The Incubator

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Prepare 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. 

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As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. 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.

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What 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. 

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. 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.

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Get 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. 

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. 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.

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Discover 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.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. 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.

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Geoanna 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.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. 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!

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What 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.

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As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. 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.

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We 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.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. 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.

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Get 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.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. 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.

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What if we told you that the family's voice could change the face of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) advocacy and treatment? Well, that's exactly what we're diving into with our special guest, Dr. Susan Hintz. As we dig into the inspiring sessions from the NEC symposium, we reflect on the immense power of a strong partnership between parents and medical professionals. Dr. Hintz shares insights on risk factors and the ways we can enhance our support for families navigating this condition. Additionally, we spotlight the incredible advocative work of Kim Novod and Jen Canvasser, who've transformed the world of NEC care through their relentless efforts.

As we move to the latter part of our discussion, we pose a critical question - are we truly understanding the long-term outcomes of NEC? We challenge the conventional two-year outcomes and advocate for a more comprehensive understanding of the implications on families in the long run. Dr. Hintz, during her enlightening session at the NEC Symposium, emphasizes the importance of meaningful questions and outcomes that resonate with families and survivors. We circle back to episode 106 of the Incubator podcast, highlighting the crucial aspect of neurological outcomes and long-term impacts into adulthood. As we wrap up, we take a moment to salute the mentors who've molded our understanding of NEC and motivated us to continually strive for better outcomes for families.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. 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.

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Would you believe it if we told you that advocacy is as integral to Pediatrics as medical science and clinical care? That's what Mark Del Monte, the dynamic CEO and Executive VP of the American Academy of Pediatrics, brings to the table in this enlightening conversation. The power of individual stories, the quest for small wins, and the importance of creating moments for change are just some of the riveting insights Mark shares, underlining that advocacy isn't just a side aspect, but a crucial part of the mix that propels the field of Pediatrics forward.

We find out why Mark is a firm believer in the transformative power of storytelling in the realm of child health advocacy. Drawing from history, Mark elucidates how stories have been instrumental in stirring change and why it’s pivotal for organizations like the AAP to assert their presence at venues like the NEC symposium. In the end, he leaves us with a powerful notion: advocacy is a series of moments that, together, create a brighter future for children and families. You don't want to miss this one; join us as we explore the multidimensional world of Pediatrics with Mark Del Monte.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. 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!