THE pIBD DIGEST

In this episode of THE pIBD DIGEST, hosts Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell are joined by Dr Mary Halsey, a clinical psychologist, for an insightful discussion on the emotional and functional challenges that often accompany a diagnosis of IBD. Dr Halsey shares practical strategies to support the psychological well-being of children living with IBD, as well as their families, highlighting the importance of mental health as an integral part of patient care. To close the episode, Dr Coelho channels his inner bard with ‘When Gut Emotions Begin to Talk’, a heartfelt poetic tribute to patients navigating the often-overlooked psychological and emotional storms of IBD.

In this episode, hosts Dr Chris Bakewell and Dr Tracy Coelho pack their virtual suitcases and jet off (in spirit) to the UAE in The pIBD DIGEST – Dubai Safari. They're joined by a very special guest, Dr Christos Tzivinikos – Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital and Associate Clinical Professor at the MBRU School of Medicine, Dubai. Together, they delve into the evolving landscape of paediatric IBD care in the region, exploring everything from cutting-edge clinical practices to the unique cultural context of delivering care in the UAE. To wrap things up, Dr Coelho shares his heartfelt poem ‘Towards the Oasis of Hope’ – a moving tribute to young IBD patients, the journey of healing, and the promise that science continues to bring.

In this globe-trotting episode of the pIBD DIGEST, Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell leap (virtually) from the UK to the vibrant city of Melbourne to delve into the art and science of transitioning IBD care from childhood to adulthood.

Joining them is the ever-insightful Dr Ed Giles, a clinical academic, IBDologist, and seasoned transition-care guru from Monash University. Together, they unpack the triumphs, challenges, and candid contrasts that define this complex but critical phase of care.

To wrap things up, Dr Coelho brings a creative twist, sharing a poetic tribute inspired by the UK-wide 'Ready Steady Go' transition model—originally developed at the University of Southampton. His poem, titled “Ready Steady Go”, offers a heartfelt nod to the journey every young patient takes as they move toward adult care.

In this episode of THE pIBD DIGEST, Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell welcome the multi-talented Dr Nadeem Afzal, Associate Professor and Paediatric Gastroenterologist, based at the Southampton Children's Hospital. Dr Afzal dives deep into the world of training in endoscopy, breaking down the requirements, challenges, and nuances with clinical precision with regards to endoscopy in pIBD. As the scope retracts and the conversation wraps up, Dr Afzal plugs in his handmade guitar — yes, built by his own hands — and shreds in D minor pentatonic with a sprinkle of Hendrix!

Finally, Dr Coelho caps it all off with his original satirical poem, The Scopic Odyssey, a poetic rollercoaster through the highs, lows, and awkward silences of trainee-trainer dynamics in endoscopy.

This week on THE pIBD DIGEST, hosts Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell are joined by genetic sleuth Dr James Ashton to untangle the twisted tale of the mighty NOD2, arguably IBD’s biggest genetic diva. Expect deep science, passionate gene talk, and the traditional poetry, featuring Dr Coelho’s latest lyrical contribution: “An Ode to NOD2”, a poetic love letter to the gene that’s been hogging the IBD spotlight for decades.

After exploring the foundational concepts behind the microbiome's role in IBD in a previous episode, our guest, Dr Richard Hansen returns to take us straight into the world of microbial therapeutics. From dietary interventions to faecal microbial transplant (FMT) and next-gen probiotics, he unpacks how these approaches can reshape the gut and offer new hope in treating IBD. The episode wraps up on a creative note with Dr Hansen’s original guitar performance and Dr Coelho’s poetic piece, 'The Reverse Jobbie'- a slang-infused cheeky nod to the concept of FMT.

In this episode of THE pIBD DIGEST, hosts Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell are joined by Dr Richard Hansen from Dundee for a deep dive into the gut microbiome and its role in inflammatory bowel disease. Dr Hansen unpacks the latest science and broad concepts shaping our understanding of the microbiome in pIBD. The episode ends on a creative high: an audio clip of Dr Hansen performing ‘Flower of Scotland’ in full kilt regalia, atop a shipping crane at ESPGHAN 2019 in Glasgow. Dr Coelho wraps up with his original satirical poem, 'Mantras of Dysbiosis', offering a sharp critique of the prevailing narratives around dysbiosis in disease.

In this follow-up episode, Dr Marco Gasparetto returns to the hot seat for a deeper dive into the fascinating world of AI-powered predictive modelling. With the hosts Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell, the discussion ventures into the future of gastroenterology, exploring how AI-assisted technology is poised to transform the field. The episode wraps up on a creative note as Dr Gasparetto once again showcases his musical side with a brilliant performance of Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto, and Dr Coelho with his original poem titled "Scope-bots with AI in GI," blending gastroenterology, artificial intelligence, and just the right touch of poetic flair.

In the fourth episode of THE pIBD DIGEST, hosts Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell are joined by guest speaker Dr Marco Gasparetto for an in-depth discussion on biomarkers in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease, with a special focus on prediction studies. Dr Gasparetto offers thoughtful analysis and insights into the latest scientific developments. The episode closes on a creative note, featuring an excerpt from a Vivaldi violin concerto performed by Dr Gasparetto, who is also a skilled violinist. Dr Coelho rounds off the episode with his original satirical poem, Predictomics, a witty take on the irony of trying to predict disease amidst vast oceans of multi-omic data.

In the third episode of ‘THE pIBD DIGEST’, hosts Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell reflect on key insights from the IBD talks at the recent BSPGHAN Conference in Newcastle. Guest speaker Dr James Ashton provides an in-depth analysis of the scientific discussions. The episode concludes on a lighter note, as Dr Coelho presents ‘The Disgruntled Delegate’, a fictional take on the experience of a weary and sceptical conference attendee.