Dr. Stephen Welty Named Chief of Neonatology at Texas Children's Hospital

HOUSTON - (June 14, 2010) - Announced today, Dr. Stephen Welty has been named as Texas Children's Hospital's chief of neonatology and head of newborn section, Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM). Visit newborn.texaschildrens.org to learn more about Texas Children's Newborn Center.

In his new role as the chief of neonatology, Welty will lead one of the country's best and largest programs for critically ill and premature infants.One of only two level 3C Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in the greaterHouston area, the Texas Children's level 3C NICU provides the most complex and complete neonatal care available. Additionally, neonatology at Texas Children's is ranked seventh nationally in U.S.News World Report's Best Children's Hospitals, making it the only hospital in Texas - and the highest ranked in the entire central and southern United States- to be included.

"We are thrilled to have Dr. Welty join us as chief of neonatology. The background, experience and leadership he brings will move us forward as one of the best programs in the nation caring for the sickest of babies," said Dr.Mark Kline, physician-in-chief of Texas Children's Hospital and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine.

Welty holds a bachelor's degree in general science from Oregon State Universityand graduated with a doctorate of medicine from Oregon Health Sciences Centerin 1982. He completed his residency training at Texas Children's and BCM in 1987 and served as the chief resident in pediatrics andwas a postdoctoral fellow in neonatal-perinatal medicine. Welty now rejoinsTexas Children's and BCM after serving as chief of neonatology at NationwideChildren's Hospital and The Ohio State University School of Medicine since2001.

Nationally and internationally respected as a clinician, researcher andeducator in neonatology, Welty is the recipient of many professional honors andhas authored more than 300 published scientific papers, abstracts and textbookchapters. Also, he has given more than 130 invited national and internationalscientific presentations and lectures.

Welty will assume his new role on Monday June 14, 2010.

About Texas Children’s Hospital

Texas Children’s Hospital, a not-for-profit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children’s hospital in Texas, and among the top in the nation, Texas Children’s has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women’s health. The hospital includes the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute; the Feigin Center for pediatric research; Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; and Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, a second community hospital planned to open in 2017. The organization also created the nation’s first HMO for children, has the largest pediatric primary care network in the country and a global health program that’s channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children’s Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, go to www.texaschildrens.org. Get the latest news by visiting the online newsroom and Twitter at twitter.com/texaschildrens.