APS & SPR Continue Collaboration to Support Pediatric Researchers

The APS  SPR Journeys program, originally planned for PAS 2020, has been re-envisioned as a series of “mini-Gordon conference” webinars. This series will launch on February 12, with Dr. Gregg Semenza as keynote speaker in a plenary session open to all. The closing plenary featuring Dr. Kevin Churchwell and Martine Rothblatt, PhD, JD, on May 17, during PAS 2021 Phase II, is open to all PAS 2021 registered attendees. 

 Across six sessions this program is designed to encourage and support promising early career investigators in pediatrics by offering inspiring career journey stories, career development mentoring, feedback on research and networking with experienced and peers in academic medicine.  

 The program features nine small cohorts who will be guided by two leaders, experienced and successful professionals in academic medicine drawn from the membership of APS and SPR.  Pediatric department chairs have nominated nearly 60 early career participants, giving special attention to groups underrepresented in medicine. Further program details are below. 

 APS and SPR gratefully acknowledges the leadership of current and past Presidents, Drs. Steven Abman, Robin Steinhorn, Stephanie Davis and Joel Hirschhorn in developing the Journeys program. The Societies also appreciate the enthusiastic support from Pediatric department chairs, our Member volunteer Cohort Leaders and invited speakers. 

APS SPR Journeys Sessions 

SpeakerGregg Semenza, MD, PhD, Director, Vascular Program, Institute for Cell Engineering
Professor of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins, School of Medicine 

February 12, 12-1pm CT

Participants: Cohort Members and Leaders – invitation only 

February 19, March 19, April 16: 3-4:30pm CT 

Participants: Cohort Members and Leaders (invitation only) 

Speaker: Chris Gunter, PhD, Senior Advisor to the NHGRI Director on Genomics Engagement,  
Office of the Director and Head, Engagement Methods Unit, Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH 

April 30, 12-1:30pm CT

Participants:  Open to All – APS & SPR Members and Nonmembers 
SpeakersKevin Churchwell, MD, President and Chief Operating Officer, Boston Children’s 
Hospital and Martine Rothblatt, PhD, JD, Chairman and CEO, United Therapeutics  
May 17, 9-10:30am CT 

APS SPR Journeys Cohort Leaders

APS Members
Vineet Bhandari
Cliff Bogue
Wally Carlo
Jonathon Davis
Michael DeBaun
Bruce Gelb
Catherine Gordon
Peggy Hostetter
Lee Pacher

SPR Members
Cristina M. Alvira
Lina Chalak
David Cornfield
Todd Florin
Monika Goyal
Joel Hirschhorn
David Hunstad
Linda Mcallister
Beth Tarini

APS SPR Journeys Cohort Participants
Coming soon