Department of
Bisiayo Fashemi, PhD, always knew she wanted to be a scientist. Starting in high school and continuing through her undergraduate years, the Boston native seized every opportunity to conduct lab research, with a particular focus on improving women’s health. She moved closer to her career dream by entering WashU’s Roy and Diana Vagelos Division of […]
Congratulations to our Center for Reproductive Health Sciences (CRepHS) investigators, Dr. Nardhy Gomez-Lopez and Dr. Seungbaek Lee, on their new publication, “Mapping the Human Female Reproductive Tract,” published in Nature Cell Biology. This important work provides a comprehensive map of the human female reproductive tract and represents a significant advance in our understanding of reproductive biology and women’s health. [nature.com] We are […]
Congratulations to Dr. David Mutch, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and gynecologic oncologist at WashU Medicine, on receiving a 2026 Distinguished Achievement Award from his alma mater, Carleton College! This honor recognizes alumni who have made exceptional contributions to their field, whether through professional accomplishment or service to their community. Read more about this year’s […]
Congratulations to Juan Ferreira, PhD, postdoctoral research associate in the lab of Celia Santi, MD, PhD, for recently receiving a prestigious NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) for his project titled “Milk Excretion and Myoepithelial Cell Contractility: Modulation by the Na+-activated K+ Channels, SLO2.1.” His research is being funded by the NIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development […]
Congratulations to our 2026 graduating class of OBGYN residents! We’re so proud to see graduates head to programs across the country and welcome a new class of interns through our doors. The future of women’s health is in great hands. Our Graduates Highest CREOG Score Annually, our residents take a national standardized exam that we […]
We are delighted to announce the recipients of the 2025 Team Member Awards, as nominated by their peers. These awards recognize the outstanding contributions and dedication of our colleagues, who continuously go above and beyond to support our department’s goals and values. Each of these individuals has demonstrated exceptional teamwork, innovation, and commitment to excellence. […]
Congratulations to Shweta Bhagwat, PhD, postdoctoral research associate in the lab of Celia Santi, MD, PhD, for recently receiving a prestigious NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) for her project titled “Study the impact of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) toxins on sperm function.” Her research is being funded by the NIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child […]
Check out our quarter three newsletter!
Sara Wood, MD, MHPE, Appointed Vice Chair of Clinical Operations and Strategy for the Obstetrics & Gynecology Department The department of Obstetrics & Gynecology is delighted to announce the appointment of Sara Wood, MD, MHPE, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, as the Vice Chair of Clinical Operations and Strategy for the Department of OBGYN, effective July 1, 2026. In this newly created position, Dr. Wood […]
We are proud to announce that three of our trainee nominees have been elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha (AΩA) Honor Society this year. Congratulations to Dr. Josh Brill (Gynecologic Oncology), Dr. Christine Jackson (Complex Family Planning), and Dr. Adriana Nigaglioni (Residency) on this well-deserved recognition. We are also pleased to congratulate Dr. Toni Frolova […]
WashU Medicine researchers Polina Lishko, PhD, and Celia Santi, MD, PhD, have been awarded a five-year National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 grant to support collaborative research focused on defining mechanisms important for regulating male fertility. The award recognizes the investigators’ longstanding leadership in reproductive physiology and translational fertility research. The R01 grant project titled “Temperature and Polyamines: […]
Three WashU Medicine OBGYN residents were inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS). Congratulations to Dr. Katie Granger Howard, Dr. Alexandra (Ali) Houston-Ludlam, and Dr. Erin Johnson on this outstanding recognition! The Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) is a community of medical students, physicians, and other leaders who have been recognized for their compassionate care. GHHS […]
For the third consecutive year, our Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Gynecology division was proud to sponsor and celebrate the Girls on the Run Spring 5K, cheering on young girls from across the St. Louis area as they crossed a finish line they had been working toward for weeks. The event brought together thousands of […]
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 40th Annual Rothman Research Day, a tradition that highlights the dedication, innovation, and scholarly excellence of our residents, fellows, and basic science researchers. Each year, this event brings our community together to showcase the impactful research being conducted across a wide range of disciplines. We are […]
Our clerkship students visited The Bridge STL, which is a part of the Health Equity and Justice curriculum. During the visit, they toured both the boutique and their 13,000 sq ft warehouse that serves as the hub for collecting, sorting, and distributing donations. They met with Executive Director Michelle Sortor, who provided a comprehensive overview […]
Dr. Celia Santi, James P Crane Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, in the Center for Reproductive Health Science, was highlighted in the Division of Physician-Scientist Newsletter. This newsletter supports the career development of Physician-Scientists, shares resources, guides mentorship, and encourages research pursuits at all career stages. What motivated you to become a physician-scientist? I originally […]
Dr. Sara Wood, Chief of Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine, has been honored with a prestigious Dean’s Impact Award. This recognition celebrates faculty who embody the compassion, innovation, and dedication necessary to advance clinical care, education, and research in ways that are both dynamic and deeply rooted in community […]
Our Education team was once again on the WashU Medicine campus, meeting with future physicians and sharing what residency and fellowship training in ObGyn at WashU is all about. The fair connects students with professionals to discuss fellowships, residency training, and career choices within WashU Medicine The team included coordinators Kim Coombs & Rayna Mittler, […]
WashU Medicine’s Department of Gynecologic Oncology was proud to come together this year at the St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness (SLOCA) Living Out Loud Gala: an inspiring evening where the strength of community was on full display. SLOCA, the only non-profit in Missouri solely dedicated to ovarian cancer, has been a beacon of hope in […]
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 […]
After a remarkable career dedicated to advancing gynecologic oncology, Dr. Leslie Stewart Massad Jr., Professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, retired on April 1, 2026. Dr. Massad completed his undergraduate studies at Williams College, earning a B.A. in Biology magna cum laude and being inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He went on to receive […]
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, […]