Skip to main content
Give
Edit Icon - Click to update your profileUpdate Your Profile

Dina E. El-Metwally, MB,BCh, MS, PhD

Mary Gray Cobey Professor of Neonatology

Academic Title:

Professor

Primary Appointment:

Pediatrics

Administrative Title:

Division Head, Division of Neonatology

Additional Title:

Mary G. Cobey Endowed Professor of Pediatrics

Email:

dmetwally@som.umaryland.edu

Location:

110 S Paca, 8th Floor S-152

Phone (Primary):

410-328-6003

Phone (Secondary):

410-328-6716

Fax:

410-328-1076

Download CV

Education and Training

Certifications:

  • Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics.
  • Diplomate of ABP, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine.
  • MS: Pediatrics. Visual Evoked Potentials.
  • PhD: Neuroscience. Neurodevelopment of VLBW with IVH.
  • MS. Health Professions Education.

Dr. El-Metwally completed her Pediatrics Residency and Fellowship in Neonatal-Perinatal-Medicine at the Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI in 2000. She graduated as the top of her class at the Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University (FOMSCU) in Egypt, where she pursued her initial training in Pediatrics and moved up the academic ladder to Professor at FOMSCU. She also had a fellowship in Neonatal Transport at the Hospital for Sick Children at the University of Toronto, Canada in 2007.

Biosketch

Dr. El-Metwally led the project of the new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Children's Hospital at University of Maryland Medical Center. The Drs. Rouben and Violet JiJi NICU is a 30 million-dollar, state of art and a cutting-edge technology; 52 single-family-room unit established on 37.6,000 sq. foot that was launched in 2015.

Dr. El Metwally also pursued a parallel career in medical education; she obtained Masters in Health Professions Education from Maastricht University, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), Netherlands; jointly with FOMSCU in 2005. Presently, she is the planner for the Program Evaluation module in the Master’s program.  She worked with the World Health Organization (WHO) as a S-T consultant in Program Evaluation and Health-manpower Development S-T consultant. As well as other global organizations as the Higher Education Enhancement Projects HEEP funds/European Tempus, Nuffic-MUNDO-Capacity building at the Schools of Health Sciences, the Netherlands. Dr. El-Metwally was the founding Director of a Neonatology Fellowship Program at the KFAFH, Jeddah in 2008. She also, completed a fellowship in Medical Education at the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) Institute, ECFMG, Philadelphia, (FAIMER) in 2012.

Dr. El-Metwally received multiple awards and recognitions: Sheila Wallace Award by the International Child Neurology Association. Canada. 2006. Excellence in Education Award, JMHPW, Maastricht University/FOMSCU. 2011. Excellence in Teaching Award. Neonatal-perinatal Fellowship Program 2020. She has been named and featured in Baltimore Magazine. Top Doctors in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020. Dr. El-Metwally was the first medical provider featured in JAMA for the efforts concerted by the NICU at UMSOM for withdrawing babies.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2624331

Highlighted Publications

Neonatal Opioid Withdrawl Syndrome and Substance Exposure

  • Parikh A, Gopalakrishnan M, Azeem A, Booth A, El-Metwally D. Racial association and pharmacotherapy in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Journal Of Perinatology: Official Journal Of The California Perinatal Association. August 2019. doi:10.1038/s41372-019-0440-8.
  • Parikh AG, Gopalakrishnan M, El-Metwally D. Response to racial association and pharmacotherapy in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome: thinking beyond genetics. Journal of Perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association. February 2020. doi:10.1038/s41372-020-0618-0.
  • Alipio J; Brockett A; Fox M; Tennyson S; deBettencourt C; El-Metwally D; Francis N; Kanold P; Lobo M; Roesch M; Keller A, Enduring consequences of perinatal fentanyl exposure in mice. Addiction biology. March 2020:e12895. doi:10.1111/adb.12895.
  • El-Metwally DE. Commentary on salivary cortisol levels as a biomarker for severity of withdrawal in opioid-exposed newborns. Pediatric research. February 2020. doi:10.1038/s41390-020-0817-6.
  • Wijekoon N, Aduroja O, Biggs JM, El-Metwally D, Gopalakrishnan M. Model-Based Approach To Improve Clinical Outcomes In Neonates With Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome Using Real-World Data. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2020 Oct 29. doi: 10.1002/cpt.2093. 
  • Klasner C, Brown J, Gopalakrishnan M, Metwally DE, Besse M, Mark K. Effect of maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and cannabis use on pregnancy outcomes. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2022 Oct 6. doi: 10.1007/s00737-022-01269-x. PMID: 36203114
  • Ronan K, Hughes Driscoll CA, Decker E, Gopalakrishnan M, El Metwally D. Resource utilization and convalescent care cost in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. J Neonatal Perinatal Med. 2022 Dec 13. doi 10.3233/NPM-221060. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36530095.
  • Smolyak D, Humphries EM, Parikh A, Gopalakrishnan M, Aycan F, Bjarnadóttir M, Ament SA, El-Metwally D, Beitelshees A, Agarwal R. Predicting Heterogeneity in Patient Response to Morphine Treatment for Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2023 Nov;114(5):1015-1022. doi: 10.1002/cpt.3007. Epub 2023 Jul 31. PMID: 37470135.

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy and Brain Injury

  • Sours C, Raghavan P, Foxworthy WA, Meredith MA, El Metwally D, Zhuo J, Gilmore JH, Medina AE, Gullapalli RP. Cortical multisensory connectivity is present near birth in humans. Brain Imaging and Behavior. 2016 Aug 31:1-7.doi: 10.1007/s11682-016-9586-6
  • Jiang L, El-Metwally D, Sours Rhodes C, Zhuo J, Almardawi R, Medina AE, Wang L, Gullapalli RP, Raghavan P. Alterations in motor functional connectivity in Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy. Brain Inj. 2022 Feb 3:1-8. doi: 10.1080/02699052.2022.2034041. PMID: 35113755.

Quality Improvement Projects

  • Hughes Driscoll CA, Schub JA, Pollard K, El-Metwally D. A Wireless Text Messaging System Improves Communication for Neonatal Resuscitation. American Journal of Medical Quality. 2017 May;32(3):307-12. doi: 10.1177/1062860616650939
  • Peterson D, Hoffman SB, El-Metwally D, Martino-Gomez M, Chinta DR, Driscoll CH. Management of asymptomatic neonates born in the setting of chorioamnionitis: a safety comparison of the well-baby and intensive care setting. Journal of Perinatology. 2017 Nov;37(11):1236. Doi: 10.1038/jp.2017.120
  • Driscoll CA, Davis NL, Miles M, El-Metwally D. A Quality Improvement Project to Improve Evidence-Based Inhaled Nitric Oxide Use. Respiratory care. 2018 Jan 1;63(1):20- 7. doi: 10.4187/respcare.05619
  • Hughes Driscoll CA, Cleveland M, Gurmu S, Crimmins S, El-Metwally D. Replacing Overhead Paging with Smartphones to Reduce Hospital Noise. Biomedical Instrumentation & Technology. 2020 Jul;54(4):251-7
  • Sangillo E, Jube-Desai N, El-Metwally D, Hughes Driscoll C. Impact of a Clinical Decision Support Alert on Informed Consent Documentation in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Pediatr Qual Saf. 2024 Feb 5;9(1):e713. doi: 10.1097/pq9.0000000000000713. PMID: 38322296; PMCID: PMC10843373.

 Environmental Toxicants and Exposure Modifications in the NICU  

  • Falck AJ, Mooney S, Kapoor SS, White KM, Bearer C, El Metwally D. Developmental exposure to environmental toxicants. Pediatr Clin North Am 2015;62:1173-1197.
  • El-Metwally D, Chain K, Stefanak MP, Alwis U, Blount B, LaKind JS, Bearer CF. Urinary metabolites of volatile organic compounds of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. Pediatr Res. 2018 May 16. Doi: 10.1038/pr.2018.52. PMCID: PMC6504844.
  • Aly SM, Omran B, Abdalla OM, El Metwally D, Gauliere J. Lead: a Hidden "Untested" Risk in Neonatal Blood Transfusion. Pediatr Res. 2019 Jan;85(1):50-54.
  • Falck AJ, Medina AE, Cummins-Oman J, El-Metwally D, Bearer CF. Mercury, lead, and cadmium exposure via red blood cell transfusions in preterm infants. Pediatric Research. October 2019. doi:10.1038/s41390- 019- 0635- x.
  • Stefanak MP, Al-Mudares F, El-Metwally D, Jones JW, Kane MA, Bearer CF. High concentrations of urinary ethanol metabolites in neonatal intensive care unit infants. Pediatr Res. June 2020; 10.1038/s41390-020-1020-5. doi:10.1038/s41390-020-1020-5
  • Zahouani T, Pultorak K, Pay F, Medina AE, El-Metwally DE. Heavy metals from donor blood and breast milk products in the NICU. Pediatr Res. 2021 Apr 6. doi: 10.1038/s41390-021-01501-x. PMID: 33824456
  • Kadakia S, Isaiah A, El-Metwally D. Effects of semi-upright swings on vital signs in NICU infants. Pediatr Res. 2022 Jun 25. doi: 10.1038/s41390-022-02161-1. PMID: 35752692.

  • Quality Improvement Projects

    • Hughes Driscoll CA, Schub JA, Pollard K, El-Metwally D. A Wireless Text Messaging System Improves Communication for Neonatal Resuscitation. American Journal of Medical Quality. 2017 May;32(3):307-12. doi: 10.1177/1062860616650939
    • Peterson D, Hoffman SB, El-Metwally D, Martino-Gomez M, Chinta DR, Driscoll CH. Management of asymptomatic neonates born in the setting of chorioamnionitis: a safety comparison of the well-baby and intensive care setting. Journal of Perinatology. 2017 Nov;37(11):1236. Doi: 10.1038/jp.2017.120
    • Driscoll CA, Davis NL, Miles M, El-Metwally D. A Quality Improvement Project to Improve Evidence-Based Inhaled Nitric Oxide Use. Respiratory care. 2018 Jan 1;63(1):20- 7. doi: 10.4187/respcare.05619
    • Hughes Driscoll CA, Cleveland M, Gurmu S, Crimmins S, El-Metwally D. Replacing Overhead Paging with Smartphones to Reduce Hospital Noise. Biomedical Instrumentation & Technology. 2020 Jul;54(4):251-7
    • Sangillo E, Jube-Desai N, El-Metwally D, Hughes Driscoll C. Impact of a Clinical Decision Support Alert on Informed Consent Documentation in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Pediatr Qual Saf. 2024 Feb 5;9(1):e713. doi: 10.1097/pq9.0000000000000713. PMID: 38322296; PMCID: PMC10843373.

 

Additional Publication Citations

  • El-Metwally D, Vohr B, Tucker R. Survival and neonatal morbidity at the limits of viability in the mid 1990: 22-25 weeks. J diatr 2000;137:616-22
  • El Metwally D, Saied H. Neurological Examination As A Predictor Of Abnormal Cat-Clams Among Hypoxic Encephalopathy Infants. Neuropediatrics 2006; 37 - PS4_2_6. DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-945797
  • Hussein G, Fawzy M, El Serafi T, Ismail E, El-Metwally D, Saber M, Giansily M,  Schved JF,  Pissard S, Martinez PA. Rapid detection of β- thalassemia alleles in Egypt using naturally or amplified created restriction sites and direct sequencing: a step in disease control. Hemoglobin 2007;31:49-62. PMID: 17365005. DOI:10.1080/03630260601057088.
  • Abou Al-Seoud M, Azzam MA, Hassan I and El-Metwally D. Assessment of knowledge attitude and practice of Health Professionals Regarding Breast Feeding in King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Arch Dis Child 2012 97: A414
  • Abou Al-Seoud M, Azzam MA, Tanveer A, El-Metwally D, Al-Asnaj M Effect of an Intervention on Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Infiltration Rates in the Paediatric Department at King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Arch Dis Child 2012 97: A442-A443
  • El Metwally D, Azzam M, Abou Al-Seoud M. Medical professionalism adapted to faith and cultural beliefs. Med Educ 2012 May;46(5):524-5
  • Pereira KD, Teplitzky TB, Zur KB, Preciado DA, Briddell JW, El Metwally D, Isaiah A. Tracheostomy on infants born in the periviable period: Outcomes at discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2021 Apr 27;146:110746. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2021.110746. PMID: 33957547.
  • Bearer, C., Abman, S.H., Agostoni, C. ….,El-Metwally D, ,..et al.Asperger’s syndrome – about time to rename it?. Pediatr Res (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-023-02885-8

Research Interests

  • Neonatal Opioid Abstinence Syndrome with emphasis on disparities and outcome. Dr. El-Metwally and UM collaborators received the Deans Challenge Award to expand their research in genomics and multi-OMICs in high-risk populations to identify precision therapy.
  • Neuroimaging in Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy and Brain Injury in Neonates 
  • NICU Environmental Toxicants and modification of noxious exposures.
  • Quality improvement projects to enhance patient safety were integral to her leadership role in the NICU. The Drs. Rouben and Violet NICU at the University of Maryland School of Medicine received the Intelligent Healthcare Association (IHA) Award: Improving Patient Care and Health Deliver by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society in 2016.

Clinical Specialty Details

Gold Medal – Top of Class Award, Medical School. Egyptian Medical Syndicate

2006                Sheila Wallace International Award, and opening Keynote speech. Award presented at the International Child Neurology Association (ICNA), Montreal, Canada. In recognition of establishing neonatal resuscitation programs and disseminating awareness and education to prevent Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region.

2009                Excellence in Education Award. Maastricht University/Suez Canal University Co-founder Director. Joint Masters in Health Professions Education.

2011                Innovation in Education Award, King Fahd Armed Forces. In recognition of the Founding Program Director of Neonatal-Perinatal Fellowship.

2012                Valedictorian  – FAIMER Graduation. Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER). ECFMG Philadelphia. PA,

2016                Intelligent Healthcare Association (IHA) 2016 Award, Healthcare

Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) for developing a Clinical Mobility (NICU/Obstetric Unit Smart-phone/PC messaging) platform. 

2016                Top Doctor – Baltimore Magazine

2017                Top Doctor – Baltimore Magazine

2019                Top Doctor – Baltimore Magazine

2020                Top Doctor – Baltimore Magazine. 

2020                Excellence in Teaching Award – Neonatology Fellowship, UMSOM

2022                Professorship Endowment. Mary Gray Cobey Chair. UMSOM. Investiture Ceremony. 

                        https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/el-metwally-investiture/

In the News

Professional Activity

2004 -2011                   Consultant, 2004-2007                   The Netherland Program for the Institutional Strengthening of Post-secondary Education and Training Capacity (NPT), Consultant on Program Evaluation, Nuffic-MUNDO, Capacity Building at the School of Health Sciences UniversityWorld Health Organization (WHO). Eastern Mediterranean Region Office (EMRO). Health-manpower Development and Program Evaluation.

2004-2007                   The Netherland Program for the Institutional Strengthening of Post-secondary Education and Training Capacity (NPT), Consultant on Program Evaluation, Nuffic-MUNDO, Capacity Building at the School of Health Sciences University 

2019-2024                   Taskforce Member. Maryland Health Department. Perinatal Clinical Advisory Committee (PCAC). Update of Perinatal-System Standards. https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/mch/Documents/Maryland_Perinatal_System_Standards_2014-Revised%206-14.pdf

2021                            Senate Women Legislative Caucus. Maternal and Child Health Taskforce. 

2021                            Testimony for House Bills and Legislation for Maternal and Child Care. (The extension of        postpartum care to 12 months- the bill passed)

2021-present               Chair. Maryland Chapter. AAP Committee on the Fetus and Newborn.  

2021-present               Associate Editor. Pediatric Research. The section on Environmental Health.

2022 -present              Member Pediatric Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure Committee. University of Maryland School of Medicine

2022 - present             Special Emphasis Reviewer. NICHD Neonatal Research Network (NRN): Clinical Centers. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). November 7-8

2023 – present             Member.  UM SOM Appointments, Promotion, and Tenure Committee

Edit Icon - Click to update your profileUpdate Your Profile