Dr Kunal Babla

Dr Babla graduated from King’s College London School of Medicine in 2009 and completed his foundation training in the South Thames Deanery. He has worked in paediatrics since 2011 and specialised in neonatal medicine since 2016. He completed his subspecialist training in neonatal medicine, in some of the busiest tertiary neonatal units in London, including St Thomas’ Hospital, King’s College Hospital, St George’s Hospital, and University College London Hospital. He completed a fellowship in Paediatric Cardiology at the Royal Brompton Hospital and a fellowship in Paediatric and Cardiac Intensive Care at Evelina Children’s Hospital. Dr Babla has completed the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) Certification in Congenital Heart Disease Echocardiography and continues to work closely with the Paediatric Cardiology team at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Dr Kunal Babla has been practising as a Consultant Neonatologist at the University College London Hospital since 2021. He is an Honorary Consultant in Paediatric Cardiology at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and an Honorary Associate Professor in Neonatology at University College London since 2022.

Dr Babla has a specialist interest in neonatal medicine and neonatal intensive care and neonatal cardiology. He has completed the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) Certification in Congenital Heart Disease Echocardiography. His clinical interest in cardiology relates to his research in patent ductus arteriosus as part of his MSc in Advanced Paediatrics which he has published in his peer-reviewed journals and presented at international meetings.

Dr Babla has research interests in neonatal cardiology and haemodynamics including patent ductus arteriosus and pulmonary hypertension. He also has interests in evaluation of teaching methods in clinical medicine. He received his masters degrees in Advanced Paediatrics and Health Professions Education where he gained formal training in both clinical and education research. Dr Babla conducted clinical research primarily around patent ductus arteriosus, examining clinical assessment methods, and the effect of treatment on growth outcomes on preterm infants. His education research includes evaluating the educational value of simulation-based education and advanced communication skills training in neonatal medicine.

Dr Babla is a formally accredited educator and has completed an MSc in Health Professions Education at University College London as well as a fellowship in Medical Education at King’s College Hospital. Dr Babla has been a Newborn Life Support Instructor since 2014. He innovates and leads multidisciplinary teaching initiatives, such as the “Difficult Conversations in Neonatal Intensive Care”, the “Survival Guide to Neonatal Intensive Care” course at University College London Hospital and the “Year 5 Transition to F1” module at Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’ School of Medicine. He is an undergraduate MBBS Examiner at University College London. Dr Babla continues to develop new educational courses and initiatives as part of his role as the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health College Tutor and Training Director on the Neonatal Unit at University College London Hospital. He is Course Director for the “Difficult Conversations in Neonatal Medicine” at University College London Hospital.

Dr Babla has written numerous peer-reviewed publications, edited books, written chapter contributions, and given international, national, regional, and poster presentations. He has provided a number of articles as invited contributions. His publications focus on neonatology, medical education and equality and diversity work. Dr Babla has completed masters degrees in Health Professions Education (UCL) and Advanced Paediatrics (King’s College London).

8

Dr Babla has a track record of proactively taking leadership and management roles during his training and has demonstrated the ability to guide large teams to successful outcomes. He is currently RCPCH College Tutor and Training Director at UCLH. Dr Babla is responsible for the oversight of education programmes for junior doctors and advanced nurse practitioners; evaluating performances; developing frameworks and educational activities; and ensuring appropriate supervision and care is provided. Dr Babla led the development of the Neonatal Cardiology Clinic at UCLH, and is Trust Clinical Lead for Newborn Screening.

5