Now there are seven neonatologists attached to the NBICU, and the mortality rate at Utah Valley is 1.2 per 1,000 births. At any given time there are between 35-45 babies in the NBICU.

"Healing begins with everything we do in the unit." Minton said. "We have been named the 'Most Family Centered NBICU' in the nation."

A good portion of the ideas for the family friendly, state-of-the-art NBICU came not from Minton but from his wife, a respiratory therapist. As he puts it, they would discuss the unit's needs as their heads hit their pillows at night. His wife would make suggestions and observations, and he would take them back to the hospital.

"My wife is a special woman. She is understanding and always there." Minton said. "I use her ideas and I get the credit. She understands the importance of mothers and babies."

Minton and UVRMC's newborn unit have been the nucleus for a number of research projects. Currently, Minton is involved with 14 projects. Some of the research is in the areas of neonatal high frequency oscillation for the prevention of lung injury, neonatal cerebral perfusion and cardiac function.

When he's not working on the unit, giving speeches throughout the world or doing research, he serves in other capacities. He coaches his son's Junior Jazz basketball team, serves as the chairman of the North Fork Water and Sewage Special Service District, and is active in the Sundance Homeowners Association. When he has time, he loves to read.

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E-mail: pugmire@desnews.com