Neonatology research opportunities at Duke encompass both the basic and clinical sciences. In addition, many fellows choose to engage in masters level training encompassing a myriad of clinically relevant fields. Examples include, but are not limited to Masters degrees in Clinical Research, Public Health, Genomics, Medical Informatics, and Health Care Policy. Fellows may choose one of the Three Research Tracks to guide their education during their time at Duke.

The aim of mentored research is to provide fellows with the background and qualifications for successful independent research. During the first year, discussions with faculty and other advisors lead to an individualized research training plan, which depends upon the fellow’s academic and professional goals. The research mentorship within the Division follows the investigative interests of the faculty: 1) prenatal and perinatal mechanisms of cardiopulmonary and central nervous system injury and repair, 2) postnatal neurodevelopmental outcome, and 3) resource allocation and cost analysis in intensive care. Research is conducted within the aegis of the Neonatal Perinatal Research Institute (NPRI). The NPRI is comprised of investigators within the Divisions of Neonatal Medicine, Maternal Fetal Medicine, and Obstetric Anesthesiology, with affiliated faculty and advisors in Internal Medicine (Pulmonary Medicine, Neurology, Immunology), Neurobiology, Cell Biology, Genetics, and The Sanford Institute of Public Policy. At the start of the fellowship each fellow is aligned with a faculty member within the NPRI or its affiliates. Depending on the fellow’s interests and future plans, research mentors can be chosen from any of the faculty at the Duke Medical School.