Category: News

Dr. Adenike (Nikki) Animasaun joined the Pediatric Division of Emergency Medicine on July 27, 2026. Welcome Nikki!

Two UNC pediatric genetics patients received their first doses of pegzilarginase (Loargys), a newly approved enzyme replacement therapy for Arginase 1 deficiency, in June under the guidance of Dr. Clara Hildebrandt, Associate Professor in the Division of Genetics and Metabolism, with support from the team at the Muenzer MPS Center.

Zachary Willis, MD, MPH, Associate Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases, was recently elected to a 2-year term on the Medical Staff Executive Committee (MSEC).

Sarah Duffus, MD was promoted to Associate Professor of Pediatrics effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Duffus has been a faculty member in Pediatric Endocrinology since 2023. Congratulations!

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Elise Hickman to the Division of Pediatric Allergy/Immunology as as a researcher with Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology, beginning in July 2026.

We are pleased to be accepting applications for the Emonson Awards 2026. The Emonson Award is presented annually to a nurse, resident, and faculty member who best represents the mission and spirit of UNC Children’s. -- Please send nominations for this award to Kate Matthews (skmatthe@email.unc.edu) by September 1.

We are pleased to welcome Ryan Barbaro, MD, MS, Professor of Pediatrics, as the new Division Chief for Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, effective June 30, 2026. Dr. Barbaro is returning to UNC after having most recently served as the Service Chief of Critical Care and the Pediatric ECMO Director at...

Dr. Young is leading translational research aimed at treating the root cause of CACNA1A-related disorders. His work is featured in a recent CACNA1A-focused issue of the Community Resonance Foundation’s Rare Awareness Radio ENCORES series, which connects researchers, clinicians, and families through accessible summaries of emerging science and lived experience in...

We are pleased to welcome Anna Shirk to the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology as an Advanced Practice Provider, beginning in June 2026.

Congratulations to our next group of Carolina Child Health Scholars Joanna Alfred, MD (Pulmonology), Ryanne Buckley, MD (Hematology-Oncology), Daniel Vo, MD (Pulmonology), and Logan Webb, MD (Nephrology).