Send us a textWhat happens when a grandmother steps into the world of the NICU, not just as a concerned relative but as an integral part of the care team? Leslie Napolitano opens up about her unique journey in this episode. Walking side by side with her daughter, Jen Canvasser, she navigated the labyrinth of this unfamiliar terrain when her grandchild Micah was admitted to the NICU. Leslie shares the raw emotions of her experiences and advocates for the inclusion of extended family in the care team. She stresses the importance of parental consent and the need for clear communication from the onset.In a moving conversation, Leslie peels back layers of the profound topic of grief, underlining the significance of presence and kindness in the face of despair. She discusses the power of transforming a heart-wrenching experience into a catalyst for change, seen through Jen's initiative - the NEC Society. Leslie's unwavering support for her daughter’s cause illuminates the healing that can come from channeling heartbreak into purposeful action. She also shares the inspiring inception of the Book and Blood Drive initiatives, started in Mica's honor, which continue to touch lives. This enlightening discussion promises to tug at your heartstrings while demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit. 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!

Send us a textDr. Karl Sylvester, a renowned pediatric surgeon, professor at Stanford University, and an expert in the field of necrotizing enterocolitis. This episode brims with insights on his groundbreaking research over the last two decades, focusing on the essential role of microbes in the baby's gut, the toxins they produce, and how these might be linked to the development of necrotizing enterocolitis. You'll also get a glimpse into Dr. Sylvester's exciting presentation at the NEC Symposium. This episode teases apart fascinating theories, such as the role of formic acid - a harmful substance produced by certain bacteria - in the onset of necrotizing enterocolitis. From the concept of biomarkers to potential preventative measures and the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, this episode is a treasure trove of information. Join us as we shine a light on the pioneering research being done to enhance the lives of our youngest patients. 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!

Send us a textWhat if you had the power to change the course of a baby's life? In this heartfelt conversation with Steffi and Jocelyn from Emory University, we pull back the curtain on the emotionally charged world of neonatal health, specifically focusing on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). We journey together through their personal narratives, as they recount the profound impact of losing their first patients to NEC, a pivotal moment that shaped their career paths and ignited an unquenchable passion for their field. NEC, with its multifaceted and complex nature, poses a formidable challenge, but it's their stories that remind us why pushing the boundaries of research and effort is paramount.Hear from Jocelyn about the transformative power of patient families' unique narratives and their unmet needs, a compelling reminder of the importance of active listening and empathy. Steffi, on the other hand, reveals her enthusiasm for connecting with both peers and leading researchers in the field, underlining the significance of networking and collaborative endeavors in the battle against NEC.  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!

Send us a textPrepare your ears for a captivating conversation with  Lily Lou as we traverse the world of advocacy through storytelling. Get a firsthand account of Lily's initial foray into the NEC Symposium — a unique melting pot of human narratives, expert insights, and healthcare providers treating patients with unparalleled compassion. Her experience, she says, was a thing of beauty, a place where the raw power of human stories converged with scientific proficiency and heartfelt care.Beyond sharing her perspective on the symposium, Lily delves into the concept of storytelling for advocacy. She believes that everyone has the potential to become a compelling storyteller, with the capacity to spark significant policy changes. She brings to light the Section on Neonatal Perinatal Medicine's commendable work in neonatal advocacy, including their upcoming virtual Neonatology Advocacy Day. This day aims to transform experts into persuasive storytellers who can effectively engage policymakers.  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!

Send us a textGet ready to unravel the enigmatic world of necrotizing enterocolitis with leading pediatrician and director of clinical and translational research on neonatal perinatal medicine, Dr Hala Chaaban. We delve into the intricacies of this condition and discuss why fully understanding it is a continuing challenge. The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we examine the role of donor milk and the ways to maximize its use to prevent this condition, presenting a potential new avenue in neonatal care.Switching gears, our journey with Dr Shaban takes us from Lebanon to Oklahoma, painting a vivid picture of her journey in medical research. Open and honest communication lies at the heart of medical care, and we delve into its vital role in patient interactions. Lastly, we touch upon Dr Chaaban's commitment to scientific research through the NEC Society's Scientific Advisory Council.  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!

Send us a textGeoanna Bautista is an assistant professor and neonatologist at UC Davis.  Geoanna's conversation is a testament to the power of collaboration in tackling neonatal diseases. As she highlights, the need to work with peers, stakeholders, and merge the basic scientists and clinical researchers' work is vital. Geoanna's insights on the gut's role in various diseases and the potential of big data and artificial intelligence in this field are thought-provoking. Brace yourself for a deep dive into the world of neonatology as she touches on the revolutionary ideas being translated into practice and her anticipation for the future developments in the field. 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!

Send us a textDiscover the relentless pursuit of dreams and the power of resilience through the eyes of Dr. Joann Romano-Keeler, a neonatologist, scientist, and a loving mother who navigated through the hurdles life threw at her. Despite the odds and roadblocks, Joann's story serves as an embodiment of determination, from her childhood fascination for science during the AIDS epidemic, to her dream of becoming a physician, and finally, to her return to science to help kids like her own special-needs son. 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!

Send us a textWe have the privilege of engaging with renowned Dr. Martin Blakely from Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Blakely, a passionate advocate for improving the outcomes of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), sheds light on how patient weight and illness severity factor into treatment decisions. He also presents valuable learnings from randomized trials that have evaluated the initial choice of laparotomy or drainage for NEC diagnosis. As an active board member of the NEC Society, Dr. Blakely shares his relentless pursuit for improved NEC outcomes through ground-breaking research.We unmask the importance of collaborative work in the realm of medical research. We unravel the significance of protocol development and the critical role it plays in advancing neonatology and pediatric surgery. The discussion highlights the essence of a multi-disciplinary approach involving various healthcare professionals like radiologists.  So, tune in for a riveting journey into the world of pediatric surgery and research. 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!

Send us a textWhat if a diagnosis deemed to be a death sentence was not? That's precisely what Darren from the University of Pittsburgh Mental Center is here to discuss with us. He shares his fascinating research, redefining the narrative around nec totalis - a condition widely believed to be incompatible with life. Darren's data, spanning from 2010 to 2022, illustrates a different reality. Among 494 diagnosed cases, there were survivors, challenging the gloom-and-doom prognosis often associated with this diagnosis. The conversation takes a deeper turn as we explore the ethical implications of providing life-sustaining therapy for necrotizing enterocolitis totalis. Darren emphasizes the need for center-specific treatment plans and open dialogue with families about potential therapeutic options, despite the survival rate being low. We also delve into the improvements in nec totalis care and discuss the significance of intestinal transplants. Don't miss this enlightening discussion where we redefine the boundaries of what was once thought impossible. Darren's insights will surely make you question conventional medical wisdom and show you the true power of relentless research and innovation. 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!

Send us a textGet ready to be enlightened as we sit down with the insightful Ravi Patel, a key figure in the Neck Society, to untangle the complexities of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) management. Tune in to hear Patel's take on the pressing need for standardized care amidst the uncertainties of NEC treatment; he shares thought-provoking insights into the duration of antibiotic treatment and the timing of feeding resumption. As we journey back in time, Patel offers a fascinating perspective on the historical context of antibiotic choices and the hurdles of decision-making in a landscape devoid of recent trials. 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!