Neonatologist

A neonatologist is a specialized physician that treats premature and full-term infants who may have life-threatening disease or complications. Neonatologists have the special training required to evaluate and treat newborns’ disorders or possible problems. For example, if a newborn is premature or has a serious illness, injury, or birth defect, a neonatologist may assist at the time of delivery and in subsequent care. If a problem is identified before the child is born, a neonatologist may become involved to consult with the obstetrician and patient during pregnancy.

The training for a neonatologist is intense with medical university and postgraduate training that can last up to 12 to 15 years.

Many developing nations do not have adequate postgraduate training programs to offer the specialization of neonatology. The outcome is a lack of proper diagnosis and treatment of common premature and newborn pathologies.

Neonatologists stabilize and treat newborns with life-threatening medical problems. They can provide medical care with the diagnosis and treatment of newborns with conditions ranging from breathing disorders and infections to congenital birth defects. They will make sure that critically ill newborns receive proper nutrition for healing and growth.

Neonatologists work mainly in special care nurseries or newborn intensive care units of hospitals. In some cases, after a newborn has been discharged from hospital, a neonatologist may provide short-term fol-low-up care. This follow-up care may not be available in many regions of the world with a lack specialized and primary care access.