2026 Dr. Diane Anderson Neonatal Nutrition Conference

Needs Statement

The impact of nutrition on the growth and development of preterm infants is increasingly recognized, with evidence showing that inadequate early nutrition can have lasting negative effects on long-term outcomes. Despite clear guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN), which emphasize fetal nutrient retention and functional normalcy, many premature infants continue to experience suboptimal growth compared to in utero peers. Unique challenges in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), including altered metabolic conditions and the influence of social determinants of health, further complicate nutritional management. Healthcare professionals caring for these vulnerable infants require up-to-date knowledge and skills in parenteral and enteral nutrition, management of complex cases, use of human milk, and post-NICU nutrition, as well as competence in applying new growth charts and addressing the needs of late preterm infants. There is also a need to enhance performance in human milk fortification, malnutrition management, and culturally competent family support. Addressing these educational needs through multidisciplinary collaboration, regular audit, and evidence-based resources is essential to optimize both short- and long-term outcomes for premature infants.

Educational Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the participants should be able to:

• Demonstrate effective care strategies for infants born at 22 to 23 weeks' gestation along with the differences in culture, philosophy, and nutritional needs.
• Define basic nutritional requirements for neonatal growth and describe specific nutritional problems faced by low birth weight and premature infants.
• Explain the changes in growth expectation in the neonatal population.
• Comprehend how to care for NICU families during stressful times and how to develop and implement strategies to care for multiculture populations.

Target Audience

Competencies

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills
• Interprofessional Communication
• Medical Knowledge
• Patient Care and Procedural Skills
• Professionalism
• Provide Patient-Centered Care
• Quality Improvement
• Values/Ethics for Interprofessional Practice
• Work in Interdisciplinary Teams

Accreditation/Credit Designation

Physician

Baylor College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Baylor College of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 17.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Ethics

The presentation, Ethics in the NICU: Walking in Their Shoes and Engaging Muslim Parents Who Refuse Donor Breast Milk on Religious Grounds, has been designated by Baylor College of Medicine for 1.50 credit(s) of education in medical ethics and/or professional responsibility.

American Board of Pediatrics MOC 

Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn up to 17.75 MOC points in the American Board of Pediatrics’ (ABP) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABP MOC credit.

Nursing

Texas Children’s Hospital is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. This activity awards 17.75 contact hours.  

Dietitian
Dr. Diane Anderson Neonatal Nutrition Conference 2026-Live Viewing awards 17.75 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s CPEU Prior Approval Program.

Disclosure Policy

Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education (CME) for physicians. BCM is committed to sponsoring CE activities that are scientifically based, accurate, current, and objectively presented.

In accordance with the ACCME Standards for Commercial Support, BCM has implemented a mechanism requiring everyone in a position to control the content of an educational activity (i.e., directors, planning committee members, faculty) to disclose any relevant financial relationships with commercial interests (drug/device companies) and manage/resolve any conflicts of interest prior to the activity. Individuals must disclose to participants the existence or non-existence of financial relationships at the time of the activity or within 24 months prior.

In addition, BCM has requested activity faculty/presenters to disclose to participants any unlabeled use or investigational use of pharmaceutical/device products; to use scientific or generic names (not trade names) in referring to products; and, if necessary to use a trade name, to use the names of similar products or those within a class. Faculty/presenters have also been requested to adhere to the ACCME's validation of clinical content statements.

BCM does not view the existence of financial relationships with commercial interests as implying bias or decreasing the value of a presentation. It is up to participants to determine whether the relationships influence the activity faculty with regard to exposition or conclusions. If at any time during this activity you feel that there has been commercial/promotional bias, notify the Activity Director or Activity Coordinator. Please answer the questions about balance and objectivity in the activity evaluation candidly.

All of the relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated.