Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC Gastroenterologist Receives Prestigious Murray Davidson Award

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has awarded Robert H. Squires, M.D., director of pediatric hepatology, a program of the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, its 2015 Murray Davidson Award. The award was presented on Oct. 9 at the annual meeting of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) in Washington, D.C.

The award recognizes an outstanding clinician, educator and scientist who has made significant contributions to the field of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition.

“I am humbled that my colleagues consider me to be deserving of an award that includes my heroes in the field of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition,” said Dr. Squires, also professor of pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “While given to an individual, this very special award is a testament to my fortunate encounters with strong mentors, colleagues and patients; and to my wonderfully supportive and accomplished family.”

Dr. Squires is the principal investigator for the multi-center, multi-national National Institutes of Health-sponsored pediatric acute liver failure study group; the site principal investigator for the Childhood Liver Disease Research Network; and was the principal investigator for the Pediatric Intestinal Failure Consortium.

“Dr. Squires embodies the qualities celebrated by the Murray Davidson Award,” said Mark E. Lowe, M.D., Ph.D., director, pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition, Children’s Hospital. “I can't think of a more deserving awardee. We are fortunate to have him helping care for the children of western Pennsylvania.”

Dr. Squires served as chair of the AAP Section on Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and was an executive council member of NASPGHAN. He has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles in major journals, 47 in the past 10 years.

“Dr. Squires is a physician with a stable internal compass that has always directed him to serve the health care needs of children in the broadest sense,” said the director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Children’s Hospital. “He has consistently worked to ensure the best possible clinical care for children, displaying great character while leading the way. It was a privilege to nominate him.”

The Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Children’s is ranked second in the country by U.S. News & World Report’s 2015-16 Best Children’s Hospital specialty ranking for pediatric gastroenterology and GI surgery. The division consists of experts in general clinical pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric hepatology, and a broad range of specialty areas, including abdominal pain, acute and chronic pancreatitis, constipation, diarrhea, eosinophilic disorders, feeding disorders, gastroesophageal reflux and esophagitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, intestinal failure (short-bowel), irritable bowel syndrome, motility disorders, Liver Clinic, liver diseases and transplantation, metabolic disorders affecting the liver or intestines, poor growth, small bowel transplantation and ulcer disease. The division also provides a full range of diagnostic procedures and treatments related to the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas.

For more information on Dr. Squires and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, visit www.chp.edu. 

Andrea Kunicky, 412-692-6254, andrea.kunicky@chp.edu
Marc Lukasiak,  412-692-7919, marc.lukasiak@chp.edu