Department of
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 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 […]
Maternal-Fetal MedicineDr. Duy Hoang DinhUniversity of Kansas Medical Center Dr. Haley BakerUniversity of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Dr. Katherine ZhuUniversity of Chicago Medical Center Reproductive Endocrinology and InfertilityDr. Mitra SharifiWashU ObGyn Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic SurgeryDr. Christina HerbosaWashU ObGyn Complex Family PlanningDr. Rachel CrebessaUniversity of Tennessee College of Medicine Gynecologic OncologyDr. Mostafa EyadaThe University of […]
Congrats to all of our graduating chiefs who matched! Dr. Helen Gao: MFM at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Dr. Kali Stewart: MFM at Johns Hopkins Dr. Hannah Millimet: MIGS at the University of Michigan Dr. Jaclynne Hedge: REI at OHSU Dr. Mitra Sharifi: REI at WashU Dr. Christina Herbosa: UrgoGyn at WashU Dr. Kati […]
Gyn Onc Teal on Wheels is a hospital affiliate team comprised of doctors, nurses, gynecologic cancer survivors, gynecologic cancer researchers, caregivers, and friends and family who have all been touched in some way by gynecologic cancer. We come together each year to ride in honor of those who might not be able to ride and to […]
The SUPPORT-MOM study collaborates with patients, clinicians, and payer informants to design, implement, and study Contingency Management for pregnant and postpartum patients with substance use disorders. Contingency Management is one of the most powerful strategies to improve outcomes for people with substance use disorders but is understudied in the obstetric population. We will focus specifically on the interplay […]
The annual staff appreciation lunch for WashU Medicine employees was held on Sept. 19 on the spacious Couch Lawn! A big thanks to the delicious food from Kenrick’s BBQ and Ted Drewes for providing us with a tasty lunch and dessert. Our Gynecologic Oncology office stopped to snap a photo with the one and only, […]
“Ovarian Cancer research has come a long way. Today we sit down with representatives from St Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness to discuss where we are in research, upcoming events, and the story of one patient’s fight.”
The major goal of this proposal is to unveil non-infectious causes of preterm labor and birth and may lead to the development of a treatment – such as vitamin D, which is FDA-approved during pregnancy – to reduce the risk of preterm birth. “T Cells and IL-9 Signaling at the Maternal-Fetal Interface in Preterm Labor […]
We are proud to announce that The Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Center continues to be a Center of Excellence in the OPTUM Fertility network – A UHC company. Furthermore, employees at WASHU, Wells Fargo Advisors, NESTLE PURINA, to name a few all have their fertility benefits through OPTUM. Optum Fertility is also being sold to […]
“As a new academic year begins, Washington University in St. Louis is unveiling a new visual identity and an enhanced effort to communicate its important contributions in the areas of education, research and patient care to key internal and external audiences. The update includes a new university logo and website and the official adoption of […]
“In recent years, parvovirus infected about 3% of Americans. Now the number has tripled. NBC News’ Anne Thompson speaks to a patient who contracted the virus this spring. Thirty weeks pregnant and in the hospital, she’s dealing with serious complications including her placenta not pushing enough blood to bring her son critical oxygen and nutrients.”
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has named six new Damon Runyon Clinical Investigators. The recipients of this prestigious award are outstanding, early-career physician-scientists conducting patient-oriented cancer research at major research centers under the mentorship of the nation’s leading scientists and clinicians. Mary M. Mullen, MD, with mentors Dineo Khabele, MD, and Nima Mosammaparast, MD, […]
Dr. Nandini Raghuraman and Dr. Toni Frolova awarded multi-PI R01 studying uterine contractility in labor. The team will be awarded 2.7 million over 5 years for a clinical and translation study investigating how oxytocin should be dosed and how the uterusshould contract in response to oxytocin during induction of labor. Congrats!
“Menopause mirrors what was happening to you at the beginning of your reproductive life,” says Makeba Williams, MD, associate professor and vice chair for professional development and wellness in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Instead of getting their periods, women are getting hot flashes. Sometimes, […]
Dr. Victoria Whelan was nominated for a BEE Award for her extraordinary compassion and skill for a patient to recognize her service. This is a reflection of how team members can enrich the patient experience. Patient Story Dr. Whelan has been hands down the best healthcare provider I have ever had. Dr. Whelan is the […]
Registration closes at NOON on August 14th. A calendar invite with Zoom login information will be sent to you by 2:00 pm on the 14th. –
The summer marks the academic year where we welcomed some to our faculty and said goodbye to others. We had an amazing group, and we cannot wait to see where they go! Congrats to our graduates. Gynecologic Oncology: Dr. Alexander Cohen and Dr. Tyler Woodard Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility: Dr. Emily Spurlin Maternal-Fetal Medicine: Dr. […]
Nardhy Gomez-Lopez, PhD, a professor of obstetrics & gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has received a four-year, $500,000 award from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund to further research into the immunobiology of the maternal-fetal interface and identify biomarkers to predict preterm labor and birth. One in 10 babies is born prematurely and, in many cases, […]