NICU consultants and support staff

OTOLARYNGOLOGIST / EAR NOSE THROAT (ENT) SPECIALIST

An otolaryngologist or Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist is a physician with special training in the evaluation and treatment of problems with the ear, nose, throat, and airways. They might be asked to help manage infants who have problems with breathing, such as those with a trachea that is ?floppy? (tracheomalacia) or obstructed, or a blockage of the nose as in choanal atresia.

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OCCUPATIONAL / PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (OT/PT)

Occupational/Physical Therapists (OT/PT) are professionals with advanced training in working with infants with developmental needs. This work includes neurobehavioral assessments (postural tone, reflexes, movement patterns, and responses to handling). In addition, the OT/PT professionals will help determine a baby's nipple-feeding readiness and oral-motor skills. They also provide family education and support.

PATHOLOGIST

A pathologist is a physician with special training in laboratory testing and examination of body tissues. They supervise the laboratory where tests, such as electrolytes and CBCs (Complete Blood Counts), are performed. They also examine tissues under the microscope that are obtained during a surgery or an autopsy.

PEDIATRICIAN

A pediatrician is a physician with special training in the care of infants and children. They might do limited care of babies in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), but they are usually the primary care providers for healthy newborns. In addition, they provide primary care for most babies after they leave the NICU.

PHLEBOTOMIST

A phlebotomist is a hospital staff professional who is trained to obtain blood samples for performing tests as ordered by the physician. In babies, the phlebotomist generally gets the blood sample from a heel stick (actually, the soft pads on either side of the heel) or from a vein.

PULMONOLOGIST

A pulmonologist is a physician with special training in dealing with infants and children with problems of the respiratory (breathing) system. Even though the neonatologist cares for many infants with respiratory problems, the pulmonologist might be consulted for unusual conditions of the lung. They also help to manage breathing conditions that require significant care after discharge from the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

RADIOLOGIST

A radiologist is a physician with special training in obtaining and reading x-rays and other tests. The neonatologist will usually read most of the x-rays, while the radiologist commonly reads specialized x-rays using radio-opaque solutions, such as barium enemas or ultrasound tests, such as neurosonograms (ultrasound test of the brain).