Pediatrix Neonatology of Texas

About Our Practice

Our team has a long-standing commitment to delivering exceptional neonatal care throughout the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). Comprising board-certified neonatologists and highly experienced neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs), we are passionately dedicated to providing compassionate, expert care for critically ill newborns while steadfastly supporting their families at every moment.

Established in the 1980s, we proudly stand as the oldest neonatology practice in the Rio Grande Valley. What began with a single neonatologist’s dedication to superior care has grown over more than 40 years into a strong, cohesive team. This evolution reflects our enduring commitment to advancing neonatal medicine—most notably by pioneering the region’s neonatal transport system and creating a seamless, coordinated regional network of care for vulnerable newborns facing extreme prematurity, complex congenital conditions and life-threatening challenges.

Our team delivers specialized neonatal services at leading facilities across the region: McAllen Medical Center (MMC, Level III NICU), Rio Grande Regional Hospital (RGRH, Level III NICU), Knapp Medical Center (KNMC, Level II NICU), Edinburg Regional Medical Center (ERMC, Level I NICU) and Mission Regional Medical Center (MRMC, Level III NICU). We embrace a deeply patient- and family-centered philosophy, ensuring our tiniest patients and their loved ones receive attentive, nurturing care throughout their hospital journey. Our team provides comprehensive, evidence-based care, swiftly integrating the latest national breakthroughs and innovations to achieve the strongest possible outcomes.

Open, transparent communication lies at the core of our practice. We firmly believe that empowering families with clear information and meaningful involvement is fundamental to achieving the best results for newborns—and we remain resolute as a trusted partner through every phase of a child’s NICU experience.

In the Rio Grande Valley, our practice continues to lead with bold innovation, uncompromising excellence and heartfelt compassion for every family we serve.

Services Offered

Blood Transfusion in Newborn

Process in which blood is given to a baby. This is a common need in premature babies and full-term babies born with health problems. A blood transfusion is a way to provide extra red blood cells (RBCs) to the baby. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and it is vital that the baby has a certain amount.
PICC Line
Umbilical Catheter

A thin tube that is placed in the body in order to draw out blood to be used for testing or to allow fluids and medicines to be given. This device serves as a passage that allows doctors and nurses to perform these functions as needed. An umbilical catheter is inserted into the umbilical cord in one of two ways; either into a vein (called an umbilical venous catheter or UVC) or into an artery (called an umbilical arterial catheter or UAC).

Conditions Treated

Air Leak Syndrome
Apnea of Prematurity

A condition in which a baby temporarily stops breathing while sleeping or resting. Many newborns have short pauses in their breathing (less than 20 seconds), but a baby is said to have apnea if he or she stops breathing for at least 20 seconds, has a slowed heart rate (bradycardia) or has a bluish color to the skin with a shorter pause in breathing. Periods of apnea may be accompanied by bradycardia and these events are called "spells" or "alarms."
Babies Born with Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

The amount of sugar in our blood, called blood sugar or blood glucose, is the fuel that keeps all of our body systems working. If this level dips too low, it is called hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar can happen in any newborn, but some babies have a higher risk for it. Because a baby's body requires so much energy (sugar) after birth, low blood sugar usually occurs within the first few hours after birth. In general, the risk for low blood sugar in a healthy, full-term newborn declines shortly after birth. Yet, if blood sugar stays too low for too long without treatment, it can affect the brain. The effects can range from mild to severe, and may result in learning problems, vision problems and impaired development of motor skills and speech.
Brain Injury
Chronic Lung Disease

Also known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), occurs if growth in parts of a baby's lungs are disrupted, altering the lung structure and function. CLD can lead to continued lung problems for some children. Because severe CLD can cause decreased oxygen to parts of the baby's body, it also can lead to problems with the baby's heart, and with hearing, motor skills, speech and learning.
Congenital Malformations
Jaundice
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)
Prematurity
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

A problem with a baby's eyes. The retina is a thin layer of tissue that covers the back portion of the eyeball. In babies born early, blood vessels still need to grow in the retina. In some babies, these vessels grow too fast and in a corkscrew shape. This process can cause bleeding and scarring. Scarring sometimes pulls the retina off the back of the eye. This can cause loss of sight or decreased vision.