Alexa Craig, MD, Neonatal and Pediatric Neurologist

Description

I was inspired to pursue a career in medicine because of the relationships I am privileged to have with my patients and their families. I have specific expertise in neonatal neurocritical care, neonatal therapeutic hypothermia and telemedicine.Early in my career as a new attending in Maine, I saw situations in which rural clinicians were not aware of the most up‑to‑date therapies to help babies after traumatic births. This motivated me to build a statewide telemedicine program so rural doctors could consult with the tertiary care center whenever needed, ensuring that all patients received the best care possible, no matter where they were born.I have devoted my career to improving the care of newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. My research began with a survey of the nurse experience of therapeutic hypothermia and led me to describe the trauma experienced by parents of newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. After learning from parents that not being able to hold their infant during hypothermia was a source of distress, I conducted clinical trials assessing the feasibility and effects of holding during hypothermia.Parents also reported chaos in rural community hospitals after birth and a lack of information from providers. Through telemedicine, I developed a statewide network that allows a team of neonatologists and neurologists to rapidly identify neonates eligible for therapeutic hypothermia and speak directly with parents before transfer so they understand the care their newborn is receiving.While my greatest passion is providing the best care possible to my patients, I also value the opportunity to educate and mentor nurses, nurse practitioners, medical students, residents and fellows. Most recently, as Director of the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital Scholar’s Academy, I have the opportunity to ignite curiosity and encourage investigation and research to further improve the delivery of care.Outside of work, I am a passionate downhill skier.