Indian Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology (ISPAE) aims to promote greater knowledge, research, education and clinical practice of Pediatric Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, especially as relevant to India.
The Pediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology Chapter of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics was formed in 1987 by the founder chairperson Dr Meena Desai, BJ Wadia Children’s Hospital, Mumbai. With Dr Prisca Colaco as honorary secretary, Dr Desai was instrumental in giving shape to this fledgling specialty, the Chapter providing the focal point for meetings and exchange of ideas and information. Dr PSN Menon, at AIIMS, Delhi, and Dr P Raghupathy, at CMC Vellore, joined hands with them to nurture the specialty and push it along during its formative years. Some adult endocrinologists developed a special interest in pediatric endocrinology, some pediatricians got endocrinology training and degrees, and some pediatric endocrinologists trained overseas returned home to India. Thus the group grew to greater strength each year. In 1996, our Newsletter CAPE NEWS was started by then Chair Dr Menon and honorary Secretary Dr Anju Virmani, and has continued uninterrupted with 3 issues a year, since then, under her able editorship. It served as the only means of communication amongst the fraternity, until the age of email and internet.
In 2001, the first pediatric endocrinology training course was started in the country, soon to be joined by 3 more programs by 2010. Young pediatric endocrinologists passing out from these programs have continued to work in the specialty, leading to our current membership of nearly 300 life and associate life members. The Society acquired separate registration under the Registrar of Societies, in 2007, and this website. In addition to our Biennial Conference and the 3 day residential training program PET (pediatric endocrinology training program) held back-to-back with the biennial conference, our members conduct many local and regional meetings. ISPAE has brought out a book of practical Guidelines for the management of childhood diabetes, and popularizes Growth Charts, Orchidometers and mini Stadiometers. It supports charitable initiatives by its members and has recently started a Travel Award / Observership Award for young pediatricians. ISPAE works with national and international organizations (IAP, Endocrine Society of India, APPES, EPSE, among others) to further the cause of pediatric endocrinology in the country.
