See any of the specialties below to learn more about these people.

Audiologist Cardiologist Cardiovascular (Heart) Surgeon Dermatolgist Developmental Pediatrician Dietician Endocrinologist Gastroenterologists Geneticist Hematologist/Oncologist Infectious Disease Specialist Maternal-Fetal Physician/Perinatologist Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Neonatologist Nephrologist Neurologist Neurosurgeon NICU Nurse

Obstetrician Occupational Therapist/Physical Therapist Ophthalmologist Orthopedic Surgeon Ostomy Nurse Otolaryngologist/ENT Specialist Pathologist Pediatrician Pharmacist/Clinical Pharmacist (PharmD) Phlebotomist Pulmonologist Radiologist Respiratory Therapist Social Worker Surgeon Urologist X-Ray Technician

Audiologist

Most newborns should have their hearing tested before  the hospital discharge. There are several types of  hearing tests that can be done on babies. The clinical care team will determine  the best type of test and the best time for your baby to be tested. An audiologist is trained to test and followup with babies  with abnormal hearing. The testing that the audiologist performs may be done in  the NICU or after discharge.

Cardiologist

A cardiologist is a physician that has special training in the diagnosis and treatment of  diseases and conditions of the heart and blood vessels. They might be asked to see  your baby (consulted) by the neonatologist to help diagnose a heart  condition.  These heart conditions  may include:

	something abnormal in the structure of  the heart (are all the parts of the heart arranged normally?)
	function of the heart (is the heart  pumping blood normally?)
	the rate and rhythm of the heart beat  (is the heart beating at a normal rate? in a normal rhythm?)

Aside from examination of the  babies, these physicians might perform or interpret tests like x-rays, electrocardiograms (EKG), echocardiograms (ECHO),  or cardiac catheterization. If the structure  of the heart is not normal due to a birth defect, they might work with the cardiovascular surgeon to perform surgery on the  heart. Cardiologists might see babies for  some time in followup after their discharge.

Cardiovascular (Heart) Surgeon

A cardiovascular (heart)  surgeon is a physician that has training as a surgeon, along with specialized  training to do surgery to correct or treat defects of the heart. This might  include a heart that developed incorrectly prior to birth or abnormalities that  occurred after birth.

Sometimes, surgery can  correct the problem, while at other times total correction is not possible. In  these cases, surgery is performed to make the heart work better, even though it still  does not have a normal structure. The surgeon will work closely with the cardiologist to care for the baby before and after surgery.

Dermatologist

A dermatologist is a physician that has special  training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions of the skin,  hair and nails. They might be consulted in the NICU to assist in the diagnosis of  a skin lesion or rash. They might also help the NICU team to care for skin lesions or  rashes that require special treatment.

Aside from examination of the babies, these physicians might obtain a biopsy of a skin lesion. The  dermatologist might also work with the pathologist to interpret biopsies.

Developmental Pediatrician

A developmental pediatrician is a pediatrician that has special training in the evaluation and care of  infants who are 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 and/or occupational therapists/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 pediatrics (children). 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) 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  infants in the NICU for problems with salts (i.e., calcium or sodium), high or  low blood sugars, or abnormal development of the thyroid gland or sexual  organs. To help diagnose these conditions,  tests, such as electrolytes, thyroid functions, or abdominal ultrasounds might be  ordered.

Gastroenterologists

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 a baby in the NICU 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 evalutation 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.

Hematologist/Oncologist

A hematologist/oncologist is a physician  with special  training in the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders (hematologic system)  and types of cancer. They might be asked to see a baby in the NICU for blood cell  problems. This could include bleeding problems due to low platelets.

To help in the diagnosis and care  of these babies, tests, such as a CBC or clotting studies, might be  ordered.

Infectious Disease Specialist

An infectious disease specialist is a physician with special training in the  evaluation and treatment of infections. They might be asked to see babies in the  NICU when they develop unusual or serious infections.

Infections in babies can include blood infections or infections of the brain  and spinal cord (meningitis). Tests, such as a CBC,  blood cultures, CRP, and spinal taps, might be ordered to help evaluate an infection.

Maternal-Fetal Physician/Perinatologist

A maternal-fetal medicine physician or perinatologist is an obstetrician with special training in the care of  pregnant women having problems (high risk). They can care for mothers with  problems, such as premature labor, multiple pregnancy, hypertension in pregnancy,  or diabetes.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Neonatal Nurse  Practitioners (NNPs) are expert neonatal nurses who have obtained a graduate  degree (or certificate), with emphasis in caring for the needs of critically ill  newborns and their families.  The  NNP works in collaboration with a neo-natologist to diagnose and treat the conditions of babies in the NICU.   The NNP also performs  procedures to aid in the diagnosis (e.g. spinal taps) and management (e.g., chest tube placement) of medical conditions.

Neo-natologist

A neo-natologist is a pediatrician with special training in  caring for babies that are sick and require intensive care after birth.  They coordinate the care for the  majority of babies in the NICU.  At  times, the neo-natologist might consult with other specialists to help with your baby's  care.    Although  there are many different people involved in your baby's care while in the NICU,  it is the neo-natologist who determines and coordinates the daily plan of  care.

Nephrologist

A nephrologist is a physician with special training in evaluating and treating problems  with the kidneys and urinary system. They might be consulted for problems due to  abnormal development of the kidneys such as hydronephrosis, or to help  care for a baby when their kidneys are not functioning correctly.

Nephrologists might order tests, such  as an electrolytes or abdominal ultrasounds, to evaluate these problems. If  a baby has abnormal development in the structure of the kidneys which requires  surgery, the nephrologist will work with a surgeon or urologist.

Neurologist

A neurologist is a physician with special training in the  evaluation and treatment of disorders of the brain, nerves and muscles. They might  be asked to see infants that have  problems, such as seizures or bleeding in the brain.

The neurologist might order a head ultrasound, electroencephalogram  (EEG), or CT Scan to help identify the cause of the problem.  If the infant has an abnormality in the brain or spinal cord that requires surgery, they might  work with a neurosurgeon.

Neurosurgeon

A neurosurgeon is a physician that has  training as a surgeon with more specialized training to operate on abnormalities in the  brain and spinal cord. These abnormalities might be due to abnormal development  prior to birth, such as spina bifida or from complications that happen after birth,  such as a skull fracture or hydrocephalus.  In addition to the neonatologist, the neurosurgeon might work closely with the neurologist for  the management of certain conditions.

NICU Nurse

The NICU nurse has received special training  in caring for babies in the NICU. Nurses play a very important role  in the continuous monitoring of the baby and the support and education of  the family. Of all the caregivers in the NICU, nurses usually spend the most time at  a baby's bedside caring for the baby, as well as the family. A nurse might also be a member of the  NICU Transport Team or become an ECMO specialist after special training.

Obstetrician

An obstetrician is a physician with special training in  the prenatal care and delivery of women who are pregnant or are trying to get  pregnant.  As well as caring for the  normal pregnancy, the obstetrician might follow women with such problems as diabetes or decreased fetal growth.  They might consult with the perinatologist and/or the neonatologist.

Occupational Therapist/Physical Therapist

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.

Ophthalmologist

An ophthalmologist is a physician with special training in evaluating and treating  eye problems. They might be asked to see a baby in the NICU for birth defects of the  eye.  They evaluate premature infants for retinopathy of  prematurity (ROP). They perform examinations of the inside of the eye,  called retinal exams. These exams are very  similar to what older children and adults get in an ophthalmologist's office  when being evaluated for glasses. For certain conditions of severe ROP, they might  perform laser surgery or other corrective  surgery on the eyes.

Orthopedic Surgeon

An orthopedic surgeon is a physician with special training in the  evaluation and treatment of conditions involving bones. They might be asked to see  babies who have birth defects of the arms or legs, hip dislocation (dysplasia), or fractures of the bones. To evaluate the bones, orthopedic surgeons might order ultrasounds or x-rays. If needed, they can perform surgery  and/or place casts.

Ostomy Nurse

An ostomy nurse is a nurse with special training in the care of skin wounds  and ostomies. An ostomy is an opening in the abdomen through which the end of  the intestine protrudes. Ostomies are the result of surgery needed  to treat many intestinal problems, such as necrotizing enterocolitis. In some cases,  ostomy nurses are consulted to help with the care of complicated wounds.

Otolaryngologist/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 a  blockage of the nose as in choanal atresia.

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,  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 NICU, but they are usually  the primary care providers for normal newborns. In addition, they provide  primary care for most babies  after they leave the NICU.

Pharmacist/Clinical Pharmacist (PharmD)

A pharmacist is a professional with  education and training in the preparation of medications used in the  NICU. They help prepare things, such as antibiotics, immunizations, and  intravenous (IV) solutions, such as Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN).

Phlebotomist

A phlebotomist is a hospital staff professional  who is trained to obtain blood samples for performing tests as ordered by the  physician. In the NICU, the phlebotomist generally gets the  blood sample from a heel stick 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  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.

Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapists (RTs) have  training to deliver multiple treatments to the cardiopulmonary system (heart and  lungs). RTs may administer chest physiotherapy, assist in the management of ventilators,  and deliver medications to the lungs.  They are actively involved with babies having breathing problems, such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

RTs might also be members of the NICU Transport Team or become ECMO specialists after specialized training.

Social Worker

Social workers are professionals with special education and  training to determine the psycho-social, emotional, and financial  needs of families. They help families find and  coordinate resources in the hospital and community that will help to meet their  needs. Social workers also help in the discharge planning of babies  in the NICU.  There are currently no Social Workers assigned to NICU Units in South Africa.  SA Preemies hopes to establish this service in the near future.

Surgeon

A surgeon is a physician with special training in diagnosis and care of  conditions that require surgery. They might be asked to see babies in the NICU  with birth defects, or a condition that occurs after birth, such as necrotizing enterocolitis.  Surgeons might also be asked to insert central catheters in babies that require long-term  intravenous fluids.

Urologist

A urologist is a physician with special training in  evaluation and treating conditions  involving the urinary system that might require surgery. They are consulted  on infants with conditions that result from birth defects such as, hydronephrosis or hypospadius. With  some conditions, they will work closely with a nephrologist.

X-Ray Technician

An  x-ray technician is a professional trained in obtaining x-rays. X-rays can be of the chest or involve the  use of solutions to make body parts easier to identify, as with barium  enemas.

RESOURCE: Pediatrix