Dr. Indira Narayanan is an adjunct professor in the Department of Pediatrics and a seasoned neonatologist with nearly 25 years of experience managing Neonatal Intensive Care Units in India.
She trained in intensive care at Queen Charlotte’s and Hammersmith Hospitals in London before moving to the United States in 1999 to lead the newborn section of USAID’s Global Newborn Health program, BASICS, for a decade.
Throughout her career, she has consulted for organizations including USAID, UNICEF, Save the Children, and University Research Co. At Georgetown University, Dr. Narayanan teaches global health topics to pediatric residents, neonatal-perinatal fellows, and students, and has developed a one-credit course on Global Newborn Health.
She is a fellow of the National Neonatology Forum, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Academy of Medical Sciences (India).
Dr. Narayanan stands out as a global health expert who has transformed pediatric healthcare through clinical practice, groundbreaking research, and international leadership.
Her story reflects resilience, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to improving the survival and health of newborns.
With a strong clinical background, Dr. Narayanan brought unique insight when she entered the global health field. She emphasizes that cultural understanding and humility are essential.
“You cannot transplant everything from an advanced country to a low and middle income country because you have to adapt to certain things,” she explained. For her, global health is a shared journey.
“Learning is a two way experience. When you go to another country, you are also learning from them.”
Her most remarkable patient story involved a premature infant weighing just 600 grams. Initially considered nonviable, the baby was placed aside until Dr. Narayanan noticed signs of life.
Her team provided constant care without modern ventilators or monitors. Against all odds, the baby survived and grew into a thriving student. Years later, Dr. Narayanan invited her to inaugurate new hospital equipment funded by Rotary donations.
“That event holds a special place in my memory. It reminded me why we do what we do,” she said.
Research also propelled her global career. In the 1980s, she led one of the first randomized controlled studies comparing breast milk with formula feeding. Despite contamination risks, breast milk-fed infants fared remarkably well.
“It was like there was this little umbrella over the baby which protected them,” she recalled.
Published in The Lancet, the study gained international recognition and opened doors to USAID newborn health programs, where she served as a team leader.
Reflecting on her work in India and the United States, Dr. Narayanan stresses that resources may differ, but compassion must remain central. “The top priority is not just good quality care, but compassionate quality healthcare,” she said.
Her story is an inspiration to all and her journey continues to inspire pediatricians, global health advocates, and students worldwide. Through her teaching, research, and patient stories, Dr. Indira Narayanan reminds the world that medicine is not only about science but also about humanity.
