We’re national leaders across basic, translational, and clinical research in GI, hepatology, and nutrition

Commitment to Our Patients

Known for their commitment to improving patient care, the team’s impact is evident in its prestigious recognitions, pediatric research and dedicated leadership. See how they are leading the way:

Clinical Distinction & Innovation

Under the gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition division at Riley Children’s, the Parenteral Support and Intestinal Rehabilitation (PAIR) Program recently earned the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Clinical Nutrition Team of Distinction Award, which recognizes excellence in interdisciplinary clinical nutrition practice.

As one of the few programs in the nation to earn this achievement, the PAIR team helps children in need of nutrition support from short bowel syndrome or intestinal failure. Offering novel lipids, cutting-edge growth factors and emerging therapies, the goal of the program is to help young patients achieve improved intestinal adaptation.

Advancing Pediatric Research

Led by co-division chiefs Charles Vanderpool, MD and Brian DeBosch, MD, PhD, the gastroenterology team at Riley Children’s is dedicated to advancing research and expanding clinical care. With more than 200 IRB-approved studies, the program’s robust research involves:

• As an elected member of the Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) and the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI), Dr. DeBosch leads three NIH R01 awards. In these roles, Dr. DeBosch navigates the molecular pathways driving obesity, insulin resistance and metabolic liver disease to define novel targets for future therapies.
• Jean Molleston, MD, pediatric gastroenterologist at Riley Children’s, has led the ChilDReN Network, a longitudinal neonatal liver disease network improving the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment for these diseases. Through this work, she and colleagues identified that a new non-invasive test can be used to predict outcomes for children with biliary atresia.
• A pediatric gastroenterologist at Riley Children’s, Chaowapong Jarasvaraparn, MD found novel genetic and environmental interactions drive advanced liver disease in kids and adults. Today, he leads a first-of-its-kind national, 30-center consortium to prospectively study patients with Fontan-associated liver disease.

Excellence in Medical Education

Aiming to impact pediatric medical education, Brian McFerron, MD, pediatric gastroenterologist at Riley Children’s, is a Teri Li Young Educator Award recipient, which recognizes his outstanding mentorship and contributions to pediatric GI teachings.

The award is granted to a distinguished recipient by the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) each year. Additionally, Dr. Molleston received the NASPGHAN Master Educator Award, celebrating her national and international influence on medical training. Known for her innovative teaching methods, she successfully restructured the division’s curriculum to include case-based learning, a vital practice for medical students.

With a premier team of gastroenterologists and hepatologists, the program is consistently leading pediatric GI care through outstanding distinctions, leading-edge research and educational excellence.

"The GI team is poised to create a lot of new opportunities to continue improving care for children in the future," Dr. Vanderpool said. "I'm excited to work with our faculty and Riley to continue building our program."