THE pIBD DIGEST is an educational podcast exploring paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (pIBD). Endorsed by the British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (BSPGHAN) IBD Working Group, this podcast delves into conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, chronic illnesses that can profoundly impact quality of life.
Hosted by paediatric gastroenterologists Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell, THE pIBD DIGEST serves as an informative educational resource for healthcare professionals while also offering valuable insights for patients and families affected by these conditions. Please note that the podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are solely those of the speakers.
Bringing a unique literary element to each episode, Dr Tracy Coelho composes and recites original medical poetry, offering a fresh perspective on complex medical discussions.
Tune in for an engaging, informative, and thought-provoking journey through the world of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease!
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Namaste India: The pIBD Tour with Professor Rohan Malik
Episode 23
Friday, January 9, 2026 • Duration 49:26
Join us on a virtual journey across India as we explore the changing face of paediatric IBD in one of the world’s most diverse countries. As pIBD becomes increasingly recognised across the subcontinent, Dr Rohan Malik—Additional Professor at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi—shares insights into the challenges of diagnosis and delivering high-quality care across a vast, varied, and often unequal healthcare system.
We round off the episode on a deliciously thoughtful note, as Dr Coelho brings his signature poetic flair with “The Street-Food Hypothesis”—a playful yet pointed counter to the hygiene hypothesis, and a gentle rebellion against the spread of giant fast-food chains in rapidly developing nations.
After the Tinsel: A (Bio)logical Kick-Off to 2026 with Professor Lissy De Ridder
Episode 22
Thursday, January 1, 2026 • Duration 41:18
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.
The Dutch Christmas Special: Advancing IBD Through Investigator-Initiated Trials
Episode 21
Monday, December 22, 2025 • Duration 31:27
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
Mission: Intestinal Ultrasound (IUS) – And the ‘Probe’ Continues (Episode 2)
Episode 20
Saturday, December 6, 2025 • Duration 47:29
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.
Mission: Intestinal Ultrasound (IUS) – And the ‘Probe’ Begins (Episode 1)
Episode 19
Wednesday, November 26, 2025 • Duration 55:54
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.
Straight from the Bagpipes – Piping Up Faster Access to Biologics (Insights from Professor Richard Russell)
Episode 18
Friday, November 14, 2025 • Duration 48:08
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.
Decoding Genomic Shenanigans in IBD with Professor Sarah Ennis
Saturday, October 25, 2025 • Duration 56:26
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!
IBD Trials: When Placebos 'Dare' Despite the Flare!
Episode 16
Sunday, October 5, 2025 • Duration 43:10
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.
THE pIBD DIGEST Masterclass: JAK the Ripper (of Inflammation!)
Episode 15
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 • Duration 50:45
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!
Environmental factors in IBD: The Canadian Rhapsody
Episode 14
Monday, August 25, 2025 • Duration 46:48
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.