April 20, 2025 – Personality of the Week: Jessica Simoneau 

This week, I want to highlight someone whose contribution to NeoCardioLab cannot be overstated—Jessica Simoneau. Jessica has been the blueprint of the NeoCardioLab—the architect who quietly shaped the very foundation of how we operate, scan, extract, and train. Jessica arrived with a deep background as an experienced imaging technologist in July 2019, already well-versed in both general ultrasound and cardiac echocardiography. Her understanding of ultrasound is nothing short of immaculate—flawless technically, but also profound in its depth. She grasps not only the mechanics of image acquisition, but the subtleties of cardiac performance, function, and congenital heart defects. She doesn’t just “do” echocardiography—she sees it, feels it, and teaches it like few others can. No wonder she’s now a professor at Collège Ahuntsic, shaping the next generation of imaging technologists. 

I met Jessica at the very beginning of my research journey. I was still a kid in the world of imaging research—wide-eyed and unsure. Jessica brought rigor into my life. Methodology. Vigilance. She showed me the gold-standard way (and beyond) to collect data, anonymize scans, extract information, and blind interpretations. Without knowing it, she taught me the scientific discipline that still shapes how I think and work today. She essentially set up the lab—not just the physical space, but the entire philosophy behind it. Together, we developed systems where projects could multiply endlessly—chasing families through the hospital, organizing research echocardiography at follow-up visits, hauling our giant echo machine through corridors, scanning in hallways or clinics, encoding demographic and clinical data, administering ASQ or PedsQL—all while ensuring families were happy, informed, and eager to be part of our work. 

Jessica also profoundly shaped the way I approach research infrastructure and scientific rigor. She made me meticulous—instilling in me the importance of creating robust systems for data storage, backups, and coding keys. Together, we built frameworks that could support the complexity of multicentric studies, and she often traveled with me to different sites to ensure that our data collection methods were fully standardized, reproducible, and meaningful. Her presence was a guarantee of quality. But Jessica didn’t stop at logistics—she actively contributed to the scientific evaluation of results, co-developing analyses, refining interpretations, and shaping manuscripts and posters with precision and insight. She has been at the cornerstone of my growth as both a scientist and an educator, constantly pushing me to innovate. Many of the tools now shared widely on the NeoCardioLab platforms—the templates, teaching files, extraction protocols—carry Jessica’s signature touch. She continues to be a trusted advisor and creative partner in everything we build.

Jessica has also played a pivotal role in expanding the scope of NeoCardioLab beyond the neonatal world—helping create and lead our Adult Echocardiography section. With her characteristic dedication and heart, she took this project deeply to heart (à cœur), going so far as to spend weekends capturing sample echocardiographic images on healthy members of her own family to build a high-quality teaching image bank. These images have become the cornerstone of the Adult ECHO Portal on our website, a repository she almost single-handedly built. This rich collection of annotated clips and reference views now serves not only her own students at Collège Ahuntsic but also the broader NeoCardioLab community, guiding how we perform and teach adult research echocardiography. Thanks to Jessica’s efforts, we’ve been able to standardize adult echo acquisitions across our research programs—including the SARABI study and the Heart of the Matter project on maternal lupus—ensuring methodological consistency and high-quality data collection. Her commitment to excellence continues to shape the way we scan, teach, and advance cardiovascular research in both neonatal and adult populations.

Jessica has always had that rare ability to blend scientific excellence with human connection. It’s her superpower. What’s more, she inspired me to aim higher. She encouraged me to dream big—even in the chaos. She pushed me to create the NH-TNE training program, and she’s been involved since the very first fellow. She’s taught so many how to scan, how to interpret with nuance, how to extract standardized, meaningful data, and—perhaps most importantly—how to listen to what the echo is telling us. Jessica is the quiet force behind numerous fellows, students, and scans. And through the years, she’s become so much more than a colleague. She’s been a friend, a respected peer, and a kind of scientific mother-figure—always reminding me to strive for integrity, rigor, and excellence. I came back from Stanford and McGill already a decent scanner. But Jessica took me to the next level. Years at her side helped me understand the art behind the science—adjusting the smallest knobs, refining image settings, interpreting flow not just with logic, but with intuition. Take fewer clips than my usual 250 😉. That’s what makes her exceptional. Jessica sees echocardiography not only as a science, but as an art. And to me, she’s the Leonardo da Vinci of it. As da Vinci once said: “Art is never finished, only abandoned.” It suggests that the creative process is continuous and that a work of art is rarely truly complete, as there is always potential for further improvement or exploration. Jessica never abandons a scan, a project, or a student. She teaches us to keep striving—for clarity, for precision, and for purpose. Anyone who has Jessica on their team is blessed. I know I am. Thank you, Jessica—for helping me build the NeoCardioLab with your energy, your mind, and your heart. For that, you are my personality of the week!

April 13, 2025 – Personality of the Week: Daniela Villegas Martinez 

This week, I feature someone who has been the backbone, the compass, and the engine of NeoCardioLab: Daniela Villegas Martinez. Since joining us in 2021 as research coordinator, and now officially serving as our Project Manager since 2024, Daniela has become an irreplaceable part of our team—a true pillar who holds together the many moving parts of our projects, education, and clinical research ecosystem. NeoCardioLab would not be what it is today without her commitment, and heart. 

Daniela holds a Master’s degree in medical physiology and brought with her a remarkable portfolio in obstetrical and international research, including time spent at the University of Geneva and CHU-Sherbrooke. But I am truly conviced that it is at NeoCardioLab where she has truly found her calling—managing not only a staggering number of simultaneous research projects, but also supervising students, recruiting families/patients, and coordinating every single echocardiography scan used in our studies (and there are many - NORDIC-Prem, NORDIC-Spec, NORDIC-CDH, CDH clinic project, PuRPOSE, SAVING, EMBLEM, At Heart of Matters [Lupus], Sarabi, SANE [Sildenafil Study in HIE], Fetal Brain Growth, Ninja-HIE, and more!). She has coordinated more than 2500 echocardiography scans - some of them involving very vulnerable patients. She is the one ensuring our echocardiography machine (affectionately named Shakira by a former fellow - Dr Carolina Michel Macias) runs perfectly, that data is downloaded, backed up in three places, anonymized and, sometimes, shared across institutions with the proper contracts and approvals. It is hard to imagine a research workflow that she hasn’t had a hand in optimizing, coordinating, or rescuing. 

What sets Daniela apart is not just her efficiency or dedication, but the humanity with which she approaches every task. She doesn’t just organize; she connects. Whether guiding a fellow in the NH-TNE program through a new echo acquisition, meeting with families in the NICU to explain their role in our research, or answering late-day questions from students and collaborators—Daniela does it all with empathy, generosity, and a genuine heart for patients. Nurses adore her, fellows trust her, and parents feel seen and supported by her. There’s a reason why she’s become one of the most beloved figures in our community. Daniela doesn’t stop at execution—she leads. She’s full of entrepreneurial ideas, always seeking to improve the lab environment and energize the team. She launched and leads our Annual NeoCardioLab Half Day, organizes lab meetings with intent and care, and constantly finds ways to improve our shared practices. She has also worked hand-in-hand and involved herself with the Montreal Children's Hospital foundation, advocating for patient-centered innovation and helping bring resources where they are needed most. She doesn’t just manage a lab—she stewards a vision, driven by an unshakable belief in what our work can mean for the lives of babies and their families. It is hard to overstate the scale of what she does: coordinating REB renewals, supporting grant submissions, orchestrating team-wide data transfers, helping new collaborators learn the NeoCardioLab systems, fielding meetings at all hours—and yes, even managing my chaotic schedule with a mix of grace, humour, and stamina that never ceases to amaze me. And I am not even mentioning the emails and group-message texting that keeps on ongoing all the time! (Her AI generated "starter pack" has me on speed dial - see the figure!). And somehow, through it all, she never loses sight of the human side of this work. 

Daniela cares—deeply—for her team, her environment, and above all, for the patients and families at the heart of everything we do. Daniela Villegas Martinez works with excellence, compassion, and integrity. She inspires everyone around her to do more, and to care more. Thanks to her, at the NeoCardioLab we function, grow, and dream big. With her dedication, the NeoCardioLab is a place where science and "heart" meet. 

For all these reasons, Daniela is my Personality of the Week—and a person I am endlessly grateful to work with and learn from every single day.

13 avril 2025 – Personnalité de la semaine : Daniela Villegas Martinez 

Cette semaine, je mets en lumière une personne qui est à la fois la colonne vertébrale, la boussole et le moteur du NeoCardioLab : Daniela Villegas Martinez. Depuis qu’elle s’est jointe à nous en 2021 comme coordonnatrice de recherche, puis officiellement en tant que gestionnaire de projet depuis 2024, Daniela est devenue une partie intégrante et irremplaçable de notre équipe — un véritable pilier qui maintient ensemble les multiples rouages de nos projets, de notre enseignement et de notre écosystème de recherche clinique. Le NeoCardioLab ne serait tout simplement pas ce qu’il est aujourd’hui sans son engagement, sa rigueur… et son cœur. 

Titulaire d’une maîtrise en physiologie médicale, Daniela est arrivée avec un parcours impressionnant en recherche obstétricale et internationale, ayant travaillé notamment à l’Université de Genève et au CHU de Sherbrooke. Mais je suis convaincu que c’est véritablement au NeoCardioLab qu’elle a trouvé sa vocation : non seulement elle coordonne un nombre vertigineux de projets de recherche simultanés, mais elle encadre aussi les stagiaires/étudiants, recrute les familles et les patients, et coordonne chaque échocardiographie réalisée dans le cadre de nos études (et elles sont nombreuses ! NORDIC-Prem, NORDIC-Spec, NORDIC-CDH, CDH clinic project, PuRPOSE, SAVING, EMBLEM, At Heart of Matters [Lupus], Sarabi, SANE [étude sur le sildénafil dans l’EHI], Fetal Brain Growth, Ninja-HIE, et bien d’autres). Elle a déjà coordonné plus de 2500 échocardiographies, dont plusieurs auprès de patients extrêmement vulnérables. C’est elle qui veille à ce que notre appareil d’échocardiographie (affectueusement nommé Shakira par l’ancienne fellow Dre Carolina Michel Macias) fonctionne à merveille, que les données soient téléchargées, sauvegardées à trois endroits, anonymisées, et parfois partagées entre institutions avec les contrats nécessaires et les approbations éthiques en bonne et due forme. Il est difficile d’imaginer une tâche logistique ou une étape de projet où elle n’a pas joué un rôle crucial. 

Ce qui distingue Daniela, ce n’est pas seulement son efficacité ou son engagement — c’est l’humanité avec laquelle elle aborde chaque mission. Elle ne fait pas qu’organiser : elle crée des liens. Que ce soit pour guider un fellow du programme en hémodynamie (NH-TNE) lors de l’acquisition d’images, rencontrer des familles à l’unité de soins intensifs pour expliquer leur participation à la recherche, ou répondre aux questions de dernière minute d’étudiants et de collaborateurs, Daniela agit toujours avec empathie, générosité et un profond respect pour les patients. Les infirmières l’adorent, les fellows lui font pleinement confiance, et les parents se sentent compris et accompagnés. Ce n’est pas un hasard si elle est devenue l’une des figures les plus chères à notre communauté. Mais Daniela ne fait pas que livrer — elle innove, elle impulse, elle inspire. Dotée d’un esprit entrepreneurial, elle cherche constamment à améliorer l’environnement du laboratoire et à dynamiser l’équipe. Elle a lancé notre Demi-journée annuelle du NeoCardioLab, organise les rencontres du lab avec soin et structure, et cherche sans relâche des façons d’optimiser nos pratiques. Elle collabore et s'implique aussi étroitement avec la fondation de l'hôpital de Montréal pour enfants, défendant des projets centrés sur le patient et contribuant à faire émerger des ressources là où elles sont le plus nécessaires. Elle ne se contente pas de gérer un laboratoire — elle incarne une vision, animée par une conviction profonde : notre travail peut changer la trajectoire de vie de nombreux nouveau-nés et de leurs familles. On peine à mesurer toute l’ampleur de ce qu’elle accomplit : renouvellements d’éthique (comité d'éthique), appui aux demandes de subventions, transferts de données entre sites, accompagnement de nouveaux collaborateurs, réunions en cascade à toute heure… et oui, même la gestion de mon horaire chaotique, qu’elle orchestre avec une grâce, un humour et une endurance inégalés. Et je ne parle même pas des dizaines de courriels et de messages de groupe qui arrivent sans relâche ! (Son « starter pack » généré par IA, avec moi en raccourci téléphonique, dit tout — voir la figure !). Et malgré tout cela, elle ne perd jamais de vue l’aspect humain et fondamental de notre travail. 

Daniela se soucie profondément de son équipe, de son environnement, et surtout des patients et des familles qui sont au cœur de tout ce que nous faisons. Elle incarne l’excellence, la compassion et l’intégrité. Elle inspire chacun d’entre nous à faire plus… et à se soucier davantage. Grâce à elle, au NeoCardioLab, nous fonctionnons, nous grandissons et nous rêvons plus grand. Avec son engagement, le NeoCardioLab est un lieu où la science rencontre le cœur. 

Pour toutes ces raisons, Daniela est ma Personnalité de la semaine — et une collègue précieuse de qui j’ai la chance d’apprendre, chaque jour.

March 28, 2025 - Personality of the Week: Dr. Adrian Dancea

It is with deep admiration and gratitude that I recognize Dr. Adrian Dancea as this week’s NeoCardioLab Personality of the Week. Adrian is an extraordinary clinician, educator, researcher, and leader — a true pillar of pediatric cardiology whose influence has deeply shaped my own career and the entire ecosystem of neonatal and pediatric cardiovascular care at the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MCH) and beyond.

I first met Adrian in 2008, as a medical student doing a pediatric cardiology elective at the legacy site of the MCH on Tupper Street. Even back then, I was struck by his remarkable breadth of expertise — he was already a master cardiologist: skilled in echocardiography, pulmonary hypertension, diagnostic cardiology, and interventional work in the cath lab. But it wasn’t just his clinical brilliance that stood out — it was his poise, joyfulness, professionalism, and the way he carried himself with humility and grace. He embodied the very essence of professionalism. Always smiling, always listening, always leading by example.

Over the years, our paths kept crossing, and I returned to the MCH during my neonatal fellowship to train specifically in echocardiography and pulmonary hypertension. By that time, Adrian had already been Chief of Pediatric Cardiology for several years — a position he has now held with distinction for more than 15 years. Under his leadership, the division has grown into a nationally and internationally recognized center of excellence in pediatric and neonatal cardiology. Thanks to his vision, our cardiac program now features world-class expertise in echocardiography (fetal, transthoracic, transoesophageal), cardiac MRI, electrophysiology, pulmonary hypertension, cardiac intervention, and more.

Adrian has led the MCH pulmonary hypertension program with commitment for many years, caring for these vulnerable patients with unmatched dedication — from diagnosis and cath lab assessments to long-term follow-up and family support. His understanding of complex cardiovascular physiology, his procedural acumen, and his calm presence make him the person you want at your side when situations get tough. When an urgent cath or septostomy is needed, knowing Adrian is in charge brings immediate reassurance. 

What makes Adrian truly exceptional is that he is not just a clinician — he is the rare 3-in-1: an outstanding doctor, a visionary leader, and an inspiring educator. His contributions go far beyond the walls of the MCH. He is the Director of Pediatric Cardiology, the Head of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab,  the Pediatric Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program Director. He also co-directs the innovative Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management (GCHM) program — a collaborative initiative between the McGill Faculty of Medicine and the Desautels Faculty of Management. This program equips future healthcare leaders with the managerial and leadership skills needed to improve our health systems.

Adrian was instrumental in shaping my own career path. During my Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine residency, he encouraged and supported my dream of training in neonatal hemodynamics and echocardiography. Together with a group of visionary mentors, he helped craft a full-year advanced fellowship that allowed me to gain the expertise needed to pursue this emerging field. When I was training at Stanford, Adrian went above and beyond to ensure that I would return ready to launch a strong academic program — advocating tirelessly for support from the MCH Foundation and Just for Kids Foundation so I could acquire essential equipment (echo machine) and build a robust infrastructure for clinical research and education.

His mentorship didn’t stop there. He has been at the core of the Neonatal Hemodynamics/TNE program at McGill, serving as one of its most engaged educators. Without him, the program would have never started. He regularly supervises our fellows, guides them in the echo lab, and teaches with generosity, patience, and unmatched knowledge. His ability to integrate clinical context into echo findings, especially in PH patients and critically ill newborns, has shaped how many of us think about cardiovascular physiology and management.

Adrian has also been a tireless supporter of NeoCardioLab — from its inception to its growth into a platform for education, research, and international collaboration. His belief in the value of our work and his willingness to partner on research initiatives have been essential. Together, we’ve built protocols for cardiac care in the NICU, trained multidisciplinary teams to care for complex cardiac patients, and collaborated on research cohorts for CDH and premature infants with PH. He continues to be a trusted advisor, a partner in academic work, and a true friend.

What I admire most is Adrian’s leadership style. He brings people together. He listens, he uplifts, he leads with integrity. His ability to unite teams — from cardiology, neonatology, anesthesia, ICU, and beyond — is what has made the MCH pediatric cardiology division feel like a family to me. And it’s because of him that I was able to become who I am today in this field. He has always been there to support crazy ideas. He is always willing to join for supporting causes such as the EnCoeur Foundation.

If NeoCardioLab exists, it’s thanks to Adrian. If I practice neonatal echocardiography, if I built a lab, if I teach and train the next generation — it’s because of his belief in me and his relentless support.

For all these reasons and more, Dr. Adrian Dancea is my Personality of the Week. He is a mentor, a friend, a role model, and one of the true builders of excellence in our healthcare system. Adrian, thank you — for your wisdom, your leadership, your friendship, and your constant inspiration. We are all better because of you.

28 mars 2025 – Personnalité de la semaine : Dr Adrian Dancea

C’est avec une profonde admiration et une immense gratitude que je rends hommage au Dr Adrian Dancea en tant que Personnalité de la semaine de NeoCardioLab. Adrian est un clinicien, un éducateur, un chercheur et un leader hors du commun — un véritable pilier de la cardiologie pédiatrique dont l’influence a profondément marqué ma carrière et transformé l’écosystème des soins cardiovasculaires néonatals et pédiatriques au Centre universitaire de santé McGill – Hôpital de Montréal pour enfants (HME), et bien au-delà.

J’ai rencontré Adrian pour la première fois en 2008, alors que j’étais étudiant en médecine en stage électif en cardiologie pédiatrique à l’ancien site de l'HME sur la rue Tupper. Même à cette époque, j’avais été frappé par l’ampleur de son expertise : il était déjà un cardiologue accompli — maîtrisant l’échocardiographie, l’hypertension pulmonaire, la cardiologie diagnostique et les interventions en salle de cathétérisme. Mais ce n’est pas seulement sa compétence clinique qui m’a marqué : c’est aussi sa prestance, sa joie de vivre, son professionnalisme et sa façon de se comporter avec tant d’humilité et de grâce. Il incarne véritablement l’essence du professionnalisme. Toujours souriant, toujours à l’écoute, toujours un modèle à suivre.

Au fil des années, nos chemins se sont recroisés, et je suis revenu à l'HME durant mon fellowship en néonatologie pour me former spécifiquement en échocardiographie et en hypertension pulmonaire. À ce moment-là, Adrian occupait déjà depuis plusieurs années le poste de chef de la division de cardiologie pédiatrique — un rôle qu’il assume avec brio depuis plus de 15 ans. Grâce à son leadership, cette division est devenue un centre d’excellence reconnu à l’échelle nationale et internationale en cardiologie pédiatrique et néonatale. Sa vision a permis d’y développer une expertise de calibre mondial en échocardiographie (fœtale, transthoracique, transœsophagienne), en IRM cardiaque, en électrophysiologie, en hypertension pulmonaire, en cardiologie interventionnelle, et bien plus.

Adrian dirige le programme d’hypertension pulmonaire du MCH avec engagement depuis de nombreuses années, offrant des soins exemplaires à des patients vulnérables — de l’évaluation initiale en cathétérisme au suivi à long terme en passant par l’accompagnement des familles. Sa compréhension fine de la physiologie cardiovasculaire complexe, sa dextérité procédurale et sa présence rassurante font de lui le médecin que l’on souhaite avoir à ses côtés lorsque les choses se compliquent. Lorsqu’un cathétérisme urgent ou une septostomie est nécessaire, savoir qu’Adrian est présent est immédiatement apaisant.

Ce qui rend Adrian réellement exceptionnel, c’est qu’il ne se limite pas au rôle de clinicien : il est cet être rare qui excelle dans trois sphères à la fois — un médecin remarquable, un leader visionnaire et un enseignant inspirant. Son influence dépasse largement les murs du MCH. Il est directeur de la Division de cardiologie pédiatrique, chef du laboratoire de cathétérisme cardiaque, et directeur du programme de fellowship en cardiologie interventionnelle pédiatrique. Il est également co-directeur du Certificat d’études supérieures en gestion des soins de santé (GCHM) — une initiative conjointe entre la Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé et la Faculté de gestion Desautels de McGill. Ce programme novateur forme les futurs leaders du système de santé en leur fournissant des compétences essentielles en gestion et en leadership.

Adrian a joué un rôle déterminant dans le façonnement de ma propre trajectoire. Durant ma résidence en néonatologie, il a encouragé et soutenu mon rêve de me former en hémodynamie et en échocardiographie néonatales. Avec l’aide d’un groupe de mentors visionnaires, il a contribué à la création d’un fellowship avancé d’un an, me permettant d’acquérir l’expertise nécessaire pour poursuivre dans ce domaine émergent. Alors que j’étais en formation à Stanford, Adrian s’est démené pour que je puisse revenir bien préparé à lancer un programme académique solide — obtenant le soutien de la Fondation du MCH et de Just for Kids afin que je puisse acquérir l’équipement essentiel (machine d’échographie) et mettre en place une infrastructure robuste pour la recherche clinique et l’enseignement.

Son mentorat ne s’est pas arrêté là. Il a été au cœur du programme en hémodynamie néonatale/TNE à McGill, dont il est l’un des formateurs les plus engagés. Sans lui, ce programme n’aurait jamais vu le jour. Il supervise régulièrement nos fellows, les guide en salle d’échographie, et enseigne avec une générosité, une patience et une rigueur exceptionnelles. Sa capacité à intégrer le contexte clinique aux données échographiques, en particulier chez les patients atteints d'hypertension pulmonaire ou les nouveau-nés gravement malades, a profondément influencé notre façon d’aborder la physiologie cardiovasculaire et la prise en charge.

Adrian est également un soutien indéfectible de NeoCardioLab — depuis ses tout débuts jusqu’à son évolution en plateforme d’enseignement, de recherche et de collaboration internationale. Sa confiance envers notre mission et sa volonté de collaborer dans nos projets scientifiques ont été essentielles. Ensemble, nous avons élaboré des protocoles de soins cardiaques en néonatologie, formé des équipes multidisciplinaires pour la prise en charge de patients complexes, et mené des études sur les cohortes de patients atteints de hernie diaphragmatique congénitale et de prématurité avec hypertension pulmonaire. Il demeure un conseiller précieux, un partenaire académique et un véritable ami.

Ce que j’admire le plus chez Adrian, c’est son style de leadership. Il rassemble. Il écoute, il valorise, il agit avec intégrité. Sa capacité à unir les équipes — cardiologie, néonatologie, anesthésie, soins intensifs, et plus encore — est ce qui a fait de la division de cardiologie pédiatrique de l'HME une véritable famille à mes yeux. C’est grâce à lui que j’ai pu devenir qui je suis aujourd’hui dans ce domaine. Il a toujours soutenu mes idées, même les plus audacieuses. Il est toujours prêt à s’engager dans des causes importantes, comme celle de la Fondation En Cœur.

Si NeoCardioLab existe, c’est grâce à Adrian. Si je pratique l’échocardiographie néonatale, si j’ai pu bâtir un laboratoire, si j’enseigne et forme la prochaine génération, c’est grâce à sa foi en moi et à son soutien sans faille.

Pour toutes ces raisons — et tant d’autres — le Dr Adrian Dancea est ma Personnalité de la semaine. Il est un mentor, un ami, un modèle et l’un des véritables bâtisseurs de l’excellence dans notre système de santé. Adrian, merci — pour ta sagesse, ton leadership, ton amitié et ton inspiration constante. Nous sommes tous meilleurs grâce à toi.

March 22, 2025 - Personality of the week - Dr Pramod Puligandla

Dr. Pramod Puligandla is an extraordinary individual whose dedication, leadership, and mentorship have profoundly shaped my career, as well as the fields of pediatric surgery and critical care in general. As Chief of the Division of Pediatric Surgery at the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MCH) - (Harvey E. Beardmore Division of Pediatric Surgery at McGill University), Pramod embodies what it means to be a truly exceptional physician and leader. His commitment to patient care is unparalleled. Pramod is not only a pediatric surgeon but also a pediatric intensivist and the director of the multidisciplinary Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) clinic at the MCH. This clinic provides exemplary care to patients and families, offering a level of excellence that is truly inspiring. In addition, Pramod leads the Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) program at the MCH, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the best possible outcomes for critically ill children. 

Pramod has had a profound impact in research across neonatal care, pediatric intensive care, pediatric surgery, and CDH fields, having authored more than 100 peer-reviewed articles that have significantly advanced these disciplines. What truly sets Pramod apart is his dedication to his patients. He is the type of surgeon you can call at 3 AM, and not only will he answer cheerfully, but within minutes, he will be at the bedside, ready to provide whatever exceptional comprehensive care is needed. His presence alone brings comfort and confidence — he is steadfast, skillfull, compassionate, and always puts his patients first. His dedication extends far beyond clinical work; he is profoundly invested in educating the next generation of physicians and surgeons. For many years, Pramod served as the program director for the Pediatric Surgery Fellowship, leaving a lasting impact on countless trainees. He has mentored surgeons, graduate students, and continues to mentor so many (including myself). His influence extends to national and international levels, where he plays a crucial role in the training of pediatric surgeons, shaping the future of the field. Pramod's leadership in developing the Canadian CDH guidelines reflects his commitment to advancing neonatal and CDH care, as wells as improving outcomes for vulnerable patients. All this in a team-based spirit. 

When I first arrived at the MCH as a fellow, Pramod welcomed me with open arms into the CDH clinic. He became a guiding light — a mentor whose wisdom and insights continue to teach me every day. Through his encouragement, I joined the ECMO steering committee, where he taught me invaluable lessons about the delicate balance of managing patients with pulmonary hypertension, critical care needs, and CDH. His generosity knows no bounds. Pramod is the type of leader who invests in others without hesitation — not for personal gain, but because he genuinely believes in supporting his colleagues, patients, and trainees. He gives freely of his time, his knowledge, and his energy. He has welcomed me onto his educational projects, research initiatives, and academic endeavors, always believing in my ideas and encouraging me to pursue them. Pramod never seeks recognition for himself, instead constantly shining a light on the contributions of those around him. I have had the privilege of collaborating with Pramod on several remarkable projects — from research on CDH to teaching pediatric surgery fellows during the North American Bootcamps, to developing the NORDIC-CDH project. Without Pramod's support, the NORDIC-CDH project — which involved comprehensive echocardiographic evaluations of CDH patients at the MCH and CHU Sainte-Justine — would never have come to life. His mentorship has been crucial in developing this rich database, and we are now working on transforming this data into impactful publications that will further advance the field. 

Pramod’s mentorship, guidance, and encouragement have been pivotal in my career. He has provided invaluable advice, thoughtful feedback, and incredible support. Without him, there would be no NeoCardioLab. His passion for CDH care, cardiovascular care, and the well-being of critically ill children has profoundly inspired me and guided me to build the NeoCardioLab platform for research, education and knowledge dissemination. Pramod is not just an incredible physician — he is a true role model. He balances his many roles with remarkable poise, always ensuring that patient care, education, and research remain at the forefront. He leads with kindness, humility, and a deep commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable populations. He is the type of mentor who shapes careers and inspires others to be better — better physicians, better researchers, and better people. 

For all these reasons, Dr. Pramod Puligandla is my Personality of the Week. He is a powerhouse, a driver of change, and a guiding presence whose impact cannot be overstated. I am profoundly grateful for his mentorship, his leadership, his friendship and his constant belief in those around him. Thank you, Pramod, for everything you have done — for your patients, your colleagues, and for me. Your generosity, dedication, and wisdom inspire us all.

Personalité de la semaine - 22 mars 2025 - Dr Pramod Puligandla

Le Dr Pramod Puligandla est une personne extraordinaire dont le dévouement, le leadership et le mentorat ont profondément marqué ma carrière, ainsi que les domaines de la chirurgie pédiatrique et des soins intensifs en général. En tant que chef de la division de chirurgie pédiatrique à l’hôpital de Montréal pour enfants (HME) - (Division de chirurgie pédiatrique Harvey E. Beardmore à l'université McGill), Pramod incarne véritablement ce que signifie être un médecin et un leader exceptionnel. Son engagement envers les soins aux patients est inégalé. Pramod est non seulement chirurgien pédiatrique, mais aussi intensiviste pédiatrique et directeur de la clinique multidisciplinaire de la hernie diaphragmatique congénitale (HDC) à l'HME. Cette clinique offre des soins exemplaires aux patients et à leurs familles, atteignant un niveau d’excellence véritablement inspirant. En plus de ces responsabilités, Pramod dirige également le programme d’oxygénation par membrane extracorporelle (ECMO) à l'HME, jouant ainsi un rôle clé pour assurer les meilleurs résultats possibles chez les enfants gravement malades. 

Pramod a eu un impact profond sur la recherche dans les domaines des soins néonatals, des soins intensifs pédiatriques, de la chirurgie pédiatrique et de la HDC, ayant publié plus de 100 articles évalués par des pairs qui ont considérablement fait progresser ces disciplines. Ce qui distingue vraiment Pramod, c’est son dévouement exceptionnel envers ses patients. C’est le type de chirurgien que vous pouvez appeler à 3 heures du matin, et non seulement il répondra avec enthousiasme, mais quelques minutes plus tard, il sera au chevet du patient, prêt à offrir les soins exceptionnels et complets nécessaires. Sa seule présence apporte réconfort et confiance — il est constant, compétent, compatissant et place toujours ses patients en priorité. Son engagement dépasse largement les soins cliniques ; il est profondément investi dans la formation de la prochaine génération de médecins et de chirurgiens. Pendant de nombreuses années, Pramod a dirigé le programme de formation en chirurgie pédiatrique, laissant une empreinte indélébile sur d’innombrables apprenants. Il a mentoré des chirurgiens, des étudiants au 2e et 3e cycle, et continue à guider tant de personnes (y compris moi-même). Son influence s’étend aux niveaux national et international, où il joue un rôle crucial dans la formation des chirurgiens pédiatriques et façonne l’avenir de cette spécialité. Le leadership de Pramod dans l’élaboration des lignes directrices canadiennes sur la HDC témoigne de son engagement envers l’amélioration des soins néonatals et de la HDC, ainsi que des issues pour les patients les plus vulnérables. Tout cela, toujours avec un esprit de collaboration et de travail d’équipe. 

Lorsque je suis arrivé à l'HME en tant que fellow, Pramod m’a accueilli à bras ouverts au sein de la clinique HDC. Il est rapidement devenu un guide qui m'a éclairé — un mentor dont la sagesse et les conseils continuent de m’inspirer chaque jour. Grâce à ses encouragements, j’ai rejoint le comité d'ECMO, où il m’a enseigné des leçons précieuses sur l’équilibre délicat nécessaire pour prendre en charge des patients atteints d’hypertension pulmonaire, ayant des besoins en soins intensifs et vivant avec une HDC. Sa générosité est sans limites. Pramod est ce type de leader qui investit sans hésitation dans les autres — non pas pour son propre bénéfice, mais parce qu’il croit sincèrement en l’importance de soutenir ses collègues, ses patients et ses stagiaires. Il donne librement de son temps, de ses connaissances et de son énergie. Il m’a accueilli dans ses projets éducatifs, ses initiatives de recherche et ses projets académiques, croyant toujours en mes idées et m’encourageant à les poursuivre. Pramod ne cherche jamais de reconnaissance pour lui-même ; il met plutôt constamment en lumière les contributions de ceux qui l’entourent. J’ai eu le privilège de collaborer avec Pramod sur plusieurs projets remarquables — de la recherche sur la HDC à l’enseignement des fellows/moniteurs cliniques en chirurgie pédiatrique lors des "Bootcamps" nord-américains, en passant par le développement du projet NORDIC-CDH. Sans le soutien de Pramod, ce projet — qui implique des évaluations échocardiographiques des patients atteints de HDC à l'HME et au CHU Sainte-Justine — n’aurait jamais vu le jour. Son mentorat a été crucial dans le développement de cette riche base de données, et nous travaillons maintenant à transformer ces données en publications percutantes qui feront avancer davantage ce domaine. 

Le mentorat, les conseils et les encouragements de Pramod ont été essentiels dans mon parcours. Il m’a fourni des conseils inestimables, des retours constructifs et un soutien incroyable. Sans lui, il n’y aurait pas de NeoCardioLab. Sa passion pour les soins de la HDC, les soins cardiovasculaires et le bien-être des enfants malades m’a profondément inspiré et m’a guidé dans la création de la plateforme NeoCardioLab dédiée à la recherche, à l’éducation et à la diffusion des connaissances. Pramod n’est pas seulement un médecin exceptionnel — il est un véritable modèle. Il équilibre ses nombreux rôles avec une aisance remarquable, veillant toujours à ce que les soins aux patients, l’enseignement et la recherche restent ses priorités. Il dirige avec bienveillance, humilité et un profond engagement à améliorer les résultats pour les populations les plus vulnérables. Il est le type de mentor qui façonne les carrières et inspire les autres à devenir meilleurs — de meilleurs médecins, de meilleurs chercheurs et de meilleures personnes. 

Pour toutes ces raisons, le Dr Pramod Puligandla est ma personnalité de la semaine. Il est une force motrice, un agent de changement et une présence inspirante dont l’impact ne peut être surestimé. Je lui suis profondément reconnaissant pour son mentorat, son leadership, son amitié et sa foi constante en ceux qui l’entourent. Merci, Pramod, pour tout ce que tu as fait — pour les patients, tes collègues et pour moi-même. Ta générosité, ton dévouement et ta sagesse nous inspirent tous.

March 8, 2025 - Personality of the Week: 

Dr. Shazia Bhombal is a force of nature in neonatal hemodynamics, an exceptional clinician, researcher, and mentor who has profoundly shaped the field of neonatal-perinatal medicine, neonatal hemodynamics, neonatal point of care ultrasound and neonatal cardiology. With a dual board certification and extensive expertise in utilizing ultrasound in the neonatal intensive care unit, she has been instrumental in advancing point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and targeted neonatal echocardiography (TNE), ensuring that neonatologists have the tools to make real-time, data-driven decisions for critically ill newborns. In 2012, Shazia took on the role of Director of Neonatal Cardiology at the Center for Fetal and Neonatal Medicine at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, laying the foundation for her legacy in neonatal cardiovascular care. She then joined Lucile Packard Children's Hospital (LPCH) at Stanford in 2015 as the medical director of the NICU Heart Team, where she has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives in neonatal cardiovascular precision medicine. As co-founder and co-director of the LPCH CRIB team (Cardiac and Respiratory Care of the Infant with bronchopulmonary dysplasia), she has redefined the approach to neonatal hemodynamics in vulnerable infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and congenital heart disease. Her impact extends far beyond Stanford. She has been a pivotal collaborator in the Neonatal Heart Society and a highly sought-after speaker at regional, national, and international conferences, where she shares her expertise on BPD, POCUS, and congenital heart disease. She played a foundational role in the Stanford POCUS Program, serving as its first NICU Medical Director from 2018 to 2022, building the infrastructure for machine acquisition, database construction, and education—laying the groundwork for the future of POCUS in neonatology. She is now a neonatologist at Children's Healthcare Atlanta, Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Emory University and one of their local leaders in medical direction! She is the Vice Chair of the Executive Council fo the National Neonatal POCUS Collaborative. 

For me, Shazia is more than an academic powerhouse—she is a mentor, a guide, and a true inspiration. During my post-doctoral year at Stanford and LPCH in 2016-2017, she was my constant supporter, my compass in the vast and complex world of neonatal hemodynamics. She had an uncanny ability to nurture my wild ideas, giving me the wings to explore while ensuring that I remained grounded in scientific rigor and clinical relevance. She provided endless support, challenging me to think critically while always being there to guide, encourage, and uplift. Her generosity knows no bounds—she has dedicated countless hours to mentoring fellows, residents, and students, always fostering growth in a way that is gentle yet firm, pushing those she mentors to be the best versions of themselves. She is a true leader in the field, and everyone who has had the privilege of working with her knows the depth of her brilliance, dedication, and kindness. Shazia possesses an unparalleled mastery of cardiovascular physiology and hemodynamics, making her a true champion in the field. She has an extraordinary ability to deconstruct even the most intricate physiological concepts and clinical scenarios, transforming them into clear, logical, and digestible insights that resonate with learners at all levels. Her teaching style is nothing short of remarkable—so precise, so crystal clear, that one cannot help but grow in both knowledge and confidence in her presence. She doesn’t just impart information; she elevates understanding, fostering a learning environment where curiosity thrives and complex ideas become second nature.

Together, we co-authored 13 peer-reviewed articles in a single year—something that speaks volumes about her ability to inspire, mentor, and drive scientific discovery. Shazia’s work has been transformative, from advancing precision medicine in neonatal cardiovascular care to redefining how we approach hemodynamic assessment in newborns. Her impact on neonatal-perinatal medicine is immeasurable, and her work continues to shape the field. She has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and chapters on those topics, that have had a profound impact in the field of neonatal cardiovascular care and neonatal point of care evaluations. She is not only a brilliant mind in neonatal hemodynamics but also a true architect of community. She embodies the generosity of building together, bringing people into a shared vision where collaboration fuels innovation. For me, she was the bridge to an exceptional network of mentors and extraordinary individuals, each with unique strengths that, when combined, elevated our collective work. She is a rallier in the truest sense—creating connections, fostering partnerships, and ensuring that no one stands alone in the pursuit of improving neonatal care. Her motto is simple yet profound: *as a community, we build stronger, we create more lasting differences, and we change outcomes for our most vulnerable patients and their families.* And yet, despite her pivotal role in bringing people together and driving meaningful progress, she never seeks credit for herself. Humble to the core, she quietly transforms the field without asking for recognition—but oh, how much she deserves it. 

Without Shazia, there would be no NeoCardioLab. She believed in the vision, supported the mission, and inspired me to create a platform that would drive innovation in neonatal echocardiography and hemodynamics. Her mentorship, encouragement, and unwavering support have been instrumental in my journey, and I am forever grateful for the role she has played in my career and in the broader field of neonatal cardiovascular research. For all these reasons, Shazia is my Personality of the Week. My team and I are deeply grateful for her wisdom, her brilliance, and her generosity.

 Thank you, Shazia, for everything you have done and continue to do. You are an inspiration to us all.

8 mars 2025 - Personnalité de la semaine : Dr. Shazia Bhombal 

La Dre Shazia Bhombal est une force de la nature en hémodynamie néonatale, une clinicienne, chercheuse et mentore exceptionnelle qui a profondément façonné le domaine de la médecine néonatale-périnatale, de l'hémodynamie néonatale, de l'échographie néonatale ciblée (POCUS) et de la cardiologie néonatale. Avec une double certification et une expertise approfondie dans l'utilisation de l'échographie en unité de soins intensifs néonatals, elle a joué un rôle clé dans l'avancement du POCUS et de l'échocardiographie néonatale ciblée (TNE), garantissant que les néonatologistes disposent des outils nécessaires pour prendre des décisions en temps réel basées sur des données pour les nouveau-nés gravement malades. En 2012, Shazia a assumé le rôle de directrice de la cardiologie néonatale au Center for Fetal and Neonatal Medicine du Children's Hospital Los Angeles, initiant les bases de son héritage en soins cardiovasculaires néonatals. Elle a ensuite rejoint le Lucile Packard Children's Hospital (LPCH) à Stanford en 2015 en tant que directrice médicale de l'équipe cardiaque de la néonatalogie, où elle a dirigé des initiatives révolutionnaires en médecine cardiovasculaire néonatale de précision. En tant que cofondatrice et codirectrice de l'équipe LPCH CRIB (soins cardiaques et respiratoires du nourrisson atteint de bronchodysplasie pulmonaire), elle a redéfini l'approche de l'hémodynamie néonatale chez les nourrissons vulnérables atteints de dysplasie bronchopulmonaire et de cardiopathies congénitales. Son impact dépasse largement son empreinte à Stanford. Elle a été une collaboratrice essentielle de la Neonatal Heart Society et une conférencière très recherchée lors de conférences régionales, nationales, et internationales partageant son expertise sur la BPD, la POCUS et les cardiopathies congénitales. Elle a joué un rôle fondamental dans le programme POCUS de Stanford, en tant que directrice médicale du NICU de 2018 à 2022, construisant l'infrastructure pour l'acquisition de machines, la création de bases de données et l'éducation, jetant ainsi les bases de l'avenir du POCUS en néonatologie. Elle est maintenant néonatologiste au Children's Healthcare Atlanta, professeure agrégée au département de pédiatrie de l'Université Emory et l'une de leurs leaders en direction médicale ! Elle est également vice-présidente du conseil exécutif de la National Neonatal POCUS Collaborative. 

Pour moi, Shazia est bien plus qu'une puissance académique : elle est une mentore, une guide et une véritable source d'inspiration. Pendant mon année postdoctorale à Stanford et LPCH en 2016-2017, elle a été mon soutien constant, ma boussole dans le vaste et complexe monde de l'hémodynamie néonatale. Elle avait un don exceptionnel pour nourrir mes idées les plus audacieuses, me donnant des ailes pour explorer tout en s'assurant que je restais ancré dans la rigueur scientifique et la pertinence clinique. Elle a offert un soutien sans faille, me poussant à penser de manière critique tout en étant toujours présente pour guider, encourager et inspirer. Sa générosité est sans limites : elle a consacré d'innombrables heures au mentorat des fellows, résidents et étudiants, favorisant toujours la croissance d'une manière à la fois douce et exigeante, poussant ceux qu'elle accompagne à devenir la meilleure version d'eux-mêmes. C'est une véritable leader dans son domaine, et tous ceux qui ont eu le privilège de travailler avec elle connaissent l'ampleur de son intelligence, de son engagement et de sa bienveillance. Shazia possède une maîtrise inégalée de la physiologie cardiovasculaire et de l'hémodynamie, ce qui fait d'elle une véritable championne du domaine. Elle a un talent exceptionnel pour déconstruire même les concepts physiologiques et scénarios cliniques les plus complexes, les transformant en explications claires, logiques et digestes qui résonnent auprès des apprenants à tous les niveaux. Son style d'enseignement est tout simplement remarquable—d'une précision et d'une clarté telles qu'on ne peut qu'évoluer en connaissance et en confiance en sa présence. Elle ne se contente pas de transmettre des informations ; elle élève la compréhension, créant un environnement d’apprentissage où la curiosité s’épanouit et où les idées complexes deviennent une seconde nature. 

Ensemble, nous avons coécrit 13 articles évalués par des pairs en une seule année—ce qui en dit long sur sa capacité à inspirer, encadrer et stimuler la découverte scientifique. Le travail de Shazia a été transformateur, faisant avancer la médecine de précision cardiovasculaire néonatale et redéfinissant notre approche de l’évaluation hémodynamique chez le nouveau-né. Son impact en médecine néonatale-périnatale est inestimable, et son travail continue de façonner le domaine. Elle a publié de nombreux articles évalués par des pairs et des chapitres sur ces sujets, ayant un impact profond sur les soins cardiovasculaires néonatals et les évaluations néonatales POCUS. Elle n’est pas seulement une brillante experte en hémodynamie néonatale, elle est aussi une véritable architecte de la communauté. Elle incarne la générosité du travail collectif, rassemblant les gens autour d’une vision commune où la collaboration alimente l’innovation. Pour moi, elle a été le pont vers un réseau exceptionnel de mentors et d’individus remarquables, chacun avec des forces uniques qui, combinées, ont élevé notre travail collectif. Elle est une véritable rassembleuse—créant des connexions, favorisant les partenariats et veillant à ce que personne ne soit seul dans la quête de l'amélioration des soins néonataux. Son mantra est simple mais puissant : ensemble, nous bâtissons plus fort, nous créons des différences plus durables et nous changeons les résultats pour nos patients les plus vulnérables et leurs familles. Et pourtant, malgré son rôle essentiel dans le rapprochement des gens et la conduite de progrès significatifs, elle ne cherche jamais à se mettre en avant. D’une humilité absolue, elle transforme silencieusement le domaine sans jamais réclamer de reconnaissance—mais ô combien elle la mérite. 

Sans Shazia, il n’y aurait pas de NeoCardioLab. Elle a cru en la vision, soutenu la mission et m'a inspiré à créer une plateforme qui ferait progresser l’échocardiographie néonatale et l’hémodynamie. Son mentorat, son encouragement et son soutien indéfectible ont été fondamentaux dans mon parcours, et je lui en serai éternellement reconnaissant, tant pour son rôle dans ma carrière que pour son impact sur la recherche cardiovasculaire néonatale. Pour toutes ces raisons, Shazia est ma personnalité de la semaine. Mon équipe et moi lui sommes profondément reconnaissants pour sa sagesse, son intelligence et sa générosité. 

Merci, Shazia, pour tout ce que tu as fait et continues de faire. Tu es une inspiration pour nous tous.

February 28, 2025 - Personality of the Week: Dr. Punnanee Wutthigate 

Dr. Punnanee Wutthigate is a pioneer in neonatal hemodynamics and an exceptional clinician, educator, and researcher. Now practicing at Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University in Thailand, she is the country’s first and leading expert in Neonatal Hemodynamics and Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography (TNE)—a distinction that reflects her passion, dedication, and relentless drive to push boundaries in neonatal cardiovascular care. 

I first met Punnanee during her Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine fellowship at McGill University, at a time when I was a young faculty neonatologist. From the very beginning, she stood out as a brilliant, hardworking, and deeply passionate physician—an innovator who was always eager to challenge the status quo and advocate for the best possible care for her patients. Her knowledge base, technical skill, and ability to integrate complex physiological principles were evident early on, and she quickly recognized that neonatal hemodynamics held the key to delivering precision medicine in critically ill newborns. At that time, McGill had no formal neonatal hemodynamics training program. I had just completed a Master’s in Epidemiology while juggling my responsibilities as a full-time neonatologist, educator, and researcher, and I was struggling with the inefficiency of preparing hemodynamics lectures from scattered materials. That was the spark that led to the creation of NeoCardioLab in 2020—a platform designed to standardize hemodynamics education, provide a centralized knowledge repository, and facilitate accessible, high-quality learning. 

Punnanee was one of the first to recognize the need for a structured approach to cardiovascular physiology assessment in neonates. She understood that real-time hemodynamic evaluation—through TNE, in combination with clinical history, physical exam, lab tests, imaging, and response to therapies—was essential in optimizing patient management. She saw beyond the numbers on a monitor and embraced the dynamic, ever-changing nature of neonatal circulation. As a second-year fellow, she was hungry for knowledge and determined to formally train in neonatal hemodynamics. At first, I hesitated to launch a full-fledged training program (something she had enquired with me)—it required one-on-one supervision, mentorship, curriculum development, and integration with both neonatology and cardiology expertise (a big thanks to my cardiology colleagues who are the heart of this program, no pun intended ;)). But Punnanee’s unwavering enthusiasm and drive made it clear: if anyone could push this field forward at McGill, it was her. She arrived into our program and helped me build the foundation of McGill’s Neonatal Hemodynamics (NH-TNE) Program. Without her, there would be no structured NH-TNE training at McGill, and NeoCardioLab might not exist. She was the driving force behind its creation, helping establish teaching tools, shape the educational framework, and contribute to research projects like NORDIC-SPEC. She started miles ahead—motivated, curious, passionate, and incredibly skilled—and her influence on the program’s development was profound. 

For me, our journey together was not just a mentor-mentee relationship, but a true partnership in learning and growth. At a time when I was still navigating my own academic path, she challenged, inspired, and supported me. She convinced me I could build a hemodynamics training program, while she was simultaneously building it with me. Today, Punnanee is leading the advancement of neonatal hemodynamics in Thailand. She is the only formally trained expert in this field in the country and has stepped into a national leadership role. She has successfully organized the Bangkok International Neonatology Symposium (BINS) NH-TNE Pre-Congress Workshop for the second year in a row, assembling an exceptional two-day program packed with hands-on learning and cutting-edge insights. It has become one of the most sought-after workshops in the region, and I am honored to join her and her team again this year. 

Beyond her academic and clinical contributions, Punnanee is an extraordinary teacher, mentor, and colleague. She is shaping the next generation of neonatologists in Thailand, providing them with the knowledge and tools to integrate hemodynamics into neonatal care. Watching her thrive, teach, and elevate those around her fills me with immense pride. 

For all these reasons, Punnanee, you are my Personality of the Week. Beyond that, you are a lifelong friend, a valued colleague, and a cherished member of the NeoCardioLab family. I am eternally grateful for everything you have contributed—not only to neonatal hemodynamics but to my own journey as a physician, educator, and mentor. Thank you for your brilliance, your generosity, and your unwavering commitment to making neonatal care better for all.

28 février 2025 - Personnalité de la semaine : Dr Punnanee Wutthigate 

Le Dr Punnanee Wutthigate est une pionnière en hémodynamie néonatale, une clinicienne, éducatrice et chercheuse exceptionnelle. Aujourd’hui, elle exerce à l’hôpital Siriraj, Université Mahidol en Thaïlande, où elle est la première et principale experte en hémodynamie néonatale et en échocardiographie ciblée néonatale (TNE) dans le pays. Ce titre témoigne de sa passion, de son dévouement et de son engagement indéfectible à repousser les limites des soins cardiovasculaires en néonatologie. 

J’ai rencontré Punnanee lors de sa formation en médecine néonatale et périnatale à l’Université McGill, alors que j’étais encore un jeune professeur en néonatologie. Dès le départ, elle s’est démarquée par son intelligence, son travail acharné et sa passion profonde. Innovatrice dans l’âme, elle remettait constamment en question le statu quo pour garantir les meilleurs soins possibles à ses patients. Son expertise technique, sa capacité à intégrer des principes physiologiques complexes et sa curiosité scientifique étaient évidentes dès le début. Elle a très vite compris que l’hémodynamie néonatale était une clé essentielle pour offrir une médecine de précision aux nouveau-nés en état critique. À cette époque, McGill n’avait pas de programme formel de formation en hémodynamie néonatale. J’avais tout juste terminé une maîtrise en épidémiologie, tout en jonglant avec mon rôle de néonatologiste à temps plein, d’enseignant et de chercheur. Préparer des cours sur l’hémodynamie était un défi en raison du manque de ressources centralisées. C’est ce besoin qui a donné naissance au NeoCardioLab en 2020, un portail éducatif visant à structurer l’enseignement de l’hémodynamie, centraliser les ressources et rendre l’apprentissage plus accessible et efficace. 

Punnanee a été l’une des premières à comprendre l’importance d’une approche structurée pour évaluer la physiologie cardiovasculaire des nouveau-nés. Elle a réalisé que l’évaluation hémodynamique en temps réel—via la TNE, en combinaison avec l’histoire clinique, l’examen physique, les tests de laboratoire, l’imagerie et la réponse aux traitements—était essentielle pour optimiser la prise en charge des patients. Elle ne s’est jamais contentée d’observer des chiffres sur un moniteur ; elle a embrassé la dynamique complexe de la circulation néonatale. Lorsqu’elle est entrée en deuxième année de formation, elle était avide de connaissances et déterminée à se spécialiser en hémodynamie néonatale. À l’époque, elle m’avait approché pour intégrer un programme formel, mais j’étais hésitant. Mettre en place une formation nécessitait une supervision individuelle, un mentorat, l’élaboration d’un programme structuré et une collaboration étroite avec mes collègues cardiologues (à qui je dois d’ailleurs une immense reconnaissance pour leur implication, et qui sont au coeur de notre programme - sans jeu de mots !). Mais face à l’enthousiasme et la détermination inébranlables de Punnanee, il est vite devenu évident que si quelqu’un pouvait faire avancer ce domaine à McGill, c’était bien elle. Elle et moi avons débuté cette grande aventure qu'est le programme d’hémodynamie néonatale de McGill (NH-TNE). Sans elle, il n’y aurait ni formation structurée en NH-TNE à McGill, ni NeoCardioLab. Elle a été le moteur de sa création, contribuant au développement des outils pédagogiques, à la construction du cadre éducatif et à des projets de recherche tels que NORDIC-SPEC. 

Dès le départ, elle était extrêmement motivée, curieuse, passionnée et incroyablement compétente, et son impact sur le programme a été immense. Pour moi, notre collaboration a dépassé la simple relation mentor-élève : ce fut une véritable aventure d’apprentissage mutuel et de croissance. À une période où je construisais encore ma propre trajectoire académique, elle m’a autant inspiré et soutenu. Elle m’a convaincu que je pouvais bâtir un programme de formation en hémodynamie—et elle l’a bâti avec moi. 

Aujourd’hui, Punnanee est la figure de proue de l’hémodynamie néonatale en Thaïlande. Elle est la seule experte officiellement formée dans ce domaine dans le pays et joue un rôle de leader national. Pour la deuxième année consécutive, elle a organisé l’atelier pré-congrès NH-TNE du Bangkok International Neonatology Symposium (BINS), un événement de deux jours qui offre une formation de pointe et des sessions pratiques. Cet atelier est devenu l’un des plus prisés de la région, et c’est pour moi un immense honneur de la rejoindre à nouveau cette année. 

Au-delà de ses contributions académiques et cliniques, Punnanee est une enseignante, une mentore et une collègue extraordinaire. Elle forme la prochaine génération de néonatologistes en Thaïlande, leur transmettant les compétences et les outils nécessaires pour intégrer l’hémodynamie dans les soins néonataux. La voir s’épanouir, enseigner et élever ceux qui l’entourent est une source de grande fierté. 

Pour toutes ces raisons, Punnanee, tu es ma Personnalité de la semaine. Bien plus que cela, tu es une amie précieuse, une collègue estimée et un pilier de la famille NeoCardioLab. Je suis éternellement reconnaissant pour tout ce que tu as apporté—notamment à l’hémodynamie néonatale, mais aussi à mon propre parcours en tant que médecin, enseignant et mentor. Merci pour ton intelligence, ta générosité et ton engagement sans faille à améliorer les soins néonataux.

February 21, 2025 - Personality of the Week: Dr. Anie Lapointe

Dr. Anie Lapointe is a neonatologist at CHU Sainte-Justine (Université de Montréal), where she serves as the fellowship program director in neonatal-perinatal medicine and leads the Neonatal Hemodynamics and Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography (TNE) program. A proud native of Gaspésie, she completed her medical and pediatric training at Université Laval before pursuing neonatology and a master’s degree in cardiovascular sciences at Université de Montréal. She was among the first to train in Neonatal Hemodynamics and TNE at the University of Toronto and SickKids, becoming the very first practitioner in NH-TNE in Quebec—a trailblazer in every sense, shaping the field in ways that continue to resonate today.

Anie is the kind of neonatologist you would entrust with your own child. She embodies the highest standards of clinical excellence—an hors pair physician, an unwavering patient advocate, and a mentor who elevates those around her. She is exceptional with families, possessing an innate ability to listen with empathy and guide with wisdom. Her moral compass is unwavering; she simply knows the right thing to do, and she does it. She is the kind of physician you rely on in the most critical moments—the steady, reassuring presence who remains unshaken, no matter the complexity of the situation.

I first met Dr. Lapointe as a young pediatric resident when she was just beginning her neonatology career. Even then, it was clear: neonatology was not just her profession—it was who she was. She was the doctor I aspired to be—brilliant, composed, clinically extraordinary, and deeply dedicated. Beyond the mentorship she provided me, she has shaped the careers of countless trainees, touched the lives of innumerable families, and guided colleagues across all levels of experience.

Anie has never backed down from a challenge. One of the most important lessons she taught me is that when you take on something important, you see it through—and not just to completion, but to a level of excellence you can stand behind. Her loyalty is unwavering, and her dedication to neonatology, research, and education is second to none. She has supported my most ambitious (and sometimes wild) ideas, offering guidance, encouragement, and an unparalleled level of collaboration. Nearly every grant, research proposal, and manuscript I have written has passed through her discerning eye—without her, they simply would not have been ready. Her impact on my career has been profound, and I can say with certainty that if I pursued neonatal hemodynamics, it was because she inspired me to do so. She has been my number-one supporter, making me believe I could succeed in neonatology, hemodynamics, and academia—not just as a physician, but as a researcher, educator, and leader.

Above all, I have absolute trust in her judgment—both clinically and in life. The sheer scope of her responsibilities is almost impossible to quantify. Some days, it feels as though she is carrying three-quarters of her division on her shoulders, leading initiatives in EPIQ (Quality Improvement), CNN (Canadian Neonatal Network), M&M, infection control, the fellowship program, the research ethics board, hemodynamics, teaching, research, vascular access, the septostomy protocol, congenital heart defect guidelines, congenital diaphragmatic hernia bundles, and so much more—all within one of the largest neonatal units in Canada.

But her impact goes beyond clinical care. Anie has taught me invaluable lessons—not just about managing an infant with congenital diaphragmatic hernia or understanding the physiology of pulmonary hypertension, but about how to be a better physician, a better teacher, a more mindful listener, and ultimately, a better person. She has been instrumental in advancing neonatal cardiovascular research, playing a key leadership role in the cardiovascular evaluation of patients from Dr. Pia Wintermark’s SANE cohort (sildenafil in HIE) and mentoring a new generation of researchers on many projects. She has been a pillar in the TnECHO-Quebec Collaborative and an adjunct professor in the NH-TNE program at McGill, helping to shape the future of neonatal hemodynamics. She has brought my own projects to life at her institution and has been an essential force behind the NeoCardioLab—without her, it simply would not exist.

For all of this, and so much more, I am profoundly grateful to call Anie a colleague, a mentor, and a friend. On behalf of my team, I want to extend our deepest thanks to her for her generosity, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence. She is an inspiration to us all

February 15, 2025 - Personality of the Week: Dr. Pia Wintermark

Dr. Pia Wintermark is a neonatologist at the Montreal Children's Hospital, where she leads the NeoBrainLab and NeoBrainLab Parents initiatives. Before joining McGill, she trained at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland and at Harvard's Boston Children’s Hospital.

Pia is the kind of neonatologist who is deeply invested and passionately committed to advancing care for newborns with brain conditions. She is a fundamental researcher, a clinical researcher, and a translational researcher, smoothly bridging scientific discovery and bedside care. Over the years, she has mentored countless students at various levels—undergraduates, residents, fellows, MSc, and PhD candidates—shaping the next generation of researchers and clinicians. She is also highly engaged with parent organizations like Hope for HIE, ensuring that families are supported in their journey.

If you know Pia, you understand just how remarkable she is—her dedication, strength, and resilience. In spite of countless obstacles, she has relentlessly pursued ways to better understand and treat infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and asphyxia, always searching for new strategies to improve outcomes. Her recent work on Sildenafil has gained international recognition, highlighting her groundbreaking contributions to neonatal neuro-restauration.

On a personal note, I first met Pia when I was a young neonatology fellow rotating at the Montreal Children's Hospital. During those shifts together, we seemed to have the worst karma imaginable—facing rare, high-acuity situations one after another, as if the universe had decided to test us. Yet, even in the most intense moments of neonatal care, Pia remained methodical, composed, and unwaveringly committed, always giving 150% to ensure the best possible outcomes for her patients. Her dedication extends far beyond our hospital walls. She works in Uganda, where many newborns tragically lack access to essential treatments, seeking simple, accessible, and cost-effective solutions to improve survival and recovery. She also serves as Chair of the Quality Improvement and Research Committee at the Newborn Brain Society, driving global advancements in neonatal neurology. At our center, she has spearheaded efforts to enhance care bundles for newborns with HIE, working alongside a multidisciplinary team to refine best practices.

She has published over 130 peer-reviewed articles, covering a wide range of topics aimed at advancing our understanding and care of newborns with HIE—including brain imaging, fluid management, seizure control, cardiovascular function, renal health, and long-term outcomes, among others. Her research on Sildenafil has been, as she calls it, her second baby. Being myself invited to contribute to this project has been an extraordinary privilege—it is truly the adventure of a lifetime. I am truly grateful to be part of her larger team and to contribute to these important research endeavors. She has dedicated countless hours and made immense sacrifices to advance this work, recognizing that while therapeutic hypothermia has limitations, we urgently need complementary strategies to help babies with moderate to severe HIE so that they can recover.

Beyond research, Pia has been an invaluable mentor to me. When I was a young fellow, she took the time to review my CV, my letters of intent, and my academic plans, offering guidance that shaped my career. Since then, she has spent countless hours proofreading and improving my manuscripts, grants, and applications—offering her expertise selflessly, without expecting anything in return, simply out of kindness and generosity. In fact, if you wonder why NeoCardioLab exists, it is because of Pia. As a junior investigator, I once asked her, "Would you be okay if I started a lab inspired by NeoBrainLab—NeoCardioLab?" Without hesitation, she said, "Absolutely, great idea!" Without her vision, support, and mentorship, NeoCardioLab would never have come to life.

For all these reasons, Pia is my Personality of the Week. My team and I are deeply grateful for everything she has done for us—and for everything she continues to do. Chapeau, Pia! Your perseverance, generosity, and passion are truly inspiring.

Dr. Guilherme Sant'Anna is the epitome of a well-rounded neonatologist. An exceptional clinician, masterful teacher, and a physiologist who also excels in evidence-based practice, Dr. Sant'Anna's critical thinking skills are unparalleled. His competence extends across all aspects of neonatology—he is adept with families, skilled in procedures, and provides insightful counseling, all underpinned by his exceptional clinical judgment. More than just an inspiration and mentor, Dr. Sant'Anna embodies the ideal that every doctor aspires to become.

His heart and passion are devoted to the babies and their families. He is always available, offering thoughtful, sound advice.Dr. Sant'Anna is the kind of neonatologist who knows everything there is to know from any neonatology book you could read. He is also the kind of neonatologist who will teach you things you'll never find in any neonatology book. I met him as a young trainee, struck by his approachability and profound wisdom.

Beyond his personal qualities, Dr. Sant'Anna has made significant contributions to the neonatal field through studies like the APEX study on extubation prediction in premature infants, and the PRIME study evaluating long-term outcomes in mild HIE patients. His research encompasses respiratory physiology and control, electrolyte balance, growth, development, new technologies, encephalopathy, and patient-family engagement, touching every facet of Neonatal Care. Dr. Sant'Anna now leads a cutting-edge research initiative, the Smart Hospital program, which introduces essential technologies such as wireless monitoring systems to enhance the NICU, creating a more family-friendly environment. He effectively bridges the gap between healthcare providers and families by actively listening to both groups, finding innovative solutions, and making the NICU a more adaptable and welcoming space through his research platform.

In addition to being an expert in physiology, Dr. Sant'Anna has dedicated countless hours to providing guidance on the best approaches to support babies from a global health perspective. He has conducted hundreds of workshops and conferences, not only in major metropolitan areas but also in remote, smaller NICUs, traveling extensively to offer support within a collaborative framework.

As a young trainee, I remember being way too eager to implement "fancy" technologies and take numerous actions, believing that more interventions would lead to better survival of fragile critically-ill newborns. Dr. Sant'Anna taught me the value of staying calm, poised, and methodical. He emphasized that often, less is more, and that keeping the baby and family together with minimal intervention was usually the best approach. This strategy caused the fewest problems while these incredible little warriors grew and recovered from their initial conditions. He also taught me that minimal handling isn't neglect but involves thoughtful evaluations at the right times and for the right reasons. This approach moves us away from a robotical practice towards one that is both intuitive and calculated. He taught me the value of calm, critical thinking and the importance of challenging the status quo in medical science. He taught me humility in the face of situations we cannot control or predict, reminding me that life is far more than just a statistic in a book. He showed me how to be a better person, teacher, and researcher. He urged me to question established dogmas, teaching that what we accept as truth should be continually questioned and researched to advance our field. He also taught me to deeply invest in my own field by viewing it through various lenses and not simply adhering to a certain approach because it is considered 'the way to go' or because it is convenient. Science is not about comfort. It is a field of questioning, breaking down barriers and dogmas, and discovering answers that sometimes challenge our preconceived beliefs—whether it's concerning PDA management, surfactant administration approaches, ventilation strategies, or the use of steroids in premature infants. 

Dr Sant'Anna always shares impactful the history of neonatology - to remind ourselves our founders (our successes and mistakes). Some of the quotes that resonate deeply with his philosophy include Bruce Lee’s: "I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times"  and Einstein’s “If I had only one hour to save the world, I would spend fifty-five minutes defining the problem, and only five minutes finding the solution.”

Dr. Sant'Anna is known for his high standards of professionalism and dedication. He is a Professor of Pediatrics at McGill University and has amassed over two decades of experience in neonatology, practicing in various units including McGill, McMaster, and in Brazil. He has held roles as a program director and research director. Alongside mentoring me, he has guided numerous students and trainees across all levels that have succeeded in their fields—from medical undergraduates to residents, and graduate students (MSc, PhD), as well as early-career researchers. 

Dr. Sant'Anna recently featured in a podcast interview, highlighting his contributions to global health—yet this is merely the tip of the iceberg. I highly recommend listening to it to truly appreciate his inspirational dedication and passion. Personally, his guidance over the years has been instrumental in shaping me into a better person, a more insightful researcher, and a more effective educator. Without his mentorship, NeoCardioLab would simply not exist. My team and I owe him immense gratitude for being such an extraordinary mentor and individual. 

This week, I am honored to spotlight the remarkable Dr. Tíscar Cavallé-Garrido. A true examplary educator, physician, mentor, colleague and friend. 

Dr. Cavallé-Garrido is a pediatric and fetal cardiologist with unparalleled expertise in medical education, cardiac imaging, cardiology, hemodynamics, and aortopathies. She is an exceptional clinician and teacher, possessing an in-depth understanding of pediatric/fetal cardiac conditions, functional cardiac assessments, imaging, anatomy, and physiology that is truly extraordinary. Every conversation with her is an opportunity to gain insight that feels like a masterclass in cardiac physiology—I often wish I could absorb her vast knowledge instantly.

Beyond her brilliance, her dedication to patient care is unparalleled. She devotes herself entirely to her patients and their families, demonstrating the highest standard of compassion, commitment, and advocacy. Her ability to teach with clarity and passion is unmatched—whether she is reviewing complex cases, explaining intricate physiological concepts to colleagues and trainees, or mentoring the next generation of pediatric cardiologists or neonatal hemodynamics specialists, her patience and commitment shine through.

Academically, Dr. Cavallé-Garrido is a leader and innovator. She has long been a champion in the field of aortopathies, including conditions such as Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and has played a pivotal role in advancing fetal cardiology. She co-leads the Pediatric Echocardiography Laboratory at the Montreal Children's Hospital and has been instrumental in training fellows in the Neonatal Hemodynamics program, serving as the site lead for their longitudinal cardiology blocks.

Her academic and clinical leadership extends even further:

• Director of the Pediatric Cardiology Training Program

• Education Lead in Pediatric Cardiology

• Co-Director of the Advanced Fellowship in Pediatric Cardiac Non-Invasive Imaging

• Co-Leader of the Neonatal Cardiology Academic Rounds at McGill University, organizing monthly sessions on pediatric cardiology and neonatal hemodynamics

And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Without her mentorship, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence, both the Neonatal Hemodynamics Program and the NeoCardioLab would not exist as they do today. On behalf of the entire NeoCardioLab team, thank you, Dr. Cavallé-Garrido, for your unwavering passion, dedication, and contributions to pediatric cardiology and neonatal hemodynamics. You are an inspiration to us all!

👉 Read more about her exceptional work in this article from the foundation!