Dr. Margaret “Magee” Leigh has served as a faculty member in the Department of Pediatrics and the Pulmonary Division for over 40 years. Throughout her tenure, she has provided care for children with chronic lung diseases, taught medical students, residents and pulmonary fellows and engaged in research of chronic lung diseases with a specific focus on cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia. With her recent retirement, we wish to honor Dr. Leigh’s legacy with a lectureship in her honor. The lectureship will help us bring in experts from around the world to help train and inform the next generation of learners.

A phase 2 study, led by Thomas W. Ferkol, MD, at the UNC School of Medicine, demonstrates safety and efficacy of idrevloride with hypertonic saline for treatment of primary ciliary dyskinesia, a rare genetic disorder that can lead to permanent lung damage.

Dr. Stephenson joined the Department of Pediatrics as faculty on August 14, 2023. Dr. Stephenson received her BS from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville VA in 2011 and completed her medical degree at Trinity School of Medicine, in St. Vincent & the Grenadines in 2016. She was a Pediatric Resident at the Vidant Medical Center at East Carolina University (ECU) in Greenville, NC from 2017 to 2020. She completed subspecialty training in Pediatric Pulmonology with us at UNC Children’s in 2023. Congratulations Nicole!

Investigators in Pediatric Pulmonology at UNC Children’s are playing key roles in the study and treatment of Cystic Fibrosis (CF). According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the current life expectancy for CF patients born between 2017 and 2021 is 53 years — a substantial change from just 10 years ago when the life expectancy was 38. These incredible improvements in the lives of children and adults with CF have been possible through years of laboratory and translational research at UNC and medical centers around the world. At UNC Children’s, clinical trials that test potential drugs and therapies in people with CF are a fundamental part of CF research and care.

We are excited to welcome to the newest group of fellows/subspecialty residents to UNC Children’s! Our fellowship programs are committed to fostering the development of future generations of physicians and scientists who will go on to improve the health of children in North Carolina and across the globe.

Elisabeth Dellon, MD, MPH, Professor of Pediatrics and Medical Director of the Children’s Supportive Care Team, was honored with this year’s H. Fleming Fuller Award. The award was presented on May 15 during a meeting of the UNC Health Board of Directors. For more than 35 years, the Award has been given to the physician who best embodies Fuller’s commitment to patient care, teaching, and community.

Timothy Vece, MD was promoted to Professor of Pediatrics effective May 1, 2023. Dr. Vece has been a faculty member in Pediatric Pulmonology since 2016. Dr. Vece is the Medical Director, North Carolina Children’s Airway Center and part of the Rare and Genetic Lung Disease Program.

The UNC Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for the NC Children’s Allergy and Asthma Center by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

On August 1, 2022, Dr. Tom Ferkol joined the department as the new Division Chief of Pediatric Pulmonology. Dr. Ferkol comes to us from Washington University in St. Louis. He earned an undergraduate degree in Biological and Psychology from Case Western Reserve University before pursuing his MD degree at Ohio State University. Subsequently, he completed his Pediatric residency and a year as Chief Resident with us at UNC Hospitals. Dr. Ferkol completed his Pediatric Pulmonology fellowship training at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Case Western Reserve University in 1992. Beginning in 2000, Dr. Ferkol joined the faculty as a tenured Associated Professor in the Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonary Medicine, Washington University and as the Director of the Comprehensive Washington University Cystic Fibrosis Center. His research has focused on characterizing genetic and molecular factors that contribute to lung disease in cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia.
Please join us in welcoming Tom to the UNC Children’s family!

We are excited to congratulate Pediatrics department members recently inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha (AΩA). Election to Alpha Omega Alpha signifies a lasting commitment to scholarship, leadership, professionalism, and service. Membership in the society confers recognition of someone’s dedication to the profession and art of healing.