NICU consultants and support staff

Aside from examining a baby, these physicians might obtain a biopsy of a skin lesion. The dermatologist might also work with the pathologist to interpret biopsy results.

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DEVELOPMENTAL PEDIATRICIAN

A developmental pediatrician is a pediatrician who has special training in the evaluation and care of infants having difficulty doing what other children their age are able to do. They are trained to evaluate the level of functioning for each infant through a series of developmental tests. They will also help to locate resources within each community to provide therapies to help infants and children in meeting milestones. There might be overlap in what they do with neurologists.

Developmental pediatricians work closely with nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, and physical therapists to decide on the best therapies for each child.

DIETICIAN

A dietician has special training in nutritional support (feeding). They might also specialize in pediatric (children?s) nutritional care. They help evaluate the nutritional status and intake of an infant. They also make recommendations for the many choices of nutrition that can be given via the bloodstream (IV ? Intravascular catheter) or through different types of feedings.

ENDOCRINOLOGIST

An endocrinologist is a physician with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of infants with problems in their endocrine or hormone systems. Endocrinologists might be asked to see patients for problems with salts (i.e., calcium or sodium), high or low blood sugars, or abnormal development of the glandular systems of the body or sexual organs. To help diagnose these conditions, tests, such as electrolytes, thyroid functions, or abdominal ultrasounds might be ordered.

GASTROENTEROLOGIST

A gastroenterologist is a physician with special training in the evaluation and treatment of infants with problems of the digestive system (stomach and intestines) and liver. They might be asked to see patients when they have problems digesting food properly or for liver problems, such as hepatitis or cholestasis. To help in the diagnosis and care of these babies, tests, such as x-rays, liver function tests, or abdominal ultrasounds might be ordered.

GENETICIST

A geneticist is a physician with special training in the evaluation and treatment of infants with congenital (inherited) problems, including chromosomal problems or syndromes. To help in the diagnosis and care of these conditions, they might order or use tests, such as chromosomes, metabolic studies, and sonograms.