Intensive care for the sick or premature newborn baby has advanced tremendously in the last few decades. Improved survival of the most vulnerable babies is associated with risk of long-term complications of their lungs, brain, heart and other organs.
A/Prof Atul Malhotra’s team is developing and translating new cell therapies for these infants, so that they not only survive but also thrive. Cell therapies, which also include some types of stem cells, are derived from biological tissues and have the capacity to protect, repair and in some cases regenerate vital organ structure or function. His team conducts both pre-clinical and clinical research to advance this exciting field.
Atul is also aware of the huge gap in resources which exist in low-income settings, so together with his cutting-edge research in cell therapies, he also leads a global health education program, ONE-Sim Education (onesimeducation.com). The unique aspect of this simulation-based education program is that it focuses on up skilling all health professionals involved in the care of the mother and newborn baby by learning together.