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 will provide strategic advice and expertise regarding clinical growth and market expansion. She will partner with the Department Chair, Executive Director, and Division Chiefs to develop and implement clinical strategic plans.
Dr. Sara Wood, originally from Iowa, earned her undergraduate degree in Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Northern Iowa and her medical degree from the University of Iowa. She completed residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology and fellowship training in Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. She also holds a Master’s degree in Health Professions Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago, with scholarly expertise in surgical curriculum development and operative training. Prior to joining WashU Medicine, Dr. Wood served as both Associate Program Director and Program Director for the Obstetrics and Gynecology residency program at Mercy Hospital.
In October 2023, Dr. Wood was recruited to WashU Medicine to serve as Division Chief of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery. Since her arrival, she has led the Division through a period of substantial clinical and educational growth, expanding patient access, increasing fellowship training opportunities, and strengthening the Division’s regional impact. Under her leadership, the Division has expanded to additional ambulatory and operative sites, resulting in increased clinical capacity, improved access to specialized pelvic floor care, and enhanced market presence. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to patient care and clinical leadership, Dr. Wood received the Dean’s Impact Award for Clinical Excellence in 2026.
Dr. Wood is a national leader in obstetrics and gynecology, holding leadership roles within ACOG, where she has mentored Junior Fellows and was recognized with an Outstanding Service Award in 2023; the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons, where she has advanced competency-based surgical education; and CREOG, where she serves as faculty for the Program Director School. She also serves on the ACGME Residency Review Committee for Obstetrics and Gynecology, helping shape graduate medical education standards nationwide.
In addition to her national leadership contributions, Dr. Wood has earned exceptional recognition for her impact as an educator and mentor. Since joining the faculty at WashU Medicine, she has been honored by trainees with the 2024 APGO Humanism in Teaching Award and the 2025 Graduate Outstanding Faculty Award, recognizing her commitment to learner development, mentorship, and educational excellence.
“I look forward to partnering with colleagues across the Department to develop a shared vision for clinical growth and innovation – one that expands access to exceptional care, develops our people, and builds sustainable systems that position our Department and WashU Medicine for long-term success. This opportunity allows me to engage with our leaders and faculty in a broader, big-picture way, helping to drive operational excellence and strengthen our reputation as a destination for outstanding patient care, education, and innovation. I am excited to help shape our future together.” – Sara Wood, MD, MHPE
Dr. Wood’s career has been defined by a commitment to excellence in patient care, innovation in surgical practice, and the development of future leaders in medicine. Throughout her career, she has successfully combined clinical expertise with a strategic approach to program growth, educational advancement, and team development. Her ability to build high-performing clinical programs, expand access to specialized care, and foster environments where learners and colleagues can thrive has distinguished her as an impactful leader.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Wood on her new role. We are excited about the future of our clinical endeavors and look forward to the department’s future achievements under her leadership.