Dr. Umamaheswari B MD, MRCPCH, MBBS, MD Paediatrics, MRCPCH, Special training Neonatology is the Head of Department of Neonatology. She also holds other responsibilities such as being a member of the credentialing committee at SRIHER. She handles subjects in Superspeciality - DM. Neonatology, Postgraduate- MD. PEDIATRICS; Undergraduate – MBBS. Her contact Extension number is Ext. 7025.

Dr. Umamaheswari B has an impressive & dedicated career in neonatology &pediatric medicine! A concise summary of her career journey is as follows

Education: She completed MBBS in 1999 at Chengalpattu Medical College, where she was recognized as the best outgoing student. She joined MD Pediatrics at JIPMER and completed it in 2003. She went to the United Kingdom for specialized training in Neonatology and completed MRCPCH in 2006. She received further training in Metabolic Medicine at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia.

Career Path: She was a Senior Resident for 1 year after MD Pediatrics and Consultant at Madras Medical Mission for 2 years. She joined SRMC as a Consultant and Assistant Professor in Neonatology. She is a key person in initiating the "Sri Ramachandra Center of Excellence in Perinatal Health (SCOPE)" in 2012. She got trained in genetics and counseling at Mediscans System. She was promoted to Associate Professor of Neonatology in 2015. She started the Neonatal Screening Program at SRMC in 2016. She was promoted to Professor of Neonatology in 2021. Currently she is the Head of Department of Neonatology at SRMC&RI since November 2023.

Other Roles and Achievements: She is involved in counselling high-risk women at SCOPE clinic and running the metabolic clinic at SRMC. She is interested in research areas including Nutrition in Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM), Genetics in IEM, Feeding in Preterm Infants, MRI in Preterm and IEM. She actively conducts Neonatal Resuscitation Program and served as the state academic coordinator of Tamil Nadu for advanced NRP program. She was recognized as a "Research Ambassador" of SRIHER in 2018. She was elected as executive board member of Tamil Nadu Association of Neonatology in 2020. She is currently serving as the IAP zonal coordinator for the perinatology module "Caring Both Ends of the Cord" and as an associate editor for the Journal of Neonatology.

Her career demonstrates a strong commitment to clinical excellence, education, research, and leadership in neonatology and perinatal health. She has made significant contributions both nationally and internationally in the field of Neonatology & Pediatrics.

Project: Targeted Oxygenation in the Respiratory care of Premature Infants at Delivery: Effects on Outcome (TORPIDO 30/60). Project Description: The TORPIDO 30/60 Study is a multicentric trial aiming to enroll 1470 premature infants up to 28+6 weeks gestation across multiple continents including Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Middle-East, Europe, North America, and Latin America. The primary hypothesis of the study is that adjusting initial respiratory care in the delivery room can improve survival without major brain injury. Specifically, it compares two approaches: Initial FiO2 0.6 versus Initial FiO2 0.3. The study then targets oxygen saturation (SpO2) within NRP guidelines at 5 and 10 minutes post-birth and continues this approach until admission to the NICU.

Awards & Recognitions: She was recognized for highest number of Q1 publications during science week celebration in 2023 at SRIHER. This recognition underscores the dedication to high-impact scientific research at SRIHER. She received Shri V R Venkataachalam Research publication award for best research publication in 2022. She was acknowledged for significant contributions to research excellence in the field. She was awarded Third best poster in NEOCON 2016 conducted in Indore. She also was recognized for outstanding visual communication of research findings in neonatology. She also received Best Poster Innovation award in NEOCON 2015 conducted in Bhubaneshwar. She was awarded for innovative approach and presentation in the field of neonatology. She also received a Letter of Appreciation from IAP for conducting BNCRP program in Tamilnadu in July 2013. She was commended for community-based efforts in pediatric care and education. She was recognised as “Research Ambassador” in Sri Ramachandra Institute of higher education and research. She was honoured for leadership and promotion of research culture within the institute. She received a Cash Prize Award for presenting the paper “Magnetic Resonance Imaging abnormality of the brain in preterm SGA babies compared to preterm AGA babies done at term equivalent” in Kerala Neocon in 2012. She also was recognized for outstanding research presentation. She has demonstrated excellence in neonatal knowledge and expertise. She stood First in divisional round NNF NEONATOLOGY QUIZ for postgraduate students conducted by National Neonatology Forum in September 2002. She received Dr TM Nair Memorial GOLD MEDAL in December 1997 for coming first in the final year MBBS University examination from Chengalpattu Medical College. She was awarded for academic excellence as the best outgoing student. She awarded Dr Vadamalayan Endowment Prize in December 1997 for Medicine and Paediatrics in MBBS. She was Recognized for proficiency in medicine and pediatrics during undergraduate studies. She received Dr J.A.S. Masilamani GOLD MEDAL IN Medicine 1997 for securing highest mark in Medicine in final year MBBS exam. She was acknowledged for exceptional academic achievement in medicine. She received the Balfour Memorial GOLD MEDAL in Medicine in 1997.  She was awarded for outstanding performance in the field of medicine. She got the Madras University Students Club Endowment Prize for Medicine in 1997. She was recognized for excellence in medicine by Madras University. She participated in IAP PAEDIATRIC QUIZ for MBBS by Indian Academy of Paediatrics in 1997. She engaged in competitive learning and knowledge sharing in pediatric medicine. She received the Prof M Guhanandam Endowment Prize in Ophthalmology in 1995-96.  She recognized for excellence in ophthalmology during undergraduate studies. She got distinction in Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Forensic medicine, ENT and Medicine during MBBS. She was acknowledged for outstanding performance across various disciplines during undergraduate medical education.

News: She was conducted "Hello Doctor" live show in FM Rainbow Radio: Engaged with the community through a live broadcast, providing valuable medical insights and advice. She has written an article about genetic conditions in Aval Vikatan: she has contributed to public health awareness through a published article on genetic conditions in a respected publication.

Membership: She was honoured to be a member of several prestigious medical associations. As a Member of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), she contributed to advancing pediatric healthcare practices in India. Her Membership in the National Neonatology Forum (NNF) allowed her to stay updated with the latest advancements in neonatal care, ensuring to provide the best care possible. Additionally, her membership in the Indian Society of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (ISIEM) reflects her commitment to understanding and managing metabolic disorders effectively. Previously, she served as an executive board member of the Tamilnadu Neonatology Association, where she actively contributed to shaping regional neonatal healthcare policies.

Student Guidance: She holds the esteemed titles of DM teacher and PG teacher, guiding aspiring medical professionals in their pursuit of specialization and postgraduate education. Her role involves imparting knowledge, mentoring, and fostering the development of future healthcare leaders. Through these positions, she strive to inspire and equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen fields, ensuring a bright future for pediatric and neonatal care.

Fellowships / Memberships:

• Memebership - MRCPCH, IAP & ISIEM, NNF Member

Publications:

• Postnatal predictors for outcome in congenital diaphragmatic hernia – A Single centre retrospective cohort study from India.  Indian Journal of Child Health 2016.
• Correlation among magnetic resonance imaging parameters of brain in preterm neonates at term equivalent age.  Indian Journal of Pediatrics 2016.
• Spectrum of magnetic resonance imaging in neonatal seizures in a tertiary care hospital in India.  International Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2016.
• Incidence of invasive candidal infection in very low birth weight neonates over a period of 5-year: A single institutional study.  Indian Journal of Child Health 2016.
• Screening based on incidence of severe retinopathy of prematurity in a tertiary care center in India-are Indian infants different? International Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2016.
• Persistent diarrhea: risk factors and outcome. - Indian Journal of Pediatrics 2010.
• Pattern and antimicrobial susceptibility of organisms causing blood stream infection in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) from India. Asian Journal of Clinical Pediatrics and Neonatology 2014.
• Pattern and antimicrobial susceptibility of carbapenem resistant organisms in tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit, India. Journal of Clinical Neonatology 2014.
• OEIS complex, A case report. Journal of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences 2014.
• Fatal Transient Myeloproliferative Disorder in a Newborn With Down Syndrome Complicated By Tumor Lysis Syndrome And Hepatic Failure: A Case Report And Review Of Literature. Asian Journal of Clinical Pediatrics and Neonatology 2013.
• A rare cause of neonatal cerebral abscess - Sri Ramachandra Journal of Medicine 2013.

Review Article
Review article on “Neonatal Seizures” in Text book of Neonatal emergencies published by Dr.Suraj Gupte (December 2005).

Books
One of the Authors in Textbook of Pedia Tricks by Dr Julius Scott- Neonatology Chapter.
One of the co authors in Partha’s Textbook of Paediatrics- Chapter – Essentials of NICU care.

Academic:

• Teaching and training fellows and DM for students
• Involved in teaching in UG, Curriculum development in Super Speciality

Awards and Honours:

• Letter of Appreciation from IAP for conducting BNCRP program- a community based program in Tamilnadu- Received in JULY 2013.
• Cash Prize Award for presenting the paper “Magnetic Resonance Imaging abnormality of the brain in preterm SGA babies compared to preterm AGA babies done at term equivalent” in Kerala Neocon in 2012.
• First in divisional round NNF NEONATOLOGY QUIZ for postgraduate students conducted by National Neonatology Forum in September 2002
• Dr TM Nair Memorial GOLD MEDAL in December 1997 for coming first in the final year MBBS University examination from Chengalpattu Medical College. (BEST OUTGOING STUDENT)
• Dr Vadamalayan Endowment Prize in December 1997 for Medicine and Paediatrics in MBBS.
• Dr J.A.S. Masilamani GOLD MEDAL IN Medicine 1997 for securing highest mark in Medicine in final year MBBS exam.
• The Balfour Memorial GOLD MEDAL in Medicine in 1997
• The Madras University Students Club Endowment Prize for Medicine in 1997.
• Participated in IAP PAEDIATRIC QUIZ for MBBS by Indian Academy of Paediatrics in 1997.
• Prof M Guhanandam Endowment Prize in Opthalmology in 1995-96.
• Distinction in Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Forensic medicine, ENT and Medicine during MBBS.

International Conferences Attended
Paediatric Academic Society Conference held in Washington in 2013 May.
International conference on update in research ethics and Research methodology- CITI Conference 2013 at SRU

Special Training
Undergone training in Fetal Research Foundation, Mediscan System Under Dr Sujatha Jagdeesh and subsequently running the SCOPE clinic and involved actively in conducting Perinatal review meets.
Undergone special training in Metabolic Medicine under Dr. Avihu Boneh, Royal Children Hospital, Australia

Consultation days:

Friday (12 to 2 PM in C2)

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in SCOPE Clinic (Perinatology and metabolic))

For C2 Appointment: Call:044 - 45928500 EXT: 432

For SCOPE appointment: Call 044 - 45928500 EXT: 7026