Not only to witness the many positive healthcare changes seen in the last three decades, but to also devise and adapt the OMI maternal and infant health curriculum was none other than Dr. Richard A. Polin. Dr. Polin has taught at the OMI in Salzburg for the 29th time this year, apart from having joined OMI MEX in Oaxaca, Mexico, twice in previous years. Unanimously considered a legend in his field, Dr. Polin is well known for his outstanding contributions to neonatology and pediatrics. Author of numerous reference publications, he has also shaped OMI’s maternal and infant health program, and told us a little of how it came to be:
“In the very beginning, we only selected neonatologists and pediatricians. About 15 years ago, we decided to include gynecologists and specialists in maternal and fetal medicine. That decision was an obvious one since neonatologists and gynecologists work so closely with one another in their everyday practices. The inclusion of fellows with expertise in gynecology has invigorated the seminar.”
This week, the seminar counted with 35 fellows from 32 different countries spanning the Americas, Africa, Europe, and Asia, making it one of OMI’s most global seminars. 18 fellows from the cohort were obstetrics and gynecology specialists, while the other 17 attendees were neonatologists, reflecting how the course merged into a rich blend of two often intersecting specialties. parallel to the participants, faculty also represented a mix of professionals in maternal and infant health.
Dr. Thomas Hays from Columbia University, Dr. Anup C. Katheria from the Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women and Newborns in San Diego, California, and Dr. Andreas W. Flemmer, our co-course director from the prestigious Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) of Munich, joined the course with a focus on pediatrics. Dr. George R. Saade participated this week for the eighth time as a faculty member, being Chair of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the Eastern Virginia Medical School. Additionally, we welcomed Ms. Jessica L. Giordano, associate director of the Women’s Genetics Center in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University.
“The 2026 seminar covered a variety of topics of importance to pediatricians, neonatologists, and gynecologists. These include neonatal sepsis and meningitis, patent ductus arteriosus, deferred cord clamping, resuscitation, fetal growth restriction, and prevention of preterm labor. However, there is also an emphasis on newer genetic technologies and ethical dilemmas in neonatology and gynecology, such as borders of viability,” stated Dr. Polin.
Genetic research was an important component of the seminar, as many conditions that affect newborns originate during fetal development and have a genetic basis. Advances in prenatal genetic testing, genomic sequencing, and precision medicine allow clinicians to identify inherited disorders, congenital anomalies, and developmental conditions before or shortly after birth, improving diagnosis, counseling, and care planning.
Gitanjali Lamichaney, MD
OMI fellow from Bhutan
Liyew Ewunetu Melaku, MD
OMI fellow from Ethiopia
Susana Gómez, MD
OMI fellow from Panama
“Another change over the past 29 years is the increasing sophistication of the attendees. They are up to date with the current literature and new technologies. The shyness that was common in the first group of fellows is no longer present. The newest group of fellows are active participants beginning on day one.”
We often witness how collaboration among specialties is essential, and that was particularly clear with maternal and infant health. Care often spans the entire continuum from pregnancy through delivery and into the neonatal period, requiring coordinated decision-making for both mother and child. We concluded the course by celebrating the diversity of countries represented this week, along with the outstanding engagement of all fellows and Dr. Polin’s remarkable 29th visit. There was no better way to reflect the successful history of the course!
