaki V, Furtado LV, Bhakta N, Alexander TB, Wang JR. Sci Rep. 2024 Aug 21;14(1):19456. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-70541-0. PMID: 39169157.

Use of allopurinol to manage skewed 6-mercaptopurine metabolism in pediatric maintenance acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment.

Lines M, Kemper RM, Wallace J, Alexander T, Echols C, Garner LM, Kaplan JB, Thompson P, Crona DJ, Phillips K. Eur J Haematol. 2024 Nov;113(5):584-592. doi: 10.1111/ejh.14273. Epub 2024 Jul 11. PMID: 38989562.

130‌

Wally Brown, MD

Bill Hubbard, MD

February 11, 1941 - August 1, 2024

March 31, 1940 - May 9, 2024

General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine

General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine

Gerald Strope, MD

James Thullen, MD

December 11, 1941 - June 19, 2024

October 17, 1940 - August 7, 2024 Pulmonology

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine

131

20‌ 24‌

Reach out to Give‌

UNC Children's Health Foundation‌ Holli Gall, Assistant Vice President, Philanthropy‌ holli_gall@med.unc.edu‌ Mary Gard, ‌Executive Director of Development‌ maryjean.gard@unchealth.unc.edu‌ 123 W. Franklin Street‌ Suite 510‌ Chapel Hill, NC 27516‌ 919-843-2915‌ ‌ unchealthfoundation.org/initiatives/childrens-health

Reach out to Communicate‌ Pediatric Communications‌

Charlotte Weaver,‌Director of Communications‌‌ Share your announcements and successes with the Department of Pediatrics and UNC Children's.

We are interested in faculty promotions, new hires, funding awards, recent publications, and opportunities for joy!‌ Email content & photos to ‌peds_news@med.unc.edu‌

WWW.MED.UNC .EDU/PEDIATRICS‌