Department of
We were honored to welcome Sandra Brooks, MD, MBA, FACOG, Chief Executive Officer of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), to WashU OBGYN for her presentation, Advancing Our Mission, Together. Dr. Brooks inspired our residents and faculty with a meaningful conversation about leading through change, advocating for patients, and navigating the evolving landscape […]
The Distinguished Service Teaching Awards celebrate the faculty and house staff who make an extraordinary difference in medical student education at Washington University. Each year, students nominate and vote for the course directors, lecturers, clerkship directors, attendings, residents, and coordinators who stand out for their commitment, teaching, and dedication to the next generation of physicians. […]
The Black Family Wellness Expo continues to be a cornerstone event where healthcare meets community, bringing together families and medical professionals in a welcoming, accessible setting. WashU Medicine ObGyn was thrilled to return this year, connecting with community members face-to-face and sharing resources on women’s health and the services we offer. This year’s Expo once […]
We are excited to have these nine outstanding candidates joining our program in June! Thank you to the education team and everyone who made this interview season such a success. Ready to rock the new Academic Year of 2027! Loren Adler, MD – University of Missouri – Columbia Alice Azzun, MD – University of Kansas – […]
Dr. Katherine Bligard, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at WashU Medicine’s Department of OBGYN, has been awarded a grant through the 19th annual Clinical and Translational Research Funding Program (CTRFP, one of 22 investigators recognized this cycle). The CTRFP reflects an ongoing partnership between the WashU Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences (ICTS) and The Foundation […]
J. G. Probstein Visiting Professorship, hosted by the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, welcomed Kemi Doll, MD, MSCR. Dr. Kemi Doll is a gynecologic oncologist at the University of Washington. She is a Professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the UW School of Medicine and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Health Systems and Population […]
The MIGS team had a wonderful time at the weekly WashU Medicine farmers market! We connected with attendees to raise awareness about endometriosis and share updates on two of our exciting research studies: Thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat — your interest and support mean so much to our team!
Check out our fiscal year 2026 quarter two newsletter!
WashU Medicine OBGYN hosted its annual Career Day, highlighting the wide range of professional opportunities within obstetrics and gynecology. Residents engaged with physicians from across the St. Louis area, gaining valuable perspectives on both private and academic practice through panel discussions. The 2026 agenda featured panels moderated by WashU faculty, highlighting alumni and experts from […]
We are proud to share the Department of OBGYN’s Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Annual Report from WashU Medicine. This year’s report reflects continued momentum across our mission: expanding clinical care to improve access, advancing innovative research, and strengthening our educational programs through professional development and meaningful community collaboration. Our faculty and staff have received numerous […]
The REI Handbook that many Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility physicians rely on today traces back to the vision of Dan Lebovic. While on faculty at the University of Michigan shortly after completing fellowship, Lebovic noticed that the Oncology division had a compact spiral-bound guide for residents. At the time, he was studying for his REI oral board exam and saw an opportunity to […]
The Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research has released its 2025 national rankings, placing WashU Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at No. 14 in the country for funding from the National Institutes of Health—a significant achievement amid a challenging federal research climate. The ranking comes at a time when NIH funding faces budget uncertainties, […]
Resident, Dr. Anna Jones, was awarded a Dr. David G. Mutch Residency Research Scholarship. Congrats on this accomplishment! The title of her poster is, “Real-world outcomes after Mirvetuximab Soravtansine treatment for recurrent ovarian cancer.” She will present at SGO in April. Dr. Jones’ primary investigator is Dr. Brooke Sanders. About the Scholarship This scholarship was […]
Dr. Kathy Bligard, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist with WashU Medicine OBGYN, chats about the best advice for what to do when a pregnancy is diagnosed as high-risk and how to support a patient during that time.
When Marissa Chrismer learned she was expecting triplets, she was quickly referred to Jeannie Kelly, MD, MS, a WashU Medicine OB-GYN and maternal-fetal medicine specialist. From their first appointment, Dr. Kelly helped Marissa navigate the excitement and uncertainty of a high-risk trichorionic-triamniotic pregnancy, closely monitoring her for potential complications like preeclampsia and developing a proactive […]
Confusion and concern around hormone therapy have been common for years, especially for women navigating menopause and perimenopause. Recently, the FDA made a significant update, removing long-standing black box warnings from many hormone therapy treatments, a change that has sparked important conversations about safety, access, and women’s health. To help break down what this update […]
Dr. Premal Thaker, Chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, was elected to the Faculty Practice Plan (FPP) Board of Directors and Clinical Practice Committee (CPC) as a faculty-at-large representative. In this role, she will contribute to strategic and operational decision-making that supports physician practices across the institution. The Washington University School of Medicine Faculty […]
Maggie Mullen, MD, MSCI, has been selected for an ASCI / Young Physician-Scientist Award. From the American Society for Clinical Investigation site, “The Young Physician-Scientist Awards (YPSA) recognize physician-scientists who are early in their first faculty appointment and have made notable achievements in their research.” The award honors investigators poised to become future leaders in […]
Lindsay Kuroki, MD, MSCI, WashU Medicine Gynecologic Oncologist, has been nominated to serve on the board as a Member-at-Large for the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) Cervical Cancer Prevention & HPV Management. From the ASCCP site, “ASCCP is dedicated to advancing the prevention, diagnosis, and management of anogenital and HPV-related diseases through […]
Resident, Dr. Sarah Cohen, was awarded a Dr. David G. Mutch Residency Research Scholarship. Congrats on this accomplishment! The title of her poster is, “Impact of Proximity to Sources of Pollution on Birth Outcomes.” She will present at SMFM. Dr. Jones’ primary investigator is Dr. Nandini Raghuraman About the Scholarship This scholarship was generously started […]
Chronic pelvic pain is a common but often misunderstood condition that affects millions of women and can deeply interfere with daily life, relationships, and emotional well-being. Rather than having a single cause, pelvic pain is usually the result of several overlapping factors in the body, which can make diagnosis and treatment frustrating for patients. In […]
Congratulations to the latest recipient of the Department of OB/GYN’s Lucy, Anarcha, and Betsey (L.A.B.) Award named in honor of Lucy, Anarcha, and Betsey—the enslaved women whose sacrifice, without consent, nearly 200 years ago, allows surgical repair for women with vesicovaginal fistulas today. Rachel Crebessa, MDClinical Fellow, Complex Family Planning Project: Improving contraceptive counseling in a large, academic internal medicine clinic […]
In recognition of January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, WashU Medicine gynecologic oncologist and surgeon Lindsay Kuroki, MD, MSCI, recently joined Show Me St. Louis to discuss the critical role of prevention, early detection, and access in reducing the risk of cervical cancer. Dr. Kuroki emphasized the importance of regular checkups, timely screening, and early […]
Maggie Mullen, MD, MSCI, has been selected for funding through the Siteman Investment Program. “The Siteman Investment Program (SIP) Research Development Award (RDA) is designed to award pilot funding to faculty investigators to support pioneering cancer research and produce data to leverage further external peer-reviewed funding” via the Siteman Research Site. Dr. Mullen’s proposal, “Targeting […]
The collaborative Women & Infants (W&I) Safety and Quality Team was honored with a QUEST Award, presented by Dr. Lynch at the recent BJH Employee Recognition Ceremony. QUEST = Quality, Equity, Safety, and Transparency. This recognition highlights the team’s commitment to improving patient safety and outcomes through meaningful, data-driven quality improvement efforts. The QUEST Award […]
The goal of this project is to reduce cervical cancer disparities by implementing and evaluating community-based interventions that enhance access to at-home HPV screening for medically underserved women, particularly those who are Black, have low incomes, or reside in rural areas. This project will test the feasibility of distributing at-home HPV self-collection kits through the […]
Our education team met with Doorways, a valued non-profit community partner that hosts our clerkship students for a key component of their OB-GYN rotation. Doorways is the only agency in our region dedicated to providing housing and comprehensive supportive services for individuals living with HIV, making this partnership an especially meaningful learning opportunity for our […]
Check out our quarter one newsletter!
On November 3, 2025, WashU Medicine Urogynecology, celebrated the grand opening of its first dedicated urogynecology services at Progress West Hospital with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event. This marks a significant milestone in the hospital’s ongoing commitment to offering comprehensive and specialized care for women’s pelvic health. Alec Szlachta-McGinn, MD, FACOG, a WashU Medicine urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgeon, and Julie Hake, DNP, […]
Celebrating the Distinguished Career of Dr. Diana Gray St. Louis, MO—November 20, 2025—In a heartfelt gathering, esteemed colleagues, students, and friends celebrated the exceptional career and achievements of Dr. Diana Gray, who is now embarking on a well-earned retirement. Dr. Gray’s illustrious journey has been marked by her extraordinary contributions to medicine, education, and leadership, […]
November 3, 2025 David Mutch, professor of obstetrics and gynecology, has been elected president-elect of the Society of Pelvic Surgeons—a distinguished international organization dedicated to advancing multidisciplinary pelvic surgery. “Being elected president-elect of the Society of Pelvic Surgeons is a profound honor,” said Mutch. “I am thrilled to be a part of this prestigious society and look […]
Heather Campbell, MD, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Appointed Vice Chair of Faculty Development for the Obstetrics & Gynecology Department The department of OBGYN is delighted to announce the appointment of Heather Campbell, MD, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, as the Vice Chair of Faculty Development for Obstetrics and Gynecology, effective October 1, 2025. Dr. Campbell has […]
Chief Resident, Dr. Sarah Combs, was awarded a Dr. David G. Mutch Residency Research Scholarship. Congrats on this accomplishment! The title of her poster is, “Family Planning Curriculum: Student Satisfaction and Self-Reported Competence.” Dr. Combs’ primary investigator is Dr. Jennifer Reeves. About the Scholarship This scholarship was generously started by David G. Mutch, MD, Professor, in […]
Juan Ferreira, PhD, a postdoctoral research associate in the laboratory of Celia Santi, MD, PhD, has been awarded a Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI) Fellowship Grant for his project, “High-Throughput Assay to Screen for Candidate Contraceptives Targeting Sperm Function.” Dr. Ferreira began his two-year MCI Fellowship in September 2025. The research conducted through Dr. Ferreira’s MCI-funded project builds on […]
Sarah Smith, RN, BSN, CLC, has been awarded the Fetal Therapy Nurse Network (FTNN) Outstanding Nurse Award. This award recognizes nurses who make an outstanding impact on the health of expectant families facing a fetal diagnosis, promoting excellence in fetal care. Sarah works as a Nurse Coordinator in our fetal care center, providing compassionate care […]
A new study led by WashU Medicine in St. Louis is transforming how postpartum patients receive treatment for Hepatitis C. Dr. Jeannie Kelly, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Ultrasound, helped launch a “meds to beds” program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital to ensure patients leave the hospital with antiviral medication […]
As part of its 75th anniversary celebration, Fertility and Sterility published a special article recognizing the most-cited papers in the journal’s history — highlighting the research that has most influenced the field of reproductive medicine over the decades. We are proud to share that Dr. Dan Lebovic and his 2001 paper Immunobiology of endometriosis, was […]
Every fall, we welcome WashU Medicine medical students for an engaging, hands-on introduction to obstetrics and gynecology. During this event, students rotate through interactive stations led by our residents, fellows, and faculty, gaining practical experience in key clinical skills such as laparoscopic techniques, suturing, Nexplanon insertion, and LEEP procedures. This annual event offers a valuable […]
WashU Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Complex Family Planning participated in the Society of Family Planning Annual Meeting. Faculty contributions included a hands-on Deep Nexplanon removal simulation workshop led by Dr. Kathryn Thomas, and a “Stump the Professor”style complex case discussion on placenta accreta spectrum presented by CFP fellow Dr. Christine Jackson. The meeting […]
After a thorough national search, we are delighted to announce that Denise M.S. Willers, MD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, has been appointed Chief of the Division of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics & Gynecology (ASOG), effective October 1, 2025. Dr. Willers stepped into the role of interim chief in July 2024, and her exceptional leadership […]
Chief Resident, Dr. Adriana Nigaglioni, was awarded a Dr. David G. Mutch Residency Research Scholarship. Congrats on this accomplishment! Dr. Nigaglioni’s title is “Female physicians and medical student perspectives on fertility coverage: access, satisfaction and career plans” and her primary investigator was Dr. Ashley Veade. About the Scholarship This scholarship was generously started by David G. […]
Congratulations to multi-Principal Investigators, Dineo Khabele, MD, and Sarah K. England, PhD, in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at WashU Medicine, for recently receiving a Women’s Reproductive Health Research (WRHR) grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The K12 grant project is called […]
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at WashU Medicine hosted A Golden Era: Celebrating 50 Years of Surgical Advances in OBGYN, a two-day symposium and hands-on Surgical Skills Course held October 16–17, 2025. The event brought together clinicians, researchers, and trainees to celebrate five decades of innovation in women’s health and to explore the future […]
Congratulations to Dr. Sara Pietroforte! Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Amargant i Riera lab, Dr. Pietroforte has been selected as a Distinguished Postdoctoral Scholar by WashU Medicine’s Center of Regenerative Medicine. This honor highlights her exceptional contributions to regenerative science and her commitment to advancing the field.
Congratulations to Andy Liu! Andy, a WashU undergraduate researcher in the Amargant i Riera lab, was awarded Best Presentation at the Upper Midwest Summit for Reproductive Science hosted by Northwestern University this past weekend! 🏆 His winning presentation, titled “The mechanosensitive channel Piezo1 is highly expressed in theca cells and regulates follicle development and oocyte maturation,” showcased groundbreaking work in reproductive science.👏 Bravo, Andy! #WashU […]
Congratulations to Heather Campbell, MD, who was selected as a member of the Academy of Educators! The Academy of Educators at WashU Medicine is an institutional collaboration of educators who together will foster a culture of educational excellence and an institutionally valued community of leaders in health science education. We are the faculty development division […]
WashU Medicine OBGYN’s team Shake Your Teal Feathers joined the 19th Annual Families Run for Ovarian Cancer (ROC) Star 5K and 1-Mile Run/Walk, supporting ovarian cancer research and awareness through St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness (SLOCA). Funds raised benefit research efforts at Siteman Cancer Center. The team is proud to continue partnering with SLOCA to […]
The Center for Reproductive Health Sciences was honored to host Dr. Kyle Orwig of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine as our 2025 Dr. Jacob Probstein Visiting Professor Lecturer. Dr. Orwig, a globally recognized leader in fertility preservation and male infertility, delivered two outstanding lectures that sparked meaningful dialogue and collaboration among clinicians and researchers in reproductive […]
Check out our quarter four newsletter!
Maternal-Fetal MedicineDr. McKenzie BarberWash U Med/BJH/SLCH Consortium Dr. Christina FrasikUniversity of California – Irvine Reproductive Endocrinology and InfertilityDr. Sara PierpointUniversity of Virginia Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic SurgeryDr. Hannah Wavering-WaltersUniversity of Illinois-Chicago Gynecologic OncologyDr. Sara BrennerEmory University Dr. Anh LeUniversity of Arizona – Banner University Medical Center Phoenix Complex Family PlanningAva Moorhead, DO – University of […]