.jpg)
The Incubator At The Bench
At the Bench is a podcast series produced by The Incubator and hosted by Dr. Elizabeth Crouch, Dr. David McCulley, and Dr. Misty Good. This series is dedicated to exploring the lives and work of neonatal physician scientists. Each episode features in depth conversations with neonatologists who have chosen careers rooted in discovery science, offering listeners a closer look at what it truly means to be “at the bench.” Through thoughtful discussion, the hosts explore how these clinicians found their path into research, the scientific questions that drive their work, and the challenges and rewards of balancing clinical care with life in the laboratory. The series provides insight, inspiration, and practical perspective for trainees, early career investigators, and anyone curious about the role of physician scientists in advancing neonatal care.
The Incubator At The Bench
#007 - Understanding mechanisms of neonatal pathologies: From Gut to Inflammation
Dr. Steve McElroy, a neonatologist and physician scientist, discusses his research on injury and repair mechanisms in the immature intestine, specifically focusing on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and spontaneous intestinal perforation in premature infants. He shares his journey from initially not wanting to pursue science to becoming a physician scientist, and how mentorship played a crucial role in his career. Dr. McElroy also talks about his pioneering work on Paneth cells and the Paneth cell ablation NEC model. He highlights the importance of listening, asking questions, and being open to new research directions. Finally, he discusses the impact of his leadership role as a division chief on his research and mentorship activities. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, celebrating small victories, and persisting through challenges. Dr. McElroy also shares insights into his current research on chorioamnionitis and its impact on neonatal health. He highlights the need for creative think time and the value of understanding mechanisms in basic science. The conversation concludes with a discussion on building a supportive and fun lab environment.