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For a neonatologist, are there constant needs for research and education in the NICU?

I'm an incoming sophomore at the University of the Incarnate Word. I've developed the love for working in the NICU in high school when I was a volunteer at the local hospital and now I essentially want to make a career out of it. I was able to shadow some doctors during my time there and only few enlightened me on the research projects they were working on. Instead, they all mentioned seminars and conferences they attend throughout that year. So, is research a high demand when a neonatologist? #doctor #health #research #hospital-and-health-care #neonatal

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Casey’s Answer

Hi Rehana!

I have a cousin who just started at a NICU and she absolutely loves it. She went to school for neonatology and found work quickly thereafter. I think you would only be focused on advanced research if you were pursuing a pHD or a higher program in a pediatrics grad department. That's certainly an interesting road to pursue, but probably not necessary to find a job at a NICU "off-the-bat." Of course, that higher level of research can certainly help placing you higher in a position in an NICU down the road. Conferences and the like are mandatory to CME's, as mentioned above, and no matter how much research you do, you'll be going to those on a yearly basis.

It's a fascinating path to pursue and I hope that you'll excel to the highest degree!
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Julie’s Answer

Hello,

While there are Research needs in this population you will see less than in the adult population. There are several reasons for this. All new drugs are tested on adults first. Once it shows promise in adults it will be tested on children and younger. There are pediatric scientists who are trying to change this though. In neonatal research you will most likely see more bench research (in a lab) or observational studies. You may also see retrospective chart reviews where a large number of charts are reviewed to look for patterns or establish which interventions have a better outcome.

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Rehana’s Answer

It depends on the individual MDs if they want to be involved with research or not. The conferences are for them to keep up their CME ( continuing medical education) x number of hours they have to obtain x # of time period to maintain their licensure.

You can just be a general neotologist or one that is involved in research which usually is in an academic university Hospital settings.
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Julie’s Answer

I agree with Rehana. While there are certainly research needs in the NICU you will not see a lot of clinical trials in neonates. You will find retrospective chart reviews to help decide if one treatment is more effective than another as well as observational studies to describe how neonate responds to different types of treatment.
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