Neonatologists

Neonatologists

Neonatology, a subspecialty of pediatrics, involves the medical care of newborn infants, particularly those who are ill or premature. This specialty is primarily practiced in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) within hospitals.

Neonatologists primarily treat newborns who require special medical attention due to factors such as pre-maturity, low birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation, congenital malformations, sepsis, or birth asphyxias.

A neonatologist is a physician (MD or DO) specializing in neonatology. To become a neonatologist, a physician first undergoes training as a pediatrician and then completes a fellowship in neonatology, typically lasting three years in the US. In the United States, most neonatologists are board certified in pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics, with additional certification in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. Similar training programs for neonatology exist in most countries as a subspecialization of pediatrics.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNPs) are advanced practice nurses specializing in neonatal care. They work alongside resident physicians in NICUs, providing comprehensive care within their scope of practice as defined by governing law and hospital policies. Neonatologists primarily focus on providing intensive care for newborns in NICUs, but they may also provide general pediatric care, including evaluations and treatment for well newborns.

Some neonatologists, especially those in academic settings, continue to monitor infants for extended periods after hospital discharge to assess long-term health outcomes. Additionally, some neonatologists engage in clinical and basic science research to advance our understanding of this special population of patients.