Monika Bajaj, MBBS, MD

Dr. Bajaj is a neonatologist, clinician-educator, and academic leader with a strong focus on patient-centered research. For over a decade at Wayne State University and later at Central Michigan University, she has built a robust research portfolio grounded in clinical observations, particularly in the areas of neonatal bone health, infectious diseases, and nutrition. Her early work on metabolic bone disease in preterm infants using quantitative ultrasound (QUS) was published in Pediatric Research and earned her a Travel Award from the Pediatric Academic Societies. Dr. Bajaj has continued to lead and mentor impactful research projects, including studies on MRI findings in neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, cerebrospinal fluid diagnostics in post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus, and quality improvement efforts in neonatal nutrition and resuscitation. She served as the site Principal Investigator for the NIH-funded multicenter “MILK” trial through the NICHD Neonatal Research Network. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she also led her site’s participation in the AAP’s COVID registry and collaborated with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to publish a study examining the impact of COVID on fetal deaths and preterm births in Michigan. To further strengthen her research expertise, Dr. Bajaj completed the Harvard Medical School Global Clinical Scholars Research Training Program and the Safety, Quality, Informatics and Leadership (SQIL) Program. These experiences have further equipped her to lead collaborative, data-driven initiatives aimed at improving neonatal outcomes. Through her research mentorship, she continues to guide residents and fellows, fostering a culture of inquiry, innovation, and academic excellence.