title: An interdisciplinary fetal/neonatal neurology program.
abstract: A fetal/neonatal neurology program should encompass interdisciplinary service, educational and research objectives, merging curricula concerning maternal, placental, fetal and neonatal contributions to brain health and disease. This approach is anchored by research in early life programming that demonstrates that prenatal and postnatal factors influence long-term neurologic health. This concept also supports the design of neuroprotective interventions during critical periods of brain development when brain circuitries more optimally adapt to maturational challenges. Preventive, rescue and repair protocols will transform pediatric medical practices, to promote improved childhood outcomes. Inclusion of life-course science and research will identify medical and socioeconomic factors that favorably or adversely affect quality of life into adulthood. Greater awareness of the convergence of developmental origins of brain health and disease and developmental aging theories will influence public health policies, to encourage financial support for programs that will improve the quality of life for the child and adult.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Neurology, Pediatrics and Neurology School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Fetal/Neonatal Neurology Program, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. Mark.scher@uhhospitals.org
authors.forename: Mark S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Scher
mesh_terms: D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D058025:Interdisciplinary Studies; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D009462:Neurology / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods