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Dear Friends,
I hope you have had some time to spend with family and friends this summer!
We have many new faculty and trainees joining us this summer. Our faculty continues to grow to meet the needs of the state and the expanding population of children. We are also working to expand our residency and fellowship complement!
We have had several research grant successes over the past month, highlighting the innovative work conducted by our outstanding investigators.
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As many of you are aware, there is a national shortage of blood culture bottles. Zachary Willis is leading the effort in Children’s to mitigate this situation. Slides are attached outlining next steps and recommendations. We will discuss this at our next faculty meeting.
The planning for the N.C. Children’s Campus is progressing well. Our current priorities include identifying the site, discussing potential partners, and initiating several workstreams focused on the new campus. Thank you to everyone who completed the survey for the clinical portfolio workstream! We will be in touch soon regarding the next steps. Additionally, the most recent update from the NC Children’s Core Team is attached.
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We have several upcoming philanthropy events:
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Run for Batten on September 22 at Wrightsville Beach. More information can be found here.
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Raise a Racquet on September 27 in Chapel Hill. Sign-up can be found here.
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Finally, I would like to highlight three wonderful leaders within the Department who retired at the end of June. Dr. Ali Calikoglu retired June 30th after serving in the Department in our endocrine and diabetes division for 30 years, starting with his fellowship training and lasting until his retirement. Ali wore many hats during his time with UNC Children’s, including (but not limited to): Division Chief, Interim Division Chief, Associate Medical Director of the Specialty Clinics and Director of the Pediatric Endocrine and Diabetes clinics. He was instrumental in training generations of pediatric endocrinologists and was a consummate teacher and mentor to anyone with a question. Unsurprisingly, he was also named the Department’s Mentor of the Year in 2023. Congratulations, Ali, and we will miss you! | |
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Dr. George-Retsch-Bogart also retired June 30th after serving the Department for 38 years. Throughout his career, he has been a national leader in cystic fibrosis, including leading the development of new therapies along with the expansion of a robust clinical research network for CF therapies. He served as the Medical Director of the Clinical and Translational Research Center at NCTraCS since 2007 and was pivotal in establishing the CF Therapeutics Development Network at UNC, including overseeing expansion of the TDN from 18 to 77 sites as chair of the Steering Committee. George was also a wonderful teacher and mentor, as well as a stalwart colleague and caring provider. We will miss him and wish him the best for the future! | |
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Robin Johnson, RRT, also retired after serving UNC for 41 years. Most of you will know Robin from her clinical role as an exceptional respiratory therapist and pulmonary function technician. She was also our go-to expert in infant lung functions and served as a clinical coordinator for over 20 years. Robin’s dedication and kindness has been a hallmark of our pulmonary service. She has been a wonderful colleague and friend.
We will miss all these incredible child advocates!
As always, I am grateful for your dedication to the children and families we serve.
Gratefully,
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Kayce Brantham, MD
Assistant Professor
Hospital Pediatrics
| Kayce Brantham, MD joined the Pediatric Division of Hospital Pediatric Medicine on July 1, 2024. She received her BS from East Carolina University in 2010 and her medical degree from the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University in 2015. Dr. Brantham completed her pediatric residency at the Carolinas Medical Center, Levine Children’s Hospital in 2018. She was most recently with the HCA Virginia Healthcare System, Chippenham Hospital as a Pediatric Hospitalist. Welcome Kayce! | | | |
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Brittany Raffa, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor
General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
| Brittany J. Raffa, MD, MPH joined the Pediatric Division of General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine as an Assistant Professor on July 1, 2024. Dr. Raffa completed medical school at Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. She completed her residency at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, postgraduate certificate in Public Health at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Master of Public Health from Gillings School of Global Public Health at UNC Chapel Hill. Most recently, Dr. Raffa has been with us in Pediatrics at UNC as a NRSA Primary Care Research Fellow. Dr. Raffa will be working at UNC Children’s Primary and Specialty Care at Carolina Pointe II and UNC Health Family Medicine and Pediatrics at East Pittsboro. | | | |
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Maureen Petersen, MD
Associate Professor
Allergy/Immunology
| Maureen Petersen, MD joined the Pediatric Division of Allergy/Immunology on July 8, 2024. In 1994, she received her BS from the College of William and Mary, in Williamsburg, VA and her medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), in Bethesda, MD in 1998. Dr. Petersen completed her pediatric residency at the Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI in 2001 and her allergy/immunology fellowship at the National Capital Consortium – Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC in 2009. Through a career with significant clinical roles and academic achievements, Dr. Petersen rose to the rank of Colonel in 2016 and retired from the Army in 2023. We are excited to have her join us at UNC. Welcome Maureen! | | | |
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Rebecca Chasnovitz, MD
Associate Professor
General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
| Rebecca Chasnovitz, MD joined the Pediatric Division of General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine as an Associate Professor on July 8, 2024. In 2003, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Public Health and Infectious Disease as a Robertson Scholar at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and remained at UNC to complete her medical degree in 2010. Dr. Chasnovitz completed her pediatric residency and was chief resident at Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA from 2010-2014. Subsequently, she has worked as a pediatrician with the Permanente Medical Group in Berkley and Oakland, CA. Dr. Chaznovitz will be providing primary care at UNC Pediatrics at Pittsboro and she will also supervise residents in clinic at our UNC Children’s Primary Care Clinic at Carolina Pointe 2. We are excited to have her rejoin us at UNC. Welcome Rebecca! | | | | |
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Marcelo Takahashi, MD
Assistant Professor
Pediatric Radiology
Marcelo Takahashi, MD joined Pediatric Radiology on July 15, 2024. Dr. Takahashi has extensive experience in diagnostic imaging and a strong background in research and education. A dedicated professional committed to utilizing advanced technology and artificial intelligence to enhance medical diagnostics. Dr. Takahashi is fluent in Portuguese and English. Welcome Marcelo!
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Sutton Named Associate Vice Chair of Inpatient Operations | |
We are excited to announce that Dr. Ashley Sutton has been selected as the new Associate Vice Chair of Inpatient Operations. Dr. Sutton, a Professor in the division of Hospital Pediatrics, was selected after reviewing numerous applications for the position.
This position will serve as Associate Vice-Chair in the Department of Pediatrics and provide day-to-day oversight of inpatient clinical operations at UNC Children’s and the Children’s service line. This will include working directly with service line dyads on processes and outcomes of direct inpatient care-including transfer of patients to UNC Children’s for care, throughput of patients after arrival, and discharge of patients from inpatient care. In addition, this individual will serve as the primary point of contact for service line leaders to address any administrative and operational issues that arise.
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NPM Fellow Joins Editorial Board
Jeanette Van Steyn, MD, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine fellow, was selected for a position on the editorial board on the APP publication NeoReviews as a NeoQuest Junior Author. Congratulations Dr. VanSteyn!
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Department of Pediatrics Meeting
If you couldn't join us for the meeting on Thurs, July 18th,
the slides can be found here!
Click to see the Slide Deck
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Cejas Promoted to Associate Professor
Diana M. Cejas, MD, MPH was recently promoted to Associate Professor of Neurology. In addition, Dr. Cejas has been awarded a +$2 million grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration to grow the UNC the child to adult neurology Multidisciplinary Transition Clinic. This grant will have an impact on our patients for generations to come as our excellent care promotes their transition to the adult care world.
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Baum Develops AAP Mental Health QI Course
Thanks to Dr. Becky Baum for her leadership role in this new online QI course developed by AAP to help pediatricians identify, assess, and manage mental health problems: Baum R, Casher D, Miotto M. EQIPP: Mental Health - Identify, Assess, and Manage [online course]. PediaLink. American Academy of Pediatrics.
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Lewis Published with AAMC Women's Leadship Colleagues
As an outcome of the, AAMC Women’s Leadership Conference last summer Dr. Emilee Lewis, Associate Professor in Hospital Pediatrics, recently published this manuscript. Tiny patients, huge impact: a call to action was co-authored with a group of amazing pediatricians who met at the conference and shared similar ideas that they wanted to share more broadly.
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Burbank Named AAAAI Fellow
Dr. Allison Burbank, Associate Professor in Allergy/Immunology, was named a fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. The AAAAI is the leading membership organization of more than 7,000 allergists / immunologists. Fellow status in the AAAAI recognizes members' professional achievements in the allergy / immunology specialty. AAAAI fellows must demonstrate proficiency in research or practice in the field. Congratulations!
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1st UNC/Duke Neonatology Fellow Boot Camp
Cara Beth Carr, MD, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, partnered with Samia Aleem, MD, MHS, Associate PD, Duke Neonatology, to sponsor a very successful inaugural “UNC/Duke NPM Boot Camp” for new neonatology fellows.
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Frazer Awarded K08
Lauren Frazer, MD, PhD, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, was awarded a 5 year NIH K08 (1K08DK140604-01) titled, “Regulation of signaling pathways mediating epithelial cell injury in the neonatal intestine” in the amount of $870,570. Congratulations Dr. Frazer!!
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UNC SOM Selected as Site for New Food Allergy Research | The UNC School of Medicine has been selected to participate in the latest renewal of the Consortium for Food Allergy Research (CoFAR). Sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the seven-year grant is for $390,000 per year. The UNC site lead investigators are Edwin Kim, MD, associate professor of pediatrics, division chief of UNC Pediatric Allergy & Immunology, and member of UNC Children’s Research Institute, and Corinne Keet, MD, PhD, professor of pediatrics, vice chair of clinical and translational research, and associate director of UNC Children’s Research Institute. | | | |
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Kim Theme Coordinator for Journal's July Edition
Dr. Edwin Kim was one of the coordinators for the JACI: In Practice July theme issue on Prevention of Allergy and Asthma. The wonderfully curated issue has now been published online It was a truly excellent group of theme review articles (with a very valuable theme editorial). It is certain this theme issue will be extremely beneficial for readers.
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UNC-Chapel Hill research funding hits new milestone at $1.21B
Investment in Carolina’s research enterprise grew in FY24, with significant increases in funding from private organizations and federal agencies.
The numbers are in and research at Carolina continues to grow. This is the fifth year in a row that research awards have topped $1 billion, facilitating research projects and experiments for external sponsors like federal agencies, industry partners, and nonprofit organizations.
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Dr. Bianca Allison – General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine – published Trends in Continuation of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Among Adolescents Receiving Medicaid. Allison BA, Ritter V, Lin FC, Flower KB, Perry MF. J Adolesc Health. 2024 Jul 9:S1054-139X(24)00238-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.04.029. Online ahead of print. PMID: 38980246.
Dr. Becky Baum – General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine – published Online Autism Diagnostic Evaluation: Its Rise, Promise, and Reasons for Caution. Fogler JM, Armstrong-Brine M, Baum R, Ratliff-Schaub K, Howe YJ, Campbell L, Soares N. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2024 May-Jun 01;45(3):e263-e266. doi: 10.1097/DBP.0000000000001271. PMID: 38905007.
Dr. Neal deJong – General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine – published Scope-of-Practice Expansions Associated with Reduced Racial Disparities in Pediatric Mental Health Care. Hughes PM, Graaf G, Gigli KH, deJong NA, McGrath RE, Thomas KC. Community Ment Health J. 2024 Jul 1. doi: 10.1007/s10597-024-01310-6. PMID: 38954142.
Dr. Sara Duffus – Endocrinology published:
Evaluation and application of American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System for improved malignancy detection in paediatric thyroid nodules. Ortega CA, Gallant JN, Kilic I, Patel S, Chen SC, Wood CB, Adams R, Azer F, Wang H, Liang J, Duffus SH, Belcher RH, Andreotti RF, Krishnasarma R, Lim-Dunham JE, Barkan GA, Ye F, Weiss VL. Cytopathology. 2024 Jun 30. doi: 10.1111/cyt.13414. Online ahead of print. PMID: 38946029.
Sharma RK, Duffus SH, Belcher RH. Chapter 11: Thyroid and Parathyroid. In: Essential Pediatric Otolaryngology, Volume 2: Head and Neck, Rhinology, and the Future. Nova Scotia Publishers, USA. 2024.
Dr. Kori Flower – General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine – published:
Benefits, Challenges, and Opportunities in Addressing Medicaid Beneficiaries' Non-Medical Risks to Health: A Qualitative Analysis.LaPoint M, Vu MB, Ricks K, Flower KB, Domino ME, Dave G, Berkowitz SA. J Public Health Manag Pract. 2024 Jul-Aug 01;30(4):597-604. doi: 10.1097/PHH.0000000000001874. Epub 2024 Jun 12. PMID: 38330375.
Television Time, Especially During Meals, Is Associated With Less Healthy Dietary Practices in Toddlers. Lutz MR, Orr CJ, Shonna Yin H, Heerman WJ, Flower KB, Sanders LM, Rothman RL, Schildcrout JS, Bian A, Kay MC, Wood CT, Delamater AM, Perrin EM. Acad Pediatr. 2024 Jul;24(5):741-747. doi: 10.1016/j.acap.2023.09.019. Epub 2023 Oct 5. PMID: 37802249.
Dr. Edwin Kim – Allergy/Immunology published:
Allergic Disease Prevention: Current Strategies and a Look Into the Future. Kim EH, Matsui EC. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2024 Jul;12(7):1717-1718. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2024.04.045. PMID: 38972693.
Rise of the machines: The future may be here for food allergy diagnostics. Kim EH. J Allergy Clin Immunol Glob. 2024 Aug 3(3); 100301. doi.org/10.1016/j.jacig.2024.100301.
Dr. Jennifer Law – Endocrinology – published EndoBridge 2023: highlights and pearls.
Yildiz BO, Boguszewski CL, da Silva Boguszewski MC, Busetto L, Celik O, Fuleihan GE, Goulis DG, Hammer GD, Haymart MR, Kaltsas G, Law JR, Lim AYL, Luger A, Macut D, McGowan B, McClung M, Miras AD, Patti ME, Peeters RP, Pignatelli D, Saeed H, Sipos J, Stratakis CA, Tsoli M, van der Lely AJ, Witchel SF, Yazici D. Hormones (Athens). 2024 Jun;23(2):183-204. doi: 10.1007/s42000-024-00549-8. Epub 2024 Apr 15. PMID: 38619812.
Dr. Matthew Laughon – Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine – published:
Prescribing practices of inhaled corticosteroids for premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. Tang M, Ibrahim A, Laughon C, Moore K, Tejada A, Tran D, Kilpatrick R, Greenberg RG, Hornik CP, Zimmerman K, Laughon MM, Clark RH, Lang JE. J Perinatol. 2024 Jul;44(7):953-956. PMID: 38297180.
Acetaminophen for Patent Ductus Arteriosus and Risk of Mortality and Pulmonary Morbidity. Jensen EA, DeMauro SB, Rysavy MA, Patel RM, Laughon MM, Eichenwald EC, Do BT, Das A, Wright CJ; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network. Pediatrics. 2024 Jul 16:e2023065056. PMID: 39011550.
Dr. Nancie MacIver – Endocrinology – published Metformin as a Therapeutic Agent for Obesity-Associated Immune Dysfunction. Rajeev D, MacIver NJ. J Nutr. 2024 Jul 6:S0022-3166(24)00381-X. doi: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.07.001. Online ahead of print. PMID: 38972391.
Dr. Tisu Mvalo – General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine – published An intervention to improve lumbar puncture rates for meningitis surveillance in children at four secondary health facilities in Malawi: A before/after analysis.
Zulu MD, Msuku H, Stanley CC, Phiri VS, Topazian HM, Chinkhumba J, Hoffman IF, Juliano JJ, Mathanga DP, Mvalo T. Trop Med Int Health. 2024 Jun;29(6):499-506. doi: 10.1111/tmi.13991. Epub 2024 Apr 7. PMID: 38584312.
Dr. Mike O’Shea – Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine – published:
Neonatal inflammation and its association with asthma and obesity in late childhood among individuals born extremely preterm. Emmanuel C, Oran A, Jensen ET, Fichorova RN, Gower WA, Perrin EM, Sanderson K, South AM, Gogcu S, Shenberger J, Singh R, Makker K, Thompson AL, Santos H, Fry RC, O'Shea TM; ELGAN-ECHO Study Investigators. Pediatr Res. 2024 Jun 24. PMID: 38914762.
Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression and Severe Distress among Mothers of Very Preterm Infants at NICU Discharge. Hofheimer JA, McGowan EC, Smith LM, Meltzer-Brody S, Carter BS, Dansereau LM, Pastyrnak S, Helderman JB, Neal CR, DellaGrotta SA, O'Shea TMD, Lester BM. Am J Perinatol. 2024 Jul;41(10):1396-1408. PMID: 37072014.
Preeclampsia, Fetal Growth Restriction, and 24-Month Neurodevelopment in Very Preterm Infants. Check J, Shuster C, Hofheimer J, Camerota M, Dansereau LM, Smith LM, Carter BS, DellaGrotta SA, Helderman J, Kilbride H, Loncar CM, McGowan E, Neal CR, O'Shea TM, Pastyrnak SL, Sheinkopf SJ, Lester BM. JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Jul 1;7(7):e2420382. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.20382. PMID: 38967923.
Parent-Guided Developmental Intervention for Infants With Very Low Birth Weight: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Silveira RC, Valentini NC, O'Shea TM, Mendes EW, Froes G, Cauduro L, Panceri C, Fuentefria RN, Procianoy RS. JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Jul 1;7(7):e2421896. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024. 21896. PMID: 39018071.
Malpresentation and autism spectrum disorder in the study to explore early development. Zhang Y, Delahanty MT, Engel SM, Marshall S, O'Shea TM, Garcia T, Schieve LA, Bradley C, Daniels JL.
Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2024 Jun 21. PMID: 39031568.
Cerebral Palsy and Motor Impairment After Extreme Prematurity: Prediction of Diagnoses at Ages 2 and 10 Years. Marinelli T, Yi JX, O'Shea TM, Joseph RM, Hooper SR, Kuban KCK, Sakai C, Msall ME, Fry R, Singh R; ELGAN-ECHO Study Investigators. J Pediatr. 2024 Aug;271:114037. PMID: 38580191.
Association of Growth During Infancy with Neurodevelopment and Obesity in Children Born Very Preterm: The Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes Cohort. O'Shea TM, Jensen ET, Yi JX, Lester B, Aschner JL, Stroustrup A, Zhang X, McGrath M, Sanderson K, Joseph RM, Singh R, Thompson AL, Hofheimer J, Vohr B, McGowan E, Santos H, Fry RC; of program collaborators for Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes. J Pediatr. 2024 Aug;271:114050. PMID: 38641165.
Peyton Thompson, MD, MSCR – Infectious Diseases – published Hepatitis B Elimination Globally-The Answer May Not Be the Same for Everyone. Thompson P. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc. 2024 Jun 29:piae067. doi: 10.1093/jpids/piae067. Online ahead of print. PMID: 38943670.
Dr. Samantha Schilling – General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine – published Evaluation of Virtual Enhanced Child Adult Relationship Enhancement in Primary Care Intervention. Kiely J, DePaul E, Rojas S, Cortes S, Schilling S, Dougherty S, Wood JN. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2024 Jun 21. doi: 10.1097/DBP.0000000000001292. PMID: 38905220.
Dr. Mike Steiner – General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine – published The Growth of Regional Children's Campuses and Academic Departments of Pediatrics. Steiner MJ, Moya F, Liles BL, Jaskolka M, Pino J, Hurtado CW, Manno CS, Davis SD. J Pediatr. 2024 Jun 12:114141. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114141. PMID: 38876153.
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Please join me in welcoming our newest adorable addition to the Pediatrics family! Meet Sophia Camille Zerona born to Dr. Cara Beth Carr, Associate Professor in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, in July, weighing 6 pounds 2 oz. Cara Beth and Sophia are both home and doing well!
Congratulations!
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Kate Matthews
Project Manager
Nominated by: Sam Young, PhD & Kira Frediani
We are so grateful to Kate Matthews! As interim Business Manager for the Gene Therapy Center she has gone above and beyond in her efforts to prepare for and welcome our new GTC Director, Dr. Samuel Young. Kate exemplifies the UNC dedication to a culture of excellence, respect, and inclusiveness. Kate has helped with everything from cleaning out offices, planning renovations, coordinating site visits and move logistics, recruiting lab staff. More importantly, she has been ahead of the curve and has used her wealth of knowledge and expertise to anticipate needs to make a complicated transition as smooth as possible. Her “can do” attitude and high-quality work make her an invaluable member of our team. We are so grateful for all her efforts and cannot thank her for enough for everything she’s done!
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