NeoChats

GUEST: Joseph Ting, MBBS, MPH, MD(Res), DRCOG, MRCPCH, FRCPC (Pediatrics and Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine)Staff Neonatologist, Alberta Health Services (Edmonton Zone)Variety, the Children's Charity and the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation Pediatric Clinical Research Professor, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Care, Department of Pediatrics, Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of AlbertaAssociate Director, Evidence-based Practice for Improving Quality (EPIQ), Canadian Neonatal NetworkCo-chair, Nosocomial Infection Group, EPIQ, Edmonton, AlbertaBiography: Dr. Ting is a clinician investigator, committed to improving neonatal health. As a Staff Neonatologist, he provides care for high-risk infants born at the threshold of viability, those with congenital heart diseases, and those requiring surgical intervention and multidisciplinary care.  He completed his medical school training and pediatric residency at University of Hong Kong (HKU) and its affiliated teaching hospitals in 1998 and 2006, respectively. He also obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Infectious Diseases (2007) and a Master of Public Health (Medical Statistics, 2009). In 2013, he completed his Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine fellowship at University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, during which time he went to the University of Toronto for 6 months to receive further training in Targeted Neonatal Echocardiograph. He has also completed his MD (research) degree in neonatal infection and antimicrobial stewardship in 2021. Upon completion of his fellowship in 2013, he was hired as Staff Neonatologist at British Columbia Women's Hospital at Vancouver. In 2017, he was promoted to Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at UBC, and then recruited to University of Alberta as the tenured associate professor with endowed professorship (Variety, the Children's Charity and the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation Pediatric Clinical Research Professor) in 2021.This podcast is sponsored by Sanofi

Series 8 | Episode 3: Infectious Diseases in the NICU – Preventing & Managing Congenital Neonatal STBBI Infection RisksGUEST:Ari Bitnun, MD, MSc, FRCPC, FIDSADivision of Infectious DiseasesHospital for Sick ChildrenProfessor, Department of PediatricsToronto, ON Biography: Dr. Ari Bitnun is a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto and a staff physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases, Hospital for Sick Children. His main areas of interest are pediatric HIV, congenital infections and infections of the central nervous system. He is the director of the Family Centred HIV Clinic and the Congenital and Perinatal Infection Clinic at SickKids.This podcast is sponsored by Sanofi

Series 8 | Episode 2: Infectious Diseases in the NICU – Congenital CMV  GUEST:Jeffrey Pernica, MSc, MD, FRCPC, DTMHHead of the Division of Infectious Disease,Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ONBiography: Dr. Jeffrey Pernica is the Head of the Division of Infectious Disease and Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at McMaster University. His clinical interests, aside from infectious disease in general, include tropical medicine (he is a member of the Canadian Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel), immunization (he is the director of the Special Immunization Clinic at McMaster Children's Hospital), and congenital CMV (he is the regional lead for the Ontario CMV newborn screening program). His research interests relate to the optimization of the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory infections, enteric infections, and sepsis, both for children living in resource-rich as well as resource-limited settings. He has long been involved in global child health and global health research, having worked on retrospective cohort studies, prospective cohort studies, and randomized trials in Botswana and other low- and middle-income countries. He was the recipient of a Hamilton Health Sciences Early Career Award and an IDWeek 2020 Investigator Award. He has received research funding as PI from Hamilton Health Sciences, the Physicians' Services Incorporated Foundation, the Hamilton Academic Health Sciences Organization Innovation Fund, and Grand Challenges Canada. This podcast is sponsored by Sanofi

Series 8 | Episode 1: Infectious Diseases in the NICU - RSV GUEST:Joanne M. Langley, MD, MSc, FRCPCProfessor of Pediatrics and Community Health and EpidemiologyGSK-CIHR Chair in Pediatric Vaccinology, Dalhousie UniversityHead, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, IWK HealthHalifax, Nova ScotiaBiography: Dr. Langley is a pediatric infectious disease physician at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, a professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University, and Director of the Evaluation Group at the Canadian Center for Vaccinology. She conducts studies on the prevention of infectious diseases using vaccines, from phase 1 (first in humans) through to efficacy trials (phase 3) and post-marketing studies of how well vaccines work when they are used in immunization programs (phase 4). These studies are done with collaborators in public health, industry, universities, and non-governmental organizations. Dr. Langley has a particular interest in prevention of respiratory infections such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus and influenza. Her work also focuses on vaccine policy and evidence-based decision making in immunization programs. She is a member of the COVID-19 Science Expert Panel, the Expert Group on Health Systems of the Chief Science Advisor of Canada, a former member of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care and Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization (Chair, 2007-2011), and serves as an advisor on several immunization decision making expert groups. She is an active investigator in the Canadian Immunization Research Network and leads its Clinical Trials Network (CTN). This podcast is sponsored by Sanofi

CANN 2023 NATIONAL CONFERENCEOctober 1 & 2, 2023 | MaRS Centre | TorontoEmbracing the theme "Neonatal Nursing: Our Path Forward Together", this two-day conference will feature an inspiring and dynamic line-up of speakers, sessions hosted in partnership with the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation, poster boards, exhibits and networking events.  REGISTER EARLY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE GREAT EARLY BIRD RATE CANN MEMBER – $349 NON-MEMBER – $429 | STUDENT – $99 (Includes a 1-year CANN membership)Registration rates include attendance at all conference sessions, continental breakfast on Monday, lunch on Sunday and Monday, refreshment breaks and the Welcome Reception on Sunday.REGISTER NOW   

Series 7 | Episode 4: RSV Eligibility and Programs GUEST: Aaron Chiu, MD, FRCPC, FAAP, MBA, ICD.DAssociate Dean - Quality Improvement and AccreditationDirector - Manitoba RSV Prophylaxis ProgramAssociate Professor (Neonatology), Department of PediatricsMax Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health SciencesBiography: Dr. Aaron Chiu is the associate dean, Quality Improvement and Accreditation, and associate professor of pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology took on the associate dean role in 2016. Dr. Chiu joined University of Manitoba as a faculty member in 1998 and practices neonatology at the HSC Winnipeg Women's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and at the St. Boniface Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. He is the chair of the Manitoba RSV Immunoprophylaxis Program Committee, and deputy chair of the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools. He has held the position of chair of neonatal-perinatal medicine at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, was a board member of MD Financial Holdings and was president of Doctors Manitoba (2017-18). Dr. Chiu is a graduate of the University of Toronto, where he undertook his undergraduate education and attended medical school. He completed his residency and a neonatal-perinatal fellowship at the University of Ottawa. In 2012, he earned his masters of business administration from UM's Asper School of Business and was a Gold Medal recipient."This podcast is sponsored by AstraZeneca Canada

NeoChats - Series 7 | Episode 3: Epidemiology of RSVGUEST:Jesse Papenburg, MD, MSc, FRCPCPediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist and Medical MicrobiologistMontreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health CentreMontreal, QCBiography: Dr. Jesse Papenburg practices Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology at the Montreal Children's Hospital of the McGill University Health Centre. Dr. Papenburg's research is on the epidemiology of viral respiratory infections, with a focus on diagnostics to improve treatment and outcomes. He actively contributes to national and provincial guidelines on RSV immunoprophylaxis, influenza antiviral treatment and SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics and treatment. Since 2019, Dr. Papenburg is a voting member of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, developing vaccine recommendations in Canada.This podcast is sponsored by AstraZeneca Canada

NeoChats - Series 7 | Episode 1: Common Questions Parents have about RSV ProphylaxisFiona Guy BSc., BScN, RNRSV Clinic Coordinator McMaster Children's HospitalHamilton, OntarioBiography: Fiona Guy is the RSV Clinic Coordinator at McMaster Children's Hospital and Senior Administrator for the RSV Data Management System at Mount Sinai Hospital.  She has a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Western Ontario. Fiona's expertise is in Neonatal Nursing as she worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at both North York General Hospital and McMaster Children's Hospital for the first 11 years of her career. Fiona has been running the RSV Clinic since 2018 and has contributed to a scholarly paper, two roundtables for the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation and has presented on Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia to RSV Clinic Coordinators across Ontario. This podcast is sponsored by AstraZeneca Canada

NeoChats - Series 7 | Episode 2: Canadian Premature Babies Foundation RSV Position Paper – RSV from a Parents PerspectiveGUESTS: Fabiana BacchiniExecutive Director, Canadian Premature Babies FoundationEtobicoke, ONKate JoslinParent PartnerMum of preemie girls - Rosie & MaggieBiography: Fabiana Bacchini is the Executive Director of the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation, CPBF. She is a journalist and the published author of From Surviving to Thriving, a Mother's Journey Through Infertility, Loss and Miracles.While in the NICU with her surviving twin, born extremely preterm, she participated in the study of Family Integrated Care (FICare). This led her to the extensive volunteering in the NICU at Mount Sinai Hospital and to become an ambassador for FICare, travelling across Canada and internationally to share her experience with this model of care. Her son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy which continued to empower her to be a strong voice and advocate for premature babies and their families.Currently, Fabiana serves as an advisor on the International Steering Committee for FICare, Child-Bright Network, PREMSTEM, and she is also on the advisory board of the Canadian Institute for Health Research, CIHR- IHDCYH. This podcast is sponsored by AstraZeneca Canada

NeoChats - Series 6 | Episode 4: Mindfulness and Self-Compassion – Dr. Andrea FrolicAndrea Frolic, PhDDirector, Program for Ethics and Care Ecologies (PEaCE)Hamilton Health Sciences, MUMC SiteAssistant Professor, Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences McMaster UniversityHamilton, ONPodcast Description: A reflective, personal conversation with Dr. Frolic about the role of mindfulness and self-compassion to develop resilience to sustain clinical practice in high-stress/high-trauma environments like the NICU. Biography: Andrea is the Director of the Program for Ethics and Care Ecologies (PEaCE) at Hamilton Health Sciences, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University. She has a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Rice University in Houston, Texas, including a fellowship in Clinical Ethics at MD Anderson Cancer Center. As an ethicist, Andrea's expertise includes: ethics consultation; end of life care; ethics program design; whole person care, and organizational system design to support clinician resilience in healthcare.Andrea has led a collaborative venture with the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster to develop and evaluate mindfulness-based, evidence informed curricula for healthcare professionals to enhance resilience in clinical practice and teaching. This podcast is sponsored by Pampers Professional 

SERIES 6 | EPISODE 3: Serious Illness ConversationsGUEST: Camara Van Breemen, MN, CHPCNNurse Practitioner 9F)Canuck Place Children's HospiceVancouver, BCPodcast Description: This episode discusses the importance of eliciting family goals and values in the context of serious illness in childhood.  Canuck Place Children's Hospice adapted the Serious Illness Conversation Guide (https://www.ariadnelabs.org/serious-illness-care/) to be used with parents along the trajectory of their child's serious illness.  Support and education for clinicians regarding increasing their confidence is having there conversation along with gaining competencies in communication and advance care planning is also reviewed.    Biography: Camara van Breemen is a Nurse Practitioner who leads the Enhanced Community Care program at Canuck Place Children's Hospice providing pediatric palliative care to children and families across the Province.  She is clinical instructor for UBC, Palliative Care Division of Medicine, a Master Trainer in the serious illness conversation guide and a master trainer for Education in Palliative and End of Life Care – Pediatrics.  She is an active volunteer with Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration which works with care professionals in lesser-resourced countries to enhance delivery of pediatric palliative care. This podcast is sponsored by Pampers Professional 

SERIES 6 | EPISODE 2: Neonatal Nursing: A Global Perspective GUEST:  Carole Kenner, PhD, RN, FAAN, FNAP, ANEF, IDFCOINNCEO Council of International Neonatal Nurses, Inc. (COINN), Yardley, PA, USADean & Professor School of Nursing & Health Sciences, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ, USAThis podcast discusses the new COINN book Neonatal Nursing:  A Global Perspective.  Each region of the world is presented through first hand stories/narratives that highlight the similarities and differences neonatal nurses face in providing care.  It also describes some of the challenges and opportunities for neonatal nurses to raise the visibility of our work. Visit the Council of International Neonatal Nurses at coinnurses.org to purchase your copy of Neonatal Nursing: A Global Perspective.BiographyDr. Carole Kenner is the Chief Executive Officer, Council of International Neonatal Nurses, Inc. (COINN) and Dean & Professor at The College of New Jersey School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in neonatal/perinatal nursing, and a doctorate with a minor in higher education. She has authored more than 100 journal articles and 40 textbooks.   Her career is dedicated to nursing education and to the health of neonates and their families. She founded COINN to connect neonatal nurses globally and works to set standards for education and practice with over 60 countries involved.  Professional achievements include:Founder of the Journal Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews.Serves on the Consensus Committee of Neonatal Intensive Care Design Standards, which sets recommendations for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit designs globally, the Gravens Infant and Family Centered Developmental Care Task Forcecreating standards and competencies.She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN), a National Academies of Practice fellow, and Academy of Nursing Education Fellow, past president of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) and founding President of the Council of International Neonatal Nurses (COINN), the first international organization representing neonatal nursing.She serves on Every Newborn Action Plan- sets metrics for neonatal outcomes globally (UNICEF, WHO, USAID, UN Foundation partnership).She received the 2011 Sigma Theta Tau Audrey Hepburn Award for Contributions to the Health and Welfare of Children internationally. This podcast is sponsored by Pampers

SERIES 6 | EPISODE 1: Adding Neuropromotion to Neonatal Care: The Benefits of Neonatal Massage GUEST: Kara Ann Waitzman, OTR/L, CNT, NTMTCPresident, Creative Therapy ConsultantsFounder, Neonatal Touch & Massage CertificationPODCAST DESCRIPTION: The content of this podcast will help you identify the developmental risks of both infants and their families in the NICU along with [developing] a heightened awareness that every interaction we have with a baby and family matters in life-altering ways. Neonatal massage is highlighted as an evidence-based neuroprotective and neuropromotional activity that positively alters life for both parents and infants in the NICU.  BIOGRAPHY:Kara Ann Waitzman has been a neonatal therapist for over 35 years at a level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit where she assisted with the 60 bed single family room NICU design, initiated and maintains the developmental care and therapy program, and serves as the nursery's developmental specialist. She has served on the Association of Women's Health, Obstetrics, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) Continuum of Care Advisory Board and Power of Touch Committee, the National Association of Neonatal Therapists (NANT) Professional Collaborative, the Pampers Womb to World Advisory Board, and the March of Dimes Program Services board. Kara Ann is a Certified Neonatal Therapist, is certified in Neonatal Touch & Massage as well as the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP). She is Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT) trained and obtained the Neonatal Developmental Care Specialist Designation through the National Association of Neonatal Nurses.Kara Ann is president of Creative Therapy Consultants and has been a nationally sought-after speaker, educator, and consultant for over two decades. She is founder of the Neonatal Touch & Massage Certification® (NTMC), original co-founder of Infant-Driven Feeding®, and original co-developer of the Infant-Driven Feeding Scales©.  Kara Ann has published articles on neonatal positioning and handling, neonatal feeding, neuroprotection and neuropromotion, and written a chapter on neonatal neuromotor development and massage. She has developed videos on Massage, Skin-to-Skin Holding, and Swaddled Bathing for both Healthcare Providers and Parents in the NICU and SCN. Kara Ann has received professional awards including the Ohio Occupational Therapy Pediatric Model Practice Award, the March of Dimes Healthcare Worker of the Year Award, the 2011 Excellence in Service Award, and the National Association of Neonatal Therapists' 2015 Inaugural Pioneer Award.For more information about Kara Anns programs and teaching, please visit:https://www.creativetherapyconsultants.com/our-company/This podcast is sponsored by Pampers Professional 

SERIES 5 | EPISODE 3: Guided Meditation Session GUEST: Jackie Ang, MD, CCFP, E-RYTFamily Physician, Psychotherapist, Yoga + Meditation Instructor Ke'ala Living and The Mindfulness CentreDr. Jackie Ang will offer a guided meditation practice to facilitate relaxation and restoration of the body, mind, and spirit. The practice of meditation invites participants to develop strategies to reduce stress and improve mental resilience.Dr. Jackie Ang is a former family and palliative care physician turned GP psychotherapist, meditation, and yoga instructor. Growing up meditating in the Buddhist and Vedantic tradition, she became introduced to secular mindfulness and self-compassion practice during her medical training at Queen's University. Seeking to bring the benefits of meditation to patients, she currently facilitates OHIP funded mindfulness based group programs for the treatment of mental health and stress related illness.Passionate about empowering others to take an active role in their own wellbeing, she offers mindfulness-based training to hospital staff and serves on the faculty of the Esprit Yoga teacher training program teaching meditation and trauma-informed yoga. As an educator, her interest lies in finding the intersection between the contemplative traditions of meditation and yoga and our evolving neuroscientific understanding. She continues to further her studies in mindfulness and mind-body medicine with David Treleaven, Janina Fisher, Gabor Mate, and Manuela Mischke-Reeds.For more information about Dr. Ang's programs, teaching and retreat experiences, please visit: www.kealaliving.com/offerings This podcast is sponsored by WaterWipes® – the world's purest baby wipes. 

SERIES 5 | EPISODE 2: The Science of MindfulnessGUEST: Sandra L. Andreychuk, RN (EC), NCC (NNP), BScN, MHSc. (Bioethics), MSc. (Nursing)Advance Health Care Consultant / Health Care EthicistQuality Life Planning, www.qualitylifeplanning.com  During this episode participants will learn how large fluctuations in our emotional state can create a physiologic stress response which can lead to a reduction in our overall health and wellness and job satisfaction.  The concept of “Window of Tolerance” will be explored and how one might go about “resetting” by taking simple steps to enhance our ability to built resilience and practice self-regulation.  The importance of reflective practice and self-knowledge will be explored along with common myths related to mindfulness and mediation.Sandra Andreychuk practiced as a registered nurse and clinical educator in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit before becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. Sandra practiced within eh NICU setting for over 20 years before transitioned into a new career as a Health Care Ethicist. Sandra has led several End-of-Life initiatives including development of hospital infrastructure to support patients and families who are experiencing the final journey of life. As an ethicist, Sandra provides health system navigation and  mediation of conflict around morally charged issues. Sandra's primary focus and research efforts are directed toward end of life care planning and building hospital infrastructure to support early integration of Palliative Care. Sandra is a Master Trainer in the Serious Illness Care Program, a program aimed to enhance understanding of patients wishes, values and goals of care as they near end of life. In 2021 Sandra founded a health care consultation service, Quality Life Planning, that provides serious illness and end of life care planning, health advocacy, system navigation and public education on relevant health care issues.  Sandra also continues to practice nursing as a hospice nurse. Sandra studied Mindfulness Based Stressed Reduction and MBSR Intensive through Mindfulness Hamilton. Sandra integrates meditation and mindfulness into daily work and in her personal life.  Sandra is currently completing her Yoga Teacher Training.This podcast is sponsored by WaterWipes® – the world's purest baby wipes. 

SERIES 5 | EPISODE 4: Strengthening Kangaroo Care in Neonatal Intensive Care UnitsGUEST: Sarah Coutts, BSc, BSN, RN, IBCLC, MPHDevelopmental Care SpecialistBC Women's Hospital NICUVancouver, BCIn this podcast, Sarah will discuss Kangaroo Care and its role in supporting breast milk expression and breastfeeding. Sarah is a registered nurse with experience in the NICU and as well as a Lactation Consultant. She currently works as a Developmental Care Specialist in the BC Women's Hospital NICU. Sarah completed her Masters in Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Her dissertation on Kangaroo Mother Care and identifying preterm infants in low- and middle-income countries led her to continue her passion for Kangaroo Care in BC NICUs. Recently, Sarah was the Provincial Kangaroo Care Coordinator at Perinatal Services BC. She is part of a team of implementation science researchers working to improve uptake of Kangaroo Care and promote zero-separation of infants and families.This podcast is sponsored by WaterWipes® – the world's purest baby wipes.  

SERIES 5 | EPISODE 1: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for Nurses (in the context of COVID) – Signs, Symptoms, SupportGUEST: Leslie Morland, PsyDProfessor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Director of the Regional TeleMental Health Program at the San Diego VA Health Care SystemCouple HOPES, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), San Diego VA Health Care SystemJoin Dr. Leslie Morland, PsyD, Director of the Regional TeleMental Health Program at the San Diego VA Health Care System, a researcher at the Pacific Island Division of the National Center for PTSD, a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), and in the Education Unit of the VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health as she discusses PTSD and relationships. Dr. Morland provides an overview on PTSD, how PTSD impacts relationships and how relationships impact PTSD. Dr. Morland discusses practical information that can be easily implemented in one's daily life and briefly speaks about accessible supports available to help couples with PTSD.Dr. Leslie Morland, PsyD, is a collaborator on the Couple HOPES study, where she contributes her extensive knowledge of evidence-based treatments to the development of an online, PTSD intervention for couples. Dr. Leslie Morland, is the Director of the Regional TeleMental Health Program at the San Diego VA Health Care System, a researcher at the Pacific Island Division of the National Center for PTSD, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), and in the Education Unit of the VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health. She earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University and completed trauma-focused postdoctoral research fellowship at the National Center for PTSD. Dr. Morland previously was the Deputy Director of the National Center for PTSD, Pacific Island Division. Dr. Morland's primary areas of research are in evaluating the innovative use of technology to increase access and the uptake of evidence-based psychotherapies for PTSD with rural and remote Veterans. Dr. Morland has over 50 publications and chapters related to trauma and PTSD.This podcast is sponsored by WaterWipes® – the world's purest baby wipes. 

SERIES 4 | EPISODE 4: The Role and Integration of a Psychologist in the NICUGUESTS: Julie de SalaberrySenior Director of Neonatal Programs BC Women's Hospital and Health CentreVancouver, BCJulie de Salaberry is the Senior Director, Clinical Operations of BCW 70 Single Family Room Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) and the Neonatal Follow Up Program in Vancouver, BC.  She began her career as a registered nurse in the NICU and obstetrics and has held a variety of clinical leadership roles with over 12 years of administrative leadership experience.   Julie led a variety of large system redesign projects in preparation of the opening of the new Children's and Women's Hospital including the development and implementation of the combined care MotherBaby Care model of care, now recognized as a peer reviewed leading health care practice by the Health Standards Organization. She has collaborated and co-authored several publications and is curious about the ways models of care may shape the roles and relationships of health care professionals and parents and the influence on the health outcomes of infants, mothers and families. Sandesh Shivananda, MD, FRCPC, M.Sc.Medical Director, Neonatal ProgramAssociate Professor, NeonatologyVancouver, BC Dr. Sandesh Shivananda is an Associate Professor at UBC and a Staff Neonatologist at BC Women's Hospital, with the Division of Neonatology. Dr. Shivananda received his Medical Degree from the University of Mysore, 1998 and then was trained in Neonatology at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, India (1997-2003) and at the University of Toronto, 2007. From there, Dr. Shivananda completed his Masters in Health Informatics at the University of Victoria, BC. Dr. Shivananda's interests lie in knowledge translation, integration of technology, and quality improvement. His focus has been in designing, implementing, and evaluating QI programs. He is also the site investigator for the Canadian Neonatal Network's – Evidence based Practice for Improving Quality. He co-chairs the Neonatal Leadership and Quality and Safety Improvement committees. He also serves as the EPIQ workshop lead facilitator.  

SERIES 4 | EPISODE 2: Nurse Practitioners Performing Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography in the NICUGUEST: Jill Larocque, BScN, MES, NNPNeonatal Nurse PractitionerNorthern Alberta Neonatal Intensive Care ProgramStollery Children's Hospital, Alberta Health ServicesEdmonton, AlbertaThe use of Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography (TNE) in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit allows care providers to assess and interpret the hemodynamic status of a neonate. Bedside TNE further allows providers to perform real-time assessments and make vital decisions in relation to patient care. Though typically performed by physicians, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Edmonton, Alberta is perhaps the first unit in North America to implement a TNE training program inclusive of neonatal nurse practitioners. Jill Larocque speaks about the Edmonton experience. Jill Larocque has worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for almost 20 years. She is a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner at the Stollery Children's hospital and a Faculty Clinical Associate with the Faculty of Nursing, Graduate studies.  Her professional time is spent caring for neonates in the NICU, teaching in the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Alberta and completing her training in targeted Neonatal echocardiography. 

SERIES 4 | EPISODE 3: Wellness Debriefs in the NICU GUEST: Dr. Joanna HumphreysAssistant Professor and Pediatric Palliative Care PhysicianQuality of Life and Advanced Care Team in the Department of PediatricsMcMaster University & McMaster Children's HospitalHamilton, OntarioAssistant Professor and Pediatric Palliative Care Physician with the Quality of Life and Advanced Care Team in the Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University & McMaster Children's Hospital. After growing up in Canada, Dr. Humphreys studied at Oxford University in England where she completed her bachelor's in Physiological Sciences and Medical School. She completed her Pediatric residency, community Pediatrics fellowship and Palliative Care fellowship at The Hospital for Sick Children, where she worked as a staff physician on the Palliative Care team before transitioning to McMaster. Her interests include physician wellness, advanced care planning and childhood grief. 

SERIES 4 | EPISODE 1: Neonatal Palliative Care - Treatment ApproachGUEST: Nikki Berza RN, MN-NP Program Student (NP-Peds in a few months!) This episode explores myths and misconceptions surrounding palliative care in the NICU, defining palliative and end-of-life care terms, and highlighting the importance language plays in difficult discussions surrounding the death of a neonate. Nikki discusses her personal experiences with end-of-life care in the NICU setting; focusing on empathy, compassion, and the importance of integrating palliative care into neonatology. Nikki Berza is a Registered Nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at McMaster Children's Hospital and a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (NP) student at the University of Toronto. She had the privilege of completing her first NP placement with the Quality of Life and Advanced Care Team (QoLA Care) at McMaster Children's Hospital and has found a passion for palliative and end-of-life care, especially in her work and role in the NICU. She has accepted an NP position at the NICU following her masters education and is looking forward to integrating the philosophies learned through QoLA Care in advocating for infants and families at the end-of-life.   

SERIES 3 | EPISODE 4: The Growing Popularity of TNEcho Programs in Canadian NICUsGUEST: Soume Bhattacharya, MBBS, MDStaff Neonatologist, London Health Sciences CentreLead, TnECHO & Hemodynamics Program, London Health Sciences CentreAssistant Professor of Paediatrics, UWOMember, Pan-American Hemodynamics CollaborativeTargeted Neonatal Echocardiography Programs are becoming more prevalent throughout Canada. The director of theTnECHO program at The Children's Hospital at London's Health Science Centre, neonatologist Dr. Soume Bhattacharya, explains the technology and its role in neonatal care. Dr. Soume Bhattacharya is a neonatologist and assistant professor at Western University, Schulich School of Medicine and an Associate Scientist at Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON. She completed fellowships in neonatal-perinatal medicine, and targeted neonatal echocardiography, as well as a graduate diploma in clinical epidemiology. She is the director of the Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography Program at The Children's Hospital at London's Health Science Centre, where she is using the technology to improve standards of care, enhance education, and advance research in neonatal hemodynamics. 

SERIES 3 | EPISODE 3: Treating Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension in Neonatal PatientsGUEST: Dany Weisz, MD, MScNeonatologist, Director of Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography ProgramSunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Neonatal ICU, TorontoTechnological advances and research are improving survival rates of micro-preemies. This is resulting in an increased understanding of many interconnected conditions and diseases, including pulmonary vascular disease, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and pulmonary hypertension. Dr. Dany Weisz walks us through the current understanding and how this is impacting research, treatment, and outcomes. Dr. Dany Weisz is a neonatal intensivist and director of the targeted neonatal echocardiography program at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. He completed medical school at the University of Western Ontario, residency in general pediatrics at the University of Ottawa, clinical fellowship in neonatal-perinatal medicine and Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research at the University of Toronto. His research interests include the physiology and epidemiology of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants and non-invasive cardiac monitoring.For more reading, Dr. Weisz suggests this review article and recent guidelines.

SERIES 3 | EPISODE 2: Supporting NICU Parents by Connecting Them with Veteran ParentsGUEST: Marianne BrachtFamily Ambassador Program Chair, Canadian Premature Babies FoundationRetired Neonatal Nurse; Member, FiCare National and International CommitteesNeonatal nurses play a special role in connecting patient families with information and support during their NICU stay, preparing for discharge, and beyond. The Canadian Premature Babies Foundation offers a wealth of medically informed content, delivered from a parent perspective. Foundation volunteer and retired NICU nurse Marianne Bracht talks about some of the resources available, including a report on improving RSV education, common winter illness materials, and the CPBF's own podcast.Marianne Bracht has more than four decades experience as a neonatal nurse, supporting families and other medical professionals at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. She is a key volunteer with the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation, helping build and promote the Family Ambassador program that aims to support NICU families. Marianne is also an active committee member with FiCare, both the Nationally and Internationally. She joins the podcast to talk about the resources available to both healthcare providers and to parents via CPBF.She joins the podcast to talk about the resources available to both healthcare providers and to parents via CPBF.

SERIES 3 | EPISODE 1: Examining the Controversy Around Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) in Preterm Infants GUEST: Souvik Mitra, MD,  MScAssistant Professor & NeonatologistDepartment of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University & IWK Health Centre, HalifaxSocial Media Editor, International Society of Evidence Based NeonatologyThe treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants is the focus of much debate and controversy. Dr. Souvik Mitra offers insight for patient's families and caregivers as to how recent research has impacted our understanding of PDAs and what the future might hold for treatment options.Dr Souvik Mitra is a neonatologist and researcher based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. His primary research interest is improving outcomes of preterm babies with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), both through systemic review of current evidence and generation of new evidence through clinical research. He is the Principal Investigator of an ongoing CIHR-funded pan-Canadian study comparing the different medications used for treating a PDA, as well as the lead on several Cochrane Neonate systematic reviews on this topic. Dr. Mitra is also the social media editor for the International Society for Evidence-Based Neonatology. You can follow the society on Twitter at @EBNEO and Dr. Mitra himself at @souvik_neo.

SERIES 2 | EPISODE 4: COVID-19 in PregnancyGUEST: Chelsea Elwood, B.M.ScH, M.Sc, MD, FRCSCReproductive Infectious Diseases Specialist Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of British ColumbiaHealthcare professionals and researchers around the globe are quickly gathering, sharing, and reacting to data relating to COVID-19 and its impacts on pregnant women and their infants. A key Canadian voice in these discussions is British Columbia's Dr. Chelsea Elwood.Dr. Elwood is an OBGYN and a reproductive infectious diseases specialist with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. She completed her B.Sc and M.Sc. in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Western Ontario, then went on to medical training as an OB/GYN and a Reproductive Infectious Disease Fellowship at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Elwood is a member of the SOGC Infectious Disease committee, which makes recommendations in reproductive care as it relates to infectious diseases.This podcast is sponsored by Pampers. 

SERIES 2 | EPISODE 3: Supporting Parents' Sleep in the NICU GUEST: Robyn Stremler, RN, PhD, FAAN Associate Professor and Bloomberg Professor in Child and Family Health, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto and Adjunct Scientist, The Hospital for Sick ChildrenToronto, OntarioA cornerstone of a NICU patients' journey is the establishment of a healthy sleep pattern. Far beyond simply helping parents and caregivers recharge, sleep offers infants incredibly important opportunities to develop. Dr. Robyn Stremler is a leading researcher on sleep and its impacts on infants, mothers, and families. She shares her insights on the importance of sleep for neonates in this episode of NeoChats.Dr. Stremler is an Associate Professor and Director, PhD Program, at the University of Toronto in the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, and an Adjunct Scientist at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKIds) in Toronto. Her research focuses on improving sleep and related health outcomes for families. For more on her work, visit: https://www.stremlerresearch.com/This podcast is sponsored by Pampers. 

SERIES 2 | EPISODE 2: Prevention and Treatment Strategies for the Hospitalized Neonate with Diaper DermatitisGUEST: Jeanne Scotland, RN, MN, NNP-BC, WOC graduateNeonatal Nurse PractitionerRockyview General Hospital, Alberta Health ServicesCalgary, AlbertaDiaper rashes may seem like a rite of passage for babies (and their caregivers and parents), but diaper dermatitis can have serious complications for premature babies. Detailed prevention and early treatment strategies can be a valuable tool in mitigating the prevalence and intensity of diaper dermatitis in the NICU. Nurse practitioner Jeanne Scotland is a leading Canadian voice on neonatal skin care and shares her knowledge in this episode.Jeanne Scotland has worked with neonoates for more than 38 years, in a variety of roles, including as a neonatal nurse practitioner. She is a graduate of the Wound, Ostomy Continence Institution and is passionate about neonatal skin care. Jeanne is the lead of the neonatal skin injury prevention quality improvement project for Alberta Health Services' Calgary Zone NICUs.This podcast is sponsored by Pampers. 

SERIES 2 | EPISODE 1: Deep Caring and Moral Distress: Healthcare's Gordian Knot GUEST: Blair Henry,  D. BioethicsSenior EthicistAssistant Professor, Health Ethics Alliance (SB, NYGH & WPHC)DFCM, University of TorontoToronto, OntarioBlair Henry is a Senior Ethicist with the Health Ethics Alliance, and is currently working at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center and North York General Hospital in Toronto. He has been working as an ethicist since 2002.  Prior to this, he worked in hospice end-of-life care in the community.Blair completed a Post Graduate and a Senior Ethics Fellowship in 2005-06 and 2006-07 respectfully, through the Joint Centre for Bioethics at the University of Toronto. Blair completed a Doctor of Bioethics from Loyola University in Chicago.  He is also has an Assistant Professor in the Division of Palliative Care in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto.His unique interests involve: research ethics, resuscitation ethics, ethics at the end of life.This podcast is sponsored by Pampers. 

Episode Four: How to Respond to Quickly-Appearing Research During a PandemicGuest: Michael Narvey, MD, FRCPC, FAAPSection Head, Neonatology; Medical Director of the Child Health Transport Team; Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba; founder, All Things NeonatalWinnipeg-based neonatologist Dr. Michael Narvey, the voice behind the well-known website All Things Neonatal, offers a clear and concise synopsis of the current (early April 2020) COVID-19 literature regarding newborns, transmission of the virus, and testing within the context of maternal and infant care. Neonatal intensive care units across Canada are facing similar challenges but responding in various ways; Dr. Narvey offers some insight to how decisions are being made in various healthcare settings and what factual information neonatal nurses should be following.Canadian Pediatric Society Practice Points: https://www.cps.ca/en/documents/statements-by-dateDr. Narvey's COVID-19 resources: https://www.allthingsneonatal.com/canadian-covid-19-resources/This podcast is sponsored by: Pampers

Episode 3: The Courage to Care Begins with YOU!Guest: Mary Coughlin, MS, NNP, RNC-EPresident & Founder, Caring Essentials Collaborative, LLCBoston, MassachusettsThrough her organization Caring Essentials, Mary Coughlin aims to “transform the experience of care for hospitalized infants, families, and clinicians” with a vision of “trauma-informed healthcare for all.” She brings her insight and experience as a NICU nurse to the COVID-19 pandemic, offering advice on how neonatal nurses and their colleagues can recognize and respond to trauma, both for themselves and for their patients.BIO: A graduate from Northeastern University where she received her baccalaureate and master's degrees in nursing, Ms. Coughlin served in the USAF Nurses Corps before transitioning to civilian practice. A seasoned staff nurse, charge nurse and neonatal nurse practitioner, Ms. Coughlin is currently the President and Founder of Caring Essentials Collaborative.  A leader in the field of neonatal nursing and internationally recognized expert in the field of trauma-informed, age-appropriate care in the NICU, Ms. Coughlin is a published author and her credits include Clinical Practice Guidelines for Age-Appropriate Care of the Premature and Critically Ill Hospitalized Infant for the National Association for Neonatal Nursing (NANN), Transformative Nursing in the NICU: Trauma-Informed, Age-Appropriate Care and her most recent book entitled: Trauma-informed Care in the NICU: Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines for Transdisciplinary Neonatal Clinicians.Mary Coughlin's website: https://www.caringessentials.net/This podcast is sponsored by: Pampers

Episode Two: Supporting Parents in a Time of Crisis Guest: Ann DouglasBestselling Parenting Author of Happy Parents, Happy Kids and Parenting Through the Storm – Parenting Columnist, CBC RadioParenting author Ann Douglas, a keynote speaker at CANN's 2019 conference, shares practical and reassuring advice on how to support parents in a time of crisis. Neonatal nurses play a critical role in comforting and calming parents, helping them make sense of the increasingly restrictive rules surrounding NICU visits necessitated by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Her message is clear: relationships mean everything at a time like this. You have a powerful and unprecedented opportunity to truly ‘be the village' for the families you serve.Ann DouglasWebsite: http://www.anndouglas.ca/Social: Twitter + Facebook + LinkedIn + InstagramBooks: Happy Parents, Happy Kids + Parenting Through the Storm + The Mother of AllThis podcast is sponsored by: Pampers

Episode One: Everything You Wanted to Know About COVID-19 for the NICU But Were Afraid to AskGuest: Michael Narvey, MD, FRCPC, FAAPSection Head, Neonatology; Medical Director of the Child Health Transport Team; Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba; founder, All Things NeonatalWinnipeg-based neonatologist Dr. Michael Narvey, the voice behind the well-known website All Things Neonatal, offers a clear and concise synopsis of the current (early April 2020) COVID-19 literature regarding newborns, transmission of the virus, and testing within the context of maternal and infant care. Neonatal intensive care units across Canada are facing similar challenges but responding in various ways; Dr. Narvey offers some insight to how decisions are being made in various healthcare settings and what factual information neonatal nurses should be following.Dr. Narvey's COVID-19 resources: https://www.allthingsneonatal.com/canadian-covid-19-resources/This podcast is sponsored by: Pampers