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Health Care Providers: Neonatologists

What Is Neonatology?

Neonatology (nee-uh-nay-TOL-uh-jee) is the medical specialty that treats newborns who are premature (born early) or have medical problems.

What Is a Neonatologist?

A neonatologist (nee-uh-nay-TOL-uh-jist) is a doctor who cares for newborns who were born early or have medical problems.

Why Would Someone Need One?

Neonatologists treat newborns with many conditions, including:

They do medical tests and procedures such as:

What Is Their Training?

Neonatologist training typically includes:

  • 4 years of pre-medical education at a college or university
  • 4 years of medical school — a medical degree (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree
  • 3 years of training in a pediatric residency program
  • 3 years of fellowship training in neonatal medicine. A “fellow” is a doctor who had more specialty training after completing medical school and a residency.

Good to Know

Neonatologists work closely with respiratory therapists, physical therapists, social workers, Child Life specialists, and pharmacists to care for newborns.