Why neonatology

Where do I find out about available programs? When do I apply? Why should I choose to become a Pediatric Neonatologist? Faculty Contacts Proposed Electives. A neonatologist provides comprehensive care for critically ill premature and full-term infants from birth until discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit NICU. Neonatologists often begin their work by providing antenatal consultation in the context of preterm labor or a fetus who has one or more congenital anomalies that require preparation for the birth and coordination of services.

In addition to the day-to-day management of critically ill infants, neonatologists also attend high-risk deliveries, providing supportive care of infants from birth, and frequently perform technical procedures such as endotracheal intubation and placement of central venous and arterial catheters.

Most neonatologists work in a newborn intensive care unit NICU , either in an academic or private hospital setting. Some neonatologists also provide long-term follow-up of high-risk infants, others specialize in the care of infants who require Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ECMO , and some care for lower-risk newborns in the newborn nursery. A broad spectrum of clinical problems affect infants in the NICU, including conditions associated with preterm birth, difficulties in the transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life, and serious congenital anomalies, including congenital heart disease.

Neonatology is a hospital-based subspecialty. In either case, newborns born at other hospitals can be transported to a NICU for further care. Neonatologists practice primarily in a group practice, which can be affiliated either with an academic or private practice organization. Virtually all academic and some private neonatology practices are affiliated with residency and fellowship training programs.

There are a number of academic opportunities available to neonatologists. In addition, there are clinical and academic leadership opportunities available within neonatology at the local, regional, national and international level.

The initial subspecialty examination is offered in the Spring, every two years. In order to be eligible to take this exam, applicants must first complete a 3-year residency in Pediatrics and a 3-year fellowship in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, as well as achieve ABP certification in General Pediatrics. The board-certified neonatologists, neonatal practitioners, pediatric surgeons, and extended team of neonatal specialists and support staff work together to provide safe, effective care for your little one.

Meet the Team. Our board-certified neonatologists, neonatal practitioners, pediatric surgeons, and extended team of neonatal specialists and support staff have the proven track record to provide the best possible care for your infant. Our team includes experts in neonatal respiratory care, neonatal nutrition, neonatal heart diseases, premature babies, and neonatal surgery. Our team surgical includes consultants in all pediatric subspecialties, including surgery, heart surgery, neurosurgery, craniofacial and reconstructive surgery, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, ear-nose-and-throat surgeons and urology.

Our fellows are exposed to significant pathophysiological diversity and all forms of neonatal surgeries and neonatal neurointensive procedures. We offer a total of six fellowship positions, which involve a balance of scholarly, educational, and clinical duties. Learn About Our Fellowship Program.

As recently as two decades ago, a neonatologist would not have been able to fathom just how successful—medically and economically—the profession would become. Since the first neonatologist achieved board certification in the s , the profession has become critically important to both children who are born prematurely and the hospitals in which they are delivered.

In the United States, more babies with an extremely low birth weight that which is less than 3. These children are at increased risk for debilitating medical conditions, learning disabilities and death. But thanks to the expanding role of the neonatologist and neonatal intensive care units across the country, survival rates have increased dramatically. In , for example, less than 10 percent of extremely low birth weight babies lived to their first birthday.

Today, that percentage is higher than The medical success of neonatologists has driven hospitals to invest heavily in their NICUs and physicians. Both afford the neonatologist the ability to enjoy medical and economic success.