Each year, the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) awards the Teri Li Young Educator Award. This award recognizes individuals in the first phase of their professional career who have made an outstanding contribution to the field of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and/or nutrition through education scholarship. Brian McFerron, MD, was this year’s recipient in recognition of his work.
McFerron is the Director of the Fellowship Training Program for the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at Indiana University School of Medicine and Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics. He joined the Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition division at Riley Hospital for Children in 2013.
“Dr. McFerron has been a standout on our education team,” said Bobbi Byrne, MD, Vice Chair of Pediatric Education and Professor of Clinical Pediatrics. “This award recognizes that Dr. McFerron is an outstanding educator on a national level.”
McFerron is admired by his colleagues that can only speak highly of him and his work.
“Enthusiastic, realistic, and passionate are the three words that immediately come to my mind,” said Dr. Byrne. “He is passionate in every setting- when giving praise, when helping someone to discover areas of improvement, or even in a routine meeting.”
McFerron is consistently involved in medical education. He lectures frequently on pediatric gastroenterology topics and has research interests in pancreatic diseases. When involved in pancreatic research, he works with colleagues nationally within the INSPPIRE consortium, which play a significant part in researching rare diseases. INSPPIRE is composed of 25 children’s hospitals around the world, and it was formed to better diagnose, evaluate, and treat pancreatitis.
“My interest in pancreatic diseases in children started during my fellowship training,” said McFerron. “As a junior faculty member, my mentors sent research projects my way and it has evolved from there.”
The passion and dedication McFerron has for education is obvious to those around him. His constant enthusiasm makes him a joy to be around. Jean Molleston, MD, Division Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition and Professor of Clinical Pediatrics proved that to be true when asked about McFerron.
“Dr. McFerron is an outstanding clinician,” said Dr. Molleston. “Teaching and medical education are his mission, and he articulates a realistic, balanced but inspired and enthusiastic approach to his mission.”
McFerron is someone who loves working at Riley Hospital. He is someone who provides a realistic and creative perspective. He is someone who appreciates his colleagues. He is someone who truly cares.
“This is a world class institution full of exceptionally talented people who together make Riley what it is,” said McFerron. “I am lucky to work alongside them. I love the people the most. The people make the place.”