Monday, April 13, 2026, 12pm-1pm

Expanding the Evidence-Base in Pediatrics: When Can/Should We Use Observational Designs?

Randomized trials are challenging and costly to conduct in children. The emergence of large administrative, claims, and EHR databases has created avenues for alternative approaches to prospective trials. This session will review common pitfalls in “big data” investigations and focus specifically on the rationale for and methodology of target trial emulation.

Presenter(s):

Manisha Desai, PhD, Kim and Ping Li Professor of Medicine, of Biomedical Data Science and, by courtesy, of Epidemiology and Population Health; Director of Quantitative Sciences Unit (QSU)

Michelle Odden, PhD, Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Population Health

Monday, May 11, 2026, 12pm-1pm

From Placentation to Bio-Age: Unraveling the Genetic and Cardiovascular Roots of Maternal Outcomes

This presentation will highlight how placental genetics, maternal cardiovascular health, and biological aging converge to shape pregnancy outcomes. From pioneering studies in trophoblast biology and metabolic profiling to advancing knowledge on congenital heart disease in pregnancy, the work underscores how biological clocks may redefine maternal risk and resilience. Alongside the science, Dr. Katherine Bianco will share reflections on navigating a career in academic medicine as a woman physician-scientist, and the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and vision in shaping the future of maternal health research. 

Presenter:

Katherine Bianco, MD, FACOG/FACMMG

Monday, March 9, 2026, 12pm-1pm

The Trial Innovation Network (TIN) and Why You Should Know About It

The TIN is a network connecting over 60 academic medical institutions with centers for research and recruitment innovation & excellence. It provides support for clinical research that takes place at more than one site or have decentralized elements. In this presentation we will review the different resources and expertise available to Stanford investigators and show how to utilize them.  Attendees will also have an opportunity to interact with Stanford faculty who have utilized these resources in past.

Presenters:

Maya Berdichesky, DMD

Laura Simons, PhD