Department of
Dr. Denise Willers, Associate Professor and Interim Chief of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics & Gynecology 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 […]
Dr. Sara Wood, Associate Professor and Chief of the Division of Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, has been honored with the Outstanding Faculty Award by the Graduate and Professional Student Council at WashU Medicine. This prestigious recognition reflects Dr. Wood’s unwavering commitment to the success of WashU graduate students. Through exceptional mentorship, impactful research guidance, […]
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. Shannon Beermann, MD – DCR L.A.B. Award Clinical Fellow, Maternal-Fetal Medicine “Electronic fetal monitoring patterns and acidemia in […]
WashU Medicine OB-GYN Chair, Dr. Dineo Khabele, and Postdoctoral Research Associate, Bisi Fashemi, PhD, recently presented at the Keystone Regenerative Biology of the Female Reproductive System meeting. Dr. Fashemi received a travel award to present a poster and talk on the project entitled “Single-Cell Signatures of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Patient-Derived Organoids”. Dr. Khabele sat […]
Nardhy Gomez-Lopez, PhD, was elected to the Publications Committee of the American Association of Immunologists. Congrats to Dr. Gomez-Lopez! The term begins on July 1, 2025. To read more about the election results, please visit the link below. Congratulations to everyone who was elected!
The Center for Reproductive Health Sciences is thrilled to announce that research from the lab of Dineo Khabele, MD, was recently published in BMC Cancer. The research article is titled “The Tie2 antagonist rebastinib reduces ovarian cancer growth in a syngeneic murine model” and was authored by Gupta et al. The researchers of this study concluded that “Rebastinib […]
Uterine peristalsis imaging (UPI) as an endometriosis diagnostic The team proposes measuring uterine peristalsis, which are muscle contractions in the uterus that occurs during the menstrual cycle. UPI is a new type of technology developed by the team. Using wearable sensors, UPI measures patterns of electrical activity, similar to how an electrocardiogram works for the […]
The Black Family Wellness Expo serves as a vital platform where community and healthcare converge, offering a unique opportunity for individuals and families to connect with medical professionals. WashU Medicine ObGyn was proud to have a table at the event, engaging directly with community members and providing valuable information about women’s health. This year’s Expo […]
A Herrin, Illinois couple expecting identical twin girls turned to worry when doctors diagnosed her with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). This rare condition affects twins sharing a placenta. TTTS causes an imbalance in blood flow between twins, with one receiving too much while the other receives too little. The couple was rushed to Barnes-Jewish Hospital […]
The Khabele lab recently published a new manuscript in BMC Cancer, titled “The Tie2 antagonist rebastinib reduces ovarian cancer growth in a syngeneic murine model.” Gupta VG, Roby KF, Pathak HB, Godwin AK, Gunewardena S, Khabele D. The Tie2 antagonist rebastinib reduces ovarian cancer growth in a syngeneic murine model. BMC Cancer. 2025 Feb 11;25(1):233. […]
WashU Medicine Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology proudly sponsored the Energy Award at the Power of One Gala for Girls on the Run St. Louis (GOTR-STL). As a strong advocate for youth empowerment and community well-being, WashU Medicine Peds Gyn is honored to support an organization that fosters confidence, health, and achievement in young girls. Girls […]
WashU Medicine OBGYN hosted its annual Career Day to showcase the diverse career paths available in obstetrics and gynecology. This event connected residents with physicians from the greater St. Louis area, offering insight into private and academic practice through panel discussions. The 2025 agenda featured panels moderated by WashU faculty, highlighting alumni and experts from […]
On average in the US, 1 in 10 babies is born prematurely and, in many cases, the cause is unknown. However, there could be many contributing factors, nearly 40% of pregnant people who deliver before 37 weeks exhibit chronic placental inflammation, which happens when the mother’s immune system attacks the placenta. If we understood this […]
The Michael D. Nelson Society Board is delighted to announce Dr. Rachel Furuya and Dr. Christina Herbosa, as awardees of the David G. Mutch Residency Research Scholarship Award. This honor is given to support and enhance the scholarly research activity of residents while at this level of their professional journey. Rachel Furyua, MD Poster presentation: “Comparison of […]
Curated by Dr. April Lewis, and the DEIA Committee The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Advocacy Resident Committee invites you to celebrate Black History Month! Highlight: Joan Y. Reade, MD, MS, MPH, MBA Joan Y. Reede, MD, MS, MPH, MBA was appointed Harvard Medical School’s first dean for diversity and community […]
Candice Woolfolk, PhD, MPH selected as Statistical Editor for Green Journal! We are so exited for Dr. Woolfolk taking on this new role and advancing her career. We are fortunate to have her as a part of our team. “Candice L. Woolfolk, PhD, MPH, is an Assistant Professor in the Divisions of Clinical Research and […]
The World Health Organization estimates that as many as 100,000 women develop obstetric fistulas annually. Vesicovaginal and rectovaginal fistulas are debilitating complications of obstructed labor resulting in the continuous flow of urine and/or feces, damaged pubic bones, lower extremity contractures, recurrent infections, shame, and social isolation. The surgical repair of vesicovaginal fistulas today is only […]
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. Magdaleena Mbadhi, MBBS, MMed Postdoctoral Research Associate “Sphingosine-1-phosphate regulation in LPS-induced preterm labor mouse model” Mentor: Antonina Frolova, […]
The World Health Organization estimates that as many as 100,000 women develop obstetric fistulas annually. Vesicovaginal and rectovaginal fistulas are debilitating complications of obstructed labor resulting in the continuous flow of urine and/or feces, damaged pubic bones, lower extremity contractures, recurrent infections, shame, and social isolation. The surgical repair of vesicovaginal fistulas today is only […]
The 2025 Researcher Forum is an event supporting Washington University researchers to continue excelling as exemplary leaders in research. The forum provides our faculty with information regarding the wealth of tools and resources available to them at the university, as well as the opportunity to network with potential collaborators across campus. The Research Education and Information Department, […]
The Gomez-Lopez lab’s recently published article in The Journal of Immunology has been featured as a top read by the editor for the December 1st issue. Notably, only two articles are selected per issue for this recognition. Congratulations to the Gomez-Lopez lab!
The Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO) 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes outstanding contributions to medical education, celebrating educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication and innovation in teaching. This year, the award celebrates the remarkable achievements of Dr. Elise Bardawil, Assistant Professor and Interim Chief of the Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery. […]
The U.S. Health Preventative Services Task Force has endorsed self-testing to help reduce cancer rates across the country. Washington University gynecologic oncology surgeon Dr. Stewart Massad says the goal is to make testing more accessible for those who don’t get pap smears. The self-testing kits are available in the office now and are less invasive. […]
In the fifth installment of blackdoctor.org‘s video series in partnership with Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, Dr. Dineo Khabele, Professor and Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecologic Oncology at Washington University in St. Louis and a member of OCRA’s Scientific Advisory Committee, lays out the facts about ovarian cancer, including the importance of risk awareness and prevention, […]
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A Cross-Disciplinary Symposium on the State of Science, Clinical Current Approaches, andCritically Unanswered Questions. This event was sponsored by The National Institute of Mental Health and the Silvio O. Conte Center at WashU School of Medicine. Dr. Jeannie Kelly was a featured speaker for this event.
Kenan Omurtag, MD, explores different treatment options for patients struggling with infertility; assisted reproductive technologies are compared and contrasted. The Impact of Health Benefit Design on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Utilization and Pregnancy-Related Outcomes Videos include Background of Assisted Reproductive Technology, Describing Intrauterine Induction and Target Patient Populations, Exploring Best Practices for IVF, and Examining […]
Our WashU team gathered at AAGL in New Orleans, Louisiana to advance healthcare! “AAGL is the largest medical association advancing health care for women through excellence in clinical practice, education, research, innovation, and advocacy.” AAGL
Chief Residents Dr. Hannah Millimet and Dr. Kali Stewart were awarded the 2024 Dr. Mutch Residency Research Scholarship. About the Scholarship This scholarship was generously started by David G. Mutch, MD, the Ira C. and Judith Gall Professor, in partnership with the Nelson Alumni Society to support and enhance the scholarly research activity of residents. The […]
“Katherine Bligard, MD, a WashU Medicine maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital who cared for Sara at the Fetal Care Center, explains that because of the difference in the placenta’s blood vessel connections, Baby A was dehydrated and Baby B was overly hydrated. “Amniotic fluid is baby’s pee,” Dr. Bligard says. […]
PhD graduate student Kevin Prifti from the Frolova lab was recently awarded the CRepHS Biannual Best Paper Award, a friendly competition for first-author trainees within the Center. Kevin’s paper was also chosen as “Editor’s choice” by the journal in which he published, Biology of Reproduction. Congratulations, Kevin! Be sure to read the publication here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38857377/ – Citation: Prifti […]
Premal H. Thaker, MD, MS was installed as the David and Lynn Mutch Distinguished Professor Dr. Thaker is an accomplished clinician investigator and Director of Gynecologic Oncology Clinical Trials, and has been named the David & Lynn Mutch Distinguished Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “I am […]
“On St. Louis on the Air, Drs. Andrea and Ian Hagemann — two frequent collaborators with St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness — shared the importance of listening to and learning from ovarian cancer survivors. The doctors said first-person accounts have furthered advancements in research and treatment. Survivor experiences also help medical providers understand what it means to treat […]
Nardhy Gomez-Lopez, PhD presented at the WashU Medicine ODEI Faculty Showcase! This event was held in honor of Latiné/Hispanic Heritage Month. Our partners included the WashU Medicine Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion(ODEI), the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, SOMOS WashU, the WashU COTAD Chapter, and the WashU LMSA Chapter. “From Passion to Purpose: My Journey, Inspirations, […]
“Changing Landscapes: Reproductive Health—Past, Present, Future” hosted by Becker Library and ft. a panel of Law, Research, and Social Work experts. This event featured rare books and archives from Becker Library displaying the history of reproductive health in medicine and St. Louis! Dr. Reeves helped to coordinate the session, invited speakers, and introduced Dr. Khabele. […]
A new study conducted by the University of Washington in St. Louis found the rate of xylazine-positive tests in opioid-addicted patients cared for in one of the city’s maternity wards surged from zero percent in December 2022 to 100% by July 2023. “These results underscore the critical need to further study the impact of xylazine on […]
Every fall we recruit our residents, fellows, and faculty to lead various hands-on stations. We recently hosted this event with great success! Thank you to everyone who joined us. A big thank you to everyone who joined us in teaching!
This past week, we held the 49th Annual ObGyn Symposium. We were lucky to engage our faculty and guest speakers to come together to discuss advances in medicine. The planning committee organized an exceptional event with many guest speakers providing pertinent information to share with the attendees. This opportunity was invaluable to come together for […]
There’s no denying the popularity of the Oura Ring — over two and a half million of these little wearables have been sold worldwide, according to the company. In fact, the Gen3 model was named the best overall smart ring by our tech experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute.
Former Complex Family Planning fellow Jayme Trevino, MD, MPH, was awarded at the 2024 Society of Family Planning Meeting in Detroit! She was awarded the ” Outstanding Researcher in Training Award.” We are so proud of Dr. Trevino!
Congrats to Dr. Sarah England who was inducted into the National Academy of Medicine this weekend!
Our WashU ObGyn team joined St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness (SLOCA) for Families Run for Ovarian Cancer 5k and 1-Mile Run/Walk! Thanks to everyone who came out!
Karli Meier, Erin Smith, Kelly Ball, Dr. Brooke Sanders, and Dr. Andrea Hagemann at the Pink Ribbon Good event!
Dr. Adriana Nigaglioni was a resident reporter for MO ACOG District VII at the National ACOG Meeting! Here, she met other residents across the United States and met with OBGYN leaders.
Faculty Drs Mutch, Bligard, and Hagemann with Residents Drs Claflin, Barber, and Altieri, joined at Clover and the Bee for brunch!
Washington University in St. Louis’ Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology hosted our 2024 Dr. Jacob Probstein Visiting Professor Dr. Kristina Adams Waldorf, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Washington. She presented her research entitled, “Unraveling Biology at the Maternal-Fetal Interface: Preterm Birth Studies in a Nonhuman Primate”.
WashU faculty attended March of Dimes 2024 in St. Louis! This year, we are proud to be a Gold Sponsor for the event. Here’s to collaboration and research for the Obstetric community!
Rain couldn’t stop Tower Grove Pride Fest! Our amazing volunteers interacted with thousands of members of the STL LGBTQ+ community to bring awareness to many services our divisions provide!
On Saturday, September 28th, our team gathered at North County Recreation Complex to celebrate their pregnancies with the community. We were lucky to meet with our community, provide donations, and be the link between patients and care. Thanks to everyone who came out!
“Interdisciplinary group care for the treatment of endometriosis-associated pain” This is a 4-year grant, read more on the NIH RePORTER page. Summary/Abstract: Endometriosis affects 10-15% of women, causing musculoskeletal pain, bowel and bladder problems, mood disorders, and infertility. Chronic pelvic pain is the most common symptom affecting 57.2% of patients. Endometriosis is responsible for an […]