GI Blues: Scoping Down Memory Lane with Professor Emeritus Ian Sanderson

In this episode of THE pIBD DIGEST, we’re joined by Prof Emeritus Ian Sanderson — a true legend in paediatric gastroenterology. His pioneering work has shaped how we treat paediatric IBD today, including the widespread use of exclusive enteral nutrition. Through his work with BSPGHAN, he also helped bring structure to specialist GRID training in the UK—so many of us quite literally have him to thank for how we learned the ropes. Beyond the CV, Ian is known across paediatric GI circles as one of the kindest people you’ll meet. And, much to the envy of us mere mortals, he also speaks six languages and writes poetry—clearly some people were given more than their fair share of talents. We take a nostalgic dive into how things used to be—training, treatments, and the “good old days”—before finishing on a high note with Ian reciting his own poetry in Italian. Education, nostalgia, and unexpected poetry? Bellissimo.