400 Publications in PubMed – A Journey of Collaboration, Curiosity, and Gratitude 🎉📚👶

Reaching 400 publications indexed in PubMed is a milestone that I never imagined when I first started my research journey.

If someone had told me as a medical student that one day I would contribute to 400 scientific publications focused on improving outcomes for newborn infants, I would not have believed it.

Yet here we are.

And this achievement belongs to many people.

It All Started with a Phone Call

The story begins in 1999, when I was a medical student at the Medical University of Graz. I was eager to become involved in research and repeatedly contacted the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit looking for an opportunity. I called the secretary at least four times. The answer was always the same: "No, we do not need anyone at this time."

Fortunately, persistence eventually paid off.

On one of those calls, I was connected to Prof. Berndt Urlesberger.

That conversation changed the course of my career.

Berndt gave me an opportunity, introduced me to neonatal research, and became an extraordinary mentor, colleague, and friend. Over the following years, we worked together at the Medical University of Graz and developed a shared passion for understanding newborn physiology and improving neonatal care.

Much of what I have achieved throughout my career can be traced back to the opportunities, guidance, and encouragement that Berndt provided during those formative years.

Berndt sadly passed away in 2025. His contributions to neonatology, newborn resuscitation, and neonatal research continue to influence countless clinicians and researchers around the world. I remain deeply grateful for his mentorship, friendship, and belief in a young medical student who simply wanted a chance to contribute.

Rest in peace, Berndt. Your legacy lives on through the many people you inspired and the countless newborns whose lives have been improved because of your work.

The Melbourne Years

A few years later, Berndt and I discussed the possibility of spending time overseas to further my research training.

His recommendation was clear: Melbourne, Australia.

After interviewing with the neonatal research group in Melbourne in 2006, including Colin Morley, Peter Davis, Lex Doyle, Omar Kamlin, and many others, I was fortunate to be offered the opportunity to begin my PhD in 2008 under the supervision of Colin Morley, Peter Davis, and Stuart Hooper.

I joined an incredible group of researchers that included Arjan te Pas, Louise Owen, Jennifer Dawson, Kevin Wheeler, and later colleagues such as Risha Bhatia and Brett Manley, among many others.

The culture of collaboration, innovation, and scientific curiosity in Melbourne was inspiring. Those years shaped how I think about research and continue to influence my work today.

One of the most important outcomes of my time in Melbourne was the beginning of a long-standing friendship and collaboration with Graeme Polglase and his research team. What started during my PhD years has grown into nearly two decades of scientific partnership and friendship. Together, our teams have conducted translational and clinical research spanning neonatal resuscitation, respiratory support, brain injury, oxygen therapy, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

This collaboration continues to this day and has resulted in numerous publications, international grants, trainee exchanges, and, most importantly, research aimed at improving outcomes for newborn infants around the world. It is a wonderful example of how scientific partnerships can evolve into lifelong collaborations dedicated to advancing neonatal care.

Most importantly, Melbourne changed my life in another way.

It was there that I met my wife.

The Move to Canada

In 2012, life brought us to Canada.

My wife had exciting research opportunities, and together we decided to make Edmonton our new home.

What began as a move to support her career evolved into an incredible opportunity for both of us.

Today, we continue to work together as a husband-and-wife team, united by a shared goal: improving outcomes for newborn infants and their families through research, innovation, and education.

The Power of Collaboration

Looking back at 400 publications, what stands out most is not the number itself.

It is the people behind every publication.

Each paper represents:

• Collaborators

• Trainees

• Research coordinators

• Nurses

• Respiratory therapists

• Neonatologists

• Statisticians

• Administrators

• Funding agencies

• International partners

And countless conversations, ideas, challenges, and friendships developed along the way.

Research is never a solo endeavour - Every publication is the product of teamwork.

Most Importantly: Thank You to the Families and their Infants

Above all, I want to thank the newborn infants and families who have participated in our studies over the years.

Clinical research is only possible because parents place their trust in researchers during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

Every trial, observational study, and follow-up project is built upon their generosity and willingness to help future babies.

Without them, none of this would be possible.

Looking Ahead

While 400 publications is a wonderful milestone, it is not the destination.

• There are still so many unanswered questions in neonatal medicine.

• All babies need better treatments.

• All families deserve better outcomes.

• The goal has never been publications.

• The goal has always been to improve the care of newborn infants.

Thank you to everyone I have met, worked with, mentored, learned from, collaborated with, or simply shared a conversation with along the way.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Here's to the next chapter.