As the region's first Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Saint Francis Medical Center is fully prepared to care for premature and critically ill newborns throughout the region. We are the area's only Level III NICU with three board certified, fellowship-trained neonatologists who have more than 50 years of combined experience.

Located within Saint Francis, the Level III NICU is one of approximately 550 NICUs participating in the Vermont Oxford Network – an international network of NICUs – with demonstrated above-average outcomes and length of stay data.

The Level III NICU plays an integral role in enabling Saint Francis to provide a full continuum of obstetrical care, including preconception planning, high-risk prenatal care (Cape Perinatology Services), family-centered labor and delivery options (Family BirthPlace) and follow-up care for pediatric patients (Children's Center).

Alan R. Barnette, MD, FAAP

Alan R. Barnette, MD, FAAP, earned his medical degree from The University of Mississippi, Jackson, Miss. He completed his fellowship in newborn medicine and his residency in pediatrics at St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Mo. Barnette is board certified in pediatrics and board eligible in neonatal medicine.

Laura E. Al-Sayed, MD, FAAP
Laura E. Al-Sayed, MD, FAAP, is a board certified neonatologist with 17 years of experience and is Developmental Care Clinic director of Saint Francis Neonatal Services. She earned her medical degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas. Al-Sayed completed her residency and three-year fellowship at St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Mo. She served as assistant professor of pediatrics at Emory University, Atlanta, Ga., and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Karlyle K. Christian-Ritter, MD, FAAP
Karlyle K. Christian-Ritter, MD, FAAP, is a board certified neonatologist with 16 years of experience and is transport director of Saint Francis Neonatal Services. She received her medical degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, Kansas City, Mo. Christian-Ritter completed her residency at Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Neb., and a three-year fellowship in neonatology at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center, St. Louis, Mo. She served as assistant professor of pediatrics in the Joint Division of Newborn Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Neb., and Creighton University School of Medicine. Christian-Ritter is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Cape Neonatology Specialists is located at 211 Saint Francis Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703.