We are excited to announce Dr. Sara Duffus has been named Associate Director of Medical Education in Pediatrics. Dr. Duffus is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology. Her role as associate director will include co-leadership of the Pediatrics Clerkship, recruitment and retainment of outpatient pediatric preceptors, integration of pediatric curricula within the School of Medicine, pediatric career goal advising, and mentorship of trainees interested in medical education.

After earning her undergraduate degree in Biology at Sewanee: The University of the South, Dr. Duffus attended Wake Forest School of Medicine. She then came to Chapel Hill for Pediatrics residency from 2015-2018 and received awards for her outstanding clinical acumen, scholarship, and educational leadership. Her love for Pediatric Endocrinology took her back to her native Tennessee and Vanderbilt University for fellowship. Dr. Duffus served on the faculty at Vanderbilt for two years before returning to 大象传媒 in 2023.

As a clinician educator, Dr. Duffus considers medical education a cornerstone of her academic career. Since joining the 大象传媒 faculty, she has taught learners in all phases of medical education including students, residents, and fellows. Dr. Duffus is currently a tutor in the Patient Centered Care course for Foundation Phase medical students, the course director for the Individualization Phase Advanced Care Selective in Pediatric Endocrinology, a Career Goal Advisor for students who plan to match into pediatrics, and the 大象传媒 Pediatric Endocrinology Resident Elective Course Director.

Dr. Duffus began her new position this spring and joins the Pediatric Education Office alongside the Director of Pediatric Medical Student Education, Dr. William Mills, Associate Director of Pediatric Medical Student Education, Dr. Hannah Coletti, and Pediatric Medical Student Coordinator, Reneva 鈥淩ee鈥� Grimsley.

Please help us congratulate Dr. Duffus on her new leadership role.

Bianca Allison, MD, MPH

Associate Professor
General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine

Bianca Allison, MD, MPH was promoted to Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, effective May 1, 2025. Dr. Allison has been a faculty member in Pediatrics since July 2021. Dr. Allison received her BA in Social Anthropology from Harvard University in 2010 and earned her medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in 2016. A Pediatric residency was completed at 大象传媒 Chapel Hill in 2019 and a National Research Service Award fellowship was completed at 大象传媒 in 2021. Dr. Allison鈥檚 research focuses on the provision of equitable, developmentally tailored sexual and reproductive healthcare to adolescents.

Congratulations!

Christian Lawrence, MD, MPH

Associate Professor
Hospital Pediatrics

Christian Lawrence, MD, MPH was promoted to Associate Professor of Pediatrics effective May 1, 2025. Dr. Lawrence has been a faculty member in Pediatrics since 2020. Dr. Lawrence received a BS in Biochemistry from North Carolina State University in 2012 and received his medical degree from 大象传媒 Chapel Hill School of Medicine in 2016. His pediatric residency was completed at 大象传媒 in 2019. He also served as a Pediatric Chief Resident at 大象传媒.

In addition to his excellent work supporting the clinical and education missions of the department, since January 2024, Dr. Lawrence has been one of two Associate Chairs for Health Equity and Access for the Department of Pediatrics.

Congratulations!

Arshiya Ahuja, MD

Associate Professor
Hospital Pediatrics

Arshiya Ahuja, MD was promoted to Associate Professor of Pediatrics effective May 1, 2025.聽Dr. Ahuja received her BA in Psychology from Vassar College in 2005 and received her medical degree from Georgetown University in 2011. She completed her pediatric residency at Loyola University in June 2014 and a fellowship in Global Clinical Education in 2015 at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Ahuja went on to serve as a Pediatric Hospitalist at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ before coming to 大象传媒 in 2021.

Congratulations!

Kenya McNeal-Trice, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, has been selected as a . This recognition highlights her exceptional contributions to pediatric care and education.

Each year, the presents the George Armstrong Award to individuals who have significantly contributed to improved patient care, teaching, and research in pediatrics. George Armstrong, often called the father of modern pediatrics, founded the first institution dedicated to the isolated care of children. Born in Castleton, Scotland, in 1719, Armstrong established the first dispensary for children in London, England, in 1769. This award honors his devotion to the care of sick children and his contributions to pediatric education.

In 2007, Dr. McNeal-Trice joined the faculty at 大象传媒 as an Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Medical Student Education in Pediatrics. By 2010, she was appointed Director of Medical Student Education Programs in Pediatrics, and in 2014, she became the Pediatric Residency Program Director. Under her leadership, the pediatric residency training programs at 大象传媒 Hospitals were ranked among the Top 25 programs in the country and became the largest within North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.