NICU consultants and support staff

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PATHOLOGIST

A pathologist is a doctor with special training in laboratory testing and examination of body tissues. They supervise the laboratory where many medical tests are performed. They also examine tissues under the microscope that are obtained during a surgery or an autopsy.

PEDIATRICIAN

A pediatrician is a doctor with special training in the care of infants and children. This type of doctor might be asked to see a baby in the NICU, but is usually the primary care provider for a healthy newborn. A pediatrician also provides primary care for most babies after they leave the NICU.

PHLEBOTOMIST

A phlebotomist is a specially trained professional who takes your blood. This type of health care provider may take the blood from a vein or a baby's heel.

PULMONOLOGIST

A pulmonologist is a doctor with special training in diagnosing and treating respiratory (breathing) conditions. Even though the neonatologist cares for many infants with respiratory problems, the pulmonologist might be asked to see babies who have unusual conditions of the lung.

RADIOLOGIST

A radiologist is a doctor with special training in obtaining and reading x-rays and other tests. Radiologists read x-rays, such as chest x-rays and special x-rays such as barium enemas and ultrasound tests.

RESPIRATORY THERAPIST (RT)

Respiratory therapists (RTs) have training to deliver multiple treatments to the heart and lungs. RTs are actively involved with babies having breathing problems, such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). RTs might become an extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) specialists with further training.

SOCIAL WORKERS

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 with discharge planning.

UROLOGIST

A urologist is a doctor with special training in diagnosing and treating conditions involving the urinary system. This type of doctor might be asked to see a baby with conditions such as hydronephrosis or hypospadias. With some conditions, they will work closely with a nephrologist.

X-RAY TECHNICIAN

An x-ray technician is a professional trained in taking x-rays. X-rays can be of the chest, stomach, or pelvis, and sometimes the use of solutions to make body parts easier to see, as with barium enemas. X-rays of bones are also commonly performed in babies for a variety of reasons.

Review Date: 12/11/2006
Reviewed By: Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.