Dr. Steven Abrams is a widely recognized expert in pediatric nutrition, particularly for infants in the neonatal intensive care unit at risk of necrotizing enterocolitis. Dr. Abrams served as a founding member of the NEC Society’s Scientific Advisory Council in 2014 and is proud to now serve on the Board of Directors.
Background
Education and training: Dr. Abrams received his education from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and The Ohio State University College of Medicine, followed by residency and fellowship training at Akron Children’s Hospital, the National Institutes of Health, and Baylor College of Medicine. He is board certified in pediatrics and neonatal/perinatal medicine and is a practicing neonatologist.
Career: He held a professorship at Baylor College of Medicine and was involved in establishing and developing the field of neonatal nutrition at Texas Children’s Hospital. Currently, he is a Professor of Pediatrics at the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin and Interim Assistant Dean of Admissions at the Medical School
Awards and recognition: Dr. Abrams has been recognized with the Samuel J. Fomon Nutrition Award for his research and was inducted into the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering’s College of Fellows for his contributions to improving nutrient supplements.
Leadership roles: He has held leadership positions with the American Academy of Pediatrics, served on two U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committees, and was named Editor-in-Chief of Advances in Nutrition.
Nutrition expertise
Infant and child nutrition: Dr. Abrams is a leader in pediatric nutrition, focusing on nutrient requirements for bone and other minerals during childhood. His interests include the growth of preterm infants and nutritional practices for infants with intestinal issues.
Mineral metabolism: His research specifically investigates mineral requirements, particularly calcium, zinc, and iron metabolism in children, and he has developed methods using stable isotopes to study mineral requirements and turnover.
International nutrition policy: Dr. Abrams has advised international governments on nutrition policy and strategies to address malnutrition. He also consults on incorporating key nutrients like calcium and iron into products.
Impact on clinical practice: His work has significantly influenced the care of critically ill infants and young children globally.