Imen Becetti, MD
I am a third-year pediatric endocrinology fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston, currently in my second year of clinical research. I received my medical degree from Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar then completed my pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University.
I discovered my passion for endocrinology during medical school. Learning about the pathophysiology of endocrine disorders highlighted the delicate interplay between cell biology, biochemistry, and genetics, fitting together like pieces in a puzzle. My interest in endocrinology continued to evolve during residency. I was intrigued by the effects of endocrine pathways on many aspects of physiology, including growth, development, and metabolism. I recall the case of a 5-month-old baby whose developmental delay and hypoglycemic seizures led to the diagnosis of congenital hyperinsulinism. I had the privilege to work with wonderful pediatric endocrinologists, including Dr. Anshu Gupta and Dr. Bryce Nelson, who nurtured my interest. They expertly demonstrated the critical interplay between the endocrinologist, the multidisciplinary team, the patients, and their families in the successful care of chronic endocrine disorders.
During my clinical fellowship year, I gained a deeper insight into the many realms of pediatric endocrinology but grew particularly interested in pediatric obesity. My primary fellowship research project investigates the effects of intranasal oxytocin on body weight, caloric intake, resting energy expenditure, and hypothalamic inflammation in adolescents with obesity. I was awarded the 2023 Research Fellowship Award for the aim of examining the effects of oxytocin on glucose homeostasis in pediatric obesity. With the knowledge and experience gained from my clinical and research training during fellowship, I aim to advance the prevention and treatment of pediatric obesity worldwide. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from Dr. Madhusmita Misra and Dr. Elizabeth Lawson, two exemplary mentors and role models, and the principal investigators of my research project. I am also immensely lucky to have joined a wonderful pediatric endocrinology family at MGH. The guidance and teachings offered by all our faculty, in particular my program directors, Dr. Deborah Mitchell and Dr. Takara Stanley, have been invaluable in shaping my path and aspirations in my future career as a pediatric endocrinologist.