THE pIBD DIGEST

In this episode of THE pIBD DIGEST, we venture into the ever-expanding world of advanced therapies in paediatric IBD with the brilliant Prof Amit Assa. From biologics to small molecules, we explore how the pIBD therapeutic toolbox is evolving, alongside newer concepts and treatment strategies that are reshaping clinical practice. Join us as we look beyond the familiar and explore the horizons of advanced therapy in paediatric IBD. We hope our discussion of advanced therapies leads to advanced wisdom rather than advanced confusion. If not, don't worry, Part 2 is already in induction and well on its way!

In this episode of PIBD DIGEST, we sit down with Dr Jorge Amil Dias, one of the key architects behind the ESPGHAN PORTO IBD Group, to reflect on a legacy that has helped shape paediatric IBD care across Europe. Like a fine glass of Porto's famous Port wine, the story of the PORTO Group has matured over decades, bringing together clinicians, researchers and patients in a shared vision to improve outcomes for children and young people living with IBD. In the second half, we turn our attention to one of the most important journeys in paediatric IBD: the transition from paediatric to adult care. Drawing on a lifetime of experience, Dr Amil Dias offers practical insights, wisdom and perspectives on how we can better support young people through this pivotal stage. So, pour yourself a coffee, or perhaps something inspired by Porto, and join us à conversa with one of the founding figures behind the PORTO IBD Group.

In this episode of THE pIBD DIGEST, we embark on an eosinophilic odyssey with Dr Marcus Auth, Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, as we celebrate his many contributions to paediatric gastroenterology, particularly in the field of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs). Marcus explores the diagnostic challenges of EGIDs and their uncanny ability to mimic inflammatory bowel disease. While retiring from his NHS role, Marcus continues his clinical and academic work, ensuring that the bright orange-coloured impostors, eosinophils, remain firmly under scrutiny. Expect plenty of eosinophil-inspired knowledge degranulation and a light-hearted finale with Dr Coelho's satirical tribute, The Eosinophilic Jibes.

In this episode of the PIBD Digest, we step outside our paediatric comfort zone to explore pregnancy in IBD. Adult gastroenterologist Dr Christian Selinger (Leeds) joins us to debunk common myths around fertility, conception, and pregnancy in people with IBD. We discuss pre-conception counselling, treatment strategies during pregnancy, and the importance of maintaining disease control, while sharing practical advice to empower clinicians—including paediatricians who may unexpectedly find themselves caring for a pregnant patient with IBD. Join us for an evidence-based discussion packed with practical tips, myth-busting, and reassurance.

In this episode of The PIBD Digest, we sit down for an exclusive enteral chat with Dr Konstantinos (Kostas) Gkikas, Lecturer in Nutritional Sciences at King's College London. Together, we separate dietary facts from dietary fiction, untangling the evidence—and the social media hype—behind the many diets that promise to tame IBD. From fibre to FODMAPs, IBS to IBD, and everything in between, we chew over the science so you don't have to. Grab a snack (IBD-friendly, of course) and join us for a digestible dose of nutritional wisdom.

This special episode of THE PIBD DIGEST honours Dr Sandhia Naik, the much loved paediatric gastroenterologist who retires from the Royal London Hospital after an extraordinary career. Known affectionately as “Didi”—an endearing Hindi term for an elder sister—she has been a guiding presence within the paediatric GI community for decades. In our conversation, Didi reflects on IBD and ethnicity, drawing on her deep experience working with the richly diverse population served by the Royal London. Her insights reveal how patterns of inflammatory bowel disease evolve across generations of families who have made the UK their home, and what clinicians must understand to care for these communities effectively. Didi also spills the beans on her retirement plans, including her charity adventures in Africa with the Nana Foundation. Spoiler: she’s not slowing down! Learn more about her work at the foundation: https://www.nanafoundation.co.uk/

In this episode of THE pIBD DIGEST, we’re joined by Prof Emeritus Ian Sanderson — a true legend in paediatric gastroenterology. His pioneering work has shaped how we treat paediatric IBD today, including the widespread use of exclusive enteral nutrition. Through his work with BSPGHAN, he also helped bring structure to specialist GRID training in the UK—so many of us quite literally have him to thank for how we learned the ropes. Beyond the CV, Ian is known across paediatric GI circles as one of the kindest people you’ll meet. And, much to the envy of us mere mortals, he also speaks six languages and writes poetry—clearly some people were given more than their fair share of talents. We take a nostalgic dive into how things used to be—training, treatments, and the “good old days”—before finishing on a high note with Ian reciting his own poetry in Italian. Education, nostalgia, and unexpected poetry? Bellissimo.

This week, THE pIBD DIGEST hits a true bottom-line milestone — surgeons join the podcast for the very first time to tackle one of the most sensitive (and least sat-on) topics in paediatric IBD. Kicking things off, Mr Hemanshoo Thakkar, paediatric surgeon at Evelina London, takes on the challenge — feared by abscesses, outsmarting fistulae, and always determined to get to the bottom of the problem… surgically, of course. Next up, Southampton Children’s Hospital’s own Miss Francesca Stedman expertly unthreads the nuances of setons in peri-anal Crohn’s disease. And at the bottom end of the episode, don’t miss our “Surgical Gut-fire Round” with Miss Stedman — quick questions, sharp answers, and just the right dose of surgical wit. Practical pearls and a touch of cheek — stay curious… but never abscessed.

In this episode of THE pIBD DIGEST, we mark World IBD Day with a global mentor and leading PIBD expert, Prof Anne Griffiths (SickKids, Toronto). No talk of purple—just a masterclass in navigating the grey zones of advanced therapy positioning in IBD. Complex questions? Handled with ease. Nuances? Dissected flawlessly with the calm authority of someone who has truly seen it all. We wrap things up on a lighter note, with Dr Coelho reimagining Mambo No. 5 into a biologics-inspired poem: “The Mumbo-Jumbo of Advanced Therapies.”

In this episode of THE PIBD Digest, we travel to Tokyo for an inspiring and uplifting conversation with Professor Katsuhiro Arai or “Sunny” —a paediatric gastroenterologist whose warmth is as striking as his scientific expertise. Sunny is also President-Elect of the Asia Pacific Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, and Chair of its Scientific Committee. With trademark enthusiasm and infectious positivity, Sunny shares insights into paediatric inflammatory bowel disease in Japan, including the national IBD registry, emerging PIBD trends, and how data is shaping better care for children. What really stands out is Sunny’s deep passion for the psychological wellbeing of patients and their families—reminding us that caring for children with IBD means supporting hearts and minds, not just guts. Full of wisdom, and that unmistakable ‘Sunny’ sparkle, this episode is a joyful reminder that compassion and connection are just as powerful as medicine.

In this episode of THE pIBD DIGEST, we pack our virtual bags and head to Saudi Arabia to explore the evolving landscape of paediatric IBD. Our guide is Dr Ali Zaidan, paediatric gastroenterologist from Jeddah, who gives us an honest, practical view of what pIBD really looks like in day to day clinical practice. We talk about some uniquely important regional factors, including consanguinity and its impact on the IBD spectrum, and hear about the impressive immune dysregulation programme developed in collaboration with Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr Zaidan also shares insights from the structured paediatric GI fellowship programme he directs, alongside his pioneering work in education and training in PIBD. Thought provoking, informative, and refreshingly grounded, this episode reminds us that while PIBD may present differently across regions, curiosity, collaboration (and good conversations) are very much universal.

In Part 2 of our BSPGHAN IBD series, we’re joined by Dr Christian Selinger, adult gastroenterologist from Leeds, who paints a rather lovely picture of paediatric IBD care—while also gently bursting the bubble that, in several domains, we still have plenty to learn from our adult IBD colleagues. In the second half of the episode, Dr Aaron Bancil from The Royal London Hospital takes us into the world of dietary intervention in IBD, offering a glimpse into the low emulsifier diet being explored as part of the ADDapt trial. Food for thought—cleverly emulsified!

Straight from the halls of BSPGHAN Leeds 2026—where we expertly (and entirely coincidentally) “borrowed” two outstanding paediatric gastroenterologists from the conference floor—we bring you the highlights you meant to catch… but didn’t. In part one of this two episode series, we lightly ambush Dr Neil Chanchlani and Dr Rebecca Little for a rapid-fire debrief (purely in the name of education, of course). Dr Chanchlani breaks down the ECCO ESPGHAN guidelines, translating them into something far more digestible than post conference PowerPoint fatigue. Meanwhile, Dr Little tackles a big issue—also known as a significant gap in UK IBD standards—leaving plenty to reflect on. Think of this as your conference catch up, minus the badge, the tote bag, and the aggressively strong coffee. Press play and pretend you were there all along.

In this episode, our globetrotting gut-adventures continue—virtual passports in hand—as we touch down in Malaysia. Joining us is Dr Kee Seang Chew, who guides us through the evolving landscape of paediatric IBD: the emerging trends, current treatment approaches, and the very real challenges faced by clinicians and families on the ground. As we zoom out for a wider view, Dr Chew offers valuable insight into the pIBD experience in Malaysia. He highlights key barriers that persist across the country—unequal access to advanced care, difficulties in sustaining long term treatment, and the ongoing struggle for adequate resources and support. We wrap up on a reflective note, as Dr Coelho shares his poem “We Bicker, We Mourn”—a heartfelt tribute to the NHS: a system that may creak, groan, and occasionally argue with itself, but still shows up when it matters most.

In this second episode of our two-part series with Professor Dan Turner, hosts Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell wade bravely back into the murky waters of advanced combination therapy in IBD. This is uncharted territory—where the evidence is emerging, the decisions are nuanced, and the stakes are high. Because, as in life, not every partnership stands the test of time. Some combinations thrive, others fizzle—and figuring out which is which is where the real art (and science) lies. So how do you choose the right partner? When do you commit? And when is it time to call it quits? Join us as we explore the realities, risks, and evolving role of pairing biologics (and biologics with small molecules) in the quest for better patient outcomes.

In this special anniversary episode of the PIBD Digest Podcast, we’re delighted to welcome global IBD leader Dan Turner for an engaging and wide-ranging conversation. We explore how a tasty and healthy diet can play a meaningful role in managing IBD—because good medicine doesn’t always have to taste bad. Along the way, we zoom out to discuss the bigger picture of modern IBD care, including evolving treatment strategies and advanced therapies. From nutrition to cutting-edge therapeutics, this episode is packed with thoughtful reflections, practical insights, and a generous serving of IBD “pearls of wisdom” for clinicians, families, and anyone interested in the future of IBD care.

The exotic IBD world tour rolls on! After touching down in India, hosts Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell hop over (virtually) to the Lion City for the latest episode of THE pIBD DIGEST. They’re joined by Singapore’s very own paediatric IBD expert, Dr James Huang, who delivers a fascinating tour of the pIBD landscape in Singapore. From the practical realities of switching biologics to navigating healthcare payment models, James unpacks how systems, funding, and clinical decision-making collide in the real world. And with one of the cleanest cities on the planet facing a rising incidence of IBD, the hygiene hypothesis was always going to make an appearance—and yes, it gets a thorough airing. Just when listeners might be tempted to step away from the hand sanitiser, Dr Coelho steps in with a subtle (and cheeky) reminder: the hygiene hypothesis is not a licence for poor hygiene.

Join us on a virtual journey across India as we explore the changing face of paediatric IBD in one of the world’s most diverse countries. As pIBD becomes increasingly recognised across the subcontinent, Dr Rohan Malik—Additional Professor at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi—shares insights into the challenges of diagnosis and delivering high-quality care across a vast, varied, and often unequal healthcare system. We round off the episode on a deliciously thoughtful note, as Dr Coelho brings his signature poetic flair with “The Street-Food Hypothesis”—a playful yet pointed counter to the hygiene hypothesis, and a gentle rebellion against the spread of giant fast-food chains in rapidly developing nations.

Ring out the tinsel and ring in 2026! After the Christmas special, Professor Lissy de Ridder returns to THE PIBD Digest to kick off the new year with Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell. This first episode of 2026 dives head-first into advanced therapies, from biologics to small molecules—served with real-world experience, practical pearls, and an honest look at the challenges clinicians actually face. Expect nuance, clarity, and tips you’ll want to carry straight into your 2026 practice. Stay until the end for Dr Coelho’s poetic send-off—Auld Lang Syne included—because 2026 deserves both science and style.

In this festive Christmas special of THE pIBD DIGEST, hosts Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell are joined by Professor Lissy De Ridder, incoming Chair of ESPGHAN's IBD Porto Group (European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition), for a lively and insightful discussion on investigator-initiated trials in paediatric IBD—and how clinician-led research is driving better care for children with Crohn’s disease and colitis. Balancing serious science with seasonal cheer, the hosts take listeners on a virtual winter stroll through Rotterdam, exploring the uniquely Dutch Christmas tradition of Sinterklaas—who, as it turns out, is not quite Santa. The episode wraps up on a decidedly Christmassy note, with Dr Coelho entering a poetic stand-off with Santa, who is regrettably far too busy enjoying mince pies and stroopwafels to respond. The poem, of course, is a heartfelt Christmas tribute to patients living with IBD. Science, seasonal sparkle, and a dash of festive mischief—this is one Christmas special you won’t want to miss