Tara DuPont, MD

Dr. Tara L. DuPont is a board-certified neonatologist committed to advancing pediatric science and improving outcomes for high-risk neonates. Her expertise lies particularly in long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes, with a strong focus on neonatal encephalopathy. Dr. DuPont’s research has directly addressed critical gaps in our understanding of HIE management, especially concerning infants with mild HIE who may not meet traditional hypothermia criteria. Her dedication to rigorous clinical research and guideline development highlights her passion for translating evidence-based practices into tangible improvements in clinical care. Dr. DuPont has actively participated in and led numerous influential studies and clinical trials. Her early work in defining the outcomes of mild HIE in the era of hypothermia treatment paved the way for further investigation and optimization of care strategies. She completed a pilot study randomizing infants with mild neonatal encephalopathy to treatment with Darbepoetin vs placebo. She has since contributed significantly to multi-center initiatives. She is the site principal investigator for the Cool PRIME study and OptiStart Trial, among others. Dr. DuPont consistently demonstrates her ability to design, implement, and analyze complex research projects. Dr. DuPont’s commitment extends beyond research and clinical practice. She is a dedicated mentor, guiding the next generation of pediatric researchers and fostering their passion for improving outcomes for high-risk infants. Her leadership in quality improvement initiatives, such as developing a neonatal encephalopathy guideline for a large hospital system and implementing telemedicine technologies, underscores her dedication to ensuring the delivery of evidence-based, standardized care.