Dr. Dr. Kushal Y. Bhakta

Expert Publications

• Regulation of cytochrome P4501A1 expression by hyperoxia in human lung cell lines: Implications for hyperoxic lung injury.

Media Releases

Get to know Neonatologist Dr. Kushal Y. Bhakta, who serves patients in Orange, California.

Recognized for his leadership and expertise, Dr. Bhakta serves as Medical Director of the Children’s Health of Orange County Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Since joining the neonatology division at the hospital, he has continued his role as Physician Educator, as well as assuming the Medical Director positions in the Neurocritical NICU and the Small Baby Unit/Extremely Low Birth Weight Program.

Children’s Health of Orange County (CHOC) is a pediatric healthcare system based in Orange County, California, committed to being a leading destination for children’s health by providing exceptional and innovative care. Their growing community includes two state-of-the-art hospitals in Orange and Mission Viejo and a regional network of primary and specialty care clinics serving children and families in four counties.

Before embarking on his professional journey, Dr. Bhakta received his medical degree from the Baylor College of Medicine, before completing his residency in pediatrics and his fellowship in neonatal-perinatal medicine at Baylor College of Medicine Affiliated Hospitals.

Subsequently, he joined the faculty at Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children’s Hospital as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, where he also obtained an advanced certificate in teaching through the Educational Scholars Fellowship Program. He enjoys teaching at various levels, from medical students, pediatrics residents, and neonatal fellows to nurses and nurse practitioners.

An authority in his field, the doctor is board-certified in neonatal-perinatal medicine and pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). The mission of the ABP is to advance child health by certifying pediatricians who meet standards of excellence and are committed to continuous learning and improvement.

Neonatology is a subspecialty of pediatrics that consists of the medical care of newborn infants, especially ill or premature newborns. It is a hospital-based specialty and is usually practiced in neonatal intensive care units. Neonatologists generally diagnose and treat newborns with conditions such as breathing disorders, infections, and birth defects, as well as coordinating care and medically managing newborns born prematurely, critically ill, or in need of surgery.

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