One of our retired faculty members, A. Joseph D’Ercole, died peacefully on December 21st, 2023, after a brief but rapidly progressing illness. Although Dr. D’Ercole is internationally known for his basic research, he is locally known for his expertise and compassion in the care of children. In this regard he has mentored hundreds of students, residents, fellows, and staff in clinical care, and he has taught the importance of thorough assessments, careful deliberation, and excellent communication with, and advocacy for, his patients. Dr. D’Ercole’s’ legacy will live on through his scientific discoveries, trainees, and his incredible impact on so many families.  He will be missed.

A trio of our resident physicians have been invited to participate in the 2024 Frontiers in Science (FIS) Symposium in New Orleans, Louisiana, February 29 – March 1, 2024.
Dr. Maureen Farrell, Second Year Pediatric Resident, Physician Scientist Training Program Scholar
Dr. Tacora Lemelle, First Year Pediatric Resident
Dr. Rim Mehari, Second Year Pediatric Resident

Our nurses from UNC Children’s Hospital are here to remind you of holiday hazards at home so that you can keep your kids safe this time of year!

UNC School of Medicine students completed a half marathon in Durham in early December and donated their race medals to pediatric patients at the UNC Hospitals Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Clinic. The students are part of a new student organization, Medals4Mettle.

Yazan Alwarawrah, PhD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology, was recently selected to receive a UNC-Chapel Hill Junior Faculty Development Award. Congratulations Yazan!

Morgan Such, PNP, joined the Wilmington Pediatric Hospitalists group as a Nurse Practitioner on December 11, 2023. Most recently, Morgan has been a Nurse Practitioner the PICU at ECU Health and was previously a nurse with UNC Children’s on the Hem/Onc/Bone Marrow Transplant service. She received her Master’s degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2022 and her BSN from Clemson University in 2016. Welcome Morgan!

Katie Jordan, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Genny Taylor, MD, Assistant Professor in the Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, and Arshiya Ahuja, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Hospital Pediatrics, were recently selected to receive grants to participate in the 2024 AAMC Early-Career Women Faculty Leadership Development Seminar.
Congratulations Katie, Genny, and Arshiya!

Macrina Liguori, MD, a fellow in the Division of Neonatal Perinatal Medicine, received the 2023 Emonson Award. Julie Blatt, MD, Professor in Hematology/Oncology received the 2023 Faculty Emonson award, and Nicole Willson, RN received the 2023 Nurse Emonson award. The Emonson Awards, established in 2006, annually recognize the nurse, resident, and faculty member who best represent the mission and spirit of UNC Children’s.

Cheryl Crawford, CPNP DNP joined the Department of Pediatrics in the Adolescent Medicine section of the Division of General Pediatrics & Adolescent in November 2023. Ms. Crawford has cared for children and adolescents in multiple outpatient settings, initially as a pediatric nurse for 6 years, and as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner since 2005, most recently with UNCPN through the UNC Pediatrics at Forest Pines Wakefield office and the UNC Rex Hospital Newborn Nursery. She also earned her DNP degree in 2022. Welcome Cheryl!

COVID, the flu and RSV are often referred to as the trifecta of seasonal illnesses. But one of the viruses is spreading faster around the Cape Fear than the others. Doctors say they are seeing more patients with RSV than any other illness this time of year. A new preventive antibody to protect newborns against RSV is a step toward a healthier future. “The goal is to try and minimize how many babies are hospitalized,” said Dr. Lauren Rust, pediatric medical director for Novant Health and Assistant Professor with UNC Department of Pediatrics. But the new vaccine called Beyfortus, is in short supply. Rust says for now, the vaccine will be prioritized for high-risk patients. Those are newborns with underlying conditions, pregnant mothers and newborns six months or younger.