MFMDr. McKenzie BarberDr. Christina Frasik REIDr. Sara Pierpoint UROGYNDr. Hannah Wavering-Walters GYN ONCDr. Sara BrennerDr. Anh Le CFPAva Moorhead, DO
Welcome New Fellows 2026
Author: Allison
Thayer and Zofkie Featured in New Published Research in ‘Frontiers in Reproductive Health’
Dr. Sydney Thayer and Dr. Amanda Zofkie, from the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at WashU Medicine OBGYN, are co-authors on a new study published in Frontiers in Reproductive Health: “Evaluating infant feeding practice guidelines for individuals with HIV: a pilot study using qualitative findings with healthcare workers and normalization process theory.” The study examines how […]
Candice Woolfolk, PhD, represented WashU OB/GYN at the Inaugural St. Louis County NAACP Health Fair
Hundreds of St. Louis residents attended the Inaugural St. Louis County NAACP Health Fair, a free community event featuring health screenings, wellness resources, healthcare education, community vendors, giveaways, and family-friendly activities. Candice Woolfolk, PhD, represented WashU Medicine OB/GYN at the fair, sharing information about our services and providers with attendees. Want to attend a future […]
OBGYN Researchers present at SSR Annual Meeting
WashU Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology participated in the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR) 59th Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, July 19-22. Congratulations to our faculty and trainees on an outstanding showing and for successfully connecting with leaders in the field!
Dr. Thaker on a Doctor-Patient Interview in Patient Worthy (Links to an external site)
Dr. Premal Thaker, Chief of Gynecologic Oncology at WashU Medicine in St. Louis, was interviewed by her patient Kate, an ovarian cancer survivor, for Patient Worthy. Together, they discussed advice for patients and anyone navigating a cancer diagnosis, from recognizing early symptoms to advocating for testing. They highlighted the importance of knowing your family history, […]
Dr. Bligard Helps Family Through a Rare Prenatal Diagnosis (Links to an external site)
When Jill learned her baby had a rare, potentially fatal condition, a team of highly skilled physicians brought advanced care and similar determination to beat the odds. A few days later, the couple met Katherine H. Bligard, MD, MA, a WashU Medicine maternal-fetal medicine specialist and associate director of the Fetal Care Center. Jill told Dr. […]
Bisiayo Fashemi, PhD, featured in “WashU’s collaborative spirit nurtures rising star” (Links to an external site)
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 […]
Dr. Gomez-Lopez and Dr. Seungbaek Lee publish “Mapping the Human Female Reproductive Tract”
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 […]
Dr. David Mutch Honored with 2026 Distinguished Achievement Award from Carleton College
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 […]
Dr. Juan Ferreira earns NIH Pathway to Independence Award
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 […]
2026 Resident Graduation
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 […]
Dr. Shweta Bhagwat earns NIH Pathway to Independence Award
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 […]
FY26 Q3 Newsletter (Links to an external site)
Check out our quarter three newsletter!
Four Department Members Elected to Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society
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 Researchers Lishko and Santi Receive NIH R01 Grant
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 OBGYN Residents Inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society
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 […]
Empowering the Next Generation: Our Partnership with Girls on the Run St. Louis
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 […]
Excellence in Research: 40th Annual Rothman Research Day
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 […]
Clerkship Students Explore The Bridge STL: A Lesson in Health Equity and Community Care
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. Santi highlighted in the Division of Physician-Scientists Newsletter
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 Awarded Dean’s Impact Award for Excellence in Pelvic Surgery and Academic Leadership
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 […]
WashU ObGyn Returns to the Annual Specialty Choice Fair
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 Gynecologic Oncology Unite with Community at the SLOCA Living Out Loud Gala
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 […]
Advancing Our Mission, Together: A Visit from Dr. Sandra Brooks
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 […]
WashU OBGYN Residents and Faculty Awarded Distinguished Service Teaching Awards
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. […]
WashU Medicine OBGYN Returns to the Black Family Wellness Expo in 2026
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 […]
Resident Match Day 2026
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 Awarded Grant to Advance Fetal Surgery Outcomes for Spina Bifida
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 […]
Probstein Professorship in Surgery with Dr. Kemi Doll
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 […]
Spreading Endometriosis Awareness at the WashU Farmers Market
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!
FY26 Q2 Newsletter
Check out our fiscal year 2026 quarter two newsletter!
Nelson Society Hosts 4th Annual Resident Career Day
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 […]
WashU Medicine OBGYN Publishes Chair’s Report FY25
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 […]
Resident Dr. Anna Jones Awarded Dr. Mutch Residency Research Scholarship
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 on Great Day St. Louis: My Mom Club, supporting through high-risk pregnancies
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.
Dr. Jeannie Kelly Guides Care Through Triplet Pregnancy
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 […]
Understanding the FDA’s Change to Hormone Therapy Warnings with Dr. Sanders and Dr. Blachut
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 […]
Gynecologic Oncology Chief Dr. Premal Thaker Joins FPP Board of Directors
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 […]
Dr. Maggie Mullen Honored with ASCI Young Physician-Scientist Award
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 […]
Dr. Lindsay Kuroki Selected for Leadership Role with ASCCP
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 Awarded Dr. Mutch Residency Research Scholarship
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 […]
Whitney Ross, MD, on Evaluating and Treating Chronic Pelvic Pain in The Green Journal
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 […]
L.A.B. Award Winners – Fall 2025
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 […]
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: Dr. Lindsay Kuroki Shares Prevention Insights on Show Me St. Louis
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, Receives Siteman Investment Program Funding
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 […]
Collaborative W&I Safety and Quality Team Receives QUEST Award
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 […]
Feasibility of Community-based Distribution of HPV Self-Collection Kits for At-Home Cervical Cancer Screening with Dr. Kuroki
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 […]
Clerkship Students Learn and Give Back with Doorways
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 […]
FY26 Q1 Newsletter
Check out our quarter one newsletter!
Chief Resident Dr. Sarah Combs Awarded Dr. Mutch Residency Research Scholarship
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 […]