Peds News Archives | Department of Pediatrics

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US/UK Food Allergy Researchers Predict Oral Food Challenge Tests as an Obstacle to Future Food Allergy Trials

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.

Ward Promoted to Associate Professor of Pediatrics

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!

Shea Promoted to Professor of Pediatrics

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!

Duke & UNC Researchers to co-lead $12.9M Study to Improve Care for Autistic Children

Duke University has been awarded $12.9 million from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) for a new clinical trial aimed at improving the standard of care for autistic children with chronic digestive discomfort. The study will be co-led by researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill, underscoring the impact of the partnership between...

Brenner Receives K23 Award to Advance Pain Management Research in Crohn’s Disease

The UNC Department of Pediatrics is pleased to announce that Erica Brenner, MD, MSCR, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Gastroenterology, has received a Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23) for Advancing Evidence-Based Pain Management in IBD.

Kamoun Receives K23 Award for Research on Early Female Puberty

Camilia Kamoun, MD, MSME, pediatric endocrinologist and faculty member in the UNC Department of Pediatrics, has received a prestigious NIH K23 Career Development Award to support her research on patient-informed clinical care for early female puberty.

deJong Honored for Exceptional Cross-Institutional Bass Connections Team Leadership

Neal deJong, MD, MPH, General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, was honored as a 2026 Bass Connections Leadership Award. This award recognizes outstanding faculty and staff team leaders for their creativity, intellectual vision and commitment to student mentoring on year-long Bass Connections projects. Congratulations Neal!

Pediatrics’ 2025 Annual Report

Take a look at the 2025 Department of Pediatrics Annual Report! We are happy to take a moment to congratulate everyone on their successes. Many thanks to our friends and colleagues for the work they do to promote children's health, to transform care, and inspire hope for all children!

Baumgardner Named Director of Pediatrics Track in Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship

Lauren Baumgardner, DO, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics has been named Director of the Pediatric Palliative Care Fellowship Track. With support from the Ho/Chiang Foundation, the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship started a pediatrics track in 2021. Dr. Baumgardner joined the Pediatric Division of General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine in 2023....

UNC Children’s Offering Sedation-Free Transnasal Endoscopy (TNE)

UNC Children’s is now offering Sedation-Free Transnasal Endoscopy (TNE) using the @EvoEndo Endoscopy System. Led by Dr. Sabina Mir and our team, this advanced option gives children a sedation-free experience, helping them spend less time in the hospital and more time at school, in sports, and enjoying time with family.