The Incubator #306 - BPD Care: The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Model
In this inspiring and deeply informative episode of The Incubator Podcast, Dr. Audrey Miller, neonatologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and newly appointed Medical Director of their BPD Service, joins the hosts to unpack the intricacies of chronic lung disease care and her rapid career ascent. Miller outlines the five key principles guiding her team’s nationally recognized approach to BPD: ventilator strategies tailored to BPD physiology, aggressive infection prevention, proactive pulmonary hypertension screening, prioritization of linear growth, and uncompromising developmental care.
She shares the rationale behind “slow lung” ventilation, the importance of recharacterizing infants as they evolve from micro-preemies to complex chronic patients, and how individualized, patient-driven care often begins by doing less, not more. Beyond technical insights, Miller reflects on the professional mentorship and collaborative culture that propelled her into leadership just two years post-fellowship.
She offers candid advice on tackling imposter syndrome, embracing delegation, and building confidence in administration—while remaining anchored in purpose. Whether you’re a fellow exploring BPD, a clinician curious about slow lung strategies, or an early-career neonatologist navigating your next move, Miller’s perspective is both practical and empowering. This is a must-listen for anyone thinking seriously about the future of chronic care in neonatology.
As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.
Enjoy!