THE pIBD DIGEST

Ring out the tinsel and ring in 2026!

After the Christmas special, Professor Lissy de Ridder returns to THE PIBD Digest to kick off the new year with Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell. This first episode of 2026 dives head-first into advanced therapies, from biologics to small molecules—served with real-world experience, practical pearls, and an honest look at the challenges clinicians actually face. Expect nuance, clarity, and tips you’ll want to carry straight into your 2026 practice. Stay until the end for Dr Coelho’s poetic send-off—Auld Lang Syne included—because 2026 deserves both science and style.

In this festive Christmas special of THE pIBD DIGEST, hosts Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell are joined by Professor Lissy De Ridder, incoming Chair of ESPGHAN's IBD Porto Group (European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition), for a lively and insightful discussion on investigator-initiated trials in paediatric IBD—and how clinician-led research is driving better care for children with Crohn’s disease and colitis.

Balancing serious science with seasonal cheer, the hosts take listeners on a virtual winter stroll through Rotterdam, exploring the uniquely Dutch Christmas tradition of Sinterklaas—who, as it turns out, is not quite Santa.

The episode wraps up on a decidedly Christmassy note, with Dr Coelho entering a poetic stand-off with Santa, who is regrettably far too busy enjoying mince pies and stroopwafels to respond. The poem, of course, is a heartfelt Christmas tribute to patients living with IBD.

Science, seasonal sparkle, and a dash of festive mischief—this is one Christmas special you won’t want to miss

In the second episode of the Intestinal Ultrasound (IUS) series, hosts Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell continue their mission to unravel what it really takes to set up an IUS service in IBD clinics. They’re joined first by Dr Nik Plevris, an adult gastroenterologist from Edinburgh, who offers a detailed—and impressively honest—tour through the range of challenges involved in building a new service.

Next, we meet Dr Kwang Yang Lee, a paediatric gastroenterologist from Bristol and one of the very few brave souls actually using IUS in paediatric practice in the UK. He shares his expert perspective on what it’s like to introduce this technology to the smallest, “wiggly,” “suspicious,” and occasionally “not-so-co-operative” patients.

To wrap things up on a lighter note, Kwang Yang faces the legendary “Gut-Fire Round,” where he must choose a totally hypothetical, utterly ridiculous alternative ultrasound-themed career path—complete with outrageously attractive perks. Will he abandon medicine for a life of glamour, glory, or suspiciously high-paying mythical job offers? Tune in to find out.

THE pIBD DIGEST goes full “Mission: IUS” in this two-part extravaganza! This episode explores the rising star of IBD monitoring — Intestinal Ultrasound (IUS) — as hosts Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell dive into the buzz with an expert squad: paediatric radiology wizard Dr Richard Jenkins and adult gastro gurus Dr Krishna Shah and Dr William Blad. Together, they unpack what it takes to master IUS, the challenges of setting up a service, and why those mysterious grey dots are more exciting than they look.

The episode wraps with a playful 007-style ‘gut-fire’ round with Dr Blad — shaken, not stirred — adding sass and a splash of colour to the greyscale world of IUS. So, scan in and tune up.

This week on THE pIBD DIGEST, we welcome Professor Richard Russell — outgoing Chair of the European society of paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition (ESPGHAN) IBD Porto Group, champion of paediatric IBD innovation, and proud bearer of both biologic expertise and bagpipes. Joined by hosts Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell, he explores the Porto Group’s pivotal work in international collaboration, guideline development, and advocacy for children with IBD.

Together, they dive into the Group’s consensus response to the FDA’s draft guidance on paediatric IBD drug-approval trials — making a compelling case for faster access to advanced therapies by responsibly extrapolating adult IBD data to paediatric practice.

And in a fitting homage to Professor Russell’s Scottish roots, the episode opens and closes with a Robbie Burns–inspired poetic tribute from Dr Coelho — a lyrical touch you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of THE pIBD DIGEST, Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell grab their metaphorical lab coats and magnifying glasses as they embark on a genomic safari with none other than Professor Sarah Ennis. Together, they venture deep into the tangled jungle of DNA to decode the mysteries behind Genomic Shenanigans in IBD.

As genomics rapidly takes over the medical landscape (one base pair at a time), Professor Ennis—Professor of Genomics extraordinaire—gives us a sneak peek into the dazzling future of medicine where genes call the shots.

And because all that genomic talk can twist anyone’s double helix, the episode winds down with a light-hearted “Gut-fire Round” — a rapid-fire Q&A designed to test how quickly even a genomics professor can think under pressure!

But wait, there’s more! The hosts stealthily catch up with one of her brilliant PhD students, Fernando, who spills a few beans (genomically curated ones, of course) about his cutting-edge IBD research.

So, buckle up for a mix of science, laughter, and a few genomic giggles in this DNA-powered deep dive into IBD!

In this episode of the pIBD DIGEST, Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell welcome a very special guest: the chair of the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG), Dr Shahida Din. The trio dive deep into the world of placebo trials in IBD, exploring not just the science, but also the very real harms and challenges these trials bring. It’s a rare treat (or should we say placebo effect?) to have an adult gastroenterologist join the podcast, offering insights that mirror the paediatric experience more closely than you might think. Dr Din dives into the nuts, bolts, and fine print of what happens when patients with active symptoms find themselves randomised to placebo. And just when you think the episode can’t get any deeper, Dr Din rounds it off with a poetic twist, ‘Placebo Dreams’—a moving tribute to the courage and generosity of patients who, despite their suffering, make invaluable contributions to advancing IBD care.

In this episode of the pIBD DIGEST Masterclass, Dr Coelho and Dr Bakewell don their tour-guide hats for a grand-round city tour of London, Liverpool, Southampton, and Sheffield. But forget Big Ben and The Beatles — today’s attraction is the world of JAK-inhibitors in IBD.

On board the double-decker panel are:

• Prof Tony Williams – the immune system whisperer

• Courtney Preston, Helen Doble & Melody Chan – three pharmacy powerhouses

• Dr Akshay Kapoor – Sheffield’s very own “IBD-heavy, JAK-savvy” paediatric gastroenterologist

So, grab your ticket, take your seat, and enjoy the ride as we steam through the many stops of JAK-inhibitors in pIBD. Warning: intellectual curves ahead, but plenty of laughs en route!

In this latest globe-spanning edition of ‘THE pIBD DIGEST’, Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell embark on a virtual visit to Canada where they explore the environmental factors fuelling the rising incidence of IBD. Joining them is the ever-insightful Dr Eric Benchimol—a clinical academic, IBDologist, and Toronto-based superstar of IBD epidemiology.

Together, the group unpacks key contributors to IBD with depth and clarity. Since Dr Benchimol is also a legendary Prince fan, Dr Coelho adds a creative twist: a poetic tribute titled “After Tears of Purple Rain”—a nod to Prince, a salute to their guest speaker, and above all, a heartfelt dedication to patients and families navigating the first wave of an IBD diagnosis.

In this episode of THE PIBD DIGEST, Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell welcome a true heavyweight in the world of monogenic IBD, Dr Jochen Kammermeier- a paediatric gastroenterologist at Evelina Children’s Hospital, London, and bona fide gene whisperer, who helps us untangle the twisted helix of monogenic IBD. Expect a deep dive into sharp gene talk and insightful immunology, and — of course — our signature poetic showdown. This week: Dr Coelho’s lyrical face-off, “A Tale of Two Adversities”, where monogenic and polygenic IBD battle it out in verse.