Expanding the horizons of pediatric endocrinology: A journey through research, innovation, and collaboration

One of the most rewarding aspects of pediatric endocrinology is its breadth. In a single clinic, we may see a child with type 1 diabetes adjusting to a new diagnosis, another with a complex genetic disorder affecting growth, and a third navigating the psychosocial impact of obesity. This variety demands both scientific understanding and deep human connection, which is what drew me to the field and continues to motivate me today.

My journey began in India and has since taken me through training and research in the United States, leading to my current role as an Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital. Along the way, I have pursued projects that span traditional research, healthcare innovation, and collaborative leadership. These experiences have shown me that there are many ways to contribute to pediatric endocrinology that could open doors to impact both patients and the field.

I completed my medical degree at Mahatma Gandhi Mission Medical College in Navi Mumbai, India. From the beginning, I was fascinated by the elegance of endocrine physiology and how small changes in hormone regulation could profoundly affect child development. During my pediatric residency at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, I had the privilege of working with Dr. Robert Rapaport. His mentorship deepened my interest in pediatric endocrinology, particularly the unique blend of physiology, long-term patient relationships, and multidisciplinary care the field requires. During residency, I also pursued research projects ranging from the mental health impact of polycystic ovarian syndrome to the accuracy of venous blood gases in diabetic ketoacidosis and thyroid dysfunction after COVID-19 vaccination. These early experiences confirmed for me that clinical questions could spark research that directly improves care.

Fellowship training at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital allowed me to combine broad clinical exposure with an academic focus on obesity and growth. Under the mentorship of Drs. Steven Mittelman and Alaina Vidmar, I pursued projects that linked clinical observations with translational inquiry. My first-authored review in Childhood Obesity highlighted how wearable devices might be used beyond step counting, sparking discussion about the potential for technology-enabled care. Building on that theme, I led a feasibility study of continuous glucose monitoring in adolescents with obesity, published in pediatric obesity, which showed that this tool was both feasible and acceptable in a population where behavioral interventions are often difficult to sustain. Alongside my research, I pursued a Biodesign Discovery Fellowship, which introduced me to structured methods for healthcare innovation. Learning how to identify unmet clinical needs, design solutions, and think about translation gave me tools that continue to shape how I frame research questions. Equally formative were my experiences within the Pediatric Endocrine Society (PES). I helped launch Pediatric Endocrinology Research Fellow Forum (PERFFORM), a national initiative designed to connect fellows and foster collaboration. Presenting PERFFORM at the 2023 PES Annual Meeting was a pivotal moment, showing how trainee-led structures can strengthen the research community. That same year, I was featured in the PES Fellow Spotlight, which highlighted fellows contributing to the field. Taken together, these experiences taught me that research and leadership are not separate tracks, but mutually reinforcing ways of contributing to pediatric endocrinology.

In 2024, I joined Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital as an Assistant Professor. The transition from fellow to attending was both humbling and energizing. Clinically, I care for children with a wide spectrum of endocrine and diabetes conditions. My practice spans outpatient continuity clinics, inpatient consults, emergency calls, and regional physician referrals. Beyond individual care, I participate in institutional care process teams for type 1 diabetes and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, as well as the Stimulation Test Committee. These groups play a vital role in refining protocols and ensuring safe, evidence-based care across our referral network. Participating in these efforts has been deeply meaningful, as they demonstrate how systems-level collaboration can improve outcomes for entire populations of patients. Balancing clinical care with scholarship has required persistence but has been deeply rewarding. In my first year as faculty, I continued to publish, collaborated with fellows on new projects, and served as a reviewer for peer-reviewed journals. I have also contributed to healthcare innovation through institutional committees focused on artificial intelligence, where we brainstorm ways to streamline physician workflow and thoughtfully integrate digital tools into clinical practice. These experiences reinforced for me that research, innovation, and patient care are not competing priorities but interconnected responsibilities.

Beyond authorship, I have been fortunate to serve as a peer reviewer and on an editorial board. While still early in my career, these opportunities reflect trust from journal editors and have allowed me to contribute to the integrity and advancement of the literature. Reviewing has also given me a valuable perspective on emerging work and sharpened my own writing and critical appraisal skills. Contributing to the academic ecosystem in this way is, in my view, both a privilege and a responsibility.

Looking ahead, the future of pediatric endocrinology will be shaped by advances in technology, opportunities for collaboration, and a continued focus on translating discoveries into better care. Digital health tools, wearables, and emerging applications of artificial intelligence hold promise for supporting families and improving outcomes. National and international networks, fostered through professional societies, will remain essential for research exchange, mentorship, and collective problem-solving. Just as important will be ensuring that scientific progress translates into practical, patient-centered strategies that improve the lives of children and families.

For today’s trainees, this means careers in pediatric endocrinology no longer need to follow a single trajectory – there is room for laboratory research, clinical innovation, health systems work, global health, and education. My own journey – blending research, leadership, collaboration, and healthcare innovation – is just one example of the many fulfilling paths that exist. What unites all of these directions is the opportunity to combine scientific curiosity with service to patients and communities, creating careers that are both meaningful and impactful.

My career thus far has been guided by strong mentorship, persistence, and a readiness to embrace both traditional and innovative opportunities. Pediatric endocrinology is uniquely positioned at the intersection of clinical care, research, and technology, offering many avenues for discovery and impact. For today’s trainees, the path forward need not be linear – there is room to pursue laboratory science, clinical innovation, health systems work, global health, or education. The key is to remain curious, seek collaboration, and stay open to new tools and ideas. In doing so, one will not only shape a meaningful career but also contribute to the continued growth of the field and its impact on children and families worldwide.