USF Health Pediatrics Newsletter Fall 2025 | | |
Welcome to 2026! It is difficult to fathom how fast 2025 came and went. This newsletter features events from this past fall – it was a busy one! We highlight the many new faces, numerous presentations and publications: it is gratifying to see the range of expertise in our department and how many team members are creating new knowledge and sharing it both nationally and internationally. From T1 to T4 research: basic bench research to implementation science on topics ranging from Tourette’s to microbial pathogenesis, opioid use disorder to immune dysregulation. Research and scholarly work in the broadest sense is what distinguishes us as a department. USF Pediatrics has always had a reputation for excellence in medical education – it is who we are at our core – but without dissemination to the broader medical community our reach is limited. Merging excellent education and mentorship with dissemination advances our mission to another level. The hardest part is that this is often the” and then some…” work that does not generate RVUs or EVUs and is done after hours, stealing bits of time from other priorities. But I tell you it is so worth the effort. Our department is filled with creative, analytical, passionate folks, and sending these ideas and research knowledge into the world advances children’s health.
I am grateful to our faculty champions who are mentoring learners and junior colleagues and supporting each other. Faculty applied for more federal grants last year than ever before—even though the current environment can be challenging. We will be hosting another departmental Valenti Research Award, so look for that information in the newsletter. We have also increased our departmental resources related to study design and data management and will be redesigning our research webpages. I believe that 2026 will be filled with many more opportunities to investigate and advance medicine. So jump in – join a team to explore a question, improve a process, or develop a state-of-the-art review. There are many folks here to help you along the way, and many hands make light work. Happy New Year!
| | Dr. Gabriel Daniels was appointed as Pediatric Specialty Advisor for the department; he will be advising students who are interested in a career in pediatrics. | | Congratulations to Dr. Sarah Dickenson for achieving American Board of Professional Psychology specialty board certification in Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology. | | Dr. Larry Dishaw served on three NIH study sections in 2025, and he recently completed the American Association of Immunologists four-day Advanced Course in Immunology. | | Dr. Sarah Dickinson was appointed Program Chair for the 2026 Society for Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology APA Conference. | | Tonya Jolly, APRN, was recognized as APP of the Quarter for St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital! | | Dr. Adam Lewin was appointed President of the Society for Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology for 2026. | | | |
Dr. Andrew Galligan was selected to participate in the Florida Medical Association’s 2026 Karl M. Altenburger, MD, Physician Leadership Academy. This year-long program helps emerging physician leaders develop skills needed to be effective advocates for their profession and patients.
| | | Dr. Racha Khalaf and Dr. Tanner Wright were elected to membership in the prestigious Society for Pediatric Research, whose members include researchers who conduct hypothesis-driven research in pediatrics. Congratulations! | |
Dr. Jameson Kuang is the recipient of the 4Q25 Patient Experience Quarterly Award – an outstanding achievement! Ranking in the 99th percentile speaks volumes about his commitment to excellence in patient care.
| | | Dr. Carina Rodriguez gave an international presentation at the Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital’s 150-year anniversary, Buenos Aires, Argentina, October 2025. Updates HIV, HPV, and on the Road for Pediatric Residents Abroad. The hospital, founded in 1875, is Latin America’s first Children's Hospital and first to develop a pediatric residency program (1958). What an honor, congratulations! | | Dr. Amol Purandare and Dr. Carina Rodriguez have been named Fellows of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society. | | |
Congratulations to Dr. Antoinette Spoto-Cannons on her appointment as Assistant Dean of Mentorship, Advising, Progress & Support and Specialty Advisors. Over the past two years as Interim Assistant Dean of Career Advising, she has provided steady leadership and support for the advising team and students.
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Dr. Jennifer Takagishi was interviewed about vaccine requirements on NPR
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Dr. Tanner Wright is the USF site PI for an NIH-funded study titled TreaT NOW (Target Trial Emulation for Pharmacologic Treatment of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome). Dr. Stefanie Scarpone is the USF co-investigator.
| | | Kudos to all the faculty who participated in the Gallery of Specialties, helping to introduce Pediatrics and Med-Peds to our Year 1 and 2 MCOM students. | |
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2025 JOHN S. CURRAN ENDOWED LECTURESHIP IN NEWBORN HEALTH
This annual lecture was delivered by Dr. Terrie Inder, Professor of Pediatrics at UC Irving and Director of the Center for Neonatal Research at Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Her excellent lecture, titled Lessons Learned from the High Risk Infant – How to Improve Neurological Outcomes, highlighted successes and challenges in the field. It also served as a tribute to the efforts of neonatologists such as Dr. Curran – a founding faculty member of USF Pediatrics who established the TGH NICU.
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Medical Directors and providers at Muma Children’s Hospital were recognized by Vizient as a top ten for quality children’s hospital! The program was ranked #8 in the Vizient Children’s Hospital cohort which includes a national group of academic and free-standing children’s hospitals. It is a testament to our faculty and staff’s outstanding, high-quality work. Kudos to Dr. Mindy Murphy for her leadership role as Operations Vice Chief for Muma Children’s Hospital and dedication to promoting quality care throughout the hospital.
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Dr. Takagishi and Dr. Emmanuel participated in the Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation meeting alongside pediatricians from the Pediatric Healthcare Alliance and BayCare to discuss the importance of maintaining school vaccine requirements. Dr. Amy Weiss also addressed the delegation, speaking about adolescent healthcare and the need for confidential care.
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USF Neonatology spread some holiday cheer by cooking for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House
| | | | New Additions to the Family | | Congratulations to Dr. Gabriel Daniels and his wife, Aishwarya on the birth of their son, Aavir! | |  | Congratulations to Dr. Michelle Blanco on the birth of her son, Matthew! | | | | | |
Judy Zaritt, BSN, RN, CCRC, retired from USF Pediatrics on Dec 1 after 30 years of remarkable service in the department. She began her USF career as a research nurse in the Division of Neonatology, where, as a certified clinical research coordinator, she managed research efforts for a broad range of investigations, from infant formula development to pharmaceutical trials in the NICU. In 2016 she was appointed Grand Rounds Coordinator – a position she held for the past 10 years. Judy’s commitment to excellence and her great attention to detail made her a most valuable member of the USF Peds team. Best of luck in your retirement, Judy!
| | Alok Bapatla, MD, is serving as assistant professor in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. He attended medical school at Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad, India, completed his pediatric residency at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, and his fellowship in pediatric gastroenterology at UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital. He has a particular interest in hepatic diseases including infectious hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, with a special interest in management of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. | | Harrison Lowder, MD, is serving as an assistant professor at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. He earned his MSc at King’s College London, his MD at the University of Arkansas, and an MBA at the University of California, Irvine. At the University of California he completed his pediatric residency and a pediatric hospital medicine fellowship. | | Stephanie Saldarriaga, MD, is serving as an Assistant Professor in the Division of General Pediatrics. She attended medical school at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and completed her pediatric residency at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee. Since 2022 she has worked at Pediatric Associates of Tampa Bay. | | Jessica Gordon, Developmental-Behavioral | | | |
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Jaclynn Windsor, Neonatology
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Kevin Acevedo, Community Outreach Caseworker, Early Steps
Kalyn Davis, Community Outreach Caseworker, Early Steps
Lauren Foxworthy, Office Manager for Infectious Disease, Nephrology and Cardiology. Lauren is based at the John Curran Children's Health Center and comes to us from Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Rusmery Freeman, Social Worker, Ybor Youth Clinic
Maya Moran, Insurance Specialist (OPS)
John Scott, Resident Administrator. John joins us from the GME office to serve as the Program Administrator for our Pediatric and Medicine Pediatric Residencies. Previously, he worked for the USF GME Office for the last 4 years and has been with USF since 2006.
Caroline Wilson, Assistant Department Administrator. We are pleased to welcome Caroline Wilson (formerly Caroline Murphy) back to the USF Peds family. Caroline previously worked for USF Peds as an Assistant Director, where she was a valuable member of the administrative team. Since returning from time spent in Oregon, she has been helping Peds with special projects and, in September, was appointed Assistant Department Administrator.
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RESIDENT FELLOWSHIP MATCHES
We are very proud of our third-year residents who successfully matched into subspecialty fellowships!
Kelly McGee: Nephrology, University of Colorado
Jennifer Markwood: Neonatology, University of South Florida
Caroline Clark: Emergency Medicine, Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital
Ian Robinson: Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins/All Children’s Hospital
Zainab Ezzi: Cardiology, University of Texas, Houston
Grace Dittmar: Allergy/Immunology, University of Mississippi
John Wiegand: Cardiology, University of Tennessee, Memphis
Angela Pluguez: Hospital Medicine, University of North Carolina
Marina Sorial: Allergy/Immunology, University of Miami
Ciara Alvarez: Neonatology, University of South Florida
| | Clinical Team Members of the Month | | |
September: Britney Rozier, LPN;
ACH OCC Clinic
| | | October: Shaunte Washington, CMA; Chalsty Pediatric Clinic | | | |
November: Austyn Kyser, RN;
Ybor Youth Clinic
| | | December: Dianna Ellana, Secretary 17 Davis 2nd Floor | | | |
SF Internal Awards Program
The mission of this program is to foster excellence in research and scholarship. The highest priority is given to initiatives that may result in extramural funding and those for which the availability of extramural funding is limited. See the website for upcoming award deadlines for the Interdisciplinary Center Preparation Grant, Multi-User Research Capital Investment Award, New Research Grant, Proposal Enhancement Grant, and Faculty International Travel Grant.
Internal Awards Program | Sponsored Research | Research & Innovation | USF
Valenti Research Program
The 4th round of the Valenti Research Program Internal Award is now open. This program offers a one-year award of up to $10,000, and aims to support pediatric fellows, post-doctoral staff, and early-career faculty members in advancing their research interests and enhancing departmental scholarly activity. The application deadline is February 17, 2026. For information, please visit:
https://health.usf.edu/medicine/pediatrics/research/valenti-research-program
USF Pediatrics is sponsoring a USF Health Research Seminar which will be held on January 13, 2026, from 9 AM to 3 PM in STC 7030. The seminar is open to all USF faculty, fellows, and residents. The seminar will provide an overview of research resources available at USF, and practical guidance on conducting clinical studies from conception to publication. It’s also an opportunity to network with people who share similar research interests. The seminar is being organized by Dr. Tina Ho (tho1@usf.edu).
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Publication Fees
The Office of Research will contribute 50% of the publication fees for any manuscript accepted in a journal with an impact factor of 20 or higher at the time of acceptance. Please contact Katherine Vargas vargask@usf.edu and include a copy of the final accepted manuscript, the email confirming acceptance, and the email detailing the expected publication costs.
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Dr. Carina Rodriguez is an author on:
1. Analysis of antibody markers as immune correlates of risk of severe COVID-19 in the PREVENT-19 efficacy trial of the NVX-CoV2373 recombinant protein vaccine. Clinical Infectious Diseases. Oct 2025.
2. Ganciclovir Dosing in Premature Infants Receiving Treatment for Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: Results of a Prospective Pharmacokinetic Study. Journal of Infectious Diseases. Oct. 2025
Agazzi H, John D. TF-CBT Adapted for a Transitional Age Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disability. Int J Forensic Mental Health. September 12, 2025.
Sarkar A, Groer M, Ho TTB, Dishaw LJ. Distribution of Microsporidia in Preterm and Full-Term Infant Gut Microbiomes and Implications for Host Health. Frontiers in Pediatrics. September 2, 2025
Natarajan O, Gibboney SL, Young MN, Lim SJ, Nguyen F, Pluta N*, Atkinson CGF, Liberti A, Kees ED, Leigh BA, Breitbart M, Gralnick JA, Dishaw LJ. Prophage Regulation of Shewanella fidelis 3313 Motility and Biofilm Formation with Implications for Gut Colonization Dynamics in Ciona robusta. eLife. September 16, 2025
Young M, Natarajan O, Lim SJ, Dishaw LJ. Pseudovibrio Ascidiaceicola 5337, A Marine Bacterial Symbiont of the Ascidian Gut with Unusual Genome Features. Microbiology Resource Announcement. September 11, 2025
Lim SJ, Natarajan O, Keller J, Dishaw LJ, Furman BT, Breitbart M. Draft Genome Sequence of Gracilimonas sp. strain BCB1 Isolated from the Gill Tissue of the Lucinid Bivalve Stewartia floridana in Pinellas County, Florida, USA. Microbiology Resource Announcement. September 26, 2025
Dr. Couluris is an author on Next-Generation Sequencing for Cystic Fibrosis: Florida Newborn Screening, Experience Int J Neonatal Screen. October 14, 2025
Milgram L, Toranzo T, Mathews RE, Lewin AB. Treatment Barriers and Modality Preferences Among Individuals With Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders. Journal of Clinical Psychology. August 4, 2025
Dimitrov LV, Lewin AB. Examining Changes in Behavioral, Emotional, and Tic Symptoms in a Pediatric Sample in the First Year of the Pandemic. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev. Published online February 24, 2025
Dr. Adam Lewis is an author on Coprophenomena Associated With Worse Individual and Family Function for Youth With Tourette Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study. Neurology Clinical Practice. February 15, 2025
Dr. Jolan Walter is an author on:
1. The ClinGen Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease Variant Curation Expert Panel: Specifications for classification of variants in ADA, DCLRE1C , IL2RG , IL7R , JAK3 , RAG1 , and RAG2. medRxiv(Preprint), Feb 13, 2025
2. Fatal HLH in patients with X-linked lymphoproliferative disease 1 due to a novel variant in SH2D1A: Case report. Front Immunol. 2025 May 19;16:1602107.
3. Efficacy, Safety, Tolerability, and Serum IgG Trough Levels of Hyaluronidase-Facilitated Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin 10% in US Pediatric Patients with Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases. J Clin Immunol. 2025 Mar 14;45(1):
4. Multi-Year Registry Study of Elapegademase Treatment in Patients With Adenosine Deaminase Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (ADA-SCID) Requiring Enzyme Replacement Therapy. J Clin Immunol. 2025 Mar 27;45(1):84.
5. Clinicopathologic features and the spectrum of myelokathexis in WHIM syndrome. Lab Invest. 2025 Apr 14:104174
6. Multi-Year Registry Study of Elapegademase Treatment in Patients With Adenosine Deaminase Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (ADA-SCID) Requiring Enzyme Replacement Therapy. J Clin Immunol. 2025 Mar 27;45(1):84
7. Immunopathological and microbial signatures of inflammatory bowel disease in partial RAG deficiency. J Exp Med. 2025 Aug 4;222(8):e20241993
8. Safety and Efficacy of Intravenous Immune Globulin 10% (BIVIGAM®) in Children with Primary Immune Deficiency. J Clin Immunol. 2025 Jun 11;45(1):105
9. Loss of B cell tolerance at the T2/T3a B cell transition is a convergent pathogenic mechanism in common variable immunodeficiency. bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2025 Jun 11:2025.
10. The c.64 + 2 T > A Founder Variant Hits Home: Report on 14 Patients Expands the Phenotypic Landscape of Inherited ARPC1B Deficiency - a Comparative Analysis. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2025 Jul 16;68(1):64.
Sadighi Akha AA, Csomós K, Ujházi B, Walter JE, Kumánovics A. Evolving Approach to Clinical Cytometry for Immunodeficiencies and Other Immune Disorders. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2025 May;45(2):205-221.
Nguyen MHN, Memken A , Sriaroon P, Hajirawala M, Mayer JLR. A 12-Step Desensitization Protocol for Calaspargase Pegol-mknl. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther 2025 Feb;30(1):133-137.
Smith JA, Birring SS, Blaiss MS, McGarvey L, Morice AH, Sher M, Carroll KJ, Garin M, Lanouette S, Shaw J, Yang R, Bonuccelli CM. Camlipixant in Refractory Chronic Cough: A Phase 2b, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial (SOOTHE). Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2025 Jun;211(6):1038-1048.
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American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Meeting
Feb 28-Mar 3, 2025, San Diego, CA
Oral Abstract Presentations
Nomula K, Bacchetta R, Walter JE. Diagnostic and Treatment Saga of Atypical IPEX Syndrome
Shaffren S, Kuehn H, Hajirawala M, Pepper A, Al-Ghafry M, Patadia R, Creech J, Walter J. How Much I KAR(OS) About Variants of Uncertain Significance,
Poster Presentation
Sorial M, Mendez P, Walter J. Variants of Unknown Significance in IRF2BP2: Linking Genetic Findings to Primary Immunodeficiency.
Platform Presentation
Walter J. Panel Testing vs. Whole Exome or Whole Genome Testing and Downstream Adverse Effects of Targeted Immune Therapies
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2025 Primary Immunodeficiency Meeting
April 26-27, 2025, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Dr Walter presented Challenges in Diagnosis and Laboratory Evaluation of Primary Immunodeficiencies
Adriana Lopez presented Cohort of Patients with IRF2BP2 Variants: Linking Genetic Findings to Primary Immunodeficiency
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Clinical Immunology Society Annual Meeting
May 1-4, Philadelphia, PA
Poster Presentations
Nomula K, Rice A, Sotoudeh S, Miller R, Potts DE, Gibson D, Walter J. Dual Heterozygous LRBA Variants in an Adult with Combined Immunodeficiency: A Diagnostic Challenge
Shaffren S, Mendez, P, Potts, DE, Hajirawala, M, Sriaroon, P, Bindernagel, C., Nomula, K, Sharapova S, Sleasman JW, Walter JE. Family with a Novel Dominant Negative FOXN1Heterozygous Variant of Uncertain Significance: A Case Report and Review of the Literature on the Clinical Course
Potts DC, Larsen K, Toth M, Dasso J, Altrich M, O’Gorman M, Cornaby C, Andresen K, Butte M, Thauland T, Ward B, Poskitt L, Brigatti KW, Clark JW, Verbsky J, Sharapova S, Csomos K, Notarangelo, LD, Strauss K, Suhet PRF, Walter JE. Clinical scoring of immune deficiency and dysregulation correlated with immune biomarkers in Mennonite patients with hypomorphic RAG1 variant
Miller RZ, Geier C, Talib M, Yilmaz M, Blair G, Potts DE, Ujhazi B, Walter JE, Warnatz K, Salzer U. Distinct B Cell Subset Linked to CXCR4 Variants in WHIM Syndrome: Implications for Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring
Cajuste RS, Suhet PRF, Nomula K, Shaffren S, Gibson D, Toth M, Sriaroon P, Dudas PA, Kumanovics A, Walter JE. Delayed Diagnosis in X-linked Agammaglobulinemia and its relationship to the occurrence of mutations in the Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Catalytic Domain
Alper EN, Potts DE, Bosticardo M, Nomula K, Mendez P, Shaffren S, Bindernagel C, Miller R, Duarte R, Hajirawala M, Sriaroon P, Kreins A, Sharapova S, Notarangelo L, Walter JE. Contraction of TCRɑ/β double negative T cells during conservative treatment in a heterozygous FOXN1-deficient patient presenting with atypical Omenn Syndrome
Dr. Walter was an author on Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of Global Cohort of 132 Individuals with Janus kinase-3 deficiency and Every third baby with lymphoma under 3 years of age has an inborn error of immunity”
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The Tourette Association of America’s National meeting (TIC-CON25)
June 2025 (Virtual)
Dr. William Hudson and Dr. Sindhu Saba presented Review of Medication and Other Treatment Options for Tics
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Undergraduate Research Symposium
July 2025, St. Petersburg, Fl
Dr. Larry Dishaw gave the keynote lecture: Life at the Interface
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CARE for Misphonia Day 2025
August 2025 (Virtual)
Dr. Adam Lewin presented Treatment of Youth with Misophonia - Can Transdiagnostic CBT Help Youth with Misophonia? Findings from a Two-Site Trial
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Pediatric Medical Student Research Forum
August 2025, Orlando, Fl
Nuss K, Garagozlo K, Barilla-Arias L. Kalie Nuss and authors were awarded third place on this presentation titled Microscopic Polyangiitis Presenting with Chronic Hemoptysis. Congratulations!
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Florida Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Society
August 1-3, Orlando, Fl
Oral Presentations
Walter JE. CVID With Immune Dysregulation and Ask the Immunologist
Sher M. Chronic Cough
Poster Presentations
Mendez P, Nomula K, Walter JE, Yates T. Rapid Diagnosis of CTLA4 Haploinsufficiency Following Presentation of Autoimmune Cytopenia and Lymphoproliferation in a Pediatric Patient
Creech J, Dittmar G, Mesa A, Garagozio K. Improving Outpatient Pediatric Asthma Care at University of South Florida General Pediatrics Clinics
Dr. Walter was a moderator of Fellow Clinical Case Presentations, including: Sharren S. Family with a Novel Dominant Negative FOXN1 Heterozygous Variant of Uncertain Significance: A Case Report and Review of the Literature on Clinical Course:
Dr. Jolan Walter gave several international presentations:
· 39th Allergy and Immunology Course at IAMSPE; Sao Paolo, Brazil, May 2025. Autoimmunity and immunodeficiency, Pearls for diagnosis and management of PIDs
· Immunodeficiency Foundation: IDF Lunch & Learn, May 2025: Understanding genetic variants in APDS
· Keynote speaker: B Cell Symposium for Prague, Czech, May 2025: Dysregulation in RAG deficiency: Who and When to transplant?
· Educational webinar for Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, June 2025: The New Quest in Inborn Errors of Immunity With Immune Dysregulation: How to Effectively Modulate the Immune System
· Prime Pediatrics 2025, Ukrainian Pediatric Congress with International Expertise, June 2025: Immune dysregulation as a warning sign of primary immunodeficiency
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11th Annual Pediatric Medical Student Research Forum
August 30, 2025, Orlando, Fl
Kalie Nuss won third place for her oral presentation titled Microscopic Polyangiitis Presenting with Chronic Hemoptysis. Co-authors were faculty mentor Dr. Katiana Garagozlo and Dr. Lilliana Barillas-Arias from JHACH. Over 60 students from across the country participated!
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American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition
Sept 2025, Denver, CO
Pluguez A, Jabre NA, Machry J, Krzyzewski J, Sanchez BT, Morrison J. Factors associated with 7-day hospital readmission after tracheostomy-associated respiratory infection: A multicenter retrospective cohort study. Received Best Abstract Award from the Section on Critical Care!
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International Congress of Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Sept 2-6, Kyoto, Japan
Oberheu F, Gomez M, Sanchez-Valle A. How Small Teams Can Succeed in Sponsored Research: Building a Strategic Framework for Clinical Trial Excellence
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Microbial Pathogenesis & Host Response Meeting
September 2025, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, NY
Ojas Natarajan from the Dishaw Lab presented Isolates of the Ciona robusta Gut Microbiome Reveal a Spectrum of Mechanistic Host-Microbiota Interactions
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Florida Gastroenterologic Society Annual Meeting
Orlando, FL, September 2025
Dr. Rene D. Gomez-Esquivel presented Barrett’s Esophagus: Screening/Surveillance and Dysplasia Management
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Council on Children with Disabilities Session at the American Academy of Pediatrics
Denver, CO, October 2025
Poster Presentation
Hamann AK, Gallahan S, Narkhede A, Archinger K, Lewin AB. A Systematic Qualitative Review on Behavioral and Mental Health Outcomes in Children with Autism with Adverse Childhood Experiences
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Infectious Disease Week
Atlanta, GA, October 2025
Dr. Carina Rodriguez presented: HIV and STIs: From Day One to Young One Opportunistic Infections in Children and Adolescents
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Crohn’s and Colitis Patient Education Conference
Orlando, FL October 2025
Dr. Jacqueline Larson presented Special Populations: Pediatrics
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North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference
Seattle, Washington, October 2025
Poster Presentations
Abi-Aad S-J., Goldenberg N, Green D, Zemanick ET, Khalaf RT. Impact of Triple CFTR Therapy on Esophageal Microbiota and Inflammation
Yavelow M, Couluris M. Enhancing Clinic Flow and Patient Satisfaction in a Multidisciplinary Cystic Fibrosis Clinic: A Quality Improvement Study
Oral Presentations
Dr. Racha Khalaf presented Trends in Pediatric ED Visits and Hospitalizations for Gastrointestinal Complications in Pediatric Patients with Cystic Fibrosis Pre and Post Modulator Therapy – A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Analysis
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American College of Gastroenterology
Phoenix, AZ, October 2025
Poster Presentations
Hamner B, Nguyen D, Kim E, Khalaf RT, Duration of Acid Blockade Medication Use and Effects on Weight Gain in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: A Population-wide Analysis
Masten S, Morrison J , Khalaf RT. EoE Admissions Over Time: Insights from a Multicenter Cohort
Abi-Aad S-J, Dittmar G, Misner N, Albers S, Tsalatsanis A, Sriaroon P, Khalaf RT. Efficacy of Monthly Dupilumab in Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Retrospective Chart Review of Patients Under 1 Year of Age or Less Than 15 kg
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North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Chicago, November 2025
Oral Presentations
Larson-Nath C, Misner N. Customizing Pediatric Nutrition: Tips and Tricks for Children with Low Energy Needs and for those on Blenderized Tube Feeds
Khalaf, R. Cystic Fibrosis: The Evolution of GI Care in the Era of CFTR Modulators
Gomez-Esquivel RD, Rivas Y. Effective Strategies for Managing Endoscopic Complications
Yavelow M. Body Composition in Pediatric Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Poster Presentations
Misner N, Harmeling S, Franke DW, Fowler T, Mulkey T, Khalaf RT. ANCHOR Project: Advancing Nutrition and Community Health through Opportunities and Resources
Ekezie CC, Mack C, Antos N, Yan K, Zhang L, Morrison J, Khalaf RT. Trends in Pediatric ED Visits and Hospitalizations for Gastrointestinal Complications in Pediatric Patients with Cystic Fibrosis Pre and Post Modulator Therapy - A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Bernard J, Larson J. Marasmus with Severe Mixed Hyperlipidemia in an Exclusively Breast Fed Toddler
Misner N, Tsalatsanis A, Chaphalkar C, Khalaf RT. Retrospective Cohort Analysis: Association of Food Insecurity with Feeding Tube Dependence and Increased Healthcare Utilization in Pediatric Gastroenterology
Abi-Aad S, Ditmar G, Misner N, Albers S, Tsalatsanis A, Sriaroon P, Khalaf RT. Real-World Outcomes of OO-Label Dupilumab Use in Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Masten S, Morrison J, Khalaf RT. Evaluating Trends in Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis Admissions: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study
Bernard J, Larson J. Be Aware: Not All Meckel’s Diverticula are Created Equal
Narayanan SS, Rago ARP, Garagozlo K, Larson J, McClain A. Achalasia in Pediatric Patients
Shivan SG, Narayanan SS, Khalaf RT, Larson J, McClain A. Gastrointestinal Adverse Effects in Pediatric Exposures to Glucagon-Like Peptide Agonists (GLP-1) and Other Incretin Based Drugs
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Digestive Disease Nutrition Week
November 2025, (Virtual)
Nicole Misner presented Diet Therapy in Eosinophilic Esophagitis: From Elimination to Reintroduction
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Learn Serve Lead: The American Association of Medical Colleges Annual Meeting
San Antonio, TX, November 2025
Poster Presentations
Jackson C D, Brennan H, Kothari M, Brannen M, Spoto-Cannons AC. Beyond the Outcome: Using a Structured Advising Tool to Enhance Post-Match Debriefs and Strengthen the Residency Application Ecosystem.
Jackson CD, Sachs E, Spoto-Cannons A C, Brannen M, Kothari M. Amplifying the Impact of Specialty Nights Through AI-Generated Summaries and Targeted Dissemination Across the Advising Ecosystem.
| | Faculty and trainees are reminded that all investigator-initiated studies need to be submitted for departmental scientific review prior to being submitted to the IRB. Departmental review is required before the IRB will consider the application. Please send your protocols and any inquiries about the process to Jane Carver (jcarver@usf.edu). | | |
Jan 13: USF Health Research Seminar (see description above)
Jan 21-22: JHACH Child Health Research Symposium
Feb 5: 2026 Bernard Pollara Resident Lectureship
Feb 17: Valenti Award deadline
Feb 27: USF Health MedEd Symposium
Mar 6: USF Health Research Day
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