Dear PES Members,
At each year’s Annual Meeting there is a Presidential Address. Over the years, these talks have showcased incredible and productive careers; meaningful advances in knowledge; journeys taken to achieve those advances, including mentors, collaborators, trainees and influences; thoughts about the history of our field and our Society as well as thoughts about its present and about its future. Great talks: I have enjoyed and learned from and been inspired by all the ones I have attended.
This year I would like to do something different. I would like to use the Address to pay tribute to the many unsung heroes in PES. These are the folks who work to make things better when and where they can, but who do so outside of the spotlight. Folks who volunteer in their community, at a clinic or perhaps at a food bank; who provide care to underserved groups via mobile vans or in community centers; who work to change public policy and to advocate for our patients and their families/caregivers; who endeavor to fight discrimination against marginalized and vulnerable populations; who are working to provide education and care internationally. I don’t have an inclusive list of such activities; I am hoping that you, our members, will send me stories of your colleagues and friends and what they do/have done as unsung heroes. I hope to highlight some of these stories at the Annual Meeting in May. This idea will, of course, only work if YOU send me the stories for me to weave into the presentation. The notes need not be long and can be sent to me at mark.palmert@sickkids.ca; please also cc Maureen Thompson at maureen@degnon.org in case my email system filters out any messages. Please flood my inbox and help us to celebrate some deserved colleagues.
Unrelated to unsung heroes but related to working to make a difference, the Board of Directors just completed our annual meeting with our Mission Alliance (industry) Partners (MAP). The MAP is a source of critical and appreciated support for PES and of our priorities, and we had a productive exchange of ideas about PES, our workforce, and developments in clinical care. At the meeting, we all participated in a social responsibility project benefiting a local Virginia organization committed to helping children entering foster care, those aging out of foster care, and at-risk youth. Thanks to the MAP for joining us and supporting us!
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the incredible challenges and devastation that Nature has thrown our way over the past 6 months, including hurricanes and the recent wildfires in California. Our thoughts are with all who have been affected. I also acknowledge and share the uncertainty and anxieties affecting members and patients and families/caregivers related to new government policies and questions about ongoing NIH funding, support of charitable organizations, and status of the transgender and gender diverse community.
Please see below for news and many PES-related activities/opportunities. As always, read all the way to the end; there are many things happening. And don’t forget to send me your unsung hero stories!
Kind Regards,

Mark Palmert, MD
One example of Community Service
Paul Kaplowitz, Debra Cohen, Pratima Misra, and Allen Root are all working (volunteering) as retired pediatric endocrinologists to contribute to patient care. Their experiences may inspire ideas among others of activities to pursue to help bring care to low-resourced areas. Please read Paul’s description of the MAVEN (Medical Alumni Volunteer Expert Network) Project here.
News from the Drug and Therapeutics: New Meds and Tech: CRENESSITY (crinecerfont) capsules and oral solution
On December 13, 2024, the FDA approved CRENESSITYTM (crinecerfont) as adjunctive treatment to glucocorticoid replacement to control androgen levels in adult and pediatric patients 4 years of age and older with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). In individuals with classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) CAH, loss of normal feedback by cortisol to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland leads to excessive adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) synthesis, thus exacerbating adrenal androgen production. CRENESSITY is an oral corticotropin-releasing factor type 1 (CRF1) receptor antagonist that results in reduced ACTH levels and decreased adrenal androgen production (2) thus allowing treatment with lower glucocorticoid doses and helping to prevent adverse effects associated with chronic exposure to supraphysiologic glucocorticoid doses. Learn more: New Meds and tech – CRENESSITY (crinecerfont) capsules and oral solution – Pediatric Endocrine Society
In Memoriam: Felix A. Conte, MD 19335-2024
Dr. Felix Anthony Conte, a beloved, highly respected, and influential clinical pediatric endocrinologist, passed away on December 4, 2024, at age 89.
Read more about his career and life: In Memoriam – Felix A. Conte, MD 1935-2024 – Pediatric Endocrine Society
More News from the Drugs and Therapeutics: Update for Imcivree®
On December 20, 2024, the FDA expanded the indication for Imcivree® (setmelanotide) to include treatment of children ages 2-5 years with monogenic obesity due to genetically confirmed mutations affecting the melanocortin-4 receptor pathway: Deficiencies in proopiomelanocortin (POMC), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1), leptin receptor (LEPR), and Bardet Biedl Syndrome (BBS). Imcivree® is an MC4R agonist which enhances satiety. The expanded age indication was based on the results of the open-label phase 3 VENTURE trial which enrolled twelve children ages 2-5 years with BBS, POMC or LEPR deficiencies. At 52 weeks, 83% of children achieved a reduction in BMI Z-score of -0.2 or more and mean % change in BMI was -18% (-26% in POMC/LEPR group), without serious adverse effects. 75% reported skin hyperpigmentation. Imcivree® is available as a 1 mL (10 mg/mL) multi-use vial to be given as a once daily subcutaneous injection. Starting dose for age 2 to <6 years is 0.5 mg daily, with recommended titration every two weeks as tolerated, to maximum dose based on weight (15- <20 kg, max 0.5 mg; 20- <30kg, 1.0 mg; 30- <40kg, 1.5 mg; ≥40 kg, 2.0 mg).
Online Education
Visit our calendar of events: Events for February 2025 – Pediatric Endocrine Society
SIG State of the Art: Session Title Navigating Fertility Dilemmas in Turner Syndrome
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm EST
Dr. van der Velden will discuss the current landscape for fertility preservation in individuals with Turner Syndrome, current challenges and future directions. She will share expertise in this area gained from leading Turner Fertility trials and leadership during the creation of the updated Turner Syndrome clinical guidelines. We would like to request a February date to coincide with Turner Syndrome Awareness Month.
Learning Objectives:
Understand current recommendations for fertility preservation for individuals with Turner Syndrome
Learn about the different challenges experienced by patients and providers
Gain insight about how to help patients and their families navigate fertility preservation
Speaker Name:
Janiëlle van der Velden, MD, PhD,
Professor of Pediatrics,
Pediatric Endocrinologist, Principal Lecturer
Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Radboud University Medical Center, Amalia Children’s Hospital, The Netherlands
Session Type: PedsENDO365: Career Pathways of Pediatric Endocrine Fellows
Monday, February, 10, 2025
03:00 pm – 5:00 pm EST
This activity addresses the following key concepts: 1. Common viable career paths after fellowship training. 2. Importance of identifying what paths match values, skills, and interests 3. Role of networking in identifying mentors and job prospects.
Learning objectives:
Describe the career pathways available after endocrine fellowship
Identify what career pathway/s match your skills, values, and interests.
Evaluate two possible career paths and the next steps needed via networking with professionals at various stages of a career in that track (clinician-scientist (basic/clinical), clinician-educator, industry, private practice)
Speaker: Coming Soon
Ethics SIG state of art webinar: Ethics Case-Based Discussion
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm EST
Join the PES Ethics SIG for a discussion of clinical cases that raise ethical questions.
PES members are invited to submit cases with ethical dilemmas to present for discussion for this webinar.
Cases should be submitted to camilia_kamoun@med.unc.edu by January 17, 2025. Two to three cases will be selected for presentation.
Learning Objectives:
Identify ethical dilemmas in pediatric endocrinology
Describe ethical approaches to clinical care in pediatric endocrinology
Define key ethical principles to guide clinical care in pediatric endocrinology
Speaker Name:
PES Ethics SIG Chair will lead the discussion with possible guest speaker
Industry Sponsored Symposia: Empowering Early Treatment: The Role of IMCIVREE in Pediatrics
February 18th – Tuesday – 3pm PST – 6CST – 7 ET
Sponsored by Rhythm Pharmaceuticals
Session description: It highlights IMCIVREE, a groundbreaking therapeutic option, as a key player in addressing complex health challenges in children. The webinar will focus on how early diagnosis and treatment with IMCIVREE can improve outcomes and enhance the quality of life for young patients and their families. It sets the stage for discussions on the drug’s efficacy, safety, and its transformative role in managing rare genetic conditions in the pediatric population.
Speakers:
Ilene Fennoy, MD – Pediatric Endocrinology,
Dr. Uzoma C. Okorie MD – Pediatric Cardiology
Kat, mom of Reed living with BBS
Learning objectives:
Learn how early diagnosis and treatment with IMCIVREE can improve outcomes and enhance the quality of life for young patients and their families.
Register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RhythmPedsRegistration0218
EDI Monthly Recipe: Chicken Schnitzel
Submitted by Dorit Koren
EDI Spotlight: February is Black History Month
Submitted by Ilene Fennoy and Ambika Ashraf
Learn more: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative – Pediatric Endocrine Society
EDI Podcast Club: Ethics in Pediatric Endocrinology: Curriculum for Fellows and Faculty
February 11, 2025, 7:30PM Eastern time
Join us for a discussion of the Ethics curriculum and how we might use this as a template for an EDI curriculum.
Henry R, Rossi W, Nahata L. Ethics in Pediatric Endocrinology: Curriculum for Fellows and Faculty. Ethics in Pediatric Endocrinology: Curriculum for Fellows and Faculty – PubMed
Join us for robust discussion: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/r_-lw02_T9q_foLhuEyciA
Fellow Spotlight: Marinés Castillo Echevarría, MD
Meet Marinés: January Fellow Spotlight – Marinés Castillo Echevarría, MD – Pediatric Endocrine Society
From the NIH:
PES recognizes the current uncertainties and challenges related to NIH funding and Programs. Nonetheless, the following activities have been announced and, if ongoing, would be of interest and benefit to our members.
Explore NIH Research Enhancement Award and Fellowship Programs: Upcoming Webinars
We invite you to join us for two webinars that spotlight our NIH Research Enhancement Award (R15), for institutions that have not been major recipients of NIH support, and Fellowship programs, for prospective candidates.
New Resources
Information for…You! Curated Resources by Role
If you’re not sure where to start looking for the grants process information you need, start with our Information For pages, designed with each role in mind!
Tips Before You Submit
To Do in 2025: Keep Your eRA Personal Profile Updated
The Personal Profile module in eRA Commons is where you — as a principal investigator, award recipient, trainee, reviewer or other Commons user — tell NIH and other awarding agencies about yourself. Awarding agencies need to know about you to grant awards, process those awards and more. Here are a few reasons that it is extremely important to keep your Personal Profile updated.
You Ask, We Answer
What Should a Researcher Know if Their Animal Study May Involve Another Institution?
The short answer: collaborations can offer significant benefits for scientific discovery. However, there are a number of components to be considered and documentation that may be required prior to establishing a collaboration when research involves animal activity.
How Does NIH Determine Early Stage Investigator Eligibility?
Early Stage Investigator eligibility is calculated in the eRA Commons system, using information provided by the investigator in their eRA Commons Personal Profile. Learn more about how eligibility is determined on the ESI status page.