In an effort to enhance specialized care for the most vulnerable patients, a new Monthly Webinar Series: Genetics & Rare Diseases for Neonatologists has been announced.
This initiative aims to equip neonatologists with the critical tools needed to identify, diagnose, and manage genetic conditions within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
This educational initiative is organized by the National Neonatology Forum (NNF) in strategic collaboration with leading Clinical Geneticists.
Coordinated by Dr. Amit Upadhyay, Dr. Mayank Nilay, and Dr. Debarun, the program features a revised scientific schedule that brings together leading experts to discuss the frontiers of neonatal genetics.
Scientific Program
The webinars will be held on the 28th of every month, providing a consistent platform for professional development.
| Date | Topic | Faculty |
| Feb 28, 2026 | Newborn Screening (NBS) for Rare Diseases | Prof. (Dr.) Seema Kapoor |
| Mar 28, 2026 | Approach to the Dysmorphic Neonate in NICU | Dr. Veronica |
| Apr 28, 2026 | Genetic Causes of Neonatal Hypotonia | Dr. Ravneet |
| May 28, 2026 | Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM) | Dr. Haseena |
| Jun 28, 2026 | Neonatal Seizures: When to Think Genetic? | Dr. Rhea |
| Jul 28, 2026 | Neonatal Cholestasis: Genetic Etiologies | Dr. Swasti |
| Aug 28, 2026 | Skeletal Dysplasias (SKD) in the Neonate | Dr. Selva |
| Sep 28, 2026 | Genetic Causes of Congenital Heart Disease | Dr. Bhawana |
| Oct 28, 2026 | Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) | Dr. Sarath R S |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Rapid Genomic Testing in the NICU | Dr. Mayuri |
| Dec 28, 2026 | Connective Tissue & Vascular Fragility | Dr. Shifali Gupta |
| Jan 28, 2027 | Counseling Parents After a Diagnosis | Dr. Eshan |
Please note that the schedule and faculty may be subject to change due to logistical reasons.
Core Learning Objectives
The series is designed to move beyond theory and into practical, bedside application. Participants will:
- Strengthen Recognition Skills: Learn to identify red flags such as dysmorphism, metabolic instability, and unexplained seizures.
- Master Diagnostics: Implement systematic pathways for genetic testing, including exome sequencing and microarrays.
- Manage Emergencies: Enhance the ability to stabilize genetic crises, including salt-wasting and metabolic emergencies.
- Integrate Genomics: Develop competence in interpreting rapid genomic reports and managing Variants of Uncertain Significance (VUS).
- Improve Communication: Refine skills in discussing prognosis, recurrence risks, and reproductive planning with families.
- Foster Collaboration: Build stronger links between neonatologists, geneticists, and laboratory teams for precision treatment.
Through this collaborative effort, the program seeks to ensure that every neonate with a suspected rare disease receives a timely referral and a path toward precision medicine.
Contact Information: For registration details and further inquiries, please contact the Webinar Coordinators.
