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Ever imagined a world without the devastating disease, Necrotizing Enterocolitis? Dr. Gail Bestner, a chief of pediatric surgery at Nationwide Children's Hospital, passionately shares her innovative therapeutic strategies that could make this a reality. Join us for an enlightening conversation as we explore the use of probiotics in neonatology, the challenges of implementing probiotic therapy in a neonatal intensive care unit, and how the right approaches could steer us towards a world free from Necrotizing Enterocolitis. 

We throw the spotlight on a groundbreaking strategy for administering probiotics in their biofilm state, a significant detour from current practices. The exciting discussion takes us through the benefits of lactobacillus ruteri, the ingenious technique of loading microspheres with prebiotic substances, and the inspiring inception story of this research project. We move beyond the realm of Necrotizing Enterocolitis to delve into Dr. Bestner's notable work on autism treatment, discussing the importance of the gut-brain axis and the use of a pig model in her pioneering research.

As we traverse the multifaceted world of clinical research, we touch upon the entrepreneurial side of drug development and the crucial role of NIH grants. We also discuss the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in caring for babies affected by Necrotizing Enterocolitis, emphasizing early detection and the potential of biomarkers. Dr. Bestner's compelling advice for aspiring clinicians and researchers, along with her passionate advocacy for Necrotizing Enterocolitis, wraps up this captivating episode that is a perfect blend of science, passion, and hope for a healthier future. Tune in and get inspired!

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!