The annual conference brings together experts from across the nation to discuss and learn about normal pediatric development and how pediatric gastrointestinal, liver and nutritional disorders can disrupt it.
Presenters and topics from Children’s National included:
Receptions & Concurrent Sessions
Diana Moya, MD, program director: Fellowship program reception
Ian Leibowitz, MD: Show Me the Money! Unlocking Your Financial Potential. Mastering the Negotiation Game – Tactics for Success.
Udeme Ekong, MBBS MD, Khalid Khan, MD, Kimberly Chapman, MD, Carolina Rumbo, MD, Nada Yazigi, MD: Long term risk for metabolic syndrome in pediatric liver transplant recipients with metabolic disorders: A retrospective clinical chart review.
Brenna Hohl, DO, Migseg Sanchez, DO, Diana Moya, MD: Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia in a pediatric patient with Crohn’s disease: A rare extra-intestinal manifestation.
Catherine Raber, Shayna Coburn, PhD: Feasibility and acceptability of routine weekly at-home gluten immunogenic peptide testing in teens in a 6-week behavioral intervention for celiac disease.
Catherine Raber, Vahe Badalyan, MD: Clinical outcomes of children with potential celiac disease in North America: A multicenter retrospective study.
Christopher Hayes, MD: Therapeutic trial of Sucraid® (sacrosidase) for alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms in pediatric subjects stratified by duodenal sucrase activity levels.
Migseg Sanchez, DO, Jyoti Mani, MD: Occult esophageal foreign body identified during evaluation of chronic vomiting in a toddler.
Serena Haver, MD, Diana Jo, MD, Otto Louis-Jacques, MD: Evaluating the impact of swallowed topical steroids on growth in children with eosinophilic esophagitis.
Nathan Bryan, DO, Kibileri Williams, MBBS, Diana Moya, MD, Christopher Hayes, MD: Predictors for readmission in newly diagnosed pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.
Vahe Badalyan, MD, Clarivet Torres, MD: Management of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in pediatric short bowel syndrome (SBS).
Joi McLaughlin, MD, Christopher Hayes, MD: A rare case of diagnosis and endoscopic reduction of ileocecal intussusception secondary to Burkitt’s lymphoma.
Guy Ozigre, Vahe Badalyan, MD: Endoscopic success: avoiding surgery in an autistic child with multiple magnet ingestions.
Anil Darbari, MD, Ian Leibowitz, MD, Deepika Darbari, MD, Diana Jo, MD, Nathan Bryan, DO: Management considerations in patients with inflammatory bowel and sickle cell disease.
To learn more about the meeting, explore the NASPGHAN website for additional information.
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/NASPGHAN_Image-feature.jpg300400Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/InnovationDistrict_CN_WebHeader-1396px-1030x151.pngInnovation District2025-11-17 16:17:522025-11-17 16:19:59Advancing pediatric GI care: Children’s National at the 2025 NASPGHAN Conference
The surgeons use EndoFLIP measurements and appearance before and after POEM to gauge procedure effectiveness.
Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a preferable first-line surgical intervention for pediatric esophageal achalasia, according to an analysis of 10-year outcomes for this procedure at Children’s National Hospital.
The single institution study evaluated clinical efficacy, safety, complications and durability of symptom relief based on data from 101 children who underwent 110 POEM procedures for achalasia from 2015 to 2025. The study group also included the largest cohort of children 10-years-old or younger who had this procedure ever reported in scientific literature.
Why it matters
Achalasia is a rare condition in adults and even less common in children, occurring in only 0.1 per 100,000 children annually and an estimated prevalence of 10 per 100,000. The rarity of achalasia in children has historically made collecting statistically significant evidence about how best to treat it difficult. However, as one of the first children’s hospitals in the country to offer POEM as the first-line treatment of these conditions in children, Children’s National has collected enough data in the last decade to conduct robust analysis for the first time.
Chief of General and Thoracic Surgery Mikael Petrosyan, MD, MBA, and his co-authors write, “Our results highlight the significant institutional adoption of this minimally invasive technique as a primary therapeutic intervention for achalasia in children. This aligns with previous pediatric studies documenting an increasing preference for POEM over traditional surgical interventions such as laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM), owing to its favorable procedural attributes and comparable outcomes.”
Additionally, the authors note, “Our institutional preference toward POEM clearly reflects both the accumulated expertise and documented advantages of POEM, including shorter hospital stays, reduced postoperative discomfort and superior or equivalent symptomatic outcomes.”
The study includes outcomes for the largest number of children 10 years of age or younger to undergo POEM procedures, showing the procedure is feasible and becoming more accepted in younger and smaller-sized patients. The cohort of younger children is also noteworthy because it includes those with complex genetic conditions, including Down syndrome, Triple A syndrome, GMPPA-CDG, MIRAGE syndrome and Sotos syndrome.
The authors point out that the success of procedures for this subgroup “underscores the adaptability, broad applicability and robust safety profile” of POEM for these patients.
Children’s National leads the way
Children’s National is one of the only children’s hospitals in the country to offer POEM for treatment of these conditions in children. Dr. Petrosyan and Timothy Kane, MD, director of the Thoracic and Foregut Program, combined perform more POEM surgeries than any other pediatric surgeons in the United States.
As the program with the most experience caring for and collaborating with this unique patient population, the doctors emphasize that surgical procedures are only one part of the puzzle. They write, “Optimal management of pediatric achalasia involves a multidisciplinary approach tailored to each patient’s clinical scenario, with the goal to maximize symptom relief, minimize procedural complications and enhance long-term quality of life.”
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/POEM-image-feature.jpg300400Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/InnovationDistrict_CN_WebHeader-1396px-1030x151.pngInnovation District2025-11-05 13:29:272025-11-05 13:34:09POEM shown as preferable first-line surgery for pediatric achalasia based on 10-year outcomes
Children and young adults with achalasia, and their families, attended the second annual Achalasia Awareness Night at Children’s National Hospital, hosted by the pediatric surgery team.
More than 30 patients and their families recently attended Achalasia Awareness Night at Children’s National Hospital, a moving and empowering event led by Mikael Petrosyan, MD, MBA, and Timothy Kane, MD, with the dedicated support of the entire surgical team — including Jill Rafie, Segale Cephas and Rebecca Chavez.
“We are steadfast in our mission to provide not only world-class surgical care but also a strong network of support for families navigating achalasia,” Dr. Petrosyan said. “This event continues to set new standards for what is possible when patients, families and providers come together — united by compassion, collaboration and the shared goal of improving lives.”
What it means
The overwhelming turnout highlighted the importance of creating spaces where families can connect, learn and inspire one another. Smiles, tears and words of gratitude filled the evening, underscoring just how meaningful the gathering was for patients, families and providers alike.
The program featured insights from the expert surgical team at Children’s National, who discussed the latest treatment options, innovative techniques and supportive resources available. The care team’s message was clear: no family walks this path alone, and cutting-edge solutions are being developed and delivered every day at the hospital.
More than education
This is the second year for this event that began as an annual educational program but has quickly blossomed into something much greater — a celebration of resilience and the power of community. Families gather in an atmosphere of warmth and understanding, sharing stories, struggles and victories. For many, this event is the first opportunity for them to meet others who truly understand their journey with pediatric achalasia. The connections create an invaluable sense of unity and belonging.
The parent and patient panel, where families courageously share their experiences — the uncertainty of diagnosis, the daily challenges of living with achalasia and the transformative impact of surgical care, was especially impactful according to attendees.
The enthusiasm of the attendees highlights the importance of creating spaces where families can connect, learn and inspire one another.
Why it matters
Achalasia is a rare condition in adults (1/100,000) and even less common in children, occurring in only 0.1 per 100,000 patients with an estimated prevalence of 10 per 100,000. The rarity of achalasia in children compared with adults makes collecting enough statistically significant evidence about how best to treat them difficult, more so than for other more common pediatric surgical conditions.
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Children’s National Hospital’s Growth Program is uncovering sex-specific differences in pediatric Crohn’s disease to guide more personalized treatments and help children with inflammatory bowel disease achieve healthy growth and development.
For kids with Crohn’s disease, growth isn’t just about inches on a chart. It’s a powerful signal of overall disease activity and disease status and how well treatment works. Children with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, face challenges that go beyond flare-ups or fatigue. When growth slows, it can be a warning sign that inflammation is still active or that treatment needs to change. “Growth is not just about height,” says Neera Gupta, MD, MAS, Director of the Growth Program for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases at Children’s National. “It’s a powerful marker for how well the underlying disease is controlled.”
Dr. Gupta is leading a groundbreaking research project known as the growth study. The work is uncovering why the frequency of growth impairment in boys and girls with Crohn’s disease is different, pointing to sex-specific molecular pathways that may affect how well children respond to specific therapies for Crohn’s disease. Mapping these sex-specific differences could pave the way for sex-specific risk-based personalized treatment approaches, something IBD care has never done before.
Big picture
The implications are exciting. “In 10 years, we’ll be saying, ‘Of course we should be managing boys and girls differently’ for many different chronic inflammatory diseases. ‘Why would we be treating them the same?’” says Dr. Gupta. Her vision marks a major shift from one-size-fits-all treatments to sex-specific therapies designed around a child’s unique biology.
The growth program itself brings families face-to-face with experts who understand both the science and the lived experience of IBD. Each visit includes an in-depth review of growth, nutrition and treatment, along with the chance to participate in studies like the growth study. It’s where research and care meet, offering children and families hope and practical solutions at the same time.
What’s Next
Recently, this work was recognized by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation in its “Under the Microscope” bulletin, a national publication that highlights cutting-edge research in the field. This recognition underscores Children’s National’s role as a leader in pediatric IBD care and sends a clear message to families: always ask about your child’s growth status at every visit.
By proposing sex-specific therapeutic approaches using data collected in the growth study, Children’s National is shaping a new era of pediatric IBD care. Growth is more than a number, and researchers at Children’s National are at the forefront of helping children with IBD reach their full growth and developmental potential.
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/stomach-CNRI.jpg385685Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/InnovationDistrict_CN_WebHeader-1396px-1030x151.pngInnovation District2025-10-08 09:44:262025-10-08 09:46:42The growth program at Children’s National tackles big questions for children with inflammatory bowel disease
Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., was ranked as a top hospital in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report 2025-26 Best Children’s Hospitals annual rankings. This marks the ninth straight year Children’s National has made the Honor Roll list. The Honor Roll is a distinction awarded to only 10 children’s hospitals nationwide.
For the fifteenth straight year, Children’s National ranked in 10 specialty services and is the highest U.S. News ranked children’s hospital in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Last year, U.S. News introduced pediatric & adolescent behavioral health as a service line in its rankings. While there are no ordinal rankings for behavioral health, the Children’s National program was named one of the top 50 programs in the country for the second year in a row.
“To be named among the nation’s top children’s hospitals for nine years in a row is a reflection of the extraordinary expertise, innovation and heart that our teams bring to every child and family we serve,” said Michelle Riley-Brown, MHA, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Children’s National. “Our leadership in specialties like neurology, cancer, and diabetes and endocrinology underscores the national impact of our work, and we remain focused on setting new standards in pediatric care.”
The annual rankings are the most comprehensive source of quality-related information on U.S. pediatric hospitals and recognizes the nation’s top 50 pediatric hospitals based on a scoring system developed by U.S. News.
“Being a top-ranked pediatric hospital means more than just excelling in a single specialty — it means being a pillar of outstanding care for your entire region,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “Our rankings acknowledge these hospitals for their comprehensive excellence, helping families find the very best care conveniently located within their state and community.”
The bulk of the score for each specialty service is based on quality and outcomes data. The process includes a survey of relevant specialists across the country, who are asked to list hospitals they believe provide the best care for patients with the most complex conditions.
The Children’s National specialty services that U.S. News ranked in the top 10 nationally are:
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Dr. Levitt mentoring surgeons from 14 African countries on a complex colorectal operation.
At the 14th Congress of the Pan-African Pediatric Surgery Association (PAPSA) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Marc Levitt, MD, chief of Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction at Children’s National Hospital, was invited to deliver one of the primary courses, a rare honor reserved for leaders in the field. Held only once every 2 years, the PAPSA meeting draws more than 300 pediatric surgeons from across Africa, making it the continent’s most significant gathering dedicated to pediatric surgery. Dr. Levitt’s role in the event highlights both his global expertise and the ongoing commitment of Children’s National to advancing pediatric surgical care and education in low- and middle-income countries.
Just prior to the congress, Dr. Levitt and his organization, Colorectal Team Overseas, led an international team of surgeons in partnership with the local surgical team to care for 17 children from Côte d’Ivoire and several neighboring countries with complex colorectal conditions. These conditions included anorectal malformations, cloaca and Hirschsprung’s disease, which can severely affect quality of life if untreated. Founded by Dr. Levitt, Colorectal Team Overseas advances global pediatric surgical care through education and hands-on training, extending the expertise of Children’s National to children around the world. Joining him on the mission were colorectal surgeon Andrea Badillo, MD, and surgical technician Guy Ozigre, both from Children’s National. The course also welcomed pediatric surgeons from 14 African nations, promoting collaboration and skill-building.
A busy clinic in preparation of the operating room days.
Among the many teaching highlights was the first-ever perineal body preserving posterior sagittal anorectoplasty performed in Western Africa, a technique pioneered at Children’s National. “These are life-changing procedures, and it was a privilege to perform them with such dedicated teams, who were so eager to learn,” said Dr. Levitt. “The hospital’s facilities were excellent, and the professionalism and warmth of the Ivorian teams made this an unforgettable experience.”
The workshops and surgeries, hosted at the Mother-Child Hospital Dominique Ouattara in Bingerville, reflected PAPSA’s core mission: to treat, train and transmit. With pediatric surgical needs continuing to outpace available expertise in many African countries, initiatives like this one are vital to training local specialists and developing sustainable care, according to the host and chief of pediatric surgery, Rouma Bankole, MD.
“Sharing knowledge and training the next generation of pediatric surgeons is the key to improving outcomes globally,” said Dr. Levitt.
Dr. Levitt and Colorectal Team Overseas with the local surgeons from Cote D’Ivoire
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Members of the Division of Colorectal & Pelvic Reconstruction at Children’s National Hospital recently traveled to Sao Paulo, Brazil, with the goal of advancing surgical care for children with complex colorectal conditions. Led by Division Chief Marc Levitt, MD, the team collaborated closely with surgeons and nurses at Hospital Municipal Infantil Menino Jesus, performing multiple intricate procedures each day and giving a course to 120+ surgeons from all over Brazil and several surrounding countries. The operations performed and the education that was provided not only gave life-changing care to children in need but also served as critical teaching opportunities, equipping local surgical teams with the skills and knowledge to deliver specialized care in their own communities. In this way, the team from Children’s National is helping countless children they will never meet, as their new partners in Brazil now have the skills to care for them
This mission was organized through Colorectal Team Overseas, an organization founded and led by Dr. Levitt to advance global pediatric surgical care through education and hands-on training. Colorectal Team Overseas gives Dr. Levitt the opportunity to extend the world-class care delivered at Children’s National to children around the world.
“Every child deserves a chance at a healthy, dignified life, no matter where they are born,” says Dr. Levitt. “On these missions, doctors, nurses and volunteers from the colorectal program at Children’s National and colleagues from around the world work hand-in-hand with medical teams in Brazil — not only to provide surgical care, but to teach, learn and build a foundation for a lasting impact. We are not just performing surgeries; we are restoring futures, together.”
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CTO-in-Brazil-feature.jpg300400Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/InnovationDistrict_CN_WebHeader-1396px-1030x151.pngInnovation District2025-05-16 14:17:542025-05-16 14:22:30Colorectal care across borders: expanding access through global collaboration
Children’s National Hospital hosted its fifteenth annual Research, Education and Innovation Week from March 31–April 4, 2025, bringing together clinicians, scientists, educators and innovators from across the institution to celebrate discovery and collaboration. This year’s theme, “Empowering the Future in Pediatric Research and Innovation with Equity, Technology and a Global Reach,” served as a call to action for advancing science that improves child health both locally and around the world.
Each day of the week-long event featured thought-provoking lectures — now available to watch — dynamic panel discussions, interactive workshops and vibrant poster sessions, all highlighting the diverse and interdisciplinary work taking place across Children’s National.
Centering the patient and the planet
REI Week began on Monday with a powerful keynote lecture from Lynn R. Goldman, MD, MS, MPH, Michael and Lori Milken dean of the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University. In her talk, “Children: Uniquely vulnerable to climate-related threats,” Dr. Goldman underscored the urgent need to protect children from the environmental hazards of a changing climate and to integrate climate science into pediatric care and advocacy.
At mid-morning, Mary-Anne “Annie” Hartley, MD, PhD, MPH, director of the LiGHT Laboratory at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, introduced the “MOOVE” platform — Massive Open Online Validation and Evaluation of clinical LLMs. Her talk demonstrated how artificial intelligence, when rigorously validated, has the potential to transform clinical decision-making and global health equity.
Monday’s final keynote, “Zinc and childhood diarrhea,” was presented by Christopher Duggan, MD, MPH, director of the Division of Nutrition at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Duggan highlighted the global health impact of zinc supplementation in reducing childhood mortality — a reminder that simple, evidence-based interventions can save millions of lives.
In that first day, the first poster session of the week showcased projects in adolescent medicine, global health, infectious diseases, oncology and more. The session reflected the full breadth of research taking place across Children’s National.
Ambroise Wonkam, MD, PhD, professor of genetic medicine at Johns Hopkins University, then delivered Tuesday’s Global Health Keynote Lecture, “Harnessing our common African genomes to improve health and equity globally.” His work affirmed that inclusive genomics is key to building a healthier world.
Later, the Global Health Initiative event and GCAF Faculty Seminar encouraged attendees to pursue collaborative opportunities at home and abroad, reflecting the growing global footprint of Children’s National research programs.
Transforming education and care delivery
On Wednesday, Larrie Greenberg, MD, professor emeritus of pediatrics, kicked off the day with a Grand Rounds keynote on educational transformation: “Shouldn’t teachers be more collaborative with their learners?” He followed with a CAPE workshop exploring the effectiveness of case-based learning.
In the Jill Joseph Grand Rounds Lecture, Deena J. Chisolm, PhD, director of the Center for Child Health Equity at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, challenged attendees to move beyond dialogue into action in her talk, “Health equity: A scream to a whisper?,” reminding researchers and clinicians that advocacy and equity must be foundational to care.
The day continued with a poster session spotlighting medical education, neonatology, urology and neuroscience, among other fields.
Posters and pathways to progress
Throughout the week, poster sessions highlighted cutting-edge work across dozens of pediatric disciplines. These sessions gave attendees the opportunity to engage directly with investigators and reflect on the shared mission of discovery across multiple disciplines, including:
The REI Week 2025 Awards Ceremony celebrated outstanding contributions in research, mentorship, education and innovation. The winners in each category were:
POSTER SESSION AWARDS
Basic & Translational Research
Faculty: Benjamin Liu, PhD
“Genetic Conservation and Diversity of SARS-CoV-2 Envelope Gene Across Variants of Concern”
Faculty: Steve Hui, PhD
“Brain Metabolites in Neonates of Mothers with COVID-19 Infection During Pregnancy”
Faculty: Raj Shekhar, PhD
“StrepApp: Deep Learning-Based Identification of Group A Streptococcal (GAS) Pharyngitis”
Post docs/Fellows/Residents: Dae-young Kim, PhD
“mhGPT: A Lightweight Domain-Specific Language Model for Mental Health Analysis”
Post docs/Fellows/Residents: Leandros Boukas, MD, PhD
“De Novo Variant Identification From Duo Long-Read Sequencing: Improving Equitable Variant Interpretation for Diverse Family Structures”
Staff: Naseem Maghzian
“Adoptive T Lymphocyte Administration for Chronic Norovirus Treatment in Immunocompromised Hosts (ATLANTIC)”
Graduate Students: Abigail Haffey
“Synergistic Integration of TCR and CAR T Cell Platforms for Enhanced Adoptive Immunotherapy in Brain Tumors”
High School/Undergraduate Students: Medha Pappula
“An ADHD Diagnostic Interface Based on EEG Spectrograms and Deep Learning Techniques”
Clinical Research
Faculty: Folasade Ogunlesi, MD
“Poor Air Quality in Sub-Saharan Africa is Associated with Increase Health Care Utilization for Pain in Sickle Cell Disease Patients”
Faculty: Ayman Saleh, MD
“Growth Parameters and Treatment Approaches in Pediatric ADHD: Examining Differences Across Race”
Post docs/Fellows/Residents: Nicholas Dimenstein, MD, MPH
“Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Eligibility in the Pediatric Emergency Department”
Staff: Tayla Smith, MPH
“The Public Health Impact of State-Level Abortion and Firearm Laws on Health Outcomes”
Graduate Students: Natalie Ewing
“Patterns of Bacteriuria and Antimicrobial Resistance in Patients Presenting for Primary Cloacal Repair: Is Assisted Bladder Emptying Associated with Bacteriuria?”
Graduate Students: Manuela Iglesias, MS
“Exploring the Relationship Between Child Opportunity Index and Bayley-III Scores in Young Children”
High School/Undergraduate Students: Nicholas Lohman
“Preliminary Findings: The Efficacy, Feasibility and Acceptability of Group Videoconference Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Exposure and Response Prevention for Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Among Children and Young People”
Community-Based Research
Faculty: Sharon Shih, PhD “Assessing Pediatric Behavioral Health Access in DC using Secret Shopper Methodology”
Post docs/Fellows/Residents: Georgios Sanidas, MD “Arrested Neuronal Maturation and Development in the Cerebellum of Preterm Infants”
Staff: Sanam Parwani
“Intersectionality of Gender and Sexuality Diversity in Autistic and Non-Autistic Individuals”
Graduate Student: Margaret Dearey “Assessing the Burden of Period Poverty for Youth and Adolescents in Washington, DC: A Pilot Study”
Quality and Performance Improvement
Faculty: Nichole L. McCollum, MD
“A Quality Improvement Study to Increase Nurse Initiated Care from Triage and Improve Timeliness to Care”
Post docs/Fellows/Residents: Hannah Rodriguez, MD
“Reducing Unnecessary Antibiotic Use in a Level IV NICU”
Staff: Amber K. Shojaie, OTD, OTR/L
“Implementing Dynamic Axilla Splints in a Large Burn Patient”
Meleah Boyle, PhD, MPH
“Understanding and Addressing Environmental Sustainability to Protect the Health of the Children’s National and Global Communities”
Eiman Abdulrahman, MD
“Research Capacity Building to Improve Pediatric Emergency and Critical Care in Ethiopia”
Pilot Awards
Alexander Andrews, MD
“EEG as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Marker in Severe Pediatric Malaria, Blantyre Malawi”
Daniel Donoho, MD & Timothy Singer, MD
“Feasibility Study of a Novel Artificial Intelligence-Based Educational Platform to Improve Neurosurgical Operative Skills in Tanzania”
Hasan Syed, MD
“Bridging the Gap an Educational Needs Assessment for Pediatric Neurosurgery Training in Pakistan”
Sofia Perazzo, MD & Lamia Soghier, MD, MEd, MBA
“QI Mentorship to Improve Pediatric Screening and Follow-up in Rural Argentina”
Benjamin Liu, PhD
“AI-Empowered Real-Time Sequencing Assay for Rapid Detection of Schistosomiasis in Senegal”
Rae Mittal, MD
“Assessment and Enhancement of Proficiency in Emergency Child Neurology Topics for Post-Graduate Emergency Medicine Trainees in India”
Innovation Day ignites bold thinking
Thursday, REI Week shifted to the Children’s National Research & Innovation Campus for Innovation Day, a celebration of how bold ideas and collaborative culture can accelerate progress in pediatric medicine.
REI Week 2025 reaffirmed the values that define Children’s National: a commitment to excellence, collaboration and equity in pediatric research and care. As discoveries continue to emerge from our hospital and our research campuses, the connections built and ideas sparked during this week will help shape the future of pediatric health — locally and globally.
By elevating voices from the bedside to the bench, with the support of the executive sponsors Nathan Kuppermann, MD, MBChB, Catherine Bollard, MBChB, MD, Kerstin Hildebrandt, MSHS, Linda Talley, MS, RN, NE-BC and David Wessel, MD, REI Week demonstrated that we must embrace the community in all aspects of our work. Because we know that there are answers we can only get from the patients that we serve—and we need to be their voice.
Research, Education & Innovation Week will be back next year on April 13-17, 2026.
Posters at the REI Week 2025 Monday, March 31 poster session.
Panelists discuss innovation during REI Week 2025.
Global Health Initiative community engagement event during REI Week 2025.
Chris Rees presents his REI Week 2025 lecture.
Nathan Kuppermann listens to a presenter during the REI Week 2025 Tuesday, April 1, poster session.
Michelle Riley-Brown, Nathan Kuppermann, Catherine Bollard and Naomi Luban on stage during the REI Week 2025 awards ceremony.
Brandy Salmon presents on innovation programs at Virginia Tech during the REI Week 2025 Innovation Day.
Catherine Bollard listens to a presenter during the REI Week 2025 Monday, March 21 poster session.
Ambroise Wonkman poses for a picture with Children’s National staff.
Tanzeem Choudhury presenting during REI Week 2025.
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A recent study from the Division of Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction at Children’s National Hospital, led by Chief Marc Levitt, MD, explores the prevalence of additional abnormalities in children born with anorectal malformations (ARM). While many of these abnormalities co-occur, including vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheoesophageal fistula or esophageal atresia, renal defects and limb defects, known as the VACTERL association, the study reveals that some critical anomalies, particularly spinal cord and gynecologic malformations, are often missed, an oversight that can significantly affect patient outcomes.
What it means
This multi-institutional retrospective study aimed to assess the effectiveness of current diagnostic criteria for VACTERL screening in ARM patients and to identify anomalies that are at risk of being overlooked. The researchers utilized data from the Pediatric Health Information Systems database, which includes over 100 children’s hospitals, to analyze a wide range of associated abnormalities in ARM across the United States.
The findings highlight that the most common anomalies in ARM patients include cardiac, vertebral/spinal, renal and gynecologic (in females). While many of these anomalies are diagnosed at birth, the study suggests that some are identified only later in a patient’s care, pointing to a gap in early screening, particularly for spinal cord and gynecologic issues.
Based on the study’s results, the authors propose an expansion of the VACTERL acronym to VACTE(G)RLS to stress the importance of gynecologic (G) and spinal cord anomalies (S) in ARM patients.
Based on the study’s results, the authors propose an expansion of the VACTERL acronym to VACTE(G)RLS to stress the importance of gynecologic (G) and spinal cord anomalies (S) in ARM patients. This expanded acronym would help ensure that both surgical and non-surgical providers are aware of these often-missed malformations, improving early diagnosis and intervention.
Why it matters
Although other studies have examined the prevalence of VACTERL anomalies in ARM patients, this is the first to compare diagnosis rates at birth with diagnoses made later during subsequent hospital admissions. Timely identification of these associated malformations is crucial for early intervention in females, as untreated gynecologic anomalies can lead to reproductive issues later in life and for patients with spinal conditions that require intervention.
The proposed change to the standard usage VACTERL acronym underscores the significance and frequency of these malformations happening in combination, potentially leading to improved screening protocols and, ultimately, better patient outcomes. By emphasizing the importance of comprehensive screening at birth, the study advocates for a more thorough approach to diagnosing ARM-associated anomalies, which can significantly enhance long-term care for these patients.
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Young-Girl-Hematology-Patient-1.png300400Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/InnovationDistrict_CN_WebHeader-1396px-1030x151.pngInnovation District2025-03-12 15:55:342025-03-20 11:34:47Study highlights need for improved screening in anorectal malformation patients
Before this study, little has been documented about how anorectal malformation type, sacral ratio, age and bowel regimen affect continence and quality of life.
A large, multi-institutional study including patient-reported outcomes for children who have anorectal malformations found that the type of malformation and whether a child is clean/continent and not soiling can have a significant impact on the assessment of a patient’s quality-of-life. The study also highlights that patients and their families seem to benefit from access to a specialized center offering multi-disciplinary care in a single location.
What it means
The study is one of the first to collect input from patients and their families at two multi-disciplinary centers for colorectal care. The authors, including Marc Levitt, MD, chief of Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction at Children’s National Hospital, who collaborated with colleagues at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus and Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne Australia, sought to understand the impact of the anorectal malformation type and the development of the sacrum bone on continence outcomes in children. Additionally, the team aimed to compare continence outcomes by age group and determine the quality of life with different bowel regimens, including medications like laxatives or the use of enemas.
The researchers found that continence in patients taking laxatives to manage their bowels varied depending on the type of malformation, but that sacral ratio or a measure of the growth of a key pelvic bone correlating with pelvic floor development, did not seem to play a role in continence.
Additionally, patients (and patient families) had similar perceptions of their overall quality of life, as long as the child was clean/continent. Quality-of-life scores were lower, however, if a child was managed using enemas but continued to experience soiling/incontinence. This vital component was a measure of patient reported outcomes, or how the patient perceives their care is going.
Why it matters
Before this study, little has been documented about how anorectal malformation type, sacral ratio, age and bowel regimen affect continence and quality of life. For the first time, these reports are coming from the patient and family point of view. In their conclusion, the authors note that the study’s findings provide important discussion points for counseling patients on long term management strategies for children with anorectal malformations. The findings also identify new areas for research driven by what patients and their families report are most important.
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The division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Children’s National Hospital is proud to host the Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Days (PIBDRD) Meeting from April 10-11, 2025.
This two-day event will include discussing recent advances in pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) research, identifying gaps in knowledge in pediatric IBD and identifying target areas for future pediatric IBD research. Presentation themes will include sex differences in presentation, disease course and response to treatment; growth; nutrition; and other pediatric chronic inflammatory conditions.
This two-day event will offer CME credits and features a robust lineup of experts in the field of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and other chronic inflammatory conditions.
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Children’s National is ranked one of the top 10 pediatric hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Our faculty and staff are proud of the impact made on the lives of children and families in our community. Your participation in the U.S. News & World Report annual reputational survey validates the quality of care we provide and reflects the mutual respect and trust we share as healthcare professionals.
How to determine your voting eligibility
Voting for the U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals rankings can be done only through Doximity.
To participate, physicians must:
Be board-certified and meet the eligibility criteria for the voting categories.
For child and adolescent psychologists, your account must be up to date with your specialty and subspecialty correctly marked.
Be a credential-verified member of Doximity (you must have an active and claimed Doximity profile).
Have all certifications and board documents currently up-to-date in your Doximity profile.
You have to claim your profile on Doximity.com to participate in the online survey. If you have not yet claimed your Doximity profile, go to Doximity.com, and click “Find My Profile.”
Once your profile has been claimed, you must confirm your email address and board certifications.
Verified Doximity members will receive an email inviting them to participate in the U.S. News survey.
For more information on how to claim your profile, visit Doximity.com
How to update and verify existing Doximity account information
Your Doximity profile must have up-to-date licenses, certifications and board documents.
Once you are logged in, your profile will automatically be in “Edit Mode.” You are able to add new items or edit existing information.
Update your Doximity profile and ensure your information is current.
Once registered, users wishing to participate in the online survey should:
Watch for an email from Doximity about the annual member survey.
Even if you don’t see the email, if you are a registered Doximity user, you can still vote by logging in to Doximity.com with your username and password during the voting period.
Once logged in, look for a U.S. News graphic or button on the homepage and click on it.
The survey asks users to name the hospitals that provide the best care in your respective specialty, without consideration to location or cost. Pediatric specialists will list 10 hospitals. The order in which you list the hospitals does not matter.
Please note: Children’s National Hospital is listed as “Children’s National Hospital Washington, DC” on the survey.
Visit Doximity’s FAQs if you have issues or questions about registration or claiming your profile.
How to cast your vote
In February 2025 when voting opens, all survey-eligible physicians will receive a notification on the Doximity app for Android or iOS. If you do not use the Doximity app, you will receive an email when voting opens.
Log in to your Doximity account at doximity.com or via the mobile app.
Click the Notifications icon or tap the “Submit your Nominations” button on the homepage. You can also search for “U.S. News Best Hospitals”
Select 10 hospitals in your respective specialty that you believe provide the best care in the United States.
Submit your vote
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Vote
The 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals reputation voting will open in mid-February. Look for your Doximity notification to vote.
A research team led by Dr. Shayna Coburn, from Children’s National Hospital, developed a first-of-its-kind celiac disease-specific pediatric Quality of Life measure survey.
Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder that disrupts nutrient absorption and results in a permanent intolerance to gluten. Assessing quality of life (QOL) is a vital component in the screening and management of this chronic condition. In a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, researchers from Children’s National Hospital developed a first of its kind celiac disease-specific pediatric QOL measure (CDLIFE) survey. Shayna Coburn, PhD, psychosocial health director of the Celiac Disease Program and lead author of the study, shared how Children’s National is leading the way with this work.
What’s been the hold-up in the field?
Several surveys have been developed to assess quality of life in individuals with celiac disease; however, they present significant limitations when applied to pediatric populations. Some instruments were developed in other countries, where differing food environments and support resources for individuals with celiac disease affect their applicability. Additionally, existing tools often target adults, while pediatric-focused surveys are restricted to children aged eight years and older. This constraint is increasingly problematic as the age of celiac disease diagnosis continues to decrease. Notably, in our celiac disease clinic, approximately half of our patients are under the age of eight, highlighting the critical need for a QOL assessment tool tailored to this younger demographic.
How does this work move the field forward?
This work represents a significant advancement in the field by introducing the CDLIFE survey, a concise and user-friendly QOL survey designed specifically for individuals with celiac disease aged two to 18. The tool includes both a youth self-report and a parent-proxy form, providing flexibility in capturing QOL data across developmental stages. Developed with direct input from families, the CDLIFE survey reflects experiences and challenges that are most relevant to patients and caregivers.
This survey demonstrates strong correlations with existing measures of QOL and celiac disease-specific experiences, ensuring its validity and reliability while adhering to FDA guidelines for patient reported outcome measures.
How will this work benefit patients?
The CDLIFE survey provides a valuable tool for patients and health care providers to assess how individuals are managing life with celiac disease, offering insights into areas where additional support may be needed. This survey empowers providers to deliver more personalized and targeted care and serves as a vital resource in research. It enables a deeper understanding of patient experiences and function by serving as a reliable patient-reported outcome measure in clinical trials.
How is Children’s National leading in this space?
The CDLIFE survey is the first pediatric QOL measure specifically designed to include young children, addressing a critical gap in current tools. Its development has generated significant enthusiasm within the pediatric celiac disease community, evidenced by numerous requests for the tool even prior to its formal publication. By leading this effort, Children’s National is part of a select group of institutions driving innovation and setting new standards for understanding and improving quality of life for youth with celiac disease.
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Dr. Asa Yancey’s pioneering operation went unrecognized for over half a century due to discriminatory publishing practices in academic medicine.
A group of international pediatric colorectal surgery leaders called for the renaming of a surgical procedure for Hirschsprung disease after finding evidence that an African American surgeon, Asa Yancey, M.D., had pioneered the procedure 12 years before its’ current namesake, Franco Soave, M.D. Dr. Yancey was not recognized previously due to discriminatory practices in academic medical publishing.
What it means
A literature review published in the Journal of Surgical Research conducted by the American Pediatric Surgical Association Hirschsprung disease interest group, including Marc Levitt, M.D., chief of Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction at Children’s National Hospital, identified that Dr. Yancey’s work describing pull-through of normal colon through a cuff of aganglionic colon as a treatment for Hirschsprung disease was published in 1952. The paper by Soave was published in 1962 and from that work, the “Soave” procedure bore his name.
The authors point out that Dr. Yancey’s pioneering operation went unrecognized for over half a century because of the discriminatory segregation in the publishing practices of academic medicine dating back to the 1950s.
Moving the field forward
Dr. Levitt and his colleagues in the interest group suggested active changes to give posthumous credit to Dr. Yancey, including renaming the procedure to the Yancey-Soave pull-through technique.
Together with Dr. Yancey’s family, including his children, three of whom are physicians, the interest group and other surgeons have started using the procedure’s new name in presentations, operative notes, articles and book chapters.
At the end of their literature review recommending the update, the authors wrote, “Posthumous acknowledgment of Yancey was long overdue but signifies improvements in the inclusion of underrepresented groups in academic medicine while simultaneously reminding physicians that there is still much work to be done.”
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The Division of Colorectal & Pelvic Reconstruction team from Children’s National Hospital at the 2024 PLPLC Conference.
Medical professionals from across the world gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, for the 2024 Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction Conference. This esteemed course, hosted by the Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Learning Consortium (PCPLC), provided comprehensive educational experiences to those caring for children with colorectal and pelvic disorders.
Children’s National Hospital staff showcased their expertise by leading in-depth discussions, presenting accepted abstracts and designing course programming across multiple specialty areas while highlighting the program’s focus on collaborative care. Led by Chief Marc Levitt, M.D., the division of Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction is the first in the mid-Atlantic region to fully integrate surgery, urology, gynecology and gastroenterology into one cohesive program for children.
Andrea Badillo, M.D., Documentation Committee member, Education Committee member
Julie Choueiki, M.S.N., R.N., Allied Health Care Professionals Conference (AHCP) co-chair
Dr. Marc Levitt leads a hands-on simulation lab using validated surgical models for treating Anorectal Malformations and Hirschsprung Disease.
Invited speakers and topics:
Marc Levitt, M.D., Cloaca Advanced; Anorectal Malformations/Hirschsprung Disease Hands-On Course; Hirschsprung disease and Constipation
Briony Varda, M.D., M.P.H., Genitourinary Complications & Creative Solutions: A Case Based Discussion of Patients with ARM; Cloaca Basics; Challenging Case Presentations in Colorectal Care
Katherine Worst, N.P., CPNP-AC, Functional Constipation, Motility, Bowel Management Basics; Bowel Management of the Colorectal Patient Including Psychosocial Care and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy; Cloaca Review Session for Allied Health Care Professionals
Allison Mayhew, M.D., Genitourinary Complications & Creative Solutions: A Case Based Discussion of Patients with ARM; Advanced Cloaca; Cloaca Exstrophy, Gynecologic Evaluation and Follow Up
Andrea Badillo, M.D., Functional Constipation, Motility, Bowel Management Basics; Genitourinary Complications & Creative Solutions: A Case Based Discussion of Patients with ARM; Pediatric Colorectal Knowledge Competition at Course Conclusion
Christina Ho, M.D., Urological Care for the Colorectal Patient for Allied Health Care Professionals
Meghan Mesa, B.S.N., R.N., C.P.N., Performing Colorectal Clinic Skills for Allied Health Care Professionals
Justine Gagnon, B.S.N., R.N., Performing Colorectal Clinic Skills for Allied Health Care Professionals
Oral Plenary Scientific Session:
Thomas Xu, Hospital Volume and Region Associated with Variation in Vacterl Screening Among Newborns with Anorectal Malformation An Opportunity to Optimize Screening Practices
Kirsten Das, Gynecologic Anomalies in Patients with Anorectal Malformations and Associated Anomalies: A National Retrospective Cohort from 2016-2023
Eugénie Lehembre-Shiah, Cloacal Malformation And Mullerian Agenesis: Management Of The Gynecologic Reconstruction For This Rare Situation
Dr. Andrea Badillo on the panel for Functional Constipation, Motility, Bowel Management Basics.
Thomas Xu, Frequency of Vacte(G)Rls Associated Anomalies in Newborns with Anorectal Malformations Across Hospitals within the Pediatric Health Information Systems Database: Neonatal Diagnoses and Beyond; Malone Antegrade Continence Enema (Mace) – Reassessment of Complications with Advancements in Technique; Antegrade Continence Enemas for Patients with Spina Bifida to Treat Fecal Incontinence, a Comparison with Patients with Non-Neurogenic Causes
Kirsten Das, Predicting The Need For Vaginal Augmentation In Patients Undergoing Cloacal Reconstruction
As a globally recognized expert in enhancing care of children with colorectal and pelvic reconstructive needs, Dr. Levitt, , along with Alejandra Vilanova-Sanchez, M.D., edited the textbook Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery. As part of his commitment to advancing education about colorectal surgery, Dr. Levitt provided a copy of the textbook to every conference attendee.
In 2024, Children’s National Hospital continued to make remarkable strides across diverse areas of pediatric medicine, from groundbreaking technological innovations to critical health advocacy. The following compilation showcases ten significant stories that demonstrate the breadth and depth of the hospital’s impact, as featured in major national news outlets including NBC Nightly News, CNN, The Washington Post, The New York Times, NPR, The Today Show, Healio, and POLITICO. Delve into our 2024 news highlights for more.
Charles Berul, M.D., and a patient family talk about the pill-sized pacemaker that saved the life of Abby, an infant born with deadly heart defects. (NBC Nightly News)
Sivabalaji Kaliamurthy, M.D., addiction psychiatrist and director of the Addictions Program, spoke to CNN about the impact of drug addiction on teen health and the lack of resources available to treat opioid use disorder. (CNN)
Susma Vaidya, M.D., M.P.H., associate medical director of the IDEAL Clinic, shared her concerns about childhood obesity treatment recommendations issued today by a leading panel of independent U.S. health experts. (The Washington Post)
Shideh Majidi, M.D., M.S.C.S., and Emily Frymark, clinical dietitian, spoke about how the food pharmacy, created in partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank, benefits patients with diabetes and other chronic conditions. (The Washington Post)
Kendric Cromer, a 12-year-old boy being treated at Children’s National Hospital, became the first person in the world with sickle cell disease to begin a commercially approved gene therapy that may cure the condition. “This is a big effort,” says David Jacobsohn, M.D., ScM, M.B.A. (The New York Times)
Mikael Petrosyan, M.D., associate chief of General and Thoracic Surgery, discusses the stress medical staff face when treating young victims of gun violence. (NPR)
Landon, an 11-year-old patient, rang the bell at Children’s National Hospital with family, friends, doctors and nurses cheering after finishing his final round of chemotherapy. (The Today Show)
Monika Goyal, M.D., M.S.C.E., pediatric emergency medicine specialist and co-director of the Center for Translational Research, emphasized the need for awareness in addressing period poverty in teenagers and young adults. (Healio)
Kolaleh Eskandanian, Ph.D., M.B.A., P.M.P., vice president and chief innovation officer, participates in a panel discussion covering AI data collection, associated risks, reliance and other topics related to artificial intelligence. (POLITICO)
Children’s National patient Kendric Cromer, 12, became one of the first children ever to be treated with a newly approved gene therapy that will free him from the sickle cell disease that has stolen his childhood. (The New York Times)
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2024 marked another groundbreaking year for Children’s National Hospital, showcasing remarkable advances across the spectrum of pediatric medicine, research and healthcare innovation. From pioneering surgical procedures to breakthrough artificial intelligence applications, the institution continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible in children’s healthcare. Read on for our list of the most popular articles we published on Innovation District in 2024.
A study led by researchers at Children’s National Hospital showed that babies born during the COVID-19 pandemic have differences in the size of certain structures in the brain, compared to infants born before the pandemic. The findings suggest that exposure to the coronavirus and being pregnant during the pandemic could play a role in shaping infant brain development. (3 min. read)
Children’s National Hospital was ranked as a top hospital in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report 2024-25 Best Children’s Hospitals annual rankings. This marks the eighth straight year Children’s National has made the Honor Roll list. The Honor Roll is a distinction awarded to only 10 children’s hospitals nationwide. (2 min. read)
In January 2023, a team of multidisciplinary doctors performed the first case in the world of using bilateral high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) pallidotomy on Jesus, a 22-year-old patient with dyskinetic cerebral palsy. The procedure is part of a clinical trial led by Chima Oluigbo, M.D., pediatric neurosurgeon at Children’s National Hospital. (3 min. read)
A novel ultrasound device developed by Bloom Standard received the Food and Drug Administration’s valued breakthrough device designation with the help of Children’s National Hospital. The device that enables autonomous, hands-free ultrasound scans to be performed anywhere, by any user. (2 min. read)
Understanding the effects of Lyme disease on the developing fetal brain is essential to ensure timely prenatal and postnatal treatments to protect the fetus and newborn. In response to this need, Children’s National Hospital is leading a pilot study to establish the groundwork needed for a larger study to determine the effect of in utero exposure to Lyme disease on pregnancy and early childhood neurodevelopmental outcomes. (3 min. read)
Five years ago, Cayden was born 6 weeks early weighing less than four pounds and at risk of dying from her critical congenital heart disease. Today, she’s a happy five-year-old. Early diagnosis of her hypoplastic right ventricle, double inlet left ventricle and critical coarctation of the aorta allowed for the team at Children’s National Hospital to create a careful plan for safe delivery and to offer an innovative hybrid HLHS surgical approach at the hospital within 24 hours after she was born. (1 min. read)
Children’s National Hospital appointed Wayne J. Franklin, M.D., F.A.C.C., as the new senior vice president (SVP) of the Children’s National Heart Center. In this role, Dr. Franklin oversees the full spectrum of heart care services including cardiac imaging and diagnostics, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac anesthesia, cardiac surgery and cardiac intensive care. (2 min. read)
By pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) innovation programs at Children’s National Hospital, Marius George Linguraru, D.Phil., M.A., M.Sc., and the AI experts he leads are ensuring patients and families benefit from a coming wave of technological advances. The team is teaching AI to interpret complex data that could otherwise overwhelm clinicians. (4 min. read)
Painting a sobering picture, a research team led by Children’s National Hospital culled years of data demonstrating that maternal mental illness is an under-recognized contributor to the death of new mothers. They called for urgent action to address this public health crisis. (3 min. read)
Children’s National Hospital appointed Nathan Kuppermann, M.D., M.P.H., as its new executive vice president, chief academic officer and chair of Pediatrics. In this role, Dr. Kuppermann oversees research, education and innovation for the Children’s National Research Institute as well as academic and administrative leadership in the Department of Pediatrics at George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Services. (2 min. read)
Researchers from Children’s National Hospital presented findings from the first clinical trial of the medication vosoritide for children with hypochondroplasia – a rare genetic growth disorder. During the phase 2 trial, researchers found vosoritide increased the growth rate in children with hypochondroplasia, allowing them to grow on average an extra 1.8 cm per year. (2 min. read)
Since its establishment in July 2023, the Center for Prenatal, Neonatal & Maternal Health Research at Children’s National Hospital has gained recognition through high-impact scientific publications, featuring noteworthy studies exploring the early phases of human development. (3 min. read)
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Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., was ranked as a top hospital in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report 2024-25 Best Children’s Hospitals annual rankings. This marks the eighth straight year Children’s National has made the Honor Roll list. The Honor Roll is a distinction awarded to only 10 children’s hospitals nationwide.
This year, U.S. News ended ordinal rankings on its Honor Roll. Instead of assigning a numerical rank from 1 to 10, all hospitals on the Honor Roll will be recognized as having attained the highest standards of care in the nation.
In addition, Children’s National tied for #1 pediatric hospital in the Mid-Atlantic region, which includes New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, West Virginia and Virginia. It’s also best in the Mid-Atlantic in Neonatology.
For the fourteenth straight year, Children’s National ranked in 10 specialty services. New this year, U.S. News included behavioral health as a service line in the rankings. Since it’s the first year, there are no ordinal rankings for behavioral health, but the Children’s National program was named one of the top 50 programs in the country.
“In my first year here, I witnessed what makes Children’s National so special — our commitment to collaboration, empowering one another, and charting a bold path forward for pediatric care,” said Michelle Riley-Brown, MHA, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Children’s National. “I’m proud U.S. News again recognized Children’s National as one of the top in the nation and the highest-ranked pediatric hospital in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Together, we’ll continue to push the boundaries of care, research and innovation to make a difference for those who matter most — the kids.”
The annual rankings are the most comprehensive source of quality-related information on U.S. pediatric hospitals and recognizes the nation’s top 50 pediatric hospitals based on a scoring system developed by U.S. News.
“For nearly two decades, U.S. News has published Best Children’s Hospitals to empower the parents and caregivers of children with complex medical needs,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “Children’s hospitals appearing on the U.S. News Honor Roll have a track record of delivering unparalleled specialized care.”
The bulk of the score for each specialty service is based on quality and outcomes data. The process includes a survey of relevant specialists across the country, who are asked to list hospitals they believe provide the best care for patients with the most complex conditions.
The Children’s National specialty services that U.S. News ranked in the top 10 nationally are:
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Dr. Levitt shares insights into the program’s journey, key successes and future goals.
This September, the Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction Program at Children’s National proudly marks five years of commitment to patient-centered care for children and their families. Under the guidance of Division Chief Marc Levitt, M.D., the program has achieved remarkable advancements in clinical care, improving patient outcomes and enhancing family experiences.
Dr. Levitt shares insights into the program’s journey, key successes and future goals, highlighting the importance of collaboration among specialists and the continuous pursuit of innovative treatments.
Q: What was your vision for the program when it first launched? Has the vision changed?
A: When the Colorectal Program first launched, we aimed to establish a comprehensive program for colorectal patient care. This included integrating specialists across multiple disciplines, such as pediatric general surgery, urology, gynecology, gastroenterology, nursing, neurosurgery, orthopedics, pathology, radiology, anesthesia, psychology and pelvic floor therapy. Our efforts have exceeded expectations; the team has developed a cohesive and collaborative dynamic where each specialist contributes effectively to patient care. This integrated approach enhances outcomes, as patients and their families are at the center of our model, surrounded by a network of dedicated caregivers and coordinators, all focused on improving the patients’ quality of life.
Q: Can you highlight some key successes or achievements of the program?
A: The creation of our integrated colorectal care program at Children’s National has been a significant success, bolstered by strong institutional support. While this model requires considerable effort, it ultimately attracts patients and leads to outstanding outcomes. We’ve received patient inquiries from 48 states (AK,AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, D.C., DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV) and 68 countries (Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, England, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lithuania, Maldives, Mauritania, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Myanmar, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nepal, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Pakistan, Paraguay, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, South Korea, St. Kitts & Nevis, Sudan, Sweden, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Wales).
Some key successes include the development of innovative surgical procedures for conditions such as imperforate anus and anorectal malformations, advanced repair techniques for cloacal malformations, integrated care strategies for colonic dysmotility, and novel approaches for the newborn care of patients with cloacal exstrophy. All these new approaches were developed at Children’s National over the past five years.
In addition to clinical innovations, we have significantly enhanced our academic environment. Over the last five years, our team has authored more than one hundred articles and three well-regarded books, helping health care professionals around the world improve the care they provide to their patients. We have also trained surgical fellows and nurses in colorectal care and welcomed clinicians from over 30 countries for specialized training. This outreach is especially fulfilling, as it enables us to influence the care of children around the globe whom we may never meet, by sharing valuable skills and knowledge with these practitioners.
Q: Can you share examples of particularly challenging cases or high-profile cases that have influenced the program’s clinical approach?
A: The way we care for a patient with a cloaca is unique – the entire team joins together in the operating room to assess the anatomy, and every member then gives their thoughts on how to approach the reconstruction. The very next day we perform that surgery, with the understanding of the anatomy in mind, and what plays out in that operating room is quite magical. This collaborative approach frequently leads to exceptional outcomes, as our diverse ideas come together to form a cohesive plan. Through this teamwork, we have developed creative ways to solve complex anatomical problems that no one individual surgeon would have thought of on their own.
Q: How have patient outcomes improved over time?
A: We have optimized the collaborative experience so that patients only need a single visit to see all the specialists they require. Our outcomes for complex colorectal surgeries have significantly improved, particularly for conditions like cloaca, Hirschsprung disease and anorectal malformations. Advances in surgical techniques and enhancements in nursing care have led to dramatically better results. We have reduced, and in some cases eliminated, complications from these surgeries, while also seeing improvements in bowel continence and kidney health. Our nursing teams — outpatient, operating room and inpatient — play a crucial role, offering unique insights into pre- and post-operative care that are vital for achieving successful outcomes.
Q: What have been the biggest challenges or barriers faced by the program and how have you addressed these challenges?
A: One of the biggest challenges we face is ensuring that patients can get to us. Many patients encounter obstacles with insurance companies that restrict travel outside their network, or they deal with the difficulties of traveling from far away for their surgery. We have worked diligently to address these issues by improving our insurance approval process and making families comfortable during their stay in Washington, D.C., including assistance with accommodations, necessary medical supplies, etc. If we can remove these barriers, we can care for more patients and make the experience easier for them and their families.
Q: How does the colorectal program collaborate with other departments or services? How has the program integrated from various specialties (e.g., urology, gynecology, GI) to enhance patient care?
A: We have specialists who are fully integrated in their roles on the colorectal and pelvic reconstruction team. General pediatric surgeons, urologists, gynecologists and gastroenterologists work both in the colorectal program and in their home program in a uniquely integrated fashion. For example, our urologists each spend half of their time in general urology and the other half in colorectal, handling the urologic aspects of colorectal patients’ care. In this way collaboration is enhanced and encouraged.
Q: What are the future goals or plans for the colorectal program?
A: Our future goals for the colorectal program are focused on expanding our impact and enhancing patient care. First and foremost, we aim to help as many patients as possible. We plan to collaborate with other colorectal centers worldwide to share knowledge and best practices. Training surgeons and nurses remains a priority, as we want to equip as many healthcare professionals as possible with the skills needed in this field. Additionally, we are committed to traveling to the developing world to provide care for children who cannot access services at Children’s National. Finally, we intend to enhance our research efforts, leveraging basic science to investigate and address conditions related to the colon, ultimately seeking to reduce or eliminate associated illnesses.
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Levitt-and-baby-feature.jpg300400Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/InnovationDistrict_CN_WebHeader-1396px-1030x151.pngInnovation District2024-09-23 15:51:302024-09-26 09:59:03Marc Levitt, M.D., reflects on the Colorectal & Pelvic Reconstruction Program
In early November, doctors, fellows and faculty from the division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Children’s National Hospital attended the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) conference in Chicago.
Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., was ranked as a top hospital in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report 2025-26 Best Children’s Hospitals annual rankings. This marks the ninth straight year Children’s National has made the Honor Roll list. The Honor Roll is a distinction awarded to only 10 children’s hospitals nationwide.
The division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Children’s National Hospital is proud to host the Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Days (PIBDRD) Meeting from April 10-11, 2025.
Children’s National is 
In 2024, Children’s National Hospital continued to make remarkable strides across diverse areas of pediatric medicine, from groundbreaking technological innovations to critical health advocacy. The following compilation showcases ten significant stories that demonstrate the breadth and depth of the hospital’s impact, as featured in major national news outlets including NBC Nightly News, CNN, The Washington Post, The New York Times, NPR, The Today Show, Healio, and POLITICO. Delve into our 2024 news highlights for more.
2024 marked another groundbreaking year for Children’s National Hospital, showcasing remarkable advances across the spectrum of pediatric medicine, research and healthcare innovation. From pioneering surgical procedures to breakthrough artificial intelligence applications, the institution continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible in children’s healthcare. Read on for our list of the most popular articles we published on Innovation District in 2024.
Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., was ranked as a top hospital in the nation by the 
