Ronald N. Goldberg, M.D., Chief

Persistent pulmonary hypertension--use of Ethynitrite, perinatal asphyxia and neuroprotection, the extremely low-birth-weight infant, cardiovascular manifestations of sepsis and septic shock in the neonate. See also Clinical Research.

 

Richard L. Auten, M.D.

Laboratory Investigations:
Our laboratory investigates the mechanisms by which oxidative stress disrupts postnatal lung development in premature newborns. We are studying the pathways by which inflammation--neutrophil influx in particular--impairs post-natal alveolar and airway development, with the overall aim of protecting posnatal lung development.  These studies are done in collaboration with investigators in Duke's Brumley Neonatal Perinatal Research Institute. See also Developmental Pulmonology.
   
Clinical/Applied:
We are studying the effects of maternal multiple pollutant exposures on birth outcomes and lung development, using mouse models of maternal and neonatal exposures, with collaborators in the Children's Environmental Health Initiative at Duke. We are studying inhaled nitric oxide and nitric oxide containing compounds to modulate inflammation and prevent sequelae of prematurity, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, and impaired neurodevelopmental outcomes.

C. Michael Cotten, M.D.

Dr. Cotten is the Director of Neonatal Clinical Research at Duke. He is the alternate site Principle Investigator for the NICHD Neonatal Research Network. His research focuses on variation in individual infants' risks of complex diseases of prematurity. His work has involved assessment of center differences in risk of morbidities and mortality in high-risk infants. With Network and Duke colleagues, he and Dr. Goldberg have received NICHD funds to develop a DNA repository for the Network's extremely low birthweight infants at the Duke Center for Human Genetics. This resource will allow large- scale genetic association studies in high-risk premature infants. He serves on the NICHD Neonatal Network's Genomics Subcommittee. He has completed a Master's Degree in Clinical Research at the DCRI and serves on the Duke IRB. See also Clinical Research.
 

Jeffrey Ferranti, M.D., M.S.

Pediatric Informatics:
Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) in Pediatrics, electronic Medical Records (EMR) in Pediatrics, emerging Technologies in Neonatology, heathcare Data Standards and Taxonomies

Computerized Patient Safety Initiatives:
Voluntary Reporting Systems, computerized Adverse Drug Event (ADE) Surveillance, quality improvement metrics, Patient Safety Event Ontologies.

See also Medical Informatics.

 

Ricki F. Goldstein, M.D.

David T. Tanaka, M.D.

My interest and energies have focused on a thorough and sophisticated analysis of health care finances and resource allocation. I have created a multidisciplinary team, which has been given sufficient authority by the Chancellor of the Medical School and Duke Health Care System and the Chief Financial Officer of the Duke Health Care System to identify and correct system errors involved with either acquisitions or expenditure of clinical revenues. My work has resulted in improvement in system efficiency and revenue enhancement. I have created a partnership within an academic setting that has improved the financial health of the Medical School and Medical Center, and resulted in support of the Division’s and Medical School’s academic mission. The ultimate aim of my work is to elucidate systems problems and systematic errors in financial reimbursement that lend themselves to statistical analysis and correction. All academic institutions need to be able to approach their finances in a scientific, systematic manner if they are to survive. I am developing tools in concert with SAS, which may be applicable to and testable at all centers. In addition, I am working with members of the Sanford Institute of Public Policy at Duke to evaluate health care policy and resource utilization. See also Health Policy and Medical Economics.