Weekly News

June 17 | 2026

NASPGHAN Foundation Welcomes 2026 Medical Student Summer Research Scholars

The NASPGHAN Foundation is pleased to recognize the nine medical students selected for the 2026 Medical Student Mentored Summer Research Program from across North America. This highly competitive program provides participants with the opportunity to work alongside leading pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition investigators while gaining hands-on research experience and exposure to the specialty.

Through their summer projects, these scholars will contribute to advancing research in pediatric digestive health while exploring future careers in academic medicine and pediatric GI. Additionally, two of this year's participants have been awarded a Teaching for an Inclusive Tomorrow (TFIT) Scholarship, which will provide support to attend the 2026 NASPGHAN Annual Meeting and Postgraduate Course, further expanding their opportunities for mentorship, networking, and professional development.

Please join us in congratulating the 2026 Medical Student Mentored Summer Research Scholars!

Cassidy Brand

University of Alberta

Elise Lassonde

The Hospital for Sick Children

Barbara Soliman (TFiT)

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

Emily D’Agostini

Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry

Avery Longdon

Keck School of Medicine of USC

Nicholas Thomas

Baylor College of Medicine

Jessica Gomez (TFiT)

Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine

Jessica Riad

University of Toronto

David Walji

University of Toronto

Grant Applications due July 1!

Complete Your Grant Application by July 1

Have you started a NASPGHAN Foundation grant application but not submitted it yet?

Now is the time to complete your materials and submit before the July 1 deadline!

The NASPGHAN Foundation is currently accepting applications for several grant opportunities designed to support research, training, quality improvement, nutrition-focused projects, and career development in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition.

These awards are an important way NASPGHAN invests in pediatric GI leaders while supporting work that advances care for children and families.

We encourage you to finish any applications already in progress, review additional opportunities, and share this information with eligible colleagues, trainees, junior faculty, investigators, dietitians, and other members who may benefit from this support.

All materials need to be received by the deadline and no extension will be provided. Don't delay!

Build Your Week!

Registration is OPEN for NASPGHAN 2026. Join us in October in San Diego and build your week with multiple opportunities for education, connection and collaboration.

The week includes Wednesday’s Single Topic Symposia (the off-site selection has limited space!), Thursday’s Postgraduate Course, and the Annual Meeting from Thursday, October 22 through Saturday, October 24.

Come see us in San Diego!

Access NASPGHAN Education Anytime Through LearnOnLine

Looking to catch up on education at your own pace?

NASPGHAN’s LearnOnLine platform offers a growing library of on-demand webinars, including opportunities to earn CME and MOC Part II credit.

With many educational offerings available, LearnOnLine makes it easy to access expert-led pediatric GI education when it works for your schedule.

Browse available webinars, read JPGN articles, listen to Bowel Sounds episodes, revisit key clinical topics, complete eligible activities for credit and more - all in one convenient online location.

Visit LearnOnLine today to explore available CME and MOC Part II opportunities.

Advocacy

As part of a multifaceted approach to prior authorization reform, Reps. Julie Johnson (D-TX) and Mike Lawler (R-NY) have introduced the Prior Authorization Reform for Autoimmune and Blood Disorders Act (H.R. 9192). This bipartisan legislation would limit the number of prior authorizations required by private health insurance plans, including self-insured plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), to once per year for drugs for patients with autoimmune diseases or blood disorders.

In a press release issued by Reps. Johnson and Lawler, NASPGHAN President Vicky Ng, MD, is quoted as saying:

“Children with chronic immune-mediated gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, and autoimmune hepatitis depend on uninterrupted access to lifelong therapy. Repeated insurer reauthorization requirements — sometimes several times each year — create unnecessary administrative burden and can delay treatment approvals, resulting in gaps in care that place children at risk for hospitalization and loss of disease control. NASPGHAN commends Congresswoman Julie Johnson and Congressman Mike Lawler for their introduction of the Prior Authorization Reform for Autoimmune and Blood Disorders Act that will put patient well-being over unnecessary paperwork.”

H.R. 9192 is also endorsed by the American Medical Association and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Renew Your 2026 NASPGHAN Membership and Save on Annual Meeting Registration

Registration is now open for the 2026 NASPGHAN Annual Meeting in San Diego (October 21-24), and one of the easiest ways to maximize your savings is by ensuring your membership is current. Members in good standing receive discounted registration rates for the Annual Meeting, Single Topic Symposium, and Postgraduate Course.

Renewing your membership also restores access to JPGN and JPGN Reports, including the recently released June issue and other content you may have missed, while keeping you connected to NASPGHAN's educational programs, resources, and member communications.

If you have not yet renewed for 2026, log in to the Member Center and complete your renewal today to take advantage of your member benefits and avoid a lapse in membership status.