The Incubator #336 - Building a World Without NEC – A Conversation with Dr. Mark Underwood
In this special collaboration with the NEC Society, Dr. Mark Underwood joins the podcast to discuss the evolving science and clinical approach to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). A long-time leader in neonatal nutrition and NEC prevention, Dr. Underwood shares his perspective on why prevention remains the most effective lever in tackling this devastating disease — from the irreplaceable role of maternal milk to the complex regulatory barriers around probiotics.
The conversation covers his recent articles unpacking the risks and benefits of formula, donor milk, and the current probiotic landscape in U.S. NICUs. Dr. Underwood also previews highlights from the upcoming NEC Symposium and shares his hopes for the future of NEC care, including earlier biomarker-driven interventions and smarter pasteurization of donor milk.
Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, or parent advocate, this episode offers pragmatic insights into the current NEC landscape and the road ahead.
Listeners can register for the 2025 NEC Symposium at NECSociety.org and use promo code incubator for 10% off.
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!