Meet Our Team
The Brenner NICU is made up of a team of leading experts specially trained in the care of critically ill newborns. Our exceptional and renowned team of neonatologists, nurses, fellows, residents, respiratory therapists and other health care professionals all work together to ensure your child receives the best possible care and treatment.
Your Child’s NICU Care Team
Attending physicians – certified neonatologists specially trained to care for critically ill newborns
Fellows – pediatric doctors who have completed their residency and are engaged in specialized training in the care of critically ill newborns
Residents – doctors completing their final training in pediatrics, who are supervised by attending physicians
Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNPs) – Neonatal Nurse Practitioners are specially trained nurses who assess, supervise and manage NICU patients in consultation and collaboration with the neonatologists.
Nurses – neonatal nurses who have been specially trained in the care of critically ill newborns
Respiratory therapists – clinical professionals specially trained to help newborns and babies breathe more effectively through the use of ventilators, oxygen and other breathing treatments
The Brenner NICU is led by Cherrie D. Welch, MD, MPH, who is the medical director for both the NICU and Brenner’s intermediate nursery. Throughout her medical career, Dr Welch has focused exclusively on the health of newborns and infants. She and her team work closely with you to ensure we maintain the highest level of communication about your baby’s care.
Dr. Welch, the ten other specially trained neonatology clinicians and the many nurses and support staff at the NICU are established experts in ensuring that your child receives the best possible care.
Neonatologists
Advanced Care Nurses Providing 24/7 Care for Our Infant Patients
With more than 25 years of experience working with the families of critically ill infants and newborn babies, Connie Purkey, BSN, is the nurse manager for the NICU and the intermediate nursery. Ms. Purkey directs a team of nurses and other health care professionals that assist in the treatment of your child. Many of the NICU’s nurses are certified in neonatal intensive care and have earned advanced degrees in nursing. Our nurses are actively involved in all aspects of your child’s care.
Julie Barnes, BSN, is the family-centered care coordinator for Brenner Children’s Hospital. She leads a team of pediatric critical care navigators that help families navigate through all of the resources that Brenner Children’s Hospital offers. The family-centered care program also arranges for tours of the hospital and the NICU, as well as providing guidance on lodging and support groups. Our family-centered care program is dedicated to helping your family before, during and after your child’s stay at the NICU. We are available to answer all of your questions about food, housing and other topics and help you with any other concerns you might have.
Other Health Care Professionals
Lactation consultants at the NICU work with new mothers every day to answer questions, provide guidance and support and answer questions about breastfeeding strategies, breast pumps and storing breast milk for babies.
The NICU team also consists of a multidisciplinary team of respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, psychologists, pharmacists specially trained in neonatal medicine, nutritionists and radiology technicians, all of whom work together to ensure your child receives optimal care and treatment.