There is a new national consultant in neonatology

Following the dismissal of Prof. Ewa Helwich, the position of national consultant in neonatology is assumed by Prof. Tomasz Szczapa.

Prof. Tomasz Jerzy Szczapa is a pediatrician and neonatologist, head of the 2nd Neonatology Clinic at the Medical University of Poznan and president of the Polish Neonatology Society. For years he has been actively involved in the creation of European guidelines for neonatal resuscitation and the training of medical personnel in Poland and Europe. His scientific interests include optimization of respiratory support, monitoring and resuscitation of newborns.

Who are the national consultants

National consultants are appointed by the Minister of Health from among specialists in particular fields:

• Medicine,
• pharmacy,
• Other fields that are applicable to health care.

The minister may ask for candidates:

• scientific societies of national scope that bring together specialists in a particular field,
• The relevant health professional governments.

National consultants:

• initiate national epidemiological studies and evaluate the methods and results of these studies;
• forecast health needs in their field;
• advise on how to implement tasks that stem from the National Health Program and other health programs;
• Give their opinion on requests to refer a patient for treatment or diagnostic tests outside Poland;
• give opinions and advice on tasks carried out by the Center for Medical Examinations, the Center for Postgraduate Training of Nurses and Midwives and the Center for Medical Postgraduate Training.

Source: MZ