THE pIBD DIGEST

Tokyo Talks: A ‘Sunny’ Perspective on Paediatric IBD in Japan (with Prof Arai)

In this episode of THE PIBD Digest, we travel to Tokyo for an inspiring and uplifting conversation with Professor Katsuhiro Arai or “Sunny” —a paediatric gastroenterologist whose warmth is as striking as his scientific expertise. Sunny is also President-Elect of the Asia Pacific Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, and Chair of its Scientific Committee. With trademark enthusiasm and infectious positivity, Sunny shares insights into paediatric inflammatory bowel disease in Japan, including the national IBD registry, emerging PIBD trends, and how data is shaping better care for children. What really stands out is Sunny’s deep passion for the psychological wellbeing of patients and their families—reminding us that caring for children with IBD means supporting hearts and minds, not just guts. Full of wisdom, and that unmistakable ‘Sunny’ sparkle, this episode is a joyful reminder that compassion and connection are just as powerful as medicine.

Arabian Insights: PIBD in Saudi Arabia – with Dr Ali Zaidan

In this episode of THE pIBD DIGEST, we pack our virtual bags and head to Saudi Arabia to explore the evolving landscape of paediatric IBD. Our guide is Dr Ali Zaidan, paediatric gastroenterologist from Jeddah, who gives us an honest, practical view of what pIBD really looks like in day to day clinical practice. We talk about some uniquely important regional factors, including consanguinity and its impact on the IBD spectrum, and hear about the impressive immune dysregulation programme developed in collaboration with Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr Zaidan also shares insights from the structured paediatric GI fellowship programme he directs, alongside his pioneering work in education and training in PIBD. Thought provoking, informative, and refreshingly grounded, this episode reminds us that while PIBD may present differently across regions, curiosity, collaboration (and good conversations) are very much universal.

PIBD Echoes from BSPGHAN Leeds 2026 (Part 2): With Dr Christian Selinger and Dr Aaron Bancil

In Part 2 of our BSPGHAN IBD series, we’re joined by Dr Christian Selinger, adult gastroenterologist from Leeds, who paints a rather lovely picture of paediatric IBD care—while also gently bursting the bubble that, in several domains, we still have plenty to learn from our adult IBD colleagues. In the second half of the episode, Dr Aaron Bancil from The Royal London Hospital takes us into the world of dietary intervention in IBD, offering a glimpse into the low emulsifier diet being explored as part of the ADDapt trial. Food for thought—cleverly emulsified!

PIBD Echoes from BSPGHAN Leeds 2026 (Part 1): With Dr Neil Chanchlani & Dr Rebecca Little

Straight from the halls of BSPGHAN Leeds 2026—where we expertly (and entirely coincidentally) “borrowed” two outstanding paediatric gastroenterologists from the conference floor—we bring you the highlights you meant to catch… but didn’t. In part one of this two episode series, we lightly ambush Dr Neil Chanchlani and Dr Rebecca Little for a rapid-fire debrief (purely in the name of education, of course). Dr Chanchlani breaks down the ECCO ESPGHAN guidelines, translating them into something far more digestible than post conference PowerPoint fatigue. Meanwhile, Dr Little tackles a big issue—also known as a significant gap in UK IBD standards—leaving plenty to reflect on. Think of this as your conference catch up, minus the badge, the tote bag, and the aggressively strong coffee. Press play and pretend you were there all along.

Selamat Datang to Malaysia: A pIBD Journey with Dr Kee Seang Chew

In this episode, our globetrotting gut-adventures continue—virtual passports in hand—as we touch down in Malaysia. Joining us is Dr Kee Seang Chew, who guides us through the evolving landscape of paediatric IBD: the emerging trends, current treatment approaches, and the very real challenges faced by clinicians and families on the ground. As we zoom out for a wider view, Dr Chew offers valuable insight into the pIBD experience in Malaysia. He highlights key barriers that persist across the country—unequal access to advanced care, difficulties in sustaining long term treatment, and the ongoing struggle for adequate resources and support. We wrap up on a reflective note, as Dr Coelho shares his poem “We Bicker, We Mourn”—a heartfelt tribute to the NHS: a system that may creak, groan, and occasionally argue with itself, but still shows up when it matters most.