Meetings

Members of the Division of Neurology from Children’s National Hospital with fellow neurologists from Washington, D.C.

Shaping the future of epilepsy care: highlights from AES 2025

  • Dr. Syed Anwar presents at AES 2025
  • Dr. Hua Xie presents research findings during poster session
  • Dr. Nathan Cohen and Xiaotong Li presents research poster
  • Dr. John Schreiber and Chloe Hooker present research during poster session
  • Dr. Hua Xie presents at AES 2025
  • Dr. Cemal Karakas presents a research poster alongside fellow neurologist
  • Dr. Syed Anwar presents research findings at poster session
  • Members of the Division of Neurology from Children’s National Hospital with fellow neurologists from Washington, D.C.
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In early December, several doctors, fellows and faculty from the division of Neurology at Children’s National Hospital attended the American Epilepsy Society (AES) Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.

This meeting unites a global community of child and pediatric neurologists, neurosurgeons, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, psychologists, basic translational and clinical scientists, advanced practice providers, advocates and industry professionals to share scientific breakthroughs, foster collaboration and improve outcomes for people living with epilepsy.

Children’s National experts were featured throughout the program, presenting on a wide range of topics in pediatric epilepsy.

Sessions and Workshops

  • Chima Oluigbo, MD: Epilepsy Surgery Skills Workshop | Overcoming Complications in Epilepsy Surgery
  • Dana Harrar, MD, PhD: Resident EEG Course
  • Hua Xie, PhD: Neuroimaging platform | Thalamo-lesional Connectivity Profile Predicting Focal to Bilateral Tonic-Clonic Seizures in Focal Cortical Dysplasia-related Epilepsy
  • John Schreiber, MD: Investigators Workshop | Mortality in DEEs Across the Lifespan: Timing, Causes and Prevention
  • Leigh Sepeta, PhD: Investigators Workshop | Hippocampal Long Axis Differentiation in Memory and Seizure Networks
  • Sara Preisendanz, MS, RD, CSP, LD: Professional Development | Career Pathways: Interprofessional Panel
  • Syed Anwar, PhD, MS: Pediatric State of the Art Symposium | Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery: It’s Not Just About Resection

Poster Presentations

To learn more about the meeting, visit the AES website for additional information.

2025 with a lightbulb instead of a zero

The best of 2025 from Innovation District

2025 with a lightbulb instead of a zero

In 2025, Innovation District readers gravitated toward stories that explored how research and clinical innovation are reshaping pediatric care in real time. This year’s most popular articles highlighted advances in complex surgical care, evidence-based treatments for chronic and neuropsychiatric conditions and emerging technologies — from wearable data to artificial intelligence — that are changing how clinicians diagnose, treat and support children and families. Read on for our list of the most popular articles we published on Innovation District in 2025.

1. Life-changing care: How Children’s National tackles pediatric cervical spine injuries

The Cervical Spine program at Children’s National Hospital is responsible for treating a range of conditions, including trauma, congenital abnormalities and tumors. These conditions can lead to instability or misalignment of the cervical spine. “There are unique challenges in pediatric cases due to anatomical differences. The cervical spines of children are more at risk for injury because of their developmental stage and structural characteristics,” says Matthew Oetgen, MD, MBA, chief of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at Children’s National.
(2 min. read)

2. Pioneering evidence-based treatments for substance addictions

Increasing evidence-based treatment is a key component of the Addictions Program at Children’s National Hospital, created in 2022 and led by Sivabalaji Kaliamurthy, MD. “We really want to focus on intervening in an evidence-based manner in the primary care setting because that is where most of our patients are going to first access care outside of the emergency room,” explains Dr. Kaliamurthy.
(3 min. read)

3. Breaking barriers in growth disorder treatment for families

For many children with short stature and other rare genetic growth disorders, there have been no next steps after usual treatment options prove ineffective. Researchers at Children’s National Hospital are digging deeper to find the root genetic causes of short stature disorders and creating novel, nuanced treatment options that have the opportunity to change how the field approaches these cases.
(4 min. read)

4. The link between metabolic acidosis and cardiovascular disease in children with CKD

Denver D. Brown, MD, nephrologist at Children’s National, is looking at whether untreated metabolic acidosis could potentially contribute to cardiovascular outcomes in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, she explains her motivation, findings and future directions for this critical research.
(3 min. read)

5. Therapy approach shows promise for PANS/PANDAS

A multidisciplinary therapy model developed at Children’s National shows promise for children with PANS and PANDAS, significantly reducing symptoms through structured cognitive-behavioral therapy and family-centered care. The approach could offer a new standard for treating these rare, complex neuropsychiatric disorders.
(2 min. read)

6. Wearable tech data shows promise in ADHD detection

A study from Children’s National reveals that common wearable devices like Fitbits may hold the key to improving how we identify Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adolescents. By analyzing patterns in heart rate, activity levels and energy expenditure, researchers were able to predict ADHD diagnoses with striking accuracy, offering a glimpse into a future where objective, real-time data supports earlier and more personalized mental healthcare.
(2 min. read)

7. Novel pediatric pacemaker shows safety, effectiveness for fragile infants in multi-center study

A novel implantable pacemaker designed specifically for infants has demonstrated safety and effectiveness in stabilizing heart rhythms for at least two years. The multi-center study of 29 infants showed stable pacing, normal electrical parameters and expected battery life, offering a viable alternative to standard-size devices for the smallest children.
(2 min. read)

8. Socioeconomic disadvantage associated with higher long-term mortality for children after heart surgery

Children who had heart surgery and come from less advantaged neighborhoods in the Washington, D.C., region are much more likely to die in the long term than those from neighborhoods with more wealth and opportunity. The finding was part of a presentation titled, Socioeconomic Disadvantage Is Associated with Higher Long-Term Mortality After Cardiac Surgery, by Jennifer Klein, MD, MPH, cardiologist at Children’s National Hospital, during the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Annual Meeting in Los Angeles.
(2 min. read)

9. Children’s National brings AI into the RHD early diagnosis equation

Experts from Children’s National traveled to Uganda to continue work on a pilot program applying artificial intelligence (AI) to the diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). The team created a tool that uses AI to predict RHD by identifying leaky heart valves on handheld ultrasound devices, then prompts a referral for a full echocardiogram.
(2 min. read)

10. Fighting food insecurity with fresh produce and education

Food insecurity is rising in Washington, D.C. and it’s hitting families with children the hardest. That’s why Children’s National Hospital created the Family Lifestyle Program (FLiP) – a multi-layered intervention, which offers Patient Navigation (FLiP-PN) and a Produce Prescription Intervention (FLiPRx). FLiP is a Food Is Medicine, clinical-community initiative that helps families get access to fresh food, build healthy habits and lower their risk of diet-related diseases like diabetes and obesity.
(3 min. read)

Global leaders in pediatric neuroscience, including experts from Children’s National, gather at the 2025 Pediatric Neuroscience Conference in Qatar.

Showcasing global expertise: Children’s National at the 2025 Pediatric Neuroscience Conference in Qatar

Dr. Elizabeth Wells presenting at the 2025 Pediatric Neuroscience Conference.

Dr. Elizabeth Wells presenting at the 2025 Pediatric Neuroscience Conference.

In early November, experts from the Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine Center at Children’s National Hospital traveled to Doha, Qatar, to participate in the 5th Annual Pediatric Neuroscience Conference, presented by Sidra Medicine. This marks the second year of partnership between Children’s National and Sidra Medicine for this premier international event.

The annual conference brings together leading clinicians, researchers and innovators from across Neurology, Neurosurgery, Neuro-critical Care, Neurogenetics and Neuroradiology to share the latest insights driving the future of pediatric neuroscience. This year’s program explored the epidemiology and mechanisms of neurological diseases, cutting-edge clinical trials, AI innovations and new models of integrated, high-impact care.

Elizabeth Wells, MD, senior vice president of the Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine Center at Children’s National and a member of the conference’s Scientific Committee, highlighted the continued impact of this international partnership. “By training and supporting physicians and allied health staff across the region, we’re expanding access to quality care close to home,” said Dr. Wells. “But when children require complex interventions or innovative treatments that aren’t available locally, Children’s National is ready to provide that next level of care. We’re proud to serve both as a partner in strengthening regional capacity and as a global leader in the most advanced pediatric neuroscience therapies.”

“It was a great pleasure to partner once again with Children’s National for this year’s Pediatric Neuroscience Conference,” said Ruba Benini, FRCPSC, MD, PhD, medical director of the Neurodiagnostic Laboratory at Sidra Medicine. “Their high-caliber speakers and the depth of experience they brought to the conference added tremendous value, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future.”

Children’s National brought the largest contingent of external speakers to this year’s meeting, presenting across multiple high-visibility sessions:

Scientific Sessions & Presentations

SESSION II: Neuro-Immunology

Drs. William D. Gaillard, Adelaide Robb and Karen Smith at the 2025 Pediatric Neuroscience Conference.

Drs. William D. Gaillard, Adelaide Robb and Karen Smith at the 2025 Pediatric Neuroscience Conference.

  • Elizabeth Wells, MD — Autoimmune Encephalitis – Updates on Diagnosis & Treatment

SESSION III: Neuro-Oncology

  • Elizabeth Wells, MD — Session Moderator
  • Robert Keating, MD — Latest Advances in Non-Invasive Focused Ultrasound Treatment for Brain Tumors

SESSION IV: Neurogenetics and Precision Medicine in Neurological Disorders

  • Sarah Wright, MD — Progress and Innovations in Clinical Trials for Neuromuscular Diseases
  • William D. Gaillard, MD — Developments in Epilepsy Clinical Trials: Emerging Therapies and Technologies

SESSION V: Epilepsy Symposium

  • William D. Gaillard, MD — Epilepsy Surgery: Patient Selection, Evaluation and Outcomes
  • Chima Oluigbo, MD — Advances in Epilepsy Surgery: Options and Procedures
  • Adelaide Robb, MD — Neuropsychiatric Co-Morbidities in Pediatric Epilepsy

SESSION VI: Complex Neurosurgical Procedures

  • Robert Keating, MD — Two Decades of Experience With Chiari Malformations: Where Are We Today?

SESSION VII: Artificial Intelligence and Cutting-Edge Research in Neuroscience

  • Chima Oluigbo, MD — Artificial Intelligence in Neurosurgery: Transforming Diagnosis, Treatment, and Patient Outcomes

Following the conference, Dr. Adelaide Robb and Dr. William D. Gaillard presented Grand Rounds for the psychiatry and neurology departments at Sidra Medicine, further strengthening the educational and clinical collaboration between institutions.

“Our work in the Gulf is rooted in a simple belief: every child deserves access to cutting-edge care and the hope it brings,” says Karen Smith, MD, executive medical director of Global Services at Children’s National. “By partnering with hospitals and government leaders across the region, we’re not only sharing expertise—we’re building sustainable systems that empower communities and transform outcomes for children for years to come.”

To learn more about the Pediatric Neuroscience Conference, visit the conference website.

Global leaders in pediatric neuroscience, including experts from Children’s National, gather at the 2025 Pediatric Neuroscience Conference in Qatar.

Global leaders in pediatric neuroscience, including experts from Children’s National, gather at the 2025 Pediatric Neuroscience Conference in Qatar.

Founders from the 2025 SPARK cohort

Building the future of pediatric preparedness: Inside SPARK Capstone 2025

Founders from the 2025 SPARK cohort

Founders from the 2025 SPARK cohort take the stage at Capstone and Pitch Day at Children’s National, presenting pediatric-first solutions to national preparedness challenges.

On November 18, the SPARK Hub for Innovations in Pediatrics welcomed federal partners, researchers, clinicians and startup founders to the 2025 Capstone and Pitch Day at the Children’s National Research & Innovation Campus. The event highlighted how pediatric-first innovation strengthens national preparedness and demonstrated the power of coordinated partnerships across the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), the Pediatric Pandemic Network, Children’s National Hospital and the broader venture community.

From diagnostics and vaccines to emergency medicine and clinical devices, this year’s cohort elevated solutions designed to meet children where current systems fall short.

The big picture

The afternoon opened with welcoming remarks from SPARK Principal Investigator Julia Finkel, MD, followed by an overview from BARDA Program Manager Mary Larkin on how federal innovation pathways can accelerate pediatric-focused medical countermeasures.

Her remarks framed the accelerator as part of a larger national strategy: flexible public-private partnerships, non-dilutive funding models and rapid technology development cycles aimed at improving preparedness for infectious disease threats, chemical and radiological hazards and emerging public health emergencies. These same themes carried through the pitches that followed, underscoring how innovation must be timely, evidence-driven and scalable.

Why it matters

A major focal point of the afternoon was the panel discussion, “Ensuring Pediatric Equity in Medical Countermeasures: From Evidence to Action,” featuring BARDA Clinical Development Director Bill Kapogiannis, MD, and Children’s National Chief of Emergency Medicine Joelle Simpson, MD.

The conversation centered on a recurring challenge: children remain underrepresented across the entire lifecycle, including preclinical testing, adaptive trial design, regulatory pathways and distribution strategies. Because children experience distinct physiologic, developmental and social factors during emergencies, any gaps in preparedness amplify disparities.

Panelists emphasized:

  • The need for earlier inclusion of pediatric data in national biodefense strategies
  • System-level reforms to ensure equitable access to countermeasures
  • Stronger partnerships between hospitals, federal agencies and community organizations
  • Lessons from COVID that still have not been fully institutionalized, particularly around surge capacity and supply chain resilience

Their perspective shaped the lens through which the SPARK pitches were viewed: Not simply as emerging technologies, but as essential tools for equity.

Portfolio highlights

SPARK Capstone and Pitch Day 2025 signage

SPARK Capstone and Pitch Day 2025 signage greets partners, founders and clinicians as they gather to advance pediatric preparedness.

The 2025 SPARK cohort tackled some of the most persistent and high-stakes gaps in pediatric preparedness and care.

  • AcQumen Medical: A noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring platform that supports earlier detection of circulatory collapse, sepsis and shock in pediatric intensive care units. By combining ultrasound and impedance technologies, the UltraTrac device delivers accurate, continuous measurements without invasive lines.
  • BugSee: A rapid, same-day diagnostic approach for pediatric sepsis that bypasses slow culture-based workflows. Their selective lysis technology preserves viable bacteria from whole blood, enabling species ID and antibiotic susceptibility testing within hours.
  • Congruence Medical Solutions: A dose-metered delivery platform that allows pegfilgrastim to be safely administered to children at precise microliter quantities. Although the drug is approved for pediatric use, current adult-focused devices prevent accurate dosing.
  • Deep Breathe: A universal lung assessment tool designed for both children and adults, supporting earlier triage, telehealth use cases and improved respiratory decision-making across care settings.
  • Rhinomed: A pediatric-specific nasal swab that significantly reduces testing-related distress, increasing parental willingness to test children for respiratory infections. Its design integrates with existing antigen and PCR platforms and improves comfort without sacrificing accuracy.
  • VaxSyna: A next-generation, antibody-based vaccine platform with multi-antigen display and no adjuvant requirement. Their lead indication targets herpes simplex virus, aiming to address a condition with major neonatal morbidity and no approved vaccine.
  • WearableDose: A real-time absorbed radiation dosimeter delivered as a skin patch. It provides precise, patient-specific measurements, addressing a long-standing gap in pediatric imaging and radiation safety.
  • Vesynta: A pediatrics-first precision dosing digital marketplace that provides clinicians with personalized treatment insights to optimize therapeutic safety and efficacy.
  • Sibel Health: An advanced wearable sensor-based platform for remote pediatric patient monitoring in the context of pandemic response.

What’s next

Following the pitch session, a Fireside Chat session brought together SPARK founders and BioHealth Innovation mentors to explore what comes after the accelerator. They discussed regulatory strategy, commercialization planning and the translational challenges unique to pediatric-focused technologies.

Looking ahead, the SPARK program will continue to guide each company through clinical validation, FDA pathways, BARDA engagement and partnership development. Many are pursuing active or future pilots with Children’s National, strengthening a pipeline of solutions that are grounded in real patient needs and real-world clinical environments.

More broadly, the 2025 cohort reinforces a central theme: Pediatric innovation is essential to national health security. When children are fully integrated into preparedness strategies, the entire healthcare system becomes more resilient, equitable and future-ready.

A poster session at the 2025 NASPGHAN Conference

Advancing pediatric GI care: Children’s National at the 2025 NASPGHAN Conference

A poster session at the 2025 NASPGHAN ConferenceIn 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.

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.

Poster Presentations

  • Diana Jo, MD, Nathan Bryan, DO, Christopher Hayes, MD: Just around the bend: An elusive case of dysphagia lusoria in a young boy.
  • 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.

2025 American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Annual Meeting logo

Children’s National psychiatry experts to present at 2025 AACAP Annual Meeting

2025 American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Annual Meeting logoSeveral experts from the Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Children’s National Hospital will showcase their expertise at this year’s American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Annual Meeting, taking place October 20–25 in Chicago, Illinois. As the world’s largest gathering of child and adolescent psychiatrists, AACAP provides a forum for sharing research, exchanging knowledge and advancing care for patients worldwide.

Children’s National experts will be featured throughout the program, presenting on a wide range of topics in adolescent psychiatry.

Presentations and sessions

Date Time (CST) Presenter(s) Title
10/20/25 3–5 PM Justine Larson, MD Institute 1: Reclaiming Hope: Strengthening Families Through Systems-of-Care Approaches
10/20/25 3:30–5:30 PM Jennifer Dorr, DO, MPH, Laura M. Willing, MD Clinical Case Conference 3: How Advocacy Work IS Clinical Work: A Clinical Presentation
10/21/25 8:30–11 AM Colby Tyson, MD Member Services Forum 2: The Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Parent: Navigating Family Planning, Parental Leave, and Early Parenthood
10/21/25 1–3 PM Justine Larson, MD Clinical Case Conference 6: Navigating the Storm: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Mood and Behavior Dysregulation in Adolescents
10/22/25 12–2 PM Adelaide S. Robb, MD Institute 4.6: Grading the Evidence – Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia
10/23/25 7–8:30 AM Justine Larson, MD Clinical Consultation Breakfast 4: Anxiety in Adolescents With ASD
10/23/25 7–8:30 AM Sivabalaji Kaliamurthy, MD Clinical Consultation Breakfast 8: Engaging Adolescents With Co-Occurring Substance Use and Psychiatric Disorders
10/23/25 9 AM–12 PM Adelaide S. Robb, MD Workshop 21: Understanding Video Games: A Child Psychiatrist’s Call of Duty
10/23/25 10 AM–12 PM Sivabalaji Kaliamurthy, MD Clinical Case Conference 9: Synthetic vs Nonsynthetic Cannabinoid-Induced Psychosis in Adolescents
10/23/25 12–2 PM Adelaide S. Robb, MD Clinical Perspectives 57: Mastering Psychotropic Medication Management in Youth
10/23/25 1:30–4:30 PM Sivabalaji Kaliamurthy, MD Workshop 24: Buprenorphine 2.0
10/23/25 7–10 PM Priya M. Punnoose, MD Media Theatre 11: Faith, Family, and Teen Religious Identity: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
10/24/25 9–11 AM Sivabalaji Kaliamurthy, MD Clinical Perspectives 72.4: Hallucinogen Use Disorder in Adolescents and Transitional-Age Youth
10/24/25 9 AM–12 PM Jennifer Dorr, DO, MPH Hot Air, Hot Water, Hot Topics: Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists Leading the Way Through Chaos
10/24/25 12–2 PM Adelaide S. Robb, MD Debate: Should High Schools Ban Smartphones?
10/24/25 2–4 PM Mahdieh Bodaghi, MD Clinical Case Conference 14: Untangling Disorders of Gut–Brain Interaction With Psychiatric Comorbidities
10/24/25 3–5 PM Justine Larson, MD Institute 8.6: Creating Trauma-Informed Systems of Care
10/25/25 11 AM–12:30 PM Hanife Nur Akal, MD Special Interest Study Group 10: “Healing After Disaster”: Trauma-Informed, Community-Based Interventions

Abstracts

New Research Poster 5.19: Pilot Study of an Integrated Psychiatry Clinic Within a Pediatric Practice
Melissa Kelley, MD
Friday, October 24 – 10:30 AM-12:30 PM

New Research Poster 6.6: Improving Pediatric Trainees’ Management of Common Pediatric Mental and Behavioral Conditions
Geoffrey Broadbent, MD, Katelyn Gerth, MD, Jeannie Chang Pitter, MD
Saturday, October 25 – 10 AM-12 PM

For more information and to view the full schedule, please visit the AACAP conference website.

Kidney Week 2025 logo

Looking ahead: Children’s National faculty and fellows prepare for Kidney Week 2025

Kidney Week 2025 logoThis November, doctors, fellows and faculty from the Division of Nephrology at Children’s National Hospital will join more than 12,000 kidney professionals at Kidney Week 2025 in Houston, Texas. Hosted annually by the American Society of Nephrology (ASN), this event offers a unique opportunity for attendees to engage in discussions and collaborations focused on the latest breakthroughs and innovations in nephrology.

Professionals and leaders from Children’s National will play a prominent role throughout the weekend, showcasing their expertise in a variety of sessions and presentations including:

Session Moderators

Poster Presentations

  • Ashley Trinh, MD (Nephrology Fellow): “Granulomatous Tubulointerstitial Nephritis in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Case Report”
  • Jordy Salcedo-Giraldo, MD (Nephrology Fellow): “A Rare Case of Rapidly Progressive Kidney Failure in Alport Syndrome with Crescents”
  • Jordy Salcedo-Giraldo, Krista Wink, Nicholas Dadzie, Andrew Freiman, MS, CGC & Ashima Gulati, MD, PhD: “Variants of Uncertain Significance Burden Quantification and Reclassification in a Pediatric Kidney Genetics Clinic”
  • Krista Wink, Jordy Salcedo-Giraldo & Ashima Gulati: “Multidisciplinary Care Needs in Children with ADPKD”
  • Krista Wink, Jordy Salcedo-Giraldo, Andrew Freiman, Tucker Pyle, MD, PhD & Ashima Gulati: “The Inherited and Polycystic Kidney Disease Program at Children’s National Hospital”

Additionally, Dr. Denver Brown’s article published in Kidney360, Metabolic Acidosis and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Children with CKD, has been selected to be presented during the “Best of ASN Journals: JASN, CJASN, and Kidney360″ session.

To view the full schedule with details, visit the ASN website.

Poster session at REI Week 2025

REI Week 2025 empowers the future in pediatric research and innovation

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.

The Nursing Sponsored Keynote Lecture by Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, PhD, MPH, LCSW, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, explored “Redesigning the U.S. broken health system.” He offered an urgent and inspiring call to reimagine pediatric care by addressing social determinants of health.

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:

Honoring excellence across Children’s National

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”

MENTORSHIP AWARDS

Basic Science Research

Conrad Russell Y. Cruz, MD, PhD

Clinical Research

Rana Hamdy, MD, MPH, MSCE

Bench to Bedside Research

Ioannis Koutroulis, MD, PhD, MBA

ELDA ARCE TEACHING SCHOLAR AWARD

Priti D. Bhansali, MD, MEd

Heather Ann Walsh, PhD, RN

SUZANNE FEETHAM NURSING RESEARCH SUPPORT AWARD

Eileen P. Engh, PhD RN 
“Rare Disease Organization Lifecycle” Role in Helping Parents with Everyday Life Information Seeking and Connection (RDO-HELIX)

EXPLORATIONS IN GLOBAL HEALTH PILOT AWARDS

Launchpad Awards

Mi Ran Shin, MD, MPH
“Establishing Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation for Birth and Burn Injuries in Ethiopia”

Susan Harvey, MSN, CPNP-AC
“Implementation of Sickle Cell Pilot Program in Ndhiwa Sub County, Kenya”

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.

Brandy Salmon, PhD, associate vice president of Innovation and Partnerships at Virginia Tech, opened the day with “The Alchemy of Innovation,” focusing on how institutions can build a culture that fuels transformative partnerships.

A multidisciplinary panel discussion moderated by Nathan Kuppermann, MD, MPH, and Catherine Bollard, MBChB, MD, featured Nehal Mehta, MD, Julia Finkel, MD, Kevin Cleary, PhD, Ioannis Koutroulis, MD, PhD, MBA, Francesca Joseph, MD and Patrick Hanley, PhD, who shared how innovation can be advanced and promoted, especially as a core institutional priority.

A shared vision for the future

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.

  • Dr. Syed Anwar presents at AES 2025
  • Dr. Hua Xie presents research findings during poster session
  • Dr. Nathan Cohen and Xiaotong Li presents research poster
  • Dr. John Schreiber and Chloe Hooker present research during poster session
  • Dr. Hua Xie presents at AES 2025
  • Dr. Cemal Karakas presents a research poster alongside fellow neurologist
  • Dr. Syed Anwar presents research findings at poster session
  • Members of the Division of Neurology from Children’s National Hospital with fellow neurologists from Washington, D.C.
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Experts from Children’s National Hospital at the 2025 Tandem Meetings

Children’s National experts at the 2025 Tandem Meetings

Experts from Children’s National Hospital at the 2025 Tandem Meetings

Nurse Practitioner Sameeya Ahmed-Winston, CPNP, CPHON, was recognized with the APP Lifetime Achievement Award.

Experts from Children’s National Hospital presented and showcased their latest research at the 2025 Tandem Meetings in Hawaii.

This leading global conference on hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), cellular therapy and gene therapy brings together top specialists to share groundbreaking discoveries, innovative technologies and the latest scientific advancements shaping the field.

Fellow Henna Butt, MD, won Best Abstract for her research paper – Comparative Analysis of CRISPR-Cas9, Lentiviral Transduction and Base Editing for Sickle Cell Disease Therapy in a Murine Model.

Nurse Practitioner Sameeya Ahmed-Winston, CPNP, CPHON, was recognized with the APP Lifetime Achievement Award.

Additional presenters:

These achievements highlight Children’s National Hospital’s commitment to advancing research and improving treatments for patients with complex conditions. By sharing their expertise on a global stage, these specialists help shape the future of patient care and improve outcomes for children worldwide

Read more highlights from the 2025 Tandem Meetings here.

illustration of the brain on black background

Children’s National Hospital to host 35th Annual Pediatric Neurology Update

illustration of the brain on black backgroundThe Divisions of Neurology and Neurosurgery at Children’s National Hospital are proud to host the 35th Annual Pediatric Neurology Update course.

Chair Elizabeth Wells, MD; Co-Chairs, Marc DiSabella, DO, John Schreiber, MD, William D. Gaillard, MD, Robert Keating, MD

The course attracts a national audience and brings together neuroscience clinicians and pediatricians in the Washington, D.C. and Mid-Atlantic region.

Guest speakers include Annapurna Poduri, MD, MPH, Deputy Director for NINDS, Emily Freilich, MD, from the FDA and Conor Mallucci, MBBS, Chief of Neurosurgery at Alder Hays, England.

This year’s course highlights 3 major areas:

  • Updates in Epilepsy
  • Innovations in Vascular Neurosurgery and Neurointerventional Radiology
  • Addressing Mental and Behavioral Health in Neurological Conditions

We invite you to join us for presentations from experts in the field during this full-day, CME accredited event on April 10, 2025. This is a hybrid event that will be held virtually or in-person at the Children’s National Research & Innovation Campus.

For more information and to register, visit ChildrensNational.org/NeurologyUpdate.

Dr. Gaillard, Dr. Schreiber and Dr. Cohen from Children’s National Hospital at the 2024 American Epilepsy Society meeting.

Advancing epilepsy care: Highlights from the 2024 American Epilepsy Society Conference

Dr. Gaillard, Dr. Schreiber and Dr. Cohen from Children’s National Hospital at the 2024 American Epilepsy Society meeting.

Dr. Gaillard, Dr. Schreiber and Dr. Cohen from Children’s National Hospital at the 2024 American Epilepsy Society meeting.

The 2024 American Epilepsy Society (AES) conference, held over five days, brought together healthcare professionals, scientists and industry leaders from around the globe. This annual event focuses on advancing outcomes for people with epilepsy through educational sessions, cutting-edge research and the latest technological innovations.

Recognized amongst his peers as an international leader in epilepsy research, William D. Gaillard, M.D., was honored with the 2024 Clinical Science Research Award at this year’s meeting. His pioneering work has significantly enhanced our understanding of epilepsy’s impact on brain structure and has led to improvements in surgical interventions and patient outcomes. Dr. Gaillard’s ongoing contributions to enhancing the lives of children with epilepsy earned him the Society’s most prestigious research award.

Dr. Gaillard serves as chief of the Divisions of Child Neurology and of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Director of the Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Program and Associate Director of the Center for Neuroscience Research at Children’s National Hospital.

In addition to Dr. Gaillard, experts from the Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Program at Children’s National were invited to present their research, insights and innovations during the conference. As a recognized Level 4 epilepsy center by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers, the program’s collaborative team is recognized worldwide for their leadership in improving the lives of children with epilepsy through personalized care, advanced technology and groundbreaking research.

Highlights from AES 2024 include:

Sanam Zarei, M.D., Children’s National Hospital Neurology fellow, presenting a poster at AES 2024.

Dr. Zarei, Children’s National Hospital Neurology fellow, presenting a poster at AES 2024.

Poster presentations:

  • Asymmetrical Hippocampal-cortical Connectivity Along Lateral-Medial Axis in Pediatric Focal Epilepsy Patients by Hua Xie, Ph.D., Chloe A. Hooker, William D. Gaillard, M.D.
  • Comorbidities and Concerns in Hypothalamic Hamartoma: Results of an International Caregiver Survey by Nathan Cohen, M.D.
  • Automated and Interpretable Detection of Hippocampal Sclerosis in temporal lobe epilepsy: AID-HS by Nathan Cohen, M.D.
  • Characteristics and Outcomes of Pediatric Patients with Prolonged Convulsive Status Epilepticus by William D. Gaillard, M.D.
  • High Accuracy for Detecting Tonic Clonic seizures (TCSs) Using an Apple Watch Seizure Detector by Dewi Depositario-Cabacar, M.D., William Gaillard, M.D.
  • Patient and Pre-surgical Testing Characteristics Contributing to Duration of Evaluation: Identifying Best Practices and Opportunities to Streamline Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Evaluation by Dewi Depositario-Cabacar, M.D., William Gaillard, M.D.
  • Seizure Burden in Infants with Hemimegaloencephaly pre- and post Staged Transarterial Embolization by Ersida Buraniqi, M.D., Shani Israel, Lindsay Ruffini, CPNP, CPNP-AC, CPNP-PC, Tammy Tsuchida, M.D., Ph.D., Tayyba Anwar, M.D.
  • Acute Postoperative Seizures (APOS) in Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Occurring Less Than 7 Days versus Greater Than 7 to 30 Days: Is There a Difference in Long Term Outcome? by Sanam Zarei, M.D., Kathryn Havens, PA-C, Nathan Cohen, M.D., John Schreiber, M.D., Thuy-Anh Vu, M.D., William Gaillard, M.D., Dewi Depositario-Cabacar, M.D.

Invited speakers and topics:

  • Speaker: John Schreiber, M.D., Moving Forward: Epilepsies with Concomitant Movement Disorders
  • Speaker: Laura Tochen, M.D., Moving Forward: Epilepsies with Concomitant Movement Disorders
  • Speaker: William Gaillard, M.D., US Health Care Inequities for People with Epilepsy
  • Session Moderator: Nathan Cohen, M.D., Neuroimaging

Learn more about the Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Program at Children’s National Hospital.

the 8th Annual 2024 T1DX-QI logo

Children’s National shares insights at 2024 T1DX-QI Learning Session

the 8th Annual 2024 T1DX-QI logoExperts from Children’s National Hospital presented research at the 8th Annual 2024 T1DX-QI (Type 1 Diabetes Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative) Learning Session held in Chicago, Ill. This session emphasizes delivering equitable, evidence-based and cost-effective diabetes care through integrating clinical science, quality improvement, technology and advocacy.

Oral Presentations:

  • Assessing Readiness to Transition to Adult Care among Young Adults with T1D by Jody Grundman, M.D.
  • Improving Microalbuminuria Screening Rates Among Pediatric Diabetes Patients: A Clinic-Wide Initiative by Sarah Lydia Holly, BSN, RN.
  • Addressing Disparities in Diabetes Care: Implementing SDOH Screening at Diagnosis by Sarah Lydia Holly, BSN, RN.
  • Developing a Tracking Tool for Insulin Pump Prescriptions Among Children and Adolescents with Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes by Amanda Perkins, N.P., C.P.N.P., M.P.H.

Learn more about these presentations here.

Attendees at the 2nd annual Cell & Gene Therapy Symposium

Regional powerhouse: Cell and Gene therapy leaders from mid-Atlantic forge connections

  • Dr. Syed Anwar presents at AES 2025
  • Dr. Hua Xie presents research findings during poster session
  • Dr. Nathan Cohen and Xiaotong Li presents research poster
  • Dr. John Schreiber and Chloe Hooker present research during poster session
  • Dr. Hua Xie presents at AES 2025
  • Dr. Cemal Karakas presents a research poster alongside fellow neurologist
  • Dr. Syed Anwar presents research findings at poster session
  • Members of the Division of Neurology from Children’s National Hospital with fellow neurologists from Washington, D.C.
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Nearly 200 biomedical leaders from Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia gathered at the Children’s National Research & Innovation Campus for the 2nd annual Cell & Gene Therapy Symposium. The event showcased groundbreaking developments in rare disease treatments and underscored the importance of regional collaboration.

“By targeting diseases at the cellular level, we are on the cusp of breakthroughs in cell and gene therapy that will transform medicine,” said Catherine Bollard, M.D., M.B.Ch.B., director of the Center for Cancer and Immunology Research (CCIR) at Children’s National Hospital and a host of the symposium. “Progress will accelerate if we build partnerships beyond our own organizations.”

The big picture

Scientists and clinicians have worked for more than two decades to develop cell and gene therapies aimed at treating diseases on a cellular level. The past few years have been particularly promising as investment in science has led to advancements. Children’s National is at the forefront, as one of the first pediatric hospitals in the world to offer commercial gene therapies for sickle cell disease.

Many more treatments for rare diseases are in development at Children’s National and beyond. Leaders at CCIR are actively building collaborations with companies, academic institutions and enterprises across the mid-Atlantic region to accelerate these efforts.

During the symposium, Eugene Hwang, M.D., chief of Oncology at Children’s National, addressed the urgent need for more effective and less toxic treatments for pediatric brain tumors. He highlighted the potential of combining immunotherapies with innovations like low-intensity focused ultrasound, which can open the blood-brain barrier temporarily to improve drug delivery to tumors.

“With collaboration between the lab and clinic, alongside industry partners and even between hospitals, we can finally make strides I haven’t seen in my entire career,” Dr. Hwang said. “It’s an incredibly inspiring time for all of us.”

Why it matters

Experts from organizations as diverse as MaxCyte, ScaleReady, RoosterBio, PSC Biotech, Qiagen, FujiFilm and the Frederick County Office of Economic Development came together for the daylong conversation.

Michael Friedlander, Ph.D., executive director of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech, emphasized the critical role of regional partnerships in fulfilling the potential of these emerging therapies. He pointed to the collaborative research between Children’s National and Virginia Tech on brain tumors, where bioengineers and cancer researchers are working side-by-side to create new treatments.

“We are now able to begin delivering these leading-edge therapies to patients,” Dr. Friedlander said. “For example, those who live in rural settings often have much less access to such frontline medical innovations. By collaborating with Children’s National and gaining access to urban pediatric populations, as well as patients in our more rural area, we can start to bring these therapies to a much broader audience.”

What’s next

Patrick Hanley, Ph.D., chief and director of the Cellular Therapy Program at Children’s National, observed that other regions in the U.S. are uniting to advance scientific discoveries with the backing of government, academia and industry. He hopes to see similar collaboration across the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area, known as the DMV. Children’s National is leading an initiative called CHARM – the Capital Health and Mid-Atlantic Regenerative Medicine – to bring regional experts together for webinars, networking events and partnership opportunities.

“There’s significant interest in cell and gene therapy worldwide,” said Dr. Hanley, a symposium host. “I see an even greater interest in creating cell and gene therapy hubs. The time is right for our mid-Atlantic region, and I’m excited to see what unfolds in the next five years.”

Kidney Week attendees from Children's National Hospital

Advancements in nephrology: Highlights from ASN 2024 Kidney Week

Kidney Week attendees from Children's National HospitalThousands of medical professionals and researchers from around the world gathered in San Diego this October for Kidney Week 2024. The American Society of Nephrology’s (ASN) annual meeting and scientific exposition featured advances in treatment, research and technology in the fight against kidney disease.

Doctors, fellows and faculty from Children’s National Hospital participated, presenting their latest research and clinical advancements in pediatric kidney disease.

Posters and topics from Children’s National included:

  • Jordy Salcedo-Giraldo, M.D., FAAP: Structured Application of Nephrogenetics in a Pediatric Kidney Clinic Is Clinically Impactful and Challenging
  • Jordy Salcedo-Giraldo, M.D., FAAP: Unmasking the Mimickers: HNF1B Variants in Pediatric Kidney Diseases
  • Sarah Rogal, M.D., Ph.D.: Rapidly Progressive Kidney Failure in a Patient with Longstanding Juvenile Dermatomyositis
  • Jennifer Nhan, M.D.: AKI in Patients with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children
  • Krista Wink: The Inherited and Polycystic Kidney Disease Program
  • Kaushalendra Amatya, Ph.D.: Barriers to Communication with Transplant Providers Among Pediatric Kidney Transplant Patients and Their Caregivers

Additionally, there was a presentation from Denver Brown, M.D.: Low Serum Bicarbonate and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Children with CKD.

Learn more about the IPKD program and the division of Nephrology at Children’s National.

ISPAD logo

Children’s National researchers joined ISPAD’s 50th anniversary conference

ISPAD logoResearchers from Children’s National Hospital participated in the 50th anniversary conference of the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) in Lisbon, Portugal. As the only global organization dedicated to all forms of childhood diabetes, ISPAD promotes clinical and basic science, research, education and advocacy for children and adolescents with diabetes. The conference provided members worldwide with a platform to exchange scientific and clinical insights on pediatric and adolescent diabetes.

Poster presentations:

The participation of Children’s National researchers highlights their commitment to advancing diabetes care and research for children and adolescents. By collaborating with global experts, they continue to contribute collective efforts to improve outcomes for young people living with diabetes worldwide.

Learn more about these presentations here.

American Pediatric Society logo

Children’s National expands 2025 American Pediatric Society class with new inductees

American Pediatric Society logoChildren’s National Hospital has expanded its class of American Pediatric Society (APS) members with three new inductees for 2025. The newest APS members include Ioannis Koutroulis, MD, PhD, MBA, research director and emergency medicine physician, Beth Tarini, MD, MPH, MBA, co-director of the Center for Translational Research, and Pavan Zaveri, MD, MEd, emergency medicine physician.

Dr. Tarini will also receive the 2025 Norman J. Siegel New Member Outstanding Science Award for her considerable contributions to pediatric science during the APS Presidential Plenary at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2025 Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, April 24 – April 28.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Norman J. Siegel New Member Outstanding Science Award from the American Pediatric Society,” said Dr. Tarini. “This recognition is a testament to the steadfast encouragement and support I have received from my mentors, colleagues, and family throughout my journey. I consider the opportunity to conduct research that optimizes health services for children and their families a privilege and a joy.”

APS members are recognized child health leaders of extraordinary achievement who work together to shape the future of academic pediatrics. Current members nominate new members by recognizing individuals who have distinguished themselves as child health leaders, teachers, scholars, policymakers and clinicians.

“I am deeply honored to be selected as a member of the American Pediatric Society,” said Dr. Zaveri. “I look forward to the opportunity to engage with esteemed leaders in pediatrics across various disciplines as we work together to advance the society’s mission and contribute to the growth of pediatrics through research and mentorship.”

Benefits of APS membership include:

  • Recognition and acknowledgment as a leader in pediatrics: APS members include individuals who have distinguished themselves as academic leaders, teachers and researchers whose contributions to academic pediatrics have garnered national and international recognition.
  • A network of child health professionals: Membership in APS is dedicated to the advancement of child health through the promotion of pediatric research, recognition of achievement and cultivation of excellence through advocacy, scholarship, education and leadership development.
  • Advocacy for child health: In order to speak with one voice on behalf of child health, APS provides representation in Washington, D.C., through the Pediatric Policy Council which combines the advocacy efforts of the APS, the Society for Pediatric Research, the Association of Medical School Pediatric Department Chairs and the Academic Pediatric Association.

“I am grateful to accept this honor from the APS,” said Dr. Koutroulis. “As both a physician and a researcher, I look forward to collaborating with distinguished experts within this network to help advance the development of pediatric care.”

Attendees at Sidra Medicine's 4th annual Pediatric Neuroscience Conference (PNC 2024)

Insights and Innovations in Pediatric Neuroscience: Highlights from PNC 2024

Attendees at Sidra Medicine's 4th annual Pediatric Neuroscience Conference (PNC 2024)
Children’s National Hospital served as a strategic partner for Sidra Medicine’s 4th annual Pediatric Neuroscience Conference (PNC 2024) which took place in Doha, Qatar. This collaboration emphasizes a mutual commitment to advancing pediatric neurological care and research.

The conference offered a robust platform for presenting groundbreaking research and clinical advancements across diverse subfields such as pediatric neurology, neurosurgery, neuro-critical care, neurogenetics, neuroimmunology and neuroradiology. Esteemed medical professionals and researchers from around the world convened to share insights and innovations that are shaping the future of pediatric neurological health.

Various speakers from Children’s National led in-depth discussions on diagnostic and therapeutic innovations aimed at enhancing outcomes for children with chronic neurological and neurosurgical conditions. PNC 2024 provided an excellent platform for healthcare professionals, researchers and academics to update their knowledge and engage with leading specialists in the field.

Presenters and topics from Children’s National included:
Attendees at Sidra Medicine's 4th annual Pediatric Neuroscience Conference (PNC 2024)

The collaborative efforts with Sidra Medicine highlight a shared vision of pushing the boundaries of pediatric neurological research and treatment, ultimately aiming to improve outcomes for young patients worldwide.

photograph of a pile of insulin pumps

CME Webinar: Delaying Type 1 Diabetes: Early Antibody Screening and Use of Teplizumab in Children

In this webinar, Shideh Majidi, M.D., M.S.C.S., director of the Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes Program at Children’s National Hospital, discussed early antibody screening and use of teplizumab in children.

Key takeaways

  • Current state of type 1 diabetes: Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is characterized by absolute insulin deficiency due to pancreatic beta-cell destruction, often diagnosed in childhood but can occur in adults as well. It requires lifelong insulin management.
  • Increased risk and screening: Individuals with family members who have T1D are at higher risk of developing T1D, but most newly diagnosed cases have no family history. Early screening can help reduce diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) rates and improve management.
  • Stages of type 1 diabetes: T1D is classified into three stages: Stage 1 (normal blood sugars with 2 or more autoantibodies), Stage 2 (dysglycemia with 2 or more autoantibodies), and Stage 3 (clinical T1D requiring insulin).
  • Early screening and follow-up: Screening for diabetes autoantibodies can be done through various programs and labs. Follow-up involves regular monitoring based on the number of antibodies and blood sugar levels. If patients have antibodies or abnormal blood sugars, they can be referred to the T1Delay Program at Children’s National (through an endocrine/diabetes referral).
  • Teplizumab (T-zield) treatment: T-zield is an FDA-approved treatment for delaying the onset of Stage 3 T1D in individuals aged 8 and older with Stage 2 T1D. It involves a 14-day infusion regimen and has been shown to delay insulin need by a median of 2 years.
  • Clinical implementation and support: Children’s National offers T-zield treatment through a multi-departmental effort. The program aims to improve both quality of life and clinical outcomes for patients.

More information

  • For more information on this webinar, as well as access to the presentation slide deck, visit our website.
  • To register for future CME opportunities or view past presentations, visit childrensnational.org/Webinars.
Title slide from Dr. Hershenson's webinar

CME Webinar: Pre-participation Cardiac Screening of Teenage Athletes: Goals, Challenges and Pitfalls

In this webinar, Jared Hershenson, M.D., pediatric cardiologist and medical director of Cardiac Exercise and Rehabilitation at Children’s National Hospital, discussed the importance, methods, challenges and recommendations of pre-participation cardiac screening, as well as secondary prevention and eligibility recommendations for athletes with known congenital heart disease.

Key takeaways

  • Importance of cardiac screening: Although sudden cardiac death in young athletes is rare, its impact is devastating, and screening aims to prevent such occurrences.
  • Causes of sudden cardiac death: Key causes include arrhythmia syndromes, cardiomyopathies, congenital coronary abnormalities and other undiagnosed congenital heart diseases.
  • Screening methods: Screening involves history and physical exams, with forms based on AHA and AAP guidelines, and may include ECGs and other tests, although these methods have limitations.
  • Challenges in screening: The sensitivity and specificity of pre-participation exams are low, and there is a lack of uniformity in how screenings are conducted, leading to potential false positives and negatives.
  • Debate on ECG screening: While ECG screening can improve sensitivity and specificity, it also has issues like false positives, which can lead to unnecessary anxiety and additional testing.
  • Secondary prevention: Secondary prevention focuses on having emergency action plans and AEDs in schools to manage sudden cardiac arrest effectively, reducing the risk of death and complications.
  • Eligibility recommendations: Guidelines for athletes with congenital heart disease emphasize individualized assessments to determine safe participation in sports, but there is a need to shift the focus to promoting physical activity rather than restricting given the long-term benefits of exercise and the low risk of sudden cardiac events.
  • Shared decision making: Shared decision making involves discussing the benefits and risks of sports participation with patients and their families, ensuring informed decisions about participation in physical activities.

More information

  • For more information on this webinar, as well as access to the presentation slide deck, visit our website.
  • To register for future CME opportunities or view past presentations, visit childrensnational.org/Webinars.
close up of surgery

Join us at the Congenital Heart Valve Repair Symposium

Photos of pediatric heart valve repairs

Valve repair has emerged as a pivotal aspect of pediatric heart surgery, offering innovative solutions tailored to the unique anatomical and physiological needs of younger patients. The Congenital Heart Valve Repair Symposium, hosted by the Children’s National Heart Center, aims to deepen the understanding of surgical and diagnostic techniques associated with pediatric heart valve repairs. The Symposium will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2024, in Washington, D.C.

About the symposium

This symposium is designed for a multidisciplinary audience, welcoming not only cardiac surgeons but also echocardiographers, cardiologists, nurses, physician assistants and other team members involved in pediatric heart valve repair. By fostering collaboration among various specialists, we can enhance the care provided to our patients. Importantly, attendees will have the opportunity to earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, ensuring that participation contributes to both personal and professional development.

Session information

The symposium will focus on the latest surgical and diagnostic techniques in heart valve repair, structured around six interactive sessions featuring expert speakers and engaging discussions. Each session will utilize individual video case presentations, allowing participants to visualize and understand the complexities of pediatric valve repair.

Key topics will include:

  • Balancing aortic valve repair and the Ross procedure: An exploration of the indications, techniques and outcomes.
  • Late atrioventricular (AV) valve reoperation: Insights into the challenges and strategies for successful reoperation.
  • Mitral valve repair: Discussing contemporary approaches and the latest advancements in technique.
  • MRI techniques in valve assessment: Understanding the role of advanced imaging in diagnosis and planning.

Register now

Don’t miss the opportunity to gain valuable insights from leading experts in the field of pediatric heart valve repair. The Congenital Heart Valve Repair Symposium promises to be an enriching experience that enhances your clinical practice and improves patient outcomes. We look forward to connecting with you and advancing our shared commitment to excellence in pediatric cardiac care.

Visit our website for registration details and further information.