Neonatologist Expert of the Year With over two decades of experience as a consultant neonatologist, what initially drew you to this field, and how has your role evolved over the years? Neonatal intensive care is a very hands on specialty with multiple resuscitations occurring on a daily basis; a challenge which I have always enjoyed. I continue to participate in neonatal transport around Scotland and the UK and whilst again challenging at times, is very rewarding in terms of outcomes that can be achieved. Over my career, the focus of the neonatal team has evolved from pure clinical care, becoming more holistic and embracing developmental care. Developmental care acknowledges the impact of the environment and interactions on a baby’s development. To promote better care we have developed a new form of neonatal care (known as transitional care) whereby the mother and baby are kept together even though the baby has medical needs, promoting bonding and the family unit. My role has evolved from being a junior member of a large neonatal team, to leading the team. Over the last 10 years, I have had the opportunity to lead the design and construction of a state-of-the-art women’s hospital containing a level 3 neonatal unit in Aberdeen. We have created a hospital that focuses on all aspects of neonatal care and promotes family, hence the name of the hospital; the Baird Family Hospital. With over two decades of hands-on experience in neonatal intensive care, Dr. Michael Munro brings a rare combination of clinical leadership, academic research, and expert witness insight to the complex world of perinatal medicine. As a consultant neonatologist and co-author of Medical Negligence and Childbirth, he has played a pivotal role in shaping neonatal care practices, including the development of family-focused transitional care models and the design of Aberdeen’s state-of-the-art Baird Family Hospital. In this interview, Dr. Munro shares his perspective on the evolving challenges of expert witness work in cases involving neonatal injury, the critical role of clear and balanced testimony in court, and the importance of multidisciplinary insight in determining causation and liability. His grounded, evidence-based approach offers a compelling look into the intersection of medicine, law, and ethics in one of healthcare’s most sensitive fields. 33 LAWYER MONTHLY EXPERT WITNESS AWARDS 2025 Michael Munro Expert Witness in Neonatal Medicine MJM Medico Legal Services UNITED KINGDOM
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