Category: News

Dr. Nadia Hoekstra, UNC Pediatric Pulmonology, has been selected for the UNC School of Medicine Physician Scientist Training Program Faculty Award. Her project will explore innovative uses of artificial intelligence and digital stethoscope technology to improve detection of aspiration risk in infants. The award offers the resources and community needed...

Dr. Andre Espaillat, Division of Pulmonology, has been named a recipient of the IQVIA Pediatric Clinical Research Scholar Award. The award supports his efforts to advance data-driven research in children’s respiratory health while strengthening clinical research capacity across the department. Congratulations!

Congratulations to faculty and trainees selected for Academy of Educators awards to be presented at the 2026 Evening of Scholarship, recognizing outstanding contributions to teaching, mentorship, and medical education.

UNC Children’s celebrated the opening of its new 13-bed Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit on May 18. The dedicated unit brings together specialized teams, advanced technology, and expanded capacity to care for children with complex heart conditions. The milestone reflects continued investment in high-quality, family-centered pediatric care across North Carolina.

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...

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...

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!