A pioneer in neonatal medicine, Feizal Waffarn, M.D., came to Orange County in 1980, shortly after completing fellowship training at the University of Southern California. At the University of California, Irvine, Dr. Waffarn worked with neonatologist Louis Gluck, M.D., in analyzing the efficacy of surfactant therapy for premature infants with lung disease and helped build that hospital’s NICU into a Level III referral center. In 2001, he became chair of the UC Irvine department of pediatrics and pursued the successful affiliation with CHOC.
Dr. Waffarn’s career highlights
Career highlights also include Dr. Waffarn’s work with the Children and Families Commission of Orange County and the NIH National Children’s Study. He is a founding member of the California Association of Neonatologists and represents the perinatal medicine section of the American Academy of Pediatrics, California Chapter 4. Dr. Waffarn has published more than 40 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals.
“Of Dr. Waffarn’s many accomplishments over the past 30 years, perhaps the most enduring legacy will be the CHOC and UC Irvine affiliation,” said Nick Anas, M.D., CHOC Pediatrician-in-Chief. “Dr. Waffarn has also been instrumental in establishing a vision for research and developed a renowned research faculty.”
Dr. Waffarn looks ahead
Dr. Waffarn plans to continue teaching at UC Irvine and abroad. Additionally, he will serve as co-investigator for three NIH research studies and remain involved with global health initiatives for developing countries, including the Southeast Asia Regional Organization, a subsidiary of the World Health Organization.
Dr. Waffarn has played a pivotal role in improving health access and outcomes for the children of Orange County. On behalf of CHOC, we thank him for his tireless dedication and wish him the best in all his future endeavors.
CHOC was named one of the nation’s best children’s hospitals for neonatology by U.S. News & World Report in its 2024-25 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings.
