Monash researcher and neonatologist awarded PhD

Associate Professor Arvind Sehgal

Congratulations Monash Children’s Hospital neonatologist Associate Professor Arvind Sehgal on the recently completion of his PhD at Monash University’s Department of Paediatrics.

A neonatal consultant at Monash Newborn, Associate Professor Sehgal’s thesis examined the clinical and research applications of functional echocardiography in neonatal intensive care.

Associate Professor Sehgal’s thesis was based on his 24 peer-reviewed journal publications as first author, linked together with a common theme.

“My PhD outlines clinical concepts that are frequently encountered in neonatal intensive care units worldwide,” said Associate Professor Sehgal.

“My thesis generates many hypotheses that would be of value for future investigation in the field of neonatal cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology.”

Some of the specific applications Associate Professor Sehgal addressed include assignment of haemodynamic significance and the role of ductal disease staging; vascular and cardiac maladaptation in infants with intrauterine growth restriction; bronchopulmonary dysplasia and its effects on cardiac and vascular function and the role of newer imaging modalities such as speckle tracking echocardiography.

Associate Professor Sehgal said that understanding post-surgical duct ligation haemodynamics enables the provision of focussed physiology driven peri-operative care of sick infants.

“The chapter I wrote on bronchopulmonary dysplasia detailed new thinking, based on which new life saving therapies have been initiated.”

Associate Professor Sehgal said Monash Health and Monash University had been very supportive throughout the duration of his PhD and the review process.

“Monash Newborn, Monash Health is a busy perinatal unit and the majority of my publications were based on work done here,” said Associate Professor Sehgal.

Associate Professor Sehgal thanks and acknowledges Professor Nick Freezer, Program Director, Women’s & Children’s Program, Monash Health and Head, Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, who supervised his thesis and provided constant support and guidance.