The Neonatologist position at Bozeman Health offers a dynamic and fulfilling clinical environment, with opportunities to provide advanced care and contribute to the development of the NICU as it transitions toward Level III capabilities. The Level II NICU currently serves a diverse patient population, including premature and term newborns requiring specialized care. The unit focuses on infants born at 32 weeks gestation or later, weighing 1500 grams or more, with plans to expand services to care for infants as early as 28 weeks gestation as part of its progression to Level III status.
With an average daily census of 8 patients, the NICU managed 282 admissions last year, reflecting its role as a vital regional resource. Physicians work within a collaborative model, partnering with skilled Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNPs) who provide 24/7 in-house coverage. These highly trained professionals handle admissions, procedures, and discharges, ensuring continuity of care while enabling physicians to focus on leadership, oversight, and specialized medical interventions.
The position includes daily responsibilities such as conducting neonatology rounds, supervising NNPs and pediatric hospitalists, developing management plans, and updating families on their infant's progress. Prenatal and antepartum consultations further broaden the physician’s role, providing essential support and education to families preparing for complex deliveries.
State-of-the-art equipment and technology bolster the clinical environment. Advanced tools such as Bubble CPAP, neonatal ventilation systems, infant monitoring devices, and imaging capabilities (CT, MRI) allow for precision in diagnosis and treatment. This sophisticated infrastructure positions the NICU as a center for exceptional care in the region.
The call structure is designed to balance on-site responsibilities with off-site flexibility. Physicians typically spend 8-9 hours on-site during their 24-hour shifts and are on call for critical care needs that cannot be managed by the in-house team. The presence of 24/7 NNP coverage ensures that in-person call demands are rare, even as the NICU evolves to manage more medically complex cases.
Bozeman Health’s NICU benefits from its membership in the Vermont Oxford Network (VON), a globally recognized collaborative dedicated to neonatal care excellence. Participation in the VON community provides access to the world’s largest databases of neonatal outcomes and care practices, enabling Bozeman Health to benchmark its performance, implement quality improvement initiatives, and participate in meaningful research efforts. These initiatives directly enhance patient outcomes and contribute to the professional growth of the clinical team.
As part of its commitment to expanding services and capabilities, Bozeman Health’s NICU is strategically positioned to transition to Level III care. This advancement will enable the unit to manage younger and more medically complex patients while retaining families in the community who would otherwise need to seek care elsewhere. This growth underscores an exciting opportunity for the incoming physician to lead clinical and cultural changes, fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.
The NICU also plays a critical role in supporting high-risk pregnancies throughout the region. Through partnerships with maternal-fetal medicine specialists and telehealth services, families in surrounding communities can access advanced care while minimizing travel and disruption to their lives. This comprehensive and integrated approach ensures that families receive the best possible care close to home.
Bozeman Health's commitment to expanding and enhancing neonatal services reflects its dedication to meeting the growing needs of the community, ensuring that the most vulnerable patients receive the highest standard of care close to home.