EXCEL Single Topic Symposium: EGID Xcelerating Care, Research, and Innovation in an Evolving Landscape - Project Summary/Abstract: Since the last North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) single-topic symposium over 16 years ago, EGIDs have emerged as a leading cause of GI inflammatory disorders with an increasing prevalence of over 200,000 children and adults in the United States. There have been over 40 clinical trials published during that time, including the first FDA approved eosinophilic esophagitis biologic therapy, innovations such as unsedated endoscopy and esophageal function testing, and a more advanced understanding of EGID pathophysiology. These advances have resulted in an urgent unmet need for an updated targeted scientific review conference on pediatric EGIDs. The EXCEL Single Topic Symposium: EGID Xcelerating Care, Research and Innovation in an Evolving Landscape one-day symposium will be held the day prior to the NASPGHAN Annual Meeting at the Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, FL on November 6, 2024. Our objective is to bring together a multidisciplinary audience of physicians, researchers, advanced practice providers, dietitians, allergists, pathologists, and patients and patient advocacy groups to share their unique perspectives and expertise with a broad anticipated audience of 500-800 participants. Topics will include cutting edge information on basic, translational, and clinical trial research, as well as innovations in EGID diagnostics, monitoring, and treatment options in the pediatric population. This symposium will place particular emphasis on the recruitment and inclusion of young investigators to connect the next generation of talent with mentorship and collaborations and give voice to their top priorities for future research in the field of pediatric EGIDs. To this end, small group mentoring and career planning sessions, as well as multiple events in our SPARK! initiative (a Supportive Platform for Advancing Research and Knowledge) are specifically targeted to bring together participants across the career spectrum. Junior investigator abstracts will be solicited and highlighted in oral and poster presentation settings with emphasis on discussion, mentorship, and collaboration. Early Career Travel Awards will be provided to qualified trainees (graduate students, postdoctoral fellows) and junior faculty (<5 years from start of first faculty position) to help defer the cost of travel, lodging and registration. NASPGHAN, the NASPGHAN Diversity Committee, and the EXCEL STS planning committee have collaborated to create a program that promotes diversity throughout our organizing committee, proposed speakers, moderators, and panel discussants. We will communicate all EXCEL STS findings to the wider EGID community with published abstracts and conference proceedings.
