USA Health neonatologist speaks at state conference

By Casandra Andrews
[email protected]

Gangajal Kasniya, MBBS, FAAP, a board-certified neonatologist at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital and assistant professor at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, was a featured speaker at the annual meeting of the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics this month in Gulf Shores.  

Kasniya’s presentation focused on point-of-care ultrasound in pediatrics, commonly known as POCUS. His session covered practical applications of POCUS across a range of pediatric age groups, highlighting its growing relevance in both inpatient and outpatient settings.  

He discussed the American Academy of Pediatrics' framework for integrating POCUS into clinical practice and development of POCUS curricula in graduate medical education programs.  

“POCUS is not a replacement for traditional imaging — it’s the new stethoscope,” Kasniya said. “It enhances, rather than replaces, clinical evaluation at the bedside.”

Point-of-care ultrasound is increasingly used by pediatricians to enhance bedside assessment and guide clinical decision-making. Kasniya emphasized the importance of structured training to ensure effective and safe use of the technology by trainees and practicing physicians.

Also at the conference were a group of other pediatricians from USA Health and seven medical students from the Whiddon College of Medicine, who received travel scholarships to attend the meeting.  

The annual conference brings together pediatricians, trainees, and other healthcare professionals from across the state to discuss emerging research, clinical best practices, and innovations in child health. Attendance at the conference gave the medical students early exposure to the professional pediatric community and opportunities to engage with practicing physicians and academic leaders.  

Kasniya earned a medical degree from Sawai Man Singh Medical College in Jaipur, Rajasthan, in India. His pediatric residency was completed at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Chicago, followed by a neonatology fellowship at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park, New York. He underwent specialized training at Cohen’s that included ultrasound and neonatal ultrasound modalities.