HOUSTON – (June 14, 2010) – Announced today, Dr. Stephen Welty has been named as Texas Children’s Hospital’s chief of neonatology and head of newborn section, Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM). Visit newborn.texaschildrens.org to learn more about Texas Children’s Newborn Center.

In his new role as the chief of neonatology, Welty will lead one of the country’s best and largest programs for critically ill and premature infants. One of only two level 3C Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in the greater Houston area, the Texas Children’s level 3C NICU provides the most complex and complete neonatal care available. Additionally, neonatology at Texas Children’s is ranked seventh nationally in U.S.News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals, making it the only hospital in Texas – and the highest ranked in the entire central and southern United States – to be included.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Welty join us as chief of neonatology. The background, experience and leadership he brings will move us forward as one of the best programs in the nation caring for the sickest of babies,” said Dr. Mark Kline, physician-in-chief of Texas Children’s Hospital and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine.

Welty holds a bachelor’s degree in general science from Oregon State University and graduated with a doctorate of medicine from Oregon Health Sciences Center in 1982. He completed his residency training at Texas Children’s and BCM in 1987 and served as the chief resident in pediatrics and was a postdoctoral fellow in neonatal-perinatal medicine. Welty now rejoins Texas Children’s and BCM after serving as chief of neonatology at Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University School of Medicine since 2001.

Nationally and internationally respected as a clinician, researcher and educator in neonatology, Welty is the recipient of many professional honors and has authored more than 300 published scientific papers, abstracts and textbook chapters. Also, he has given more than 130 invited national and international scientific presentations and lectures.

Welty will assume his new role on Monday June 14, 2010. 

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About Texas Children's Hospital
Texas Children's Hospital is committed to a community of healthy children by providing the finest pediatric patient care, education and research. Renowned worldwide for its expertise and breakthrough developments in clinical care and research, Texas Children’s is ranked in the top 10 best children’s hospitals by U.S. News and World Report. Texas Children’s also operates the nation’s largest primary pediatric care network, with over 40 offices throughout the greater Houston community. Texas Children’s has embarked on a $1.5 billion expansion, Vision 2010, which includes a neurological research institute, a comprehensive obstetrics facility focusing on high risk births, and a community hospital in suburban West Houston. Get the latest Texas Children’s news on Twitter: www.twitter.com/texaschildrens