Congratulations to Corinne Keet, MD, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Allergy/Immunology, and Vice Chair of Clinical and Translational Research, and Peyton Thompson, MD, MSCR,
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Infectious Diseases, on their election to membership in the Society of Pediatric Research (SPR).

The Society for Pediatric Research encourages and supports pediatric research endeavors by creating a multi-disciplinary network of diverse researchers to improve child health. Collaboration among SPR members creates meaningful progress for the future of children’s health. Active Members are independent researchers conducting hypothesis-driven research in a field related to pediatrics that have been nominated and seconded by SPR members and approved by SPR Council.

Congratulations Corinne and Peyton!

Dr. Cara Beth Carr, Assistant Professor in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Dr. Clara Hildebrandt, Assistant Professor in Pediatric Genetics & Metabolism, Dr. Elisabeth Leong, Assistant Professor in Pediatric Cardiology, and Dr. Lindsay Marszal, Assistant Professor in General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine have been selected to be a part of the 2023-2024 Passing the Torch Cohort.

The Be Loud! Center for Young Adult Cancer Care, opening this fall, was designed by former UNC cancer patients and is led by Lauren Lux and Andrew “Smitty” Smitherman, MD, at the UNC Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program in the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Jaelyn Pulkrabek is the newest pediatric Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner (CPP), specializing in solid organ transplantation. She completed her undergraduate degree at Buena Vista University and Doctorate of Pharmacy degree at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, followed by residency training at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX. Her clinical practice will be both inpatient and outpatient-based, initially focusing on the kidney transplant population. Welcome Jaelyn!!

Rielee Welch, MSN, NNP joined Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine on October 16, 2023. She is a recent graduate of the East Carolina University, Master of Science, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program. Welcome Rielee!

Amy Levenson, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology, has been elected by the Academy of Educators to be their representative on the School of Medicine Education Committee. The UNC School of Medicine Education Committee develops and maintains the governance structure for the entire medical school curriculum.

We are excited to announce that Shiva Zargham, MD, MSc will join the education team as an Associate Program Director. Dr. Zargham is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine.

A clinical study led by Edwin Kim, MD, at the UNC School of Medicine, showed how Peanut Sublingual Immunotherapy (Peanut SLIT) is safe and effective in children ranging from 1-to-4 years of age. Remission of peanut allergy was also possible after three months of stopping the treatment.

Nominations Due November 1st, 2023
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We are pleased to be accepting applications for the Emonson Awards 2023.
The Emonson Award is presented annually to a nurse, resident, and faculty member who best represents the mission and spirit of UNC Children’s.
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Please send nominations for this award to Mike Steiner (msteiner@med.unc.edu)

UNC Pediatric Gastroenterology was well represented at the North American Society For Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition (NASPGHAN) Annual Meeting in San Diego, October 4-7, 2023.