Nikhil Pai, MD
Areas of expertise: Gastroenterology, Nutrition
About Nikhil Pai, MD
Titles
Attending Physician
Certifications
Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC)
Pediatric Gastroenterology – American Board of Pediatrics
Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition – Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Pediatrics – American Board of Pediatrics
Awards and Honors
2024, Invited Faculty, "First Year Fellows Conference," North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
2023, Stanley J. Dudrick Mid-Career Research Scholar Award, American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
2023, Poster of Distinction, McMaster University Department of Chemistry: Undergraduate Research Day
2022, Invited Participant, Hamilton Health Sciences Physician Leaders Program
2022, Finalist, "Baby Shark Tank," North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
2022, Nominee, Innovation Award, Hamilton Health Sciences
2020, Poster of Distinction, Pediatric Intestinal Failure and Rehabilitation Symposium
2018, Early Career Grant Panelist, Canadian Institutes of Health Research
2018, New Investigator Spotlight, McMaster University Department of Pediatrics: Child Health Research Day
2017, Ontario Innovation Award, Ontario Academic Health Sciences Centre Innovation Fund
2017, Hamilton Health Sciences Storytelling Campaign Profile, Hamilton Health Sciences Public Relations & Communications
2016, Faculty Teaching Award, McMaster University Department of Pediatrics
2016, New Investigator Meeting Travel Funding Award, Canadian Institutes of Health Research
2015, Nutrition University Scholar Travel Award, North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
2014, Basic Science Research Award, Massachusetts General Hospital
2014, Leadership Training Program (Selected Participant), Boston Children's Hospital
2013, Travel Scholarship, Canadian Obesity Network: Annual Conference
2009, Travel Award, Legislative Conference Scholarship, American Academy of Pediatrics
2009, Pediatric CanMEDS Residency Competencies Award, Hospital for Sick Children
2009, Resident Enhancement Fund Award, PAIRO
2007, University Nominee, Canadian Rhodes Scholarship, The Rhodes Trust
2006, Youth Award of Excellence, North American Konkani Association
2005, Graduate Scholarship, Canadian Scholarship Trust Plan
2004, Provincial Finalist, Canadian Rhodes Scholarship, The Rhodes Trust
2003, Culture and Diversity Programming Award, Western University Department of Housing
2003, Global Leadership Award, Goldman Sachs Foundation & Institute of International Education
2002, Academic Excellence Award, Western University Faculty of Science
2002-2004, Dean's Honor List, Western University Faculty of Science
2001, President's Scholarship (Entrance Scholarship), Western University
2001, Entrance Award, McMaster University
2001, Scholarship for Outstanding Community Leadership, TD Bank
2001, Chancellor's Scholarship (Entrance Scholarship), Queen's University
2001, National Scholarship (Entrance Scholarship), Miller Thomson Foundation
2001, National Scholarship (Entrance Scholarship), Canadian Merit Foundation
2001, Millennium Excellence Scholarship (Entrance Scholarship), Government of Canada National Scholarship Foundation
Leadership and Memberships
Memberships in Professional Organizations
International
2002-present, Canadian Children Inflammatory Bowel Disease Network
- Basic and Translational Research Committee
2021-present, Ontario eConsult Program, Consultant
2021-present, Canadian Nutrition Society
- Invited Member, Canadian Malnutrition Task Force, Pediatric Working Group
2021-present, Canadian Children's Intestinal Rehabilitation Network, Founding Co-Chair
2017-present, European Crohn's and Colitis Organization
2014-present, Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
2011-present, North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
- 2023, Grant Reviewer
- 2022-present, Fellow
- 2018-present, Nutrition Committee
- 2016-present, Fecal Microbiota Transplant Special Interest Group
2010-present, Professional Association of Interns and Residents of Ontario
2009-present, Ontario Medical Association, Board of Directors
National
2014-present, American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
2012-present, American Gastroenterological Association
- 2020-present, Leadership Councilor, Obesity, Metabolism and Nutrition Committee
- 2020-2024, Leadership Councilor, Pediatric Gastroenterology & Developmental Biology Committee
Editorial and Academic Positions
Editorial Positions
2024-present, Reviewer, Inflammatory Bowel Disease
2024-present, Reviewer, Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology
2023-present, Associate Editor (Nutrition), Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
Education & training
Medical Degree
MD - McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
Residency
Pediatrics - Hospital for Sick Children (University of Toronto), Toronto, Canada
Fellowship
Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology - Boston Children's Hospital (Harvard Medical School), Boston, MA
Research Fellow, Obesity, Metabolism and Nutrition - Massachusetts General Hospital (Harvard Medical School), Boston, MA
Publications
Publications
2023
Gould MJ, Dowhaniuk J, Arredondo J, Azzopardi P, Hu T, Mileski H, Carpenter A, Pai N, Brill H.: Characteristics of Pediatric Patients With Celiac Disease Identified Due to an Affected First-Degree Family Member. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 76(1): 49-52, Jan 2023.
Furlong W, Rae C, Feeny D, Ghotra S, Breakey VR, Carter T, Pai N, Pullenayegum E, Xie F, Barr R.: Generic Health-Related Quality of Life Utility Measure for Preschool Children (Health Utilities Preschool): Design, Development, and Properties. Value Health 26(2): 251-260, Feb 2023.
2022
Sentongo T, Velez DS, Huynh P, Abdelhadi R, Chan A, Goday P, Karjoo S, Kinberg S, Merritt R, Pai N, Quiros-Tejeira RE, Duro D.: Managing the Impact of Cronobacter sakazakii , the Nemesis of Powdered Formula. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 75(2): 113-115, Aug 2022.
2021
Lemay JA, Yamamoto M, Kroezen Z, Shanmuganathan M, Ly R, Hart L, Pai N, Britz-McKibbin P.: Lyophilized fecal short-chain fatty acid and electrolyte determination by capillary electrophoresis with indirect UV detection for assessment of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. J Pharm Biomed Anal 192: 113658, Jan 2021.
Yamamoto M, Shanmuganathan M, Hart L, Pai N, Britz-McKibbin P.: Urinary Metabolites Enable Differential Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Metabolites 11(4): 245, Apr 2021.
Pai N, Popov J, Hill L, Hartung E, Grzywacz K, Moayyedi P; McMaster Pediatric Fecal Microbiota Transplant Research Collaboration.: Results of the First Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Fecal Microbiota Transplant In Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis: Lessons, Limitations, and Future Prospects. Gastroenterology 161(2): 388-393.e3, Aug 2021.
Quirt J, Belza C, Pai N, Clause RF, Markovic F, Wong-Sterling S, Avitzur Y, Wales PW.: Reduction of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections and Line Occlusions in Pediatric Intestinal Failure Patients Receiving Long-Term Parenteral Nutrition Using an Alternative Locking Solution, 4% Tetrasodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 45(6): 1286-92, Aug 2021.
Popov J, Caputi V, Nandeesha N, Rodriguez DA, Pai N.: Microbiota-Immune Interactions in Ulcerative Colitis and Colitis Associated Cancer and Emerging Microbiota-Based Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 22(21): 11365, Oct 2021.
Popov J, Hartung E, Hill L, Chauhan U, Pai N.: Pediatric Patient and Parent Perceptions of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 73(6): 684-688, Dec 2021.
2020
Hart L, Farbod Y, Szamosi JC, Yamamoto M, Britz-McKibbin P, Halgren C, Zachos M, Pai N.: Effect of Exclusive Enteral Nutrition and Corticosteroid Induction Therapy on the Gut Microbiota of Pediatric Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Nutrients 12(6): 1691, Jun 2020.
Popov J, Bandura J, Markovic F, Borojevic R, Anipindi VC, Pai N, Ratcliffe EM.: Influence of bacterial components on the developmental programming of enteric neurons. Physiol Rep 8(21): e14611, Nov 2020.
2019
Pai N, Popov J, Hill L, Hartung E.: Protocol for a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled pilot study for assessing the feasibility and efficacy of faecal microbiota transplant in a paediatric Crohn's disease population: PediCRaFT Trial. BMJ Open 9(11): e030120, Nov 2019.
2018
Hart L, Farbod Y, Halgren C, Mbuagbaw L, Zachos M, Pai N.: Measuring quality of life and disease activity in pediatric patients receiving induction therapy of exclusive enteral nutrition or corticosteroids for active inflammatory bowel disease. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol. 1(suppl_1): 264-265, Feb 2018 Notes: https://doi.org/10.1093/jcag/gwy008.154.
Popov J, Baldawi M, Mbuagbaw L, Gould M, Mileski H, Brill H, Pai N.: Iron Status in Pediatric Celiac Disease: A Retrospective Chart Review. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 66(4): 651-653, Apr 2018.
Cohen-Silver J, Adams S, Agrawal R, Birken C, Cohen E, Dougherty G, Houtrow A, Jegathesan T, Kandasamy S, Muskat B, Pai N, Maguire JL.: Development of the Pediatric Social Risk Instrument Using a Structured Panel Approach. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 57(12): 1414-22, Oct 2018.
2017
Duffett M, Choong K, Foster J, Gilfoyle E, Lacroix J, Pai N, Thabane L, Cook DJ; Canadian Critical Care Trials Group.: Pediatric intensive care stress ulcer prevention (PIC-UP): a protocol for a pilot randomized trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud 3(5): 26, May 2017.
Duffett M, Choong K, Foster J, Gilfoyle E, Lacroix J, Pai N, Thabane L, Cook DJ; Canadian Critical Care Trials Group.: Erratum to: Pediatric intensive care stress ulcer prevention (PIC-UP): a protocol for a pilot randomized trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud 3(8): 33, Aug 2017.
Pai N, Popov J.: Protocol for a randomised, placebo-controlled pilot study for assessing feasibility and efficacy of faecal microbiota transplantation in a paediatric ulcerative colitis population: PediFETCh trial. BMJ Open 7(8): e016698, Aug 2017.
2016
Brill H, Dowhaniuk J, Cheng J, Pai N, Mileski H, Tutelman P, Saab J.: Assessment of Gluten Exposures in Children with Celiac Disease. Paediatr Child Health. 21(Suppl 5): e73a-e74, Jun 2016 Notes: doi: 10.1093/pch/21.supp5.e73a.
Gould M, Dowhaniuk J, Arredondo J, Cheng J, Azzopardi P, Hu T, Mileski H, Carpenter A, Pai N, Brill H.: Clinical and Serologic Patterns in a Large Canadian Paediatric Cohort with Celiac Disease, At Presentation and Follow-Up. Paediatr Child Health 21(Suppl_5): e73, Jum 2016 Notes: https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/21.supp5.e73.
2011
Bismilla Z, Breakey VR, Swales J, Kulik DM, Pai N, Singh N, Parshuram CS.: Prospective evaluation of residents on call: before and after duty-hour reduction. Pediatrics 127(6): 1080-7, Jun 2011.
2008
Athale U, Siciliano S, Thabane L, Pai N, Cox S, Lathia A, Khan A, Armstrong A, Chan AK.: Epidemiology and clinical risk factors predisposing to thromboembolism in children with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 51(6): 792-7, Dec 2008.
Abstracts (includes Posters and Scientific Presentations)
2023
Carly B, Fariha C, Marshall D, MacDonald K, DeBruyn J, Huynh H, Otley A, Pai N : Caregiver treatment preferences in a pediatric inflammatory bowel disease population: Interim recruitment analysis from a national multicentre study McMaster Department of Pediatrics Child Health Research Day (CHRD), Hamilton, Canada Apr 2023 Notes: Poster.
Hulst JM, Tul-Noor Z, Bandsma RHJ, Carter L, Fleming-Carroll B, Gramlich L, Hutchison K, Huysentruyt K, Kalnins D, Marchand V, Martinez A, Pai N, Vachon M, Brunet-Wood K: Development of the Pediatric Nutrition Integrated Pathway for Acute Care (P-INPAC) using a modified Delphi technique. American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Annual Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada Apr 2023 Notes: Poster.
Kandappa S, Morin S, Byra MM, Issenman R, Zachos M, Sherlock M, Pai N, Brackenridge E, Timmons BW, Obeid J: Examining the association between TNF- levels and physical activity in children with inflammatory bowel disease. McMaster Department of Pediatrics Child Health Research Day (CHRD), Hamilton, Canada Apr 2023 Notes: Poster.
Shah N, Chowdhury F, Tiessen S, Caminero A, Hart L, Pai N: Exploring relationships between microbial metabolism and nutritional therapy in pediatric Crohn's disease: Protocol for a longitudinal pilot study. McMaster Department of Pediatrics Child Health Research Day (CHRD), Hamilton, Canada Apr 2023 Notes: Poster.
Karimi S, Singh D, Joharapurkar P, Pai N, Bhatt M: Incidence, Risk Factors, Management and Outcomes of Pediatric Patients with Intestinal Failure on Long-term Total Parenteral Nutrition: A Systematic Review. Bachelor of Health Sciences Poster Day, Hamilton, Ontario May 2023 Notes: Poster.
Morin S, Brackenridge E, King-Dowling S, Hill L, Issenman R, Pai N, Samiee-Zafarghandy S, Sherlock M, Zachos M, Obeid J : Exploring the relationship between physical activity and biological therapy in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Ontario Exercise Physiology Conference, Toronto, Ontario Jun 2023 Notes: Poster.
2022
Figueiredo M, Cheveldayoff P, Chowdhury F, Shah N, Burow C, Nguyen N, Talbo M, Jamasi R, Katz A, Pasquale C, Pai N, Hill L: Considerations for occupational heat exposure: A literature review. University of Toronto Medical Student Research Day (MSRD), Toronto, Canada Feb 2022.
Baskaran K, Shanmuganathan M, Moshkovich M, Yamamoto M, Britz-McKibbin P, Pai N, Hart L: The use of urine metabolomics to differentiate pediatric ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and functional gastrointestinal disorders: The NEAT Study (DiagNosing GastrointEstinal DiseAses Through Urine). Digestive Disease Week San Diego, CA Apr 2022.
The impact of a multidisciplinary adolescent and young adult (AYA) inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) clinic on no-show rates: Sharma R, Halder S, Zachos M, Radoja C, Grant C, Chauhan C, Brackenridge E, Issenman B, Sherlock M, Dowhaniuk J, Pai N, Brill H, Ratcliffe E, Narula N, Marshall JK, Prowse K. McMaster Department of Pediatrics Child Health Research Day (CHRD), Hamilton, Canada Apr 2022 Notes: Poster.
Da Silva K, Haliburton B, Afzal N, Bannister L, Beaulieu J, Fleming-Carroll B, Kalnins D, Mahant S, Morra A, McEwan S, Hulst J, Pai N: Malnutrition care in hospitalized pediatric inpatients: comparing perceptions and experiences across two major pediatric academic health sciences centres. Canadian Nutrition Society (CNS) Annual Conference, Ottawa, Canada May 2022.
De Lange A, Da Silva K, Owens J, Pai N: Hospitalized malnutrition care at a pediatric tertiary care centre: perceptions and experiences from McMaster Children's Hospital. Canadian Nutrition Society (CNS) Annual Conference, Ottawa, Canada May 2022 Notes: Poster.
Khan MS, Aloitabi S, Macri J, Pai N, Armstrong D, Pinto-Sanchez MI: Increased prevalence of elevated serum chromium levels in celiac disease and non-celiac populations from Hamilton Health Sciences. Canadian Nutrition Society (CNS) Annual Conference, Ottawa, Canada May 2022.
Joharapurkar P, Clause RF, Mileski H, Turner S, Pai N: A data-driven predictive analytics framework for analysis of prognostic factors and health outcomes in pediatric intestinal failure patients. 29th International Congress of The Transplantation Society (TTS), Buenos Aires, Argentina Sep 2022 Notes: Poster.
Baskaran K, Hart L, Shanmuganathan M, Moshkovich M, Yamamoto M, Britz-McKibbin P, Pai N: The use of urine metabolomics to differentiate pediatric ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and functional gastrointestinal disorders: The NEAT Study (DiagNosing GastrointEstinal DiseAses Through Urine. North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Annual Conference, Orlando, FL Oct 2022 Notes: Poster.
Joharapurkar P, Clause RF, Mileski H, Turner S, Pai N : A data-driven predictive analytics framework for the analysis of prognostic factors and health outcomes in paediatric intestinal failure patients. Pediatric Intestinal Failure and Rehabilitation Symposium (PIFRS), Toronto, Canada Oct 2022 Notes: Poster.
2021
Moshkovich M, Figueiredo M, Hartung E, Hill L, Popov J, Pai N. : Gastrointestinal symptoms, comorbidities and outcomes of COVID-19 Patients presenting to hospital with COVID-19 infection McMaster University Bachelor of Health Sciences Research Day, Hamilton, Canada Apr 2021 Notes: Poster.
Lectures by Invitation
2023
Pai N. "Healthcare Disparities: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Children", Ontario Innovation Fund Provincial Oversight Committee (IFPOC): Innovation Fund Showcase, Toronto, Ontario. Nov, 2023.
Pai N. "Urine Metabolites Accurately Differentiate Between Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis, Pediatric Crohn's Disease and Non-IBD Gastrointestinal Disorders," (Oral Abstract; Presenter: Kanish Baskaran), North American Society For Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition Annual Conference, San Diego, CA. Oct, 2023.
Pai N. "Cow's Milk Protein Allergy: From Diagnosis to Management", Canadian Pediatric Society Annual Conference, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Apr, 2023.
Pai N. "Management of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): West Perspective SIBO in Children: East and West Perspectives," North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition- NASPGHAN-Asian Pan-Pacific Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Joint Webinar, Bangkok, Thailand. Apr, 2023.
Pai N. "Role of the Microbiome in Short Bowel Syndrome: Therapeutic and Diagnostic Implications for Practice," Annual Dudrick Symposium: Nutrition Innovation in Pediatric Intestinal Failure, American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition National Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada. Apr, 2023.
Pai N. "Microbiota transplantation in children: Present and future possibilities," Manipulation of the Microbiota in Digestive Pathology, XXIX Congress of the Spanish Society of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Pediatric Nutrition, Córdoba, Spain. Apr, 2023.
Pai N. "Tackling Pediatric Malnutrition in Hospitals," Canadian Malnutrition Task Force: Pediatric Working Group, Canadian Nutrition Society, Webinar. Mar, 2023.
Pai N. "Therapeutic and Diagnostic Implications of the Gut Microbiome in Pediatric Intestinal Failure," Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Grand Rounds, Cincinnati, Ohio. Mar, 2023.
Pai N. "Intestinal Microbiome in short Bowel Syndrome: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Opportunities," Grand Rounds, Boston Children's Hospital, Division of GI, Hepatology and Nutrition, Boston, Massachusetts. Mar, 2023.
Pai N. "Intestinal Microbiome in Short Bowel Syndrome: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Opportunities, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of GI, Hepatology and Nutrition Clinical Case Conference, Philadelphia, PA. Feb, 2023.
Pai N. "Role of the Microbiome in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease," Nutrition Seminar, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of GI, Hepatology and Nutrition, Philadelphia, PA. Feb, 2023.
Pai N. "Zinc Supplementation: Considerations and Management in the Growing Neonate," Abbott Health Nutrition Institute: NEO Forefronts Exchange Forum, Toronto, Ontario. Jan 2023.
Pai N. "Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders, Hepatology and Nutrition," Annual Canadian Pediatric Review Program, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Review Course/Lecturer, Hamilton, Ontario. Jan 2023.
2022
Pai N. "Stream Diagnostics: Diagnosing IBD Through One Drop of Pee," Technology and the Future of Pediatric Gastroenterology," Baby Shark Tank Competition, North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Annual Conference, Orlando, Florida. Ocr 2022.
Pai N. "A Data-Driven Predictive Analytics Framework for the Analysis of Prognostic Factors and Health Outcomes in Pediatric Intestinal Failure Patients," Annual International Congress, The Transplantation Society, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Sept 2022.
Pai N. "Host Microbiota Interactions in Short Bowel Syndrome", LIFT-ECHO Webinar Series, Learn Intestinal Failure TeleECHO, Webinar. Aug 2022.
Pai N. "The Neonatal Intestinal Microbiome: Origins and Outcomes", 24th Annual Congress of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and European Federation of Laboratory Medicine, Munich, Germany. Jun 2022.
Pai N. "Defining Nutritional Management Goals in Pediatric Complex Care," Hospital for Sick Children: Division of Complex Care (Pediatric Project ECHO: Complex Care), Toronto, Canada. Jan 2022.
Pai N. "Malnutrition Care in Hospitalized Pediatric Inpatients: Comparing Perceptions and Experiences Across Two Major Pediatric Academic Health Sciences Centres", Canadian Nutrition Society Annual Conference, Ottawa, Ontario. Jan 2022.
Pai N. "The Gut Microbiome in Intestinal Failure: Opportunities and Considerations for Practice," Canadian Children's Intestinal Rehabilitation Network (C-CIRN), Webinar. Jan 2022.
Pai N. "Overcoming Challenges in Home Parenteral Nutrition Management: Unique Challenges of Pediatric Patients and Parents," Takeda Annual Business Meeting, Toronto, Ontario. Jan 2022.
Pai N. "Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders, Hepatology and Nutrition," Annual Canadian Pediatric Review Program, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Review Course/Lecturer, Hamilton, Ontario. Jan 2022.
2021
Pai N. "Clinical and Nutritional Management of Paediatric Intestinal Failure", Canadian Nutrition Society Annual Conference, Edmonton, Canada. May 2021.
Pai N. "Results of the First Paediatric Randomized-Controlled Trial of Fecal Microbiota Transplant for Ulcerative Colitis", Digestive Disease Week (DDW) Annual Conference, Chicago, Illinois. May 2021.
Pai N. "Paediatric Malnutrition Identification, Management, and Multidisciplinary Care," Canadian Malnutrition Week Webinar Series, Canadian Nutrition Society, Webinar. May 2021.
Pai N. "Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders, Hepatology and Nutrition," Annual Canadian Pediatric Review Program, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Review Course/Lecturer, Hamilton, Ontario. Jan 2021.