Inside Pediatrics Spring/Summer 2026

Recognitions

News, Leadership, Honors, Awards

NEWS

LEADERSHIP

Chen Named President-Elect of the American Pediatric Surgical Association Mike Chen, M.D., MBA, director of the UAB Division of Pediatric Surgery, was named president-elect of the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) for 2026 to 2027. He will then serve as president from 2027 to 2028. APSA is the largest professional organization in the country dedicated to the pediatric surgical specialty. It provides pediatric surgeons and associated professionals with training as well as educational and research opportunities. “Being named president elect of APSA is an immense honor,” Chen said. “I hope to have a continued impact by advancing education, discovery, and advocacy in our field to ensure all children can receive the highest quality of surgical care.” Gupta Reappointed Editor-in-Chief of Two International Journals Sandeep Gupta, M.D., chief of the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, was reappointed editor-in-chief of the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (JPGN) and JPGN Reports, two leading journals in the field. Both journals are co-owned by the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and have a significant global footprint within pediatric medicine. Ilonze Named American Society of Hematology Ambassador Chibuzo Ilonze, M.D., MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, was selected to serve as an ambassador for the American Society of Hematology (ASH). ASH is the world’s largest professional society dedicated to the study and treatment of blood and bone marrow disorders.

Richard Whitely, M.D.

Richard Whitley: A Legacy of Care For more than five decades, Richard Whitley, M.D., distinguished professor in the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, helped shape not only Children’s of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pediatrics, but the field of pediatric infectious diseases on a global scale. Whitley retired in December 2025. Over the course of his career, Whitley became one of the most widely recognized figures in the department and one of the most influential physician scientists at UAB. His work helped redefine how viral infections are treated and how rare diseases are studied, establishing research frameworks that continue to guide clinical practice around the world. In the early days of antiviral research, many believed viruses could not be treated safely without harming the patient. Whitley challenged that thinking, helping demonstrate that targeted antiviral therapies were not only possible but lifesaving. His vision led to a rapidly expanding research program that placed UAB on the national map for pediatric infectious disease discovery.

global presence. He became a sought after lecturer, collaborator, and advisor, traveling extensively to scientific meetings and research centers around the world. Throughout his career, Whitley received some of the highest honors in medicine. He was awarded the American Academy of Pediatrics Excellence in Pediatrics Research Award for his contributions to antiviral therapeutics. He also received the Alexander Fleming Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Infectious Diseases Society of America. He was consistently recognized among the best doctors in America, reflecting both his scientific impact and clinical excellence. Despite receiving multiple offers from major academic centers, Whitley chose to remain at UAB, a decision colleagues say played a pivotal role in the department’s long-term success. In addition to his research, Whitley held several leadership roles throughout his career, including vice chair for research, division chief for infectious diseases, and interim chair of the department. Though he was offered the permanent chair position, Whitley ultimately chose to focus on what he felt he did best, building research programs and mentoring others.

As Whitley’s reputation grew, so did his

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