Some days, I feel like the worst is happening and it’s hard to remain optimistic. However, I remember a poem that I loved from the Arrow Book of Silly Poems (one of my many purchases through the Scholastic Book Club when I was in grade school) that I loved as a child:
“Twixt optimist and pessimist
The difference is quite droll.
The optimistic sees the donut
The pessimist, the hole.”
This saying is widely attributed to Oscar Wilde in a slightly different form, but it actually first appeared in the New York Sun in 1904 with other versions thereafter. It was even included on boxes of Mayflower Donuts (one of America’s first donut chains) from the 1930s to 1970s. Regardless of the etiology of this silly poem, the message remains the same. Instead of dwelling on all the challenges we are facing or that doughnuts are bad for your cholesterol, I’m going to encourage all of us to try to stay positive (see the doughnut) and do the best we can for our patients. To that end, the Drugs and Therapeutics (“D&T”) committee has recently drafted a letter to support coverage by insurers for agents used in growth hormone stimulation testing. This letter is posted on the PES website under Insurance Appeal Letter Templates in the clinical resources section. It’s exciting to see how our field is changing, and I urge you to look out for the D&T committee’s “New Meds and Tech” bulletins, which are published on our website as soon as information becomes available. Additionally, our Mission Alliance Partners post product spotlights and sponsor symposia throughout the year.
Sincerely,
Laurie E. Cohen, MD
President, PES Board of Directors
2026 Grant Applications Now Open
Now Accepting 2026 Junior Faculty Grants, Research Fellowship Grants, and Health Disparities Research Grant Applications
All Application Deadlines: December 15, 2025 @ 5:00 PM ET
Junior Faculty Grants (up to $50,000 total costs for 1 year)
The PES Junior Faculty Research Grants and Fima Lifshitz Junior Faculty Clinical Research Grants are designed to promote the early career research development of academic pediatric endocrinologists. The amount and number of grants awarded each year may vary based on the scopes of the projects proposed.
Please click on the link below to access detailed instructions, requirements, and to submit an application.
JFG – Junior Faculty Grant including the Fima Lifshitz JFG PES Junior Faculty Research Grants – Pediatric Endocrine Society
Research Fellowship Grants (up to $30,000 total costs for 1 year)
The PES Research Fellowship Grants and Human Growth Foundation Research Fellowship Grants are designed to support the final year of research training in a pediatric endocrinology fellowship for highly qualified individuals preparing for a career in academic pediatric endocrinology. Both clinical and basic research projects are eligible. One grant focused on growth, bone, and rare general endocrine disorders will be selected each year to receive the Human Growth Foundation Research Fellowship Grant.
Please click on the link below to access detailed instructions, requirements, and to submit an application.
RFG – Research Fellowship Grants including the Human Growth Foundation RFG PES Research Fellowship Grants – Pediatric Endocrine Society
Health Disparities Research Grant (up to $50,000 total costs for 1 year)
The PES EDI Grant is designed to support fellows in their 2nd or 3rd year of training or early faculty members to conduct research, clinical or educational endeavors that address health disparities and/or focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in the field of pediatric endocrinology. Potential areas of interest include, but are not limited to, an increased understanding of implicit and explicit bias, career development of minority physicians, quality improvement, healthcare outcomes, equity in mentorship and outreach efforts.
Please click on the link below to access detailed instructions, requirements, and to submit an application.
Health Disparities Research Grant Addressing Health Disparities Research Grant – Pediatric Endocrine Society
Calling All Fellows: 2026 Spring Retreat Applications Now Being Accepted
Deadline: Monday, December 8, 2025
The Spring Retreat is designed for current pediatric endocrinology fellows, either in the first year (2-year program) or second year of training (3–4-year program). The 2026 Retreat will be held from April 27-29, 2026, in San Francisco, CA, leading up to the Annual Meeting. This retreat aims to enhance critical thinking skills in clinical Pediatric Endocrinology, explore various career paths within the field, and foster networking opportunities with peers and faculty. Participants will prepare and present case studies to an audience of fellows and faculty, gaining valuable experience and feedback.
Learn more and apply! Spring Fellows Retreat – Pediatric Endocrine Society (pedsendo.org)
2026 Election Now Open: Calling all Eligible Voters
It’s time to vote for the next leaders of PES!
The Nominating Committee is pleased to present you with an exceptional slate of candidates for this year’s election for President-Elect, Secretary, and Director.
The terms are as follows:
- President-Elect (3-year commitment: 1-year as President-Elect, 1-year as President, 1-year as Past President)
- Secretary (4-year term)
- Director (3-year term)
All elected Officers will assume office at the time of the Annual Business Meeting during the 2026 PES Annual Meeting taking place in San Francisco, CA, April 30 – May 3. If you haven’t already done so, please cast your vote by Friday, November 14, 2025, @ 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Online Education
Turner Syndrome Research Night Out: November 3 I 6:30-7:30 PM ET
Hear from recent peds endo fellow grads about their experiences in Turner syndrome research.
Meet seasoned Turner Syndrome research mentors who will share insider tips and highlight TS resources that are perfect for students, residents, or fellow projects.
If you’re a med student, resident, or fellow curious about TS research (or looking for your next project idea), this is the perfect chance to connect, learn, and get inspired.
Join us with the link below. No registration is required.
Industry Sponsored Symposium: Increlex (mecasermin) for the Treatment of Severe Primary IGF-1 Deficiency (SPIGFD)
Wednesday, November 5 I 6:30 PM CT
Sponsored by ETON
Description: An overview of severe primary IGF-1 and its treatment option
Speaker: Dr. Phillipe Backeljauw, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
Learning objectives:
- Review the role of growth hormone and IGF-1 in growth and understand the pathophysiology and differential diagnosis of primary and severe primary IGF-1 deficiency (SPIGFD).
- Explore the clinical profile of Increlex® for SPIGFD, including its indication, mechanism of action, efficacy, safety, and practical guidance on dosing and administration.
Industry Sponsored Symposium: Advancement in the Delivery of Hydrocortisone
Wednesday, November 5 I 6:30 PM CT
Sponsored by ETON
Description: A discussion that focuses on the necessity of accurate dosing in children with adrenal insufficiency.
Speaker: Courtney Finlayson, MD
Learning objectives:
- Review pediatric adrenal insufficiency (AI), including its management, treatment approaches, and monitoring recommendations
- Gain an understanding on the history of treatment and explore the role of Alkindi Sprinkle® and Khindivi™, with practical insights on their use in managing pediatric AI.
Ethics SIG State of the Art: November 17 I 5:00 – 6:00 PM ET
Beyond the Protocol: Case-Based Exploration of Ethical Challenges in Pediatric Research
Call for Research Ethics Cases! The PES Ethics SIG is seeking real-world cases to be discussed at our upcoming webinar on ethical challenges in pediatric research, especially if in relation to pediatric endocrinology. Minimal preparation is needed — share your case and join a thoughtful, case-based conversation.
All PES members, especially fellows, are encouraged to present! If selected, you’ll introduce your case and the Ethics SIG will guide an interactive discussion of the ethical questions it raises.
Cases should be submitted to AndrewK716@gmail.com by October 31, 2025. Not available to attend? You can still contribute! Submit a question or topic you’d like us to address.
Learning Objectives
- Identify common ethical dilemmas in pediatric clinical research
- Apply ethical principles to real-world case scenarios
- Explore frameworks for ethically sound study design and participation
Speakers: PES Ethics SIG Chairs will lead the discussions in conjunction with participating speakers.
An invitation from the Global Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (GPED)
Program & Speakers Announced! GPED 2025 Annual Meeting – Save the dates
Greetings from Global Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes!
We are delighted to share an important update for the Second Annual GPED Meeting, taking place virtually on 29–30 November and 6–7 December 2025. The full scientific program and speaker lineup are now available! This year’s meeting brings together a distinguished group of experts, clinicians, and researchers from across the globe who are dedicated to advancing pediatric endocrine care in resource-limited settings.
Under the theme: “Optimizing Pediatric Endocrine Care in Resource-Limited Settings: Bridging Assays, Technology, Management, and Clinical Practice”
The program features:
- Keynote lectures from world leaders in pediatric endocrinology
- Interactive symposia and case-based discussions
- Practical sessions on laboratory assays, affordable technologies, and models of care
- Oral and poster abstract presentations from low- and middle-income countries
- Explore the full program and meet our speakers on the official meeting site.
Don’t miss your chance to participate:
- Registration remains open at just 15 USD.
- Group registrations for 10 USD per ticket (Min 5) available!
For details on the schedule, confirmed speakers, and sessions, visit the official meeting site. For inquiries or group registrations, please contact us at gpedmeeting@gmail.com. We look forward to welcoming you to this exciting global event!
An invitation from the Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital
Clinical Endocrinology 2026 Course I March 21 – 25, 2026
The objective of this course is to provide an update for endocrinologists and to allow internists and other health care providers to be comfortable with clinical problems in endocrinology. A faculty of 49 speakers, primarily Harvard Medical School faculty and several select outside experts, chosen for their recognized educational and communication skills, present the most up-to-date, evidence-based approach to endocrine problems such as osteoporosis, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, pituitary tumors, menopause, thyroid abnormalities, and reproductive dysfunction, as well as a broad spectrum of other clinical problems in endocrinology, such as obesity. Each day is organized around one of the major topics to be covered: pituitary disease on Saturday; calcium and bone disorders on Sunday; diabetes and metabolic disorders on Monday; reproductive and adrenal disorders on Tuesday; thyroid disease on Wednesday. Special emphasis is given to the case study method in 90-minute problem sessions on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Two of these sessions will include a nurse or nurse practitioner to provide a nursing perspective on the topic. A comprehensive syllabus is provided; all companies providing educational grants are acknowledged in the syllabus and thanked during the Welcome & Introduction session.
For more than 50 years, this update in Endocrinology has been presented by the faculty of the Endocrine Division of Massachusetts General Hospital, joined by guest speakers from around the country. Attendees have participated from over 50 US states and territories, and over 60 other countries. The virtual livestream format enhances access to the course for international health care providers. Course participants are asked to fill out an extensive evaluation form that covers all aspects of the course.
Link for faculty, learning objectives, and more information https://learn.hms.harvard.edu/endocrinology
CME– earn up to 40.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, ABIM MOC points, ANCC contact hours, AAPA Category 1 Credits, and ECME Credits
International Scholar Program: Applications now being accepted
Application Deadline: December 1 @ 11:59 PM ET
Do you know a young pediatrician or pediatric endocrinologist from a resource-limited country who would benefit from gaining experience or specific skills in your clinic or laboratory? Are you interested in hosting such a scholar at your institution? The Pediatric Endocrine Society (PES) is now accepting applications for the PES International Scholar Award. Two (2) scholarships will be awarded: one for applicants from Central America and the Caribbean, and one for applicants from the rest of the world. This award supports pediatric colleagues with an interest in endocrinology by enabling them to train in the clinics and laboratories of PES members and attend the PES Annual Meeting. The program especially aims to assist younger colleagues and those from countries with limited economic resources.
Health Systems Disparity Spotlight: Inheriting Risk and Responsibility, A Call for Equitable Family-Centered Care
Submitted by Mary Margaret Barr, MD
Health Systems Disparity Initiative – Pediatric Endocrine Society
Fellow Spotlight: Leora Allen, MD
Meet Leora: October Fellow Spotlight – Leora Allen, MD – Pediatric Endocrine Society
Historical Tidbit
Submitted by Alan D. Rogol, MD, PhD
Historical Tidbit – Robert McCarrison (March 16, 1878 to May 15, 1960) Iodine deficiency and Himalayan goiter – Pediatric Endocrine Society