As the preterm birth rate remains at an all-time high, continuing education for providers of neonatal intensive care is critical

Pediatrix^® Medical Group, Inc. (NYSE: MD), a leading provider of physician services, is pleased to announce NEO: The Conference for Neonatology, a premier educational event dedicated to advancing the field of neonatology. The conference will be held Feb. 19-21 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will bring together neonatologists, pediatricians, advanced practitioners and allied health professionals from around the globe.

As a trusted provider of neonatology services for more than 45 years, Pediatrix cares for nearly a quarter of the infants born in the United States that require intensive care.

The March of Dimes’ 2024 Report Card, released in November, reported that the nation’s preterm birth rate remains historically high at 10.4%, with 370,000 babies born prematurely in 2023. In 2022, the rate was 10.5%. The U.S. earned a D+ for the third consecutive year, remaining the worst grade in the report’s history.

“These findings emphasize the need for continuous innovation in the field of neonatal-perinatal medicine,” said Timothy Biela, M.D., neonatologist at Pediatrix Neonatology of San Antonio and director of the NEO conference. “We are proud to lead research efforts and provide continuing education opportunities not only for our affiliated clinicians, but for all providers of this highly specialized care. Our hope is to improve outcomes for our youngest and most vulnerable patients.”

About the Conference

Now in its 46^th year, the NEO conference addresses the latest advancements, research and best practices in neonatology. The meeting aims to provide a platform for knowledge exchange, professional development and collaboration among health care professionals dedicated to the care of newborns.

The comprehensive program includes:

• Plenary sessions on cutting-edge research and clinical practices
• Interactive workshops and hands-on training sessions
• Panel discussions with industry experts and thought leaders
• Networking opportunities with peers and leaders in neonatology
• Exhibits showcasing the latest technologies and products in neonatal care

Keynote Speakers

The NEO conference will feature an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, including renowned experts in the field of neonatology. Among the distinguished speakers are:

• Dan Ellsbury, M.D., Director of Quality and Safety for Neonatology, the Pediatrix Center for Research, Education, Quality and Safety (CREQS)
• Elizabeth Foglia, M.D., MSCE, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine | Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• Haresh Kirpalani, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
• Josef Neu, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine
• Noelle Younge, M.D., MHS, Jean and George W. Brumley, Jr., M.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine
• Robert Ursprung, M.D., MMSc, Director of Quality and Safety for Neonatology, the Pediatrix CREQS

These thought leaders will share their insights on groundbreaking research, innovative treatments and emerging trends in neonatal care.

Legends of Neonatology

Established in 2007, the Legends of Neonatology award honors remarkable individuals whose clinical contributions have helped forge new ground in neonatal medicine. This year’s recipient is David K. Stevenson, M.D., Harold K. Faber Professor of Pediatrics, Senior Associate Dean for Maternal and Child Health at the Stanford University School of Medicine and Principal Investigator of the Prematurity Research Center. Over the span of four decades, Dr. Stevenson has been at the forefront of research, professional education and clinical care in neonatology. He has made pioneering contributions to neonatology and pediatrics through extensive research in bilirubin biochemistry, heme oxygenase biology and neonatal jaundice. His work has led to new technologies and standards of care for the treatment of neonatal jaundice.

Accredited Continuing Education

Participants attending the NEO conference will have the opportunity to earn accredited continuing education credits. The Pediatrix CREQS is accredited by:

• The Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians, designating this live activity for a maximum of 20.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
• The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation as a provider of nursing continuing professional development, designating this live activity for a maximum of 20.25 nursing contact hour(s).

About Pediatrix Medical Group

Pediatrix^® Medical Group, Inc. (NYSE: MD) is a leading provider of physician services. Pediatrix-affiliated clinicians are committed to providing coordinated, compassionate and clinically excellent services to women, babies and children across the continuum of care, both in hospital settings and office-based practices. Specialties include obstetrics, maternal-fetal medicine and neonatology. The group’s high-quality, evidence-based care is bolstered by significant investments in research, education, quality improvement and safety initiatives. The physician-led company was founded in 1979 as a single neonatology practice and today provides its highly specialized and often critical care services through approximately 4,400 affiliated physicians and other clinicians. To learn more about Pediatrix, visit www.pediatrix.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and the Pediatrix blog. Investment information can be found at www.pediatrix.com/investors.

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"We are proud to lead research efforts and provide continuing education opportunities not only for our affiliated clinicians, but for all providers of this highly specialized care," said Timothy Biela, M.D., neonatologist and NEO conference director.