‘Father of neonatal neurology’: the life of Joseph J. Volpe

Abstract

Dr. Joseph J. Volpe, a prominent figure in neonatal neurology, has made many important contributions to the understanding and treatment of brain injuries in newborns, particularly premature infants. Over his 60-year career, Volpe conducted pioneering research in the basic and clinical aspects of neonatal brain development and pathology. He played a key role in advancing neonatal care, improving outcomes for premature infants, and shaping the field of neonatal neurology. Volpe’s early neurology career at Harvard Medical School and later work at Massachusetts General Hospital and Washington University led him to specialize in neonatal neurology, where he identified critical gaps in clinical practice. His research in neonatal brain injuries such as intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, and encephalopathy of prematurity has been instrumental in the development of modern diagnostic and treatment approaches. Volpe’s influential textbook Neurology of the Newborn has served as a definitive guide for clinicians worldwide, currently now in its seventh edition. Throughout his career, Volpe mentored a generation of neonatologists and pediatric neurologists, leaving a legacy as both a researcher and educator. His ongoing contributions continue to shape neonatal care, improving survival and developmental outcomes for newborns.