Legends and Rising Stars in Maternal and Infant Health

From May 18-24, 2025, the OMI concluded its 22nd seminar in Maternal and Infant Health. Directed by Dr. Richard A. Polin, the course brought together renowned experts and 32 fellows from 20 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America for an intensive week of lectures, case presentations, and cross-cultural exchange.

Dr. Polin is vice-chair for special projects of the department of pediatrics at the NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital and has been a cornerstone of the OMI for nearly three decades. Reflecting on his long-standing commitment, he shared:

“This is my 28th time at the Open Medica Institute. In 1995, when I began, attendees were enthusiastic about learning, yet less sophisticated. Many of the routine technologies available in the United States at that time were not available in the East. Instead of case discussions, we met to discuss the healthcare needs of each of their countries.”

Since then, Dr. Polin’s program has evolved tremendously. Once focused solely on neonatal care, the seminar now brings together obstetricians/ gynecologists and neonatologists/ pediatricians, a change that reflects a broader and more integrated approach to maternal and infant health. As Dr. Polin emphasized:

“The seminar, then named ‘Neonatal Medicine’, has evolved to include obstetricians/ gynecologists and neonatologists/pediatricians, and it became ‘Maternal and Infant Health’. This was a key change because it signifies the importance of communication between physicians caring for the mother and those focused on the infant.”

This year’s seminar addressed a spectrum of fundamental topics: from genetic testing and prenatal diagnosis of congenital malformations to neonatal transitional physiology, ethics, and parent communication. Disease management was also thoroughly explored, with lectures on necrotizing enterocolitis, Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), patent ductus arteriosus, hypoglycemia, and neonatal sepsis. According to Dr. Polin, the fellows’ case presentations were “sophisticated in their content and presentation style,” reflecting both the evolution of global medical education and the power of enduring mentorship.

The seminar’s international faculty underscored its prestige. Joining as co-course director, Dr. Andreas W. Flemmer from LMU Munich, one of Germany’s leading universities, returned for his third time, contributing with his broad expertise. From Columbia University, we were honored to host Dr. Kathleen G. Brennan, associate program director of the neonatal-perinatal fellowship program, and Dr. Lynn L. Simpson, director of the division of maternal-fetal medicine.

A particularly significant addition this year was Dr. Wendy K. Chung, participating for the third time. Dr. Chung is chief of the department of pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Mary Ellen Avery professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. Internationally recognized for her pioneering work in medical genetics and genomics, Dr. Chung has led groundbreaking studies in rare genetic disorders and personalized medicine. Her participation elevated the seminar and highlighted the increasing integration of genetics in perinatal care.

From the University of Florida College of Medicine, Dr. Josef Neu, professor of pediatrics and director of the neonatology fellowship training program, also shared critical insights, particularly in the realm of neonatal nutrition and gut microbiome development.

What remains a defining characteristic of the OMI experience is the sense of community it fosters. As Dr. Polin recalled: “Even back then, the fellows stayed in contact with us over many years.” That spirit of long-term collaboration and support is what continues to shape the future of global maternal and infant health — one seminar at a time.

In concluding the week, one message resonated: The health of a newborn cannot be addressed in isolation from the health of the mother. The seminar’s evolution into its multidisciplinary character is not only symbolic but essential. It reflects the understanding that effective communication and collaboration across specialties are key to improving outcomes for both mothers and their infants.

As the OMI continues to adapt and expand its mission, this seminar stands as a testament to what is possible when global knowledge meets local commitment. With legends like Dr. Richard Polin and the fresh perspectives of each new generation of fellows, the legacy of maternal and infant health at the OMI continues to grow stronger, broader, and more united.