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David Timothy H. Tanaka

Professor of Pediatrics
Pediatrics, Neonatology
Box 3179 Med Ctr, Durham, NC 27710
2424 Erwin Road, Hock Plaza Suite 504, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


Past research interests focused on the development of neurokinin-mediated airway neuromodulation. Present research has focused on improving resident education, clinical operations, and health sciences finance.

Current research in resident education involves the acquisition of resident skills. Present projects explore the acquisition of intubation skills as well as the potential for computer simulation and visual depiction of the human airway to speed the learning process.

Current research into clinical operations includes the use of clinical databases to improve patient safety and care. A major effort is presently underway to understand and identify key components associated with GI inflammation in the neonate.

Current administrative research interests includes revenue analysis for the division and hospital as well as management engineering analysis for bed utilization. Accomplishments to date include elimination of $2 million debt in ICN, initiation of PDC pilot project and acceptance of modelling approach with hospital management engineering; identification and allocation of medicaid supplemental payments (est. $4-5 million). Recent work in the general area of professional charge capture, effects of light pollution in the ICN, and use of biophotonics in the clinical setting.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor of Pediatrics · 2021 - Present Pediatrics, Neonatology, Pediatrics

Recent Publications


Decreasing Blood Transfusions in Premature Infants Through Quality Improvement.

Journal Article Pediatrics · August 1, 2024 BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Packed red blood cell transfusions (pRBCT) in preterm infants have been associated with significant morbidity. Although infants <26 weeks' gestational age typically require several pRBCT, preterm infants born between 26 and 34 we ... Full text Link to item Cite

Risk factors and epidemiology of spontaneous intestinal perforation among infants born at 22-24 weeks' gestational age.

Journal Article J Perinatol · January 2024 OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology, risk factors, and timing of spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) among infants born at 22-24 weeks' gestational age (GA). STUDY DESIGN: Observational cohort study among infants born at 22-24 weeks' GA in 446 neo ... Full text Link to item Cite

The association of placental pathology and neurodevelopmental outcomes in patients with neonatal encephalopathy.

Journal Article Pediatr Res · November 2023 BACKGROUND: Studies conflict on how acute versus chronic placental pathology impacts outcomes after neonatal encephalopathy from presumed hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). We examine how outcomes after presumed HIE vary by placental pathology categori ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Multidisciplinary Neonatal Training Grant

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2010 - 2015

Temperature & Vasomotor Tone During the First 5 Days in Preterms Less than 1000g

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2010 - 2013

Maturation Of Neurokinin Reactivity In Airways

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 1994 - 1994

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Education, Training & Certifications


Johns Hopkins University · 1979 M.D.