HMS NCA Webinar Series
Virtual events co-hosted by the HMS Celiac Research Program and the National Celiac Association
Below you will find recordings of past events co-hosted by the Harvard Medical School Celiac Disease Research Program and the National Celiac Association. Additional live and on-demand webinars will be available in Fall 2021.
To register for upcoming events, please visit the Upcoming Educational Events page.
Advancing Celiac Research Through Patient Participation and Industry Partnership
Recorded September 2022
Patients, clinicians, scientists and industry partners all contribute to the research effort to find treatment alternatives to the gluten-free diet. Speakers will present the latest research and talk about the importance of patient participation in clinical trials.
Daniel Leffler, MD, MS, AGAF, gastroenterologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and senior medical director at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, will join Francisco Leon, MD, PhD, chief scientific officer and co-founder of Provention Bio, to present a research update on emerging technologies to diagnose and monitor celiac disease and alternative treatments in their experimental stages. Jocelyn Silvester, MD, PhD, pediatric gastroenterologist at Boston Children’s Hospital, will talk about the use of gluten in clinical trials.
Lee Graham, executive director of the National Celiac Association, will introduce the webinar, which will be moderated by Alessio Fasano, MD, pediatric gastroenterologist and director of the Center for Celiac Research and Treatment at Mass General for Children.
Please note: This is an educational webinar, and no information is intended for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Please seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Elite and Everyday Athletes with Celiac Disease: Eating for Fitness at All Ages
Recorded May 2022
Join the National Celiac Association (NCA) and the Harvard Medical School Celiac Research Program for the fourth webinar in our Spring 2022 “All Things Celiac” series. Speakers will present on selected topics for 60 minutes, followed by 15 minutes for Q&A, on Thursday, May 19, 2022, from 1- 2:15 pm ET.
Whether you’re an elite athlete, a weekend competitor, or you enjoy an evening stroll, leading an active healthy life is important for everyone, including those with celiac disease. Join board-certified sports dietitian Mary Ellen Kelly, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, and Tara McCarthy, MS, RDN, LD, Clinical Nutrition Supervisor at the Celiac Disease Program at Boston Children’s Hospital, as they talk about fueling our bodies throughout the day and eating the right foods to sustain us through physical activity. Concerning signs of celiac disease in pediatric patients, such as repeat injuries, fractures, and low bone density, will be addressed. Caroline Johnson, a Division 1 distance runner at Lafayette University living with celiac disease, will share her experience managing the gluten-free diet while competing at the college level.
Aging Well with Celiac Disease
Recorded April 2022
The Harvard Medical School Celiac Research Program and National Celiac Association’s (NCA) third webinar in the Spring 2022 “All Things Celiac” series was held on Thursday, April 14, 2022, from 1- 2:15 pm ET.
What are the specific medical needs and concerns of a person living with celiac disease as they age? What nutritional deficiencies are more common in the older adult and how can we address them? How shall we approach long-term care for the best outcome? Joseph Murray, MD, expert celiac gastroenterologist and Professor of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, and Katarina Mollo, MEd, RD, LDN, Director of Education for the National Celiac Association delved into critical questions that affect each and every person living with celiac disease.
Lee Graham, executive director of the NCA, introduced the webinar, and Ciarán P. Kelly, MD, Director of the Celiac Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, moderated the session. A Q&A session followed the presentations.
Living with COVID-19: Celiac Disease, Autoimmunity, and Hyperinflammation
Recorded March 2022
Will the pandemic ever end? And what are the long-term effects (if any) for someone living with celiac disease or another autoimmune disorder? What COVID-19 treatments are safe for people with celiac disease and are all masks safe for people with gluten-related disorders?
Two expert authors and clinicians with decades of experience answered new questions about COVID-19, celiac disease and autoimmunity: Alessio Fasano, MD, Director of the Center for Celiac Research and Treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts; and Dr. Steven Plogsted, BS, PharmD, BCNSP, CNSC, FASPEN, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist (retired) at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
Lee Graham, executive director of the NCA, introduced the webinar, and Dan Leffler, MD, MS, a gastroenterologist and co-founder of the Celiac Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, moderated the session. A Q&A session followed the presentations.
Celiac Disease and Your Reproductive Health
Recorded February 2022
Are you pregnant, thinking about starting a family, or caring for an infant? Check out the recording from the National Celiac Association (NCA) and the Harvard Medical School Celiac Research Program’s first webinar in our Spring 2022 “All Things Celiac” series. Speakers presented on selected topics for 60 minutes, followed by 15 minutes for Q&A, on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 1:00 pm ET. How does celiac disease—treated or untreated—affect the reproductive health of both women and men? Fertility, pregnancy, and childbirth are some of the topics that were addressed by Maureen Leonard, MD, from the Center for Celiac Research and Treatment, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Amelie Therrien, MD, and Marcela Banegas, MD, from the Celiac Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). They reviewed the latest data on celiac-related symptoms and the impact on the quality of life in patients with celiac disease during pregnancy and how genetics might contribute to the development of celiac disease. Lee Graham, executive director of the NCA, introduced the webinar, and Dascha Weir, MD, Clinical Director of the Celiac Disease Program at Boston Children’s Hospital, moderated the session.
Open Mic: Ask the Docs and Dietitian
Recorded December 2021
In this special Q&A webinar, experts spent 75 minutes answering your general questions on celiac disease and gluten-related disorders. The webinar was held on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, from 1:00 to 2:15 pm ET.
Our expert speaker panel included Denis Chang, MD, pediatric gastroenterologist in the Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Boston Children’s Hospital; Rupa Mukherjee, MD, attending gastroenterologist in the Celiac Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; and Pam Cureton, RD, LDN, registered dietitian with the Center for Celiac Research and Treatment at MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC) and the University of Maryland. Lee Graham, executive director of the NCA, introduced the webinar, and Mark Salvatore, MD, pediatric gastroenterologist at MGHfC, moderated the session.
Beginnings and Endings: Gluten-Free Holiday Appetizers and Desserts
Recorded November 2021
On November 17, 2021, Executive Chef Denise Herrera from Burtons Grill & Bar and Lee Graham, Executive Director of the National Celiac Association, cooked up some new gluten-free holiday favorites. The theme was Beginning and Endings, with starters of butternut squash soup topped with rum buttercream and chives, an antipasti board, and smoked trout dip with homemade crackers. Featured desserts were butterscotch pudding with cookies and chocolate whoopie pies with raspberry cream. Suggestions included substitutions for lactose-free and other dietary needs.
Dermatology and Celiac Disease: Did Gluten Cause this Rash?
Recorded October 2021
A range of dermatological features have been associated with celiac disease and gluten-related disorders, including Dermatitis Herpetiformis, eczema and psoriasis, to name a few. Attendees learned about the connection between the largest organ in our body and celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity in children and adults. “Celiac Disease and Your Skin” was presented by Channi Silence, MS, a research fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital under the mentorship of Shadi Kourosh, MD, MPH, board certified dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Kourosh answered the Q & A along with Sophie Delano, MD, Instructor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School, who presented “Recognizing & Treating Cutaneous Symptoms of Pediatric Celiac Disease.”
From the Experts: The Intersection of Celiac Disease and Neurology
Recorded September 2021
A range of neurological and neuropsychological features have been associated with celiac disease, including headaches, ataxia (coordination problems), peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling or pain from nerve damage), cognitive challenges and “brain fog,” to name a few. Samuel Frank, MD, a neurologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Associate Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, and Benny Kerzner, MD, medical director of the Celiac Disease Program at Children’s National Hospital, led this discussion. Viewers will learn about the connection between our nervous system and celiac disease in pediatric and adult patients, as well as non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
“Research Roundup: Promising Novel Therapies for Celiac Disease”
Recording from May 2021
Can we move beyond the gluten-free diet? Tune in to the National Celiac Association (NCA) and the Harvard Medical School Celiac Research Program for the final webinar in our spring 2021 “All Things Celiac” series. Speakers presented on selected topics for 60 minutes, followed by 15 minutes for Q&A, on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 1:00pm ET. Three expert gastroenterologists demystified the complexities of clinical drug trials in gastrointestinal diseases and present the latest research in medical therapies for celiac disease. Jocelyn Silvester, MD, PhD, from Boston Children’s Hospital; Amelie Therrien, MD, from the Celiac Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC); and Alessio Fasano, MD, from the Center for Celiac Research and Treatment, Massachusetts General Hospital, will include highlights on current research for evidence-based medical treatments for celiac disease.
Gluten-Free Farm to Table: Delicious, Nutritious and Affordable Options for Whole Food
Recording from April 2021
Straight from a farm’s greenhouse on Cape Cod, registered dietitian Nicole Cormier introduced us to this spring’s highlighted seasonal produce found at your local farmers’ markets along with simple, unique ways to prepare them. Nicole shared how local and seasonally grown food benefits your own microbiome and our environment and how to create your own kitchen or outdoor herb garden featuring easy to grow medicinal and culinary herbs. Chef and former food editor of Bon Appétit, Kristine Kidd demonstrated easy cooking techniques for three delicious and nutrient-rich grains, enhanced with vegetables, fruits, and herbs that add diversity and flavor to the gluten-free diet. After learning these simple techniques, you’ll be cooking an endless variety of easy, elegant and gluten-free meals with the confidence of a backyard garden gourmet chef. Lee Graham, Executive Director of the National Celiac Association, introduced the webinar and Melinda Dennis, MS, RDN, LD, Nutrition Coordinator of the Celiac Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, moderated the session.
View Nicole Cormier, RD, LDN’s recipes here
Get the Facts on COVID-19 Vaccines and Celiac Disease
Recording from March 2021
Addressing the COVID-19 pandemic requires understanding variations in the human immune system, how different groups are affected by the virus, and how we can leverage science to develop targeted vaccines to protect us. Dr. Ofer Levy, Director of the Precisions Vaccine Program in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Boston Children’s Hospital, and Dr. Lael Yonker, pediatric pulmonologist and co-founder of the Pediatric COVID-19 Biorepository at Massachusetts General Hospital, led the discussion to help attendees understand what is known about the COVID-19 virus today and how new developments will help to contain community spread of the virus.
More Than Celiac Disease: Managing Multiple Autoimmune Conditions
Recording from February 2021
Managing celiac disease presents unique medical, emotional and social challenges; having more than one autoimmune disease in an individual or family requires additional coping skills. Dr. Edwin Liu, Director of the Colorado Center for Celiac Disease, and Janis Arnold, MSW, LICSW, licensed social worker at Boston Children’s Hospital presented a compelling session on science and social support.
A New Perspective: The Psychology of Dealing with a Chronic Disease
Recording from December 2020
Optimum health for people with celiac disease includes good mental health. Sarah Ballou, PhD, director of Gastrointestinal Psychology Services at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, discussed what is known and still unknown about mental health conditions among children and adults with celiac disease and how celiac disease affects health-related quality of life at diagnosis and after starting the gluten-free diet. Mary Shull, MD, pediatric gastroenterologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado, shared how gastrointestinal psychology treatment, including cognitive behavioral therapy, is used in celiac disease as well as hands-on breathing techniques that can help common gastrointestinal symptoms.
How Good Nutrition Feeds Our Bodies and Minds
Recording from November 2020
Celiac disease dietitians Tara McCarthy, MS, RDN, LDN, of Boston Children’s Hospital; Pam Cureton, RDN, LDN, of Massachusetts General Hospital; and Melinda Dennis, MS, RDN, LDN, of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center showcased the nuances of gluten-free food labeling and highlighted important nutrients, explained how to optimize the gluten-free diet when faced with other food restrictions, and shared tips on how to enhance your diet and lifestyle for optimal digestion and health.
Cooking Gluten Free with Demonstrations and Holiday Inspirations
Recording from October 2020
Denise Herrera, Executive Chef and VP of Food and Beverage for Burtons Grill and Bar, shared cooking skills and tips on using gluten-free bread products to create holiday food favorites, including crab-stuffed mushrooms, versatile soup stock and herbed croutons, holiday gravy, and bread pudding. Lee Graham, Executive Director of NCA, co-hosted with Chef Herrera.
From the Experts: Latest Guidance on COVID-19 and Celiac Disease
Recorded September 2020
Dr. Jonathan Li, director of the Harvard University Virology Specialty Laboratory, presented “An Update on the COVID-19 Pandemic” and Dr. Alessio Fasano, director of the Center for Celiac Research and Treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital presented “Impact of COVID-19 on Celiac Patients.” The Q&A moderator was Dr. Alan Leichtner, director of the Celiac Disease Research Program at Boston Children’s Hospital.