Saskia Vande Velde | Pediatric Gastroenterology | Best Scholar Award

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Prof. Dr. Saskia Vande Velde | Pediatric Gastroenterology | Best Scholar Award

Prof. Dr. Saskia Vande Velde, Ghent University Hospital, Belgiu

Prof. Dr. Saskia Vande Velde is a distinguished pediatrician specializing in pediatric gastroenterology at UZ Gent. She earned her MD from Ghent University in 2002 and completed specialist training in pediatrics and pediatric gastroenterology in Belgium and France. In 2013, she earned her PhD with research on faecal incontinence in spina bifida patients. Since 2020, she has led the pediatric gastroenterology department at UZ Gent and serves as associate professor (ZAP) at UGent. Dr. Vande Velde is an editorial board member, ESPGHAN workgroup member, and a prolific author in pediatric nutrition, motility, and hepatology. 🌍📚

Publication Profile

Scopus

🎓 Academic & Professional Journey

Prof. Dr. Saskia Vande Velde has an extensive academic and clinical background in pediatrics and pediatric gastroenterology 👩‍⚕️. She began her studies in mathematics and sciences at Sint-Andreasinstituut, Brugge (1988–1994), followed by a medical degree at Ghent University, graduating with distinction in 2002 🎓. She specialized in pediatrics (2002–2007) and neonatology, later training in pediatric gastroenterology in Lille, France 🇫🇷. She earned a DIU in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition in Paris (2008) and completed a PhD on faecal incontinence in spina bifida patients in 2013 📘. She became Head of Pediatric Gastroenterology in December 2020 and a faculty member at Ghent University 👩‍🏫

🏛️ Organizational Roles & Contributions

Prof. Dr. Saskia Vande Velde plays a pivotal role in numerous national and international organizations 🌍. She is a member of BeSPGHAN, VVK, ESPGHAN, and active in ESPGHAN’s EoE and EA workgroups, as well as ERNiCA 🤝. She has served as LOK chair (2009–2024), vice-chair of BeSPGHAN (since 2019), and editorial co-editor for Acta GastroEnterologica Belgica since 2023 📚. Her educational contributions include mentoring medical students, coordinating pediatric gastroenterology courses, and leading junior internship programs at Ghent University 🏫. She also served the Flemish Coeliac Association’s Medical Advisory Board and community outreach groups 💡

Awards

In February 2011, a notable achievement was recognized with the BeSPGHAN Prize 🏅 for a groundbreaking clinical approach in pediatric gastroenterology. The award-winning project focused on achieving anal pseudo-continence through colonic irrigations in patients with spina bifida 🧠🦴. This innovative method significantly improved the quality of life and dignity for affected children, offering a non-surgical, manageable solution to a complex condition. The success of this technique highlighted the importance of individualized, compassionate care and interdisciplinary collaboration 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️. The recognition by BeSPGHAN (British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) underscored its impact in advancing pediatric gastrointestinal treatment.

Research Focus

Prof. Dr. Saskia Vande Velde’s research centers on pediatric gastroenterology with a focus on gastrointestinal disorders in children, including eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) 🧬, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) 🦠, neonatal cholestasis , and rare metabolic syndromes such as FARSA deficiency 🧪. Her work emphasizes diagnostic validation tools, such as the Toronto GI Cleaning Score 📊, microbiota-modulating therapies like human milk oligosaccharides , and genetic lipid disorders. She collaborates on multicenter studies across Europe and contributes significantly to ESPGHAN guidelines 📘. Her research bridges clinical care, molecular diagnostics, and translational pediatric hepatogastroenterology

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Saskia Vande Velde clearly demonstrates a distinguished academic, research, and leadership profile. Her international publications, clinical expertise, academic contributions, and community involvement make her an excellent candidate for the Research for Best Scholar Award.

Publication Top Notes

  • Validation of the Toronto Upper Gastrointestinal Cleaning Score in Children
    📅 2025 | 📄 Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 
    🔍 Validated a scoring system for assessing upper GI mucosa visualization in pediatric patients.

  • Neonatal Cholestasis Progressing to a Multisystem Syndrome With Liver Cirrhosis in Two Siblings With FARSA Deficiency
    📅 2025 | 📄 JIMD Reports 
    🧬 First report of two siblings with FARSA deficiency leading to severe liver disease.

  • A Case of Paediatric Seasonal Eosinophilic Oesophagitis
    📅 2024 | 📄 Acta Gastroenterologica Belgica 
    🌼 Detailed a pediatric case of EoE with seasonal allergen triggers.

  • Bifidogenic Effect of Human Milk Oligosaccharides on Pediatric IBD Fecal Microbiota
    📅 2024 | 📄 Microorganisms
    🍼 Explored how HMOs positively influence gut microbiota in pediatric IBD.

  • Diagnosis and Management of Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children: An ESPGHAN Update
    📅 2024 | 📄 Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition | 📊 20 citations
    📘 Provided updated guidelines for diagnosing and managing pediatric EoE.

  • Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome: A Novel Mutation in the Lipoprotein Lipase Gene
    📅 2024 | 📄 Acta Gastroenterologica Belgica
    🧬 Identified a new LPL gene mutation causing severe hypertriglyceridemia.

  • Fatigue and Physical Activity Patterns in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
    📅 2023 | 📄 Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition | 📊 2 citations
    🏃 Analyzed fatigue and activity levels in children with IBD.