Continuing the long-lasting partnership with pediatrics, 2026 kicks off with the excellent Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) seminar series. There was no better way to restart OMI MEX, and the Pediatric Gastroenterology course, taking place from March 2-4, 2026, proved just that. Taking place at one of Mexico City’s leading hospitals, the ABC Medical Center, Pediatric Gastroenterology counted with 38 fellows from Bolivia, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, and Mexico. Beyond didactic lectures, participants were divided into groups of hands-on endoscopy sessions, complementing the schedule with practical training apart from leading classes taught by the best, and group exchange opportunities with fellows’ case presentations.
Leading the seminar was Dr. Petar Mamula, professor of pediatrics and attending gastroenterologist at CHOP. Dr. Mamula masterfully condensed a wide variety of key topics in pediatric gastroenterology into our three-day program, making it a comprehensive course that left participants inspired to learn more. That and much more could not have been accomplished without an additional stellar faculty from CHOP: Dr. Jefferson Brownell, Dr. Pablo Laje, and Dr. Binita Kamath, who we welcomed with great honor in OMI MEX as Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition and David A. Piccoli, MD Endowed Chair in Gastroenterology at CHOP.
From Mexico, Dr. Patricio Acosta, Dr. Alez Norberto Elizarrarás Ortega, and Dr. Erick Manuel Toro Monjaraz represented important institutions in the country such as the Children’s Hospital of Mexico Federico Gómez and the National Institute of Pediatrics.
Summarizing the course, Dr. Mamula shared: “The seminar covered a wide array of topics in gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition. These ranged from diagnostic and therapeutic approach to eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and pancreatitis, to autoimmune liver disease, cholestasis, and liver transplantation. In addition, endoscopic management of foreign body and upper gastrointestinal bleeding management were discussed. Finally, two lectures on gastrointestinal surgical emergencies and surgical procedures broadened the topics into the field of pediatric gastrointestinal surgery. This time around hands-on endoscopy was added to the curriculum, which was enjoyed by all the participants.”
On a more personal note, Dr. Mamula stated: “All of the faculty, which this time around to my delight included Mexican faculty, too, thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The fellows who came from various Latin American countries were extremely enthusiastic and actively participated in the course. Their case presentations were very sophisticated and their dexterity during the hands-on part of the course was remarkable.”
Dr. Angelica Sandoval, fellow from Bolivia, shared: “Dr. Kamath was a truly outstanding presenter. Her lecture on Cholestatic Liver Disease showcased her expertise, providing a lot of important updated information for my practice back in Bolivia. I met participants from other Latin American countries, such as Colombia and the Dominican Republic, and learned that we can still do much even with limited resources.”
Dr. Sandoval’s inspiring words reflect the strength and resilience needed in medical care, and shows us once more the importance of providing quality medical training in Latin America. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the faculty who donated their valuable time for OMI MEX. Their dedication and impact on participants never cease to amaze us and keep us moving forward for more successful outcomes!
Angelica Sandoval, MD
OMI MEX fellow from Bolivia
Ruth Rodríguez, MD
OMI MEX fellow from Dominican Republic
Karla Sabillon, MD
OMI MEX fellow from Honduras
