The Incubator

Send us a textEver wondered why Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), a disease often surrounded by mystery, is so complex? This episode is sure to pique your curiosity as we sit down with Steve McElroy, a leading expert in the field, to unravel the hidden intricacies of NEC. Steve takes us on a journey of how our comprehension of NEC has transformed over the years, highlighting the role of the gut's microbiome and the challenges of conducting research on human samples. He paints a unique picture of NEC as a developmental predicament, rather than a standalone disease, and shares his ground-breaking work on the connection between maternal inflammation and 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 textWhat happens when you're thrust into the daunting world of Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), with a newborn fighting complex health battles? This is the stark reality Cristal Grogan faced when her son Seth was born in Spain. In our conversation with Cristal, she shares Seth's journey and how they consistently outgrew their services and resources at every stage. Cristal illuminates the pressing need for mental health resources for families in similar situations and emphasizes the significance of having someone who listens to parents' fears and anxieties.Do clinicians really understand the power of their words and non-verbal communication in a NICU setting? Cristal offers her unique perspective on this matter as a NICU parent. She highlights the importance of clear communication between healthcare professionals and parents. We also delve into the role of handouts, body language, and follow-ups in this context. Cristal's story is more than just a recollection of events; it's an urgent call to action for more platforms where families can connect with clinicians and share their experiences.  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 power of human milk in our latest engaging conversation with podcast veteran, Amy Hair. We delve into the science behind human milk and its impact on NEC reduction, underscoring the importance of the collective effort to enhance a mother's milk supply and the absolute necessity of arming parents with this knowledge.As Amy and I continue to relive the moments from the conference, we shed light on the importance of gratitude for presence and visiting. Amy also shares her association with the NEC society and her deep-seated passion to curb NEC. Through her story, you'll understand the power of unity in battling a common cause.  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 could transplant the principles of teamwork from sports to the medical field, particularly in neonatology? Join us on a fascinating journey with Jochen Profit as we explore this very idea. Jochen brings a wealth of knowledge to our conversation, drawing from his academic work and personal experiences, as he eloquently compares a NICU team to a sports team. Just as in sports, technical expertise is necessary, but so is communication, kindness, and foresight. The real-world session he moderated on NEC reduction depicts how quality improvement practices can apply even in scenarios with less-than-stellar evidence. Jochen doesn't stop at just drawing parallels. He delves into the nitty-gritty of how to make these sports strategies work in the medical world. He emphasizes the need for constant updates to guidelines and shared baseline protocols. The conversation gets really captivating as we discuss measuring success in a medical unit, learning from errors, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. By the end of our chat, you'll have a newfound understanding of the potential impact of standardized approaches and the importance of continual learning in medical teams. Make sure to tune in and gain a fresh perspective on teamwork in neonatology. It might inspire you to rethink strategies in your own team setting. 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 textAre you ready to embark on a journey from a NICU parent to a NICU dietitian? In this gripping conversation, we sit down with Erin Pryor's story, a former NICU parent,  is a testament to the power of personal experiences in shaping professional lives.Erin also offers a sneak peek into her current role with the NEC Society, specifically discussing her work with research initiatives like the probiotics toolkit and the research incubator. Our conversation delves into the details of these programs and their contribution to neonatal care and research. Erin's passion for her work shines through, particularly when she discusses the joy of influencing the lives of premature babies beyond the hospital. Join us as we explore the compelling intersection of personal and professional journeys in this episode. 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 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!