Interview with Dr. Thomas Hays

What is the most exciting aspect of the Workbook in Practical Neonatology, 7th Edition? What chapter or topic covered in the Workbook in Practical Neonatology, 7th Edition are you most excited about? 

I am thrilled to have helped edit the Workbook, which is a classic text in the field of neonatology. That it is now in its seventh edition speaks to its tremendous value in training generations of pediatricians, neonatologists, nurses, and advanced practice providers. I myself learned many of the basic principles in our field from this text and am honored to now help lead it.

Who will find the greatest value from Workbook in Practical Neonatology, 7th Edition and why? 

The Workbook is primarily intended for physicians training to provide care to newborns, including neonatologists, pediatricians, and family medicine providers. It will also be very useful to nurses and advanced practice providers seeking a deeper understanding in the physiological principles underpinning the care of newborns. Finally, the Workbook will provide excellent continuing education to experienced practitioners. I learned a great deal regarding the latest research in our field by reviewing and helping to contribute to this edition.

What new ideas, practices, or procedures would you like to highlight for the Workbook in Practical Neonatology, 7th Edition? 

The practice of neonatology must always be based in physiology. This is an old concept, regularly updated by new research. For example, the Workbook’s first chapter, A Physiologic Approach to Neonatal Resuscitation, contains the latest insights from animal model research into the relationship between lung aeration and systemic blood pressure regulation in newborns. Likewise, each subsequent chapter contains results from the latest scientific breakthroughs, which will help readers provide the best possible care to their patients.

What problem do you hope the future generation of your specialty will be able to solve? 

Like physicians of any practice, every generation of neonatologists is responsible for training the next generation of students. Knowledge does not exist in stasis. Rather it must be constantly tended, looked after, re-kindled, and shared. It is my deep wish that future generations of neonatologists will train their students with the same dedication and care that my mentors demonstrated in training me. I hope the Workbook will be a helpful resource in this endeavor.

About the Author

Thomas Hays, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Columbia University, specializing in neonatology. His research focuses on the genetic foundations of diseases that affect newborns, with a particular emphasis on rare genetic disorders and their role in growth restriction and congenital anomalies of the heart and kidneys. As a neonatologist, Dr. Hays seeks to deepen the understanding of how these genetic factors contribute to critical conditions in newborns, working to improve both diagnosis and treatment options.

He collaborates with Richard A. Polin, MD, a Professor of Pediatrics at Columbia University whose neonatology practice spans over 50 years. Together, they contribute to advancing neonatal care through research and expertise.

Purchase your copy of Workbook in Practical Neonatology, 7th Edition here!