Q&A with Anudeepa “Anu” Sharma, MBBS, MBA, assistant professor, Division of Neonatology and Newborn Nursery
Hometown: New Delhi, India
Educational/professional background: I earned my MBBS at G.R. Medical College in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. I completed a pediatrics residency at Brookdale Hospital and Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, and a fellowship in neonatal and perinatal medicine at Cleveland Clinic Foundation, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, in Cleveland, Ohio. I earned my MBA in health care administration from Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Previous position (title, institution): Neonatologist, Envision Physician Services, Texas
What is your field of research or area of clinical care, and how did you get into it? I am committed to improving the quality of care for neonates in a culturally sensitive manner, with a particular interest in identifying practical areas to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants born prematurely. My research has included assessing cellular mechanisms of preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM), hypoglycemia, and nutrition management in the NICU, as well as the role of diverse familial cultural traditions in the management of preterm infants. I have a special interest in investigating outcomes of pain and sedation protocols in the NICU and developing innovative methods for clinical prognostication.
How would you describe your work to a 5-year-old? I am a baby doctor. I take care of the tiniest and sickest newborn babies and help them get healthy before they can go home to their families.
What attracted you to UW–Madison? The opportunity to pursue a career at a major university that offers work-life balance in a culturally diverse university town and the state capital. I am also drawn to the vast array of nature trails and hikes, the changes in seasons, and avenues for seasonal outdoor activities year-round.
What is your favorite thing to do in Madison? Taking walks to Picnic Point, exploring new restaurants, watching seasons change, and working for UW–Madison.
What’s one thing you hope trainees will learn from you and your work? That genuine care and dedication toward your patients is paramount, as it automatically drives the whole team to provide the highest standard of care. It makes work so enjoyable that you look forward to coming back to it every day.
Do you feel your work relates to the Wisconsin Idea? If so, please describe how. The Wisconsin Idea is dedicated to impacting life outside the classroom. I am dedicated to continuing work in our field to provide culturally sensitive care to babies not only in Madison but also in other parts of Wisconsin and outside the United States.
What’s something interesting about your area of expertise you can share that will make us sound smarter during video chats and parties? The fact that premature babies experience pain is often underrecognized. Babies born at gestational ages as early as 22 weeks can experience pain. Failure to recognize and treat signs and symptoms of pain and discomfort even at this young age can have detrimental long-term consequences.
What are some of your hobbies and other interests? I like listening to audiobooks, yoga, meditation, crocheting, baking new recipes, and taking nature walks.