NASPGHAN Celebrates Inaugural Dr. Regino Gonzalez-Peralta Memorial Opening Doors Travel Grant Recipients | |
Honoring a legacy of mentorship, community, and pediatric hepatology
NASPGHAN is pleased to recognize the inaugural recipients of the Dr. Regino “Regi” Gonzalez-Peralta Memorial Opening Doors Travel Grants for Fellows, established to honor Dr. Gonzalez-Peralta’s extraordinary legacy of mentorship, community, and dedication to advancing pediatric hepatology.
Sponsored by Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the program provides travel grants of up to $3,000 to help pediatric gastroenterology fellows attend the NASPGHAN Annual Meeting. The initiative aims to reduce financial barriers and expand access to educational, research, networking, and mentorship opportunities, particularly for fellows who may lack sufficient institutional travel support.
| Pictured from left: Carnie Lazarre Acier, MD, MPH; Karen Jacqueline Enriquez Perez, MD; Najima Mwase, MD; and NASPGHAN Foundation President Karen Murray, MD, at the Foundation VIP Donor Reception during the 2026 NASPGHAN Annual Meeting in San Diego. | | |
Congratulations to the 2026 grant recipients:
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Carnie Lazarre Acier, MD, MPH, Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital
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Karen Jacqueline Enriquez Perez, MD, Nuevo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Dr. Juan I. Menchaca
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Najima Mwase, MD, Children's National Hospital
The inaugural recipients were celebrated during the 2026 NASPGHAN Annual Meeting in San Diego, carrying forward Dr. Gonzalez-Peralta’s commitment to opening doors for the next generation of pediatric gastroenterologists and hepatologists.
A beloved colleague and mentor, Dr. Gonzalez-Peralta was known for his clinical expertise, warmth, generosity, and unwavering dedication to supporting trainees from all backgrounds. His lasting influence on the pediatric GI community continues through this meaningful initiative.
NASPGHAN extends its sincere appreciation to the Training Committee and DEI Committee for their work in bringing this program to fruition, and to Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc., for its generous support.
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| | NASPGHAN Lends Support to Letter Asking for Timely FY 2027 NIH Appropriations | | | | |
NASPGHAN and nearly 400 organizations in the Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research sent a letter to House and Senate leadership and appropriations leaders urging Congress to finalize a robust, bipartisan FY 2027 appropriation for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as quickly as possible, ideally by the end of the calendar year. The letter emphasizes the importance of timely, predictable funding for sustaining medical research, supporting research institutions and the scientific workforce, and ensuring patients continue to benefit from lifesaving discoveries, while also encouraging Congress to preserve safeguards that prevent policies from disrupting federally funded research.
Relatedly, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) published Tracking Two Years of Change in NIH Funding, a new report examining trends in NIH awards, funding obligations, and grant disruptions across FY 2025 and FY 2026. The report found that although all of the funding appropriated by Congress to the NIH the past two fiscal years was obligated, the number of awarded research grants fell. Funding freezes or terminations disrupted 5,776 NIH grants, creating instability for researchers and institutions.
The AAMC also hosts a regularly updated Tracking NIH Funding Dashboard and a series of data briefs that provide timely analyses of grant terminations, multiyear funding, and NIH extramural spending over the past two years.
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Thank you for attending the NASPGHAN 2026 Annual Meeting in San Diego!
Attendees can now claim their continuing education credit and obtain their certificates online.
To claim your credit:
Visit the CME Certificate Portal.
Follow the instructions to access your meeting record.
Complete the required steps to claim your credit and download your certificate.
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The 8th World Congress of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (WCPGHAN 2028) will take place August 30 – September 2, 2028, at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre in Brisbane, Australia.
This premier global gathering will bring together pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition professionals from around the world to share knowledge, explore the latest advances, and strengthen international collaboration.
WCPGHAN 2028 offers a unique opportunity to engage with leading experts, exchange ideas, and advance the shared mission of improving gastrointestinal, liver, and nutritional health outcomes for children worldwide.
Mark your calendars and plan to join colleagues from across the globe in Brisbane!
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FISPGHAN invites NASPGHAN members to explore its Expert Insights Video Series, featuring international experts sharing their knowledge, clinical perspectives, and insights on important topics in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition.
Designed to support ongoing education and the exchange of knowledge across the global pediatric GI community, the series offers an opportunity to learn from colleagues around the world.
New Episode Available!
Episode 12: "Rome V Explained: A New Approach to Abdominal Pain in Children"
The latest installment explores evolving perspectives on pediatric abdominal pain and the Rome V framework.
Watch the Latest Episode
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Have You Checked Out NASPGHAN’s Newest SIGs?
This past summer, NASPGHAN welcomed five new Special Interest Groups (SIGs), creating even more opportunities for members to connect around emerging topics and shared professional interests:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Community & Private Practice Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Feeding
- Neurodevelopmental Diagnoses and Gastrointestinal Problems (NDD-GI)
- Pediatric Portal Hypertension
If you haven’t yet explored these new groups, now is a great time to get involved. Each SIG offers a forum for members to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas and help shape conversations in these growing areas of interest.
The five new groups are part of NASPGHAN’s expanding SIG community, which now includes 22 SIGs representing more than 850 members.
Interested in joining one of our newest SIGs? Sign up to participate today.
Questions? Contact Steve Farace, Director of Member Engagement, at sfarace@naspghan.org.
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Mentoring and Coaching Survey
The Professional Development Committee and Women in Medicine Committee are requesting your input on mentoring and coaching opportunities and interest to inform NASPGHAN program planning. We welcome your input by Wednesday, November 4.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y7PQFTF
Educational Tools for Pediatric Gastroenterologists Survey
The Professional Education Committee is requesting your input on what educational tools you utilize to help inform NASPGHAN offerings. We welcome your input by Wednesday, November 4.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZYQG9ZR
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