Valerie D. Elberson MD
Valerie D. Elberson
MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Specialty/Research Focus
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine; Neonatology; Pediatrics
Contact Information
Patient Care
Patient Care
This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.
View this physician on UBMDEducation and Training:
- Fellowship, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, University at Buffalo (2014)
- Residency, Pediatrics, University at Buffalo (2011)
- MD, Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University (2008)
- BS, Major: Biology; Minor: Psychology, Canisius College, Summa Cum Laude (2004)
Employment:
- Interim Division Chief, Division of Neonatology, UBMD Pediatrics (2025-present)
- Neonatal Director of Buffalo Building Bridges in Perinatal Care-B-BBPC, NICU (2024-present)
- Director NICU Newborn Screening, Golisano Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo (2019-present)
- Associate Medical Director NICU, Golisano Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo (2014-present)
- Attending Physician, Neonatology, Oishei Children's Hospital (2014-present)
- Clinical Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2014-present)
Awards and Honors:
- Best Platform Presentation (Mentor to Fellow) (2025)
- Top QI Project and Travel Grant (Mentor for Fellow) (2025)
- Meritorius Poster Award (Mentor for Fellow) (2017)
- Travel Award (2014)
- University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: Graduate Medical Education - Quality Improvement Project Award (2012)
- University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: Theodore I. Putnam, MD Resident Teaching Award (2011)
Journal Articles:
- Mani S, Bawa M, Srinivasan N, Elberson V, Reynolds AM, Killion J, Emborsky M, Kramer B, Waheed S, Kasu M, Prasath A, Miller M, Rawat M, Chandrasekharan P. (2025) Resuscitation after birth and beyond in the neonatal intensive care unit: NRP or PALS?. Journal of Perinatology (Jul), 8(45): 1171-1176. doi:10.1038/s41372-025-02348-4
- Rivera-Hernandez P, Nair J, Islam SM, Davidson L, Chang A, Elberson VD. (2020) Coronavirus Disease 2019 in a Premature Infant: Vertical Transmission and Antibody Response or Lack Thereof. Am J Perinatol Rep (Aug), 10(3): e224-e227. doi:10.1055/s-0040-1715176
- Lamoshi A, Lerman J, Dughayli J, Elberson V, Towle-Miller L, Wilding GE, Rothstein DH. (2020) Association of anesthesia type with prolonged postoperative intubation in neonates undergoing inguinal hernia repair. Journal of Perinatology (Jun), 41: 571-576. doi:10.1038/s41372-020-0703-4
- Alsaleem M, Saadeh L, Elberson VD, Kumar VH. (2019) Subcutaneous fat necrosis, a rare but serious side effect of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and whole-body hypothermia. J Perinatal Med (Nov), 47(9): 986-990. doi:10.1515/jpm-2019-0172
- Afzal B, Elberson VD, McLaughlin C, Kumar VH. (2017) Early onset necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature twins. J Neonatal Perinatal Med (Jan), 10(1): 109-112. doi:10.3233/NPM-1616
- Elberson VD, Nielsen LC, Wang H, Kumar VH. (2015) Effects of intermittent hypoxia and hyperoxia on angiogenesis and lung development in newborn mice. J Neonatal Perinatal Med (Jan), 8(4): 313-322. doi:10.3233/NPM-15814134
Abstracts:
- Phan T, Rao K, Bystrak L, Vermilye K, Elberson V. (2026) Time Matters: Reducing Unnecessary Antibiotic Exposure With a 24-Hour Early-Onset Sepsis Rule-Out Strategy. Pediatric Academic Societies, Annual Meeting. Boston, Massachusetts (Apr) Oral
- Mandala R, Rao K, Bystrak L, Elberson V. (2026) Preserving Tiny Guts: A QI Journey to Optimize Antibiotic Stewardship. Pediatric Academic Societies, Annual Meeting. Boston, Massachusetts (Apr) Poster
- Phan T, Rao K, Bystrak L, Vermilye K, Elberson V. (2026) Time Matters: Reducing Unnecessary Antibiotic Exposure With a 24-Hour Early-Onset Sepsis Rule-Out Strategy. Eastern Society for Pediatric Research, Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Mar) Oral
- Phan T, Elberson V. (2026) When the Brain Bleeds and the Sodium Drops: A Rare Case of Cerebral Salt Wasting Following Massive Intraventricular Hemorrhage in a Late Preterm Infant. Eastern Society for Pediatric Research, Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Mar) Poster
- Mandala R, Rao K, Bystrak L, Elberson V. (2026) Preserving Tiny Guts: A QI Journey to Optimize Antibiotic Stewardship. Eastern Society for Pediatric Research, Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Mar) Oral
- Phan T, Rao K, Bystrak L, Vermilye K, Elberson V. (2025) Reducing Antibiotic Exposure Using 24-Hour Early-Onset Sepsis Rule-Out in a Level IV NICU; American Academy of Pediatrics; Section on Perinatal Pediatrics. Neonatal Quality at Hot Topics in Neonatology. Washington DC, (Dec) Poster
- Elberson V, Rao K, Chepuri S, Chandrasekharan P. (2025) A Unit Culture Change Related to Transfusions in Neonates through Quality Improvement. Hot Topics in Neonatology. Washington DC, (Dec) Poster
- Phan T, Rao K, Bystrak L, Vermilye K, Elberson V. (2025) Reducing Antibiotic Exposure Using 24-Hour Early-Onset Sepsis Rule-Out in a Level IV NICU; American Academy of Pediatrics; Section on Perinatal Pediatrics. 108th Perinatal and Developmental Medicine Symposium. Bonita Springs, Florida (Nov) Oral
- Ridore S, McLaughlin C, Todoro L, Handa D, Shelton J, Sarvis N, Voelker K, Paluch R, Elberson V, Wrotniak B, Reynolds A, Rao K. (2025) Growing for Good - Comparing Growth and other Outcomes pre and post Implementation of an Exclusive Human Milk Diet. NEC Symposium: Uniting the Global Community for a World Without NEC. Chicago, Illinois (Sep) Poster
- Mandala R, Rao K, Elberson V. (2025) Developing a Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Guideline to Promote Antibiotic Stewardship. NEC Symposium: Uniting the Global Community for a World Without NEC. Chicago, Illinois (Sep) Poster
- Chepuri S, Elberson V, Rao K. (2025) Bubble Breaths: A Quality Improvement Initiative to Increase CPAP Adherence in Preterm Infants. American Academy of Pediatrics National Meeting. Denver, Colorado (Sep) Oral
- Mandala R, Rao K, Elberson V. (2025) Developing a Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Guideline to Promote Antibiotic Stewardship. 107th Perinatal & Developmental Medicine Symposium 2025; American Academy of Pediatrics; Section on Perinatal Pediatrics. Austin, Texas (May) Oral
- Ridore S, McLaughlin C, Todoro L, Handa D, Shelton J, Sarvis N, Voelker K, Paluch R, Elberson V, Wrotniak B, Reynolds A, Rao K. (2025) Growing for Good - Comparing Growth and other Outcomes pre and post Implementation of an Exclusive Human Milk Diet. Pediatric Academic Societies, Annual Meeting. Honolulu, Hawaii (May) Poster
- Chepuri S, Rao K, Chandrasekharan P, Elberson, V. (2025) Less is More-Transition to Lower Thresholds for packed Red Blood Cells (pRBCs) to Reduce Transfusions in Preterm Neonates <35 Weeks. Pediatric Academic Societies, Annual Meeting. Honolulu, Hawaii (Apr) Poster
- Chepuri S, Rao K, Chandrasekharan P, Elberson, V. (2025) A Substantial Decrease in Platelet Transfusions After Implementation of a More Restrictive Platelet Protocol. Pediatric Academic Societies, Annual Meeting. Honolulu, Hawaii (Apr) Poster
- Elberson, V, Bawa M, MD, Paluch, Rocco, Rawat, M, Chandrasekharan, P. (2025) Utility of Umbilical Pulse Oximetry in Air-Breathing Late Preterm & Term Newborn Infants. Pediatric Academic Societies, Annual Meeting. Honolulu, Hawaii (Apr) Poster
- Chepuri S, Rao K, Chandrasekharan P, Elberson, V. (2025) Less is More-Transition to Lower Thresholds for packed Red Blood Cells (pRBCs) to Reduce Transfusions in Preterm Neonates <35 Weeks. Eastern Society for Pediatric Research, Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Mar) Oral
- Chepuri S, Rao K, Chandrasekharan P, Elberson V. (2025) A Substantial Decrease in Platelet Transfusions After Implementation of a More Restrictive Platelet Protocol. Eastern Society for Pediatric Research, Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Mar) Oral
- Chepuri S, Elberson V, Rao K. (2025) Bubble Breaths: A Quality Improvement Initiative to Increase CPAP Adherence in Preterm Infants. Eastern Society for Pediatric Research, Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Mar) Oral
- Chepuri S, Elberson V, Rao K. (2024) Bubble Breaths: A Quality Improvement Initiative to Increase CPAP Adherence in Preterm Infants. Neonatal Quality Conference at Hot Topics. Washington DC, (Dec) Poster
- Ridore S, McLaughlin C, Todoro L, Handa D, Shelton J, Sarvis N, Voelker K, Paluch R, Elberson V, Wrotniak B, Reynolds A, Rao K. (2024) Growing for Good - Comparing Growth and other Outcomes pre and post Implementation of an Exclusive Human Milk Diet. Eastern Society for Pediatric Research, Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Mar) Oral
- Rao K, Bawa M, Kolden K, Reynolds A, Handa D, Leaderstorf M, Elberson V, Sandin L, Rawat M, Orbank P, Chandrasekharan P. (2023) Validation of Extubation Readiness Tool in Extremely Premature Neonates at a Regional Perinatal Center. Pediatric Academic Societies, Annual Meeting. Toronto, Canada (May) Poster
- Rao K, Bawa M, Kolden K, Reynolds A, Handa D, Leaderstorf M, Elberson V, Sandin L, Rawat M, Orbank P, Chandrasekharan P. (2022) Validation of Extubation Readiness Tool in Extremely Premature Neonates at a Regional Perinatal Center. American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference. Anaheim, California (Sep) Poster
- Bawa M, Elberson V, Rivera Hernandez P, Perez G, Nair J. (2022) Respiratory Distress in a Neonate - When Boards Meet Real Life. Eastern Medical Research Conference (a combined meeting of the Eastern Society for Pediatric Research Annual Meeting and the American Federation for Medical Research Eastern Regional Meeting).. (Mar) Oral
- Alsaleem M, Saadeh L, Elberson VD, Kumar VH. (2019) Subcutaneous Fat Necrosis (SCFN): Potentially Life-Threating Complication of Whole Body Hypothermia. Eastern Society for Pediatric Research, Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Mar)
- Davidson L, Lakshminrusimha S, Santoro G, Elberson V. (2017) Urinary Tract Infection in Preterm Infants. Eastern Society Pediatric Research, Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Mar) Poster
- Elberson VD, Nielsen LC, Wang H, Kumar VH. (2014) Effects of Intermittent Hypoxia and Hyperoxia on HIF Expression and Angiogenesis in Newborn Mice. Pediatric Academic Societies, Annual Meeting. Vancouver, Canada (May) Poster
- Elberson VD, Mathew B, Prasanna P, Ma C, Kumar VH, Lakshminrusimha S. (2014) Pharmacological Factors and Risk of Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation (SIP). Pediatric Academic Societies, Annual Meeting. Vancouver, Canada (May) Poster
- Kumar VH, Elberson V, Gugino SF, Wang H, Nielsen L, Lakshminrusimha S. (2014) Systemic Hypertension and Vascular Reactivity Following Neonatal Hypoxia-Hyperoxia Exposure in Adult Mice. Pediatric Academic Societies, Annual Meeting. Vancouver, Canada (May) Poster
- Kumar VH, Elberson V, Gugino SF, Wang H, Nielsen L, Lakshminrusimha S. (2014) Systemic Hypertension and Vascular Reactivity Following Neonatal Hypoxia-Hyperoxia Exposure in Adult Mice. Eastern Society for Pediatric Research, Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Mar) Oral
- Elberson VD, Mathew B, Prasanna P, Ma C, Kumar VH, Lakshminrusimha S. (2014) Pharmacological Factors and Risk of Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation (SIP). Eastern Society for Pediatric Research, Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Mar) Oral
- Elberson VD, Nielsen LC, Wang H, Kumar VH. (2014) Effects of Intermittent Hypoxia and Hyperoxia on HIF Expression and Angiogenesis in Newborn Mice. Eastern Society for Pediatric Research, Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Mar) Oral
- Elberson V, Ma C, Reynolds A. (2013) 1st Annual Quality Improvement Coaching Conference; Levine Children‘s Hospital, Improving Performance and Delivery Room Experience for Pediatric Residents. Charlotte, North Carolina (Sep) Oral
- Elberson VD, Mathew B, Prasanna P, Ma C, Kumar VH, Lakshminrusimha S. (2013) Pharmacological Factors and Risk of Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation (SIP). 82nd Perinatal and Developmental Medicine Symposium; American Academy of Pediatrics; Section on Perinatal Pediatrics. Aspen, Colorado (Jun) Oral
- Elberson V, Ma C, Reynolds A. (2013) Improving Performance and Delivery Room Experience for Pediatric Residents. Scholarly Exchange Day; University at Buffalo. Buffalo, New York (May) Poster
Professional Memberships:
- Section on Neonatal Perinatal Medicine (2022–present)
- American Academy of Pediatrics (2008–present)
Presentations:
- "Developing a Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Guideline to Promote Antibiotic Stewardship" 48th Annual Neonatology Thruway Conference, John R. Oishei Children's Hospital (2025)
- "Less is More-Transition to Lower Thresholds for Packed Red Blood Cells to Reduce Transfusions in Preterm Neonates <35 Weeks" 48th Annual Neonatology Thruway Conference, John R. Oishei Children's Hospital (2025)
- "A Change in Evaluation of Neonatal Early Onset Sepsis in Association with Maternal Chorioamnionitis" Pediatric Grand Rounds; University at Buffalo (2019)
- "Pharmacological Factors and Risk of Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation (SIP)" Annual Neonatology Thruway Conference (2013)
Service Activities:
- Interview to discuss collaboration and preparation for quintuplet delivery, February 2026; Media Appearance (2026)
- Committee member.; University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine Neonatology Chief Search Committee (2026–present)
- Developing workflows, order sets, and documentation tools for the neonatal intensive care unit. Lead weekly meetings and along with many hours outside these meetings. Also involved in planning metrics for data extraction.; Golisano Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo: Physician Lead Epic Transition Team Neonatal ICU/Workgroup Chair Neonatal ICU (2025–present)
- Mentor to 2 assigned medical students. Quarterly meetings/meals for academic, career and life mentoring.; UB DoctHers Mentor (2025–present)
- Ensure maternal consults for the are done prior to delivery for infants that will require NICU care. Review maternal charts to determine the need, and timing for prenatal consults. Help to coordinate complex deliveries Meet on a biweekly basis with the maternal fetal medicine (MFM) team to review upcoming deliveries and provide feedback post-delivery to ensure we work to deliver optimal care for future patients. Available to MFM colleagues in the community for consults as needed.; Neonatal Director of Buffalo Building Bridges in Perinatal Care-B-BBPC (2024–present)
- Lead meetings every 6 months to review fellow clinical performance and scholarship to help determine successful advancement and to provide feedback and guidance.; Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Clinical Competency Committee Chair (2023–present)
- Voting councilor. Attend and participate in monthly meetings.; Jacobs School of Medicine Faculty Council (2023–present)
- Committee member. Conduct interviews and provide feedback.; University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine Pediatric Infectious Disease Chief Search Committee (2023)
- First and second year students sign up to shadow and attend clinical rounds in the NICU.; Pediatric Interest Group-Medical Student Shadowing (2023–present)
- NICU Physician Representative. Quarterly meetings to review new formulary requests, patient safety and clinical concerns as related to medications.; Golisano Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo: Pediatric Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee (2020–present)
- Assigned ~5 residents every 3 years. Review evaluations, in service training scores, procedures, individualized learning plans and wellness every 6 months.; Faculty Mentor/Advisor for Pediatric Residency Program (2019–present)
- Filmed Medical Minute television promo on safe sleep practice for infants; Media Appearance (2019)
- Voting member. Attended and participated in monthly meetings.; University at Buffalo: Faculty Senate (2018–2022)
- NICU Physician Representative. Quarterly meetings to review hospital antibiotic use and potential interventions/projects for stewardship.; Golisano Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo: Antibiotic Stewardship Committee (2018–present)
- NICU Physician Representative. Monthly meetings to develop, review and update hospital policies and protocols as related to newborn care.; Golisano Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo: Neonatal Newborn Standards Committee (2017–present)
- NICU Physician Representative. Monthly meetings with NICU pharmacy and nutrition representation to review current practices, strategic planning for drug shortages, develop new protocols and address clinical concerns.; Golisano Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo: Neonatal Pharmacy Nutrition Committee (2016–present)
- Meet every 6 months to review resident clinical performance and scholarship to help determine successful advancement and to provide feedback and guidance.; Pediatric Residency Clinical Competency Committee (2015–present)
- Meet every 6 months to review fellow clinical performance and scholarship to help determine successful advancement and to provide feedback and guidance.; Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Clinical Competency Committee (2014–2023)
- Monthly meeting with patient/family advocate to address clinical concerns and optimize patient care.; John R. Oishei Children's Hospital of Buffalo: NICU Family Partners Meeting NICU Physician Representative (2014–2019)
- Yearly participate in 10-20 interview sessions and provide written feedback.; Fellow/Resident Interviewer (2014–present)
- Available for advanced practice provider interviews, education and communication, address clinical concerns and electronic medical record improvement; Golisano Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo: Inpatient NICU Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant Team NICU Physician Alternate (2014–present)
- NICU Physician Representative. Meet on an as needed basis to review complex maternal fetal medicine cases to determine course of care and delivery management.; Golisano Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo: OB Ethics Committee (2014–present)
- Committee NICU Physician Representative. Review identified obstetrical cases monthly to provide follow up on neonatal care and outcome.; Golisano Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo: OB/GYN Quality Assessment and Improvement (2014–present)
- NICU Physician Representative. Monthly meetings to develop, review and update hospital policies and protocols as related to maternal care.; Golisano Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo: Women’s Services Quality Council (2014–present)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program Instructor. Use simulation scenarios to conduct courses to train nurses, advanced practice providers, residents and fellows in the Western New York community.; Instructor (2014–present)