Author Archives: Charlotte Weaver

The University of North Carolina Department of Pediatrics is proud to share that May 17 has been officially recognized as Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Awareness Day in North Carolina, following advocacy efforts involving UNC Children’s clinicians, the NEC Society, and state leaders. This designation, approved by Governor Josh Stein, highlights the...

The UNC Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology was well represented at the North Carolina Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Society (NCAAIS) Annual Meeting, held May 16–17, 2026 in Durham, NC. The agenda included presentations by Dr. Hunter Smith, Dr. Edwin Kim and Dr. David Peden.

Congratulations to Dr. Matt Laughon, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, on earning the 2025 Impact Article of the Year (IAOTY) from the International Society for Evidence-Based Neonatology (EBNEO). The honor recognizes the landmark JAMA publication, “Expectant Management vs Medication for Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants,” authored by Dr. Laughon...

During Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, Dr. Maureen Petersen represented UNC Children’s on Capitol Hill, advocating for policies that improve access to allergy and asthma care. Through national partnerships and storytelling from UNC-led research, her efforts highlight the critical link between clinical innovation and health policy.

A new international perspective led by UNC School of Medicine researchers highlights that oral food challenges, historically considered essential to food allergy clinical trials, are now limiting who can participate and threatening to slow progress in food allergy research.

Pediatrics hosted its annual Thomas F. Boat Evening of Scholarship on May 11, 2026, in Roper Hall, bringing together trainees and faculty to present and award research spanning basic science, clinical care, quality improvement, and education. The event featured a keynote by Bob Vinci, MD, and highlighted outstanding projects and...

Drs. Barbara Savoldo and Gianpietro Dotti have been named recipients of the 2026 Hyman L. Battle Distinguished Cancer Research Award, recognizing their leadership in advancing CAR T-cell therapies. Their work at UNC Lineberger continues to expand innovative, immune-based treatments for both adult and pediatric patients, improving outcomes for those facing...

Kelley Ward, MD was promoted to Associate Professor of Pediatrics effective May 1, 2026. Dr. Ward has been faculty in the division of Hospital Pediatrics since 2022. Congratulations!

Paul Shea, MD was promoted to Professor of Pediatrics effective May 1, 2026. Dr. Shea has been a faculty member in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine since 2016. Congratulations!

Allison Sweeney, MD was promoted to Professor of Pediatrics effective May 1, 2026. Dr. Sweeney has been a faculty member in the Department of Pediatrics since 2016. Congratulations!