Show-Me State Times

Saint Louis University physician Ajay Jain, M.D., has been named the next president of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN). The announcement was made on June 4, with Jain set to lead ASPEN's Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 term.

Jain expressed his commitment to patient care and innovation in his new role. "My focus is to provide the best possible care to patients through relentless clinical and research innovation and facilitate the next generation of leaders," he stated. He also acknowledged ASPEN's significant influence on his career, highlighting their work in developing nutrition guidelines, conducting research, and educating healthcare professionals.

Jain has been an active member of ASPEN since 2014, serving in various capacities including chairing the Research Committee and participating in several other committees. Ryan Hurt, M.D., Ph.D., ASPEN’s 46th President, praised Jain's comprehensive knowledge and understanding of healthcare challenges. "Dr. Jain brings a unique breadth of knowledge that will aid ASPEN in meeting today’s challenges," said Hurt.

Jain's medical journey began at Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi, India. He completed further training at institutions such as Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. His mentor during this time, Douglas Burrin, Ph.D., described him as a "rising star" in pediatric gastroenterology.

Joining Saint Louis University School of Medicine faculty in 2009, Jain focused on liver and gastrointestinal diseases while pursuing interests sparked during medical school related to parenteral nutrition (PN). His research efforts have led to advancements in understanding PN-associated injuries and developing therapeutic approaches.

Jain's work is supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) among others. He holds numerous patents and has received recognition through awards like ASPEN’s Stanley J. Dudrick Research Scholar Award.

Wanda Johnson, ASPEN Chief Executive Officer, lauded Jain's appointment coinciding with ASPEN’s 50th anniversary. She noted his innovative contributions to mitigating PN side effects as reflective of the association’s founding spirit.