Dr. Michal Young, M.D., F.A.A.P., F.A.B.M.

Michal A. Young, M.D., F.A.A.P., F.A.B.M. is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health at Howard University College of Medicine. She also serves as the Medical Director of the B.L.E.S.S. (Breastfeeding Lactation Education Support Services) Initiative as well as Director of the NICU and Newborn Services, at Howard University Hospital.   She is a graduate of Howard University College of Medicine, Class of 1979. Dr. Young completed a rotating internship in Medicine and Pediatrics at Grady Memorial and Emory Hospitals in Atlanta, Georgia, followed by a Pediatric residency at Howard University Hospital, and a fellowship in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at Georgetown University Hospital. Much of her clinical and academic practice was at D. C General Hospital where she was the Director of the N.I.C.U. for the last five years prior to the closure of that Hospital in July 2001. After the closure of DC General Hospital, she did locum practice at several hospitals in DC and Maryland.  She subsequently returned to academic practice at Howard University Hospital in 2006. Dr. Young has several publications and presentations over a range of topics governing infant care. Her research interests are in developmental outcomes of the ELBW, HIV perinatal transmission, the Diabetic Dyad and in breastfeeding education for professionals and parents. 

Dr. Young had just completed her fellowship in Neonatology at the time of the birth of her first child.  She recalls how poorly educated she was about breastfeeding and the benefits of human milk. This experience placed her on a life-long quest to improve breastfeeding education for medical professionals, and patient’s families.  Dr. Young speaks locally and nationally about the benefits of breast milk and breastfeeding for the human infant.  

She is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (sections on Perinatal Medicine and Breastfeeding), a Fellow and member of the Board of Directors of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (Chairman of its Protocol Committee), member of the National Medical Association (a Past Chair of its Pediatric Section), Member of the Board of Directors for the D.C. Breastfeeding Coalition,  Member of the Board of Directors for ROSE: Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere, Inc. and one of the Chapter Breastfeeding Coordinators for the D.C. Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.