Pediatrics faculty members recognized with Top 10 abstract award at conference

Saminathan Anbalagan, MBBS, M.D., presents at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference.

By Casandra Andrews

Original research by Whiddon College of Medicine faculty members Saminathan Anbalagan, MBBS, M.D., and Gangajal Kasniya, MBBS, FAAP, was recently selected as one of the Top 10 Section of Neonatal Perinatal Medicine abstract awards at the 2025 National Conference of the American Academy of Pediatrics in Denver.  

The abstract, titled "National Survey of Neonatologists on the Use of Postnatal Steroids for the Prevention and Treatment of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)," was chosen from a field of more than 200 submissions. The physicians earned a $1,000 cash prize and Anbalagan presented the research at the conference. 

Both neonatologists serve as assistant professors of pediatrics at the Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama and neonatologists at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital, which is home to the region’s only level III neonatal intensive care unit. 

“We are incredibly honored to receive this highly prestigious award from the American Academy of Pediatrics,” said Anbalagan. “It was a great experience to present our findings to so many other neonatologists from across the nation.”   

With 67,000 pediatrician members, the AAP remains committed to the optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Throughout its 95-year history, AAP members have responded to the needs of the times through education, policy, and advocacy.