Author: Allison

Fellow Match Day: 2027 Incoming Fellows and Graduating Chiefs

Complex Family PlanningEshani Dixit, MDCarle Foundation Hospital Maternal-Fetal MedicineSarah Cohen, MD, MPHWashU Medicine Kelsey McNew, MD, PhDDuke University of Medicine Lindsay Woodward, MDBaylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center Reproductive Endocrinology and InfertilityErika Mauban, MDPrivate Practice, WashU OBGYN Residency Alum Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic SurgeryKellen McCormick, MDCorewell Health Grand Rapids/Michigan State University Gynecologic OncologyJosie […]

Gyn Onc Teal on Wheels Rides Again

Pedal the Cause is a charity bike ride that funds cancer research in St. Louis. Our team, Gyn Onc’s Teal on Wheels, rides each year to raise awareness of uterine, ovarian, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers. Just in time for Pedal the Cause each year, September has been established as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month (GCAM), […]

Running for a Cause: WashU OBGYN at the Foundation for Women’s Cancer 5k

Dineo Khabele, MD, Chair of WashU OBGYN & Gynecologic Oncologist, joined Matthew Powell, MD, Gynecologic Oncologist & President of SGO, and Sandra Brooks, MD, MBA, CEO of ACOG, to take part in the 5k for the Foundation for Women’s Cancer in partnership with Siteman Cancer Center.

Dr. Zofkie helps two friends navigate high-risk pregnancies

Lindsey Barton and Jayme Bartles have been best friends for most of their lives and even became pregnant at the same time. But when both pregnancies became complicated, their friendship and the expert care of Dr. Amanda Zofkie, a WashU Medicine Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist, became sources of support. Dr. Zofkie cared for both women during […]

Annual Nelson Alumni Society Dinner

Our Dr. Michael Nelson Alumni Society came together at Olive + Oak in Webster Groves for their annual dinner and night of celebrating memories, trainee education, and mentorship. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Nelson Society Hosts 5th Annual Career Day

WashU Medicine OBGYN hosted its annual Career Day, giving residents a firsthand look at the range of professional opportunities within obstetrics and gynecology. Attendees connected with physicians from across the St. Louis area, gaining insight into both private and academic practice through panel discussions. The 2026 fall agenda featured panels moderated by WashU faculty, highlighting […]

WashU OBGYN Chair, Dineo Khabele, MD, Selected for National Leadership Fellowship

WashU Medicine OBGYN Chair Dineo Khabele, MD, has been selected as a 2026–2027 fellow in the Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program at Drexel University College of Medicine. She joins Pamela Woodard, MD, chair of WashU Medicine Radiology, as one of 99 faculty leaders nationwide chosen for this year’s cohort. Read […]

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month

Join WashU Medicine OBGYN as we come together to research towards a world without cancer. Join our Pedal the Cause Team! Gyn Onc Teal on Wheels!Pedal weekend is September 19 – 20, 2026 September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month!  That is PLENTY of time to sign up, recruit friends and family, and fundraise for research […]

CRepHS Welcomes New MSRS Cohort

The Master of Science in Reproductive Sciences (MSRS) program is thrilled to announce four new students who have joined a vibrant community of scholars at WashU Medicine! Sarah Slaten and Gayatri Usulumarthy are in the MSRS-Research concentration, and Maggie Di Scipio and Kaitlyn Miller are the inaugural cohort for the MSRS-Clinical Embryology concentration. Over the next two […]

WashU Medicine OB/GYN Joins Urban League for Black Maternal Health Expo

WashU Medicine OB/GYN joined the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis for the Save Our Sisters Black Maternal Health Expo, connecting new and expectant moms with resources, care, and support in their community. The event featured a Black Maternal Health panel with keynote speaker Dawn Harper-Nelson, an Olympic Track and Field medalist who shared her […]

Examining Second-Trimester Care in a Post-Dobbs Landscape

New research led by WashU Medicine OBGYN looks at how care changed following the Dobbs decision. In this retrospective chart review, we compared second-trimester uterine evacuations in a restrictive state before and after the Dobbs decision. Post-Dobbs, fewer evacuations were performed via D&E, and a smaller proportion were for medical emergencies. Patients with medical emergencies […]

WashU OB/GYN Researchers Examine Cervical Cancer Screening Preferences in Transgender, Nonbinary, and Gender-diverse Patients

New research from WashU OB/GYN explores how transgender and gender-diverse patients prefer to be screened for cervical cancer. In this L.A.B. Award-funded survey study of 50 patients receiving care at the Washington University Transgender Center, we sought to describe their cervical cancer screening preferences. The majority of respondents preferred self-collected HPV tests for cervical cancer […]

Jeannie Kelly, MD, MS, Co-Authors First Real-World Study on Hepatitis C Treatment in Pregnancy

Jeannie Kelly, MD, MS, Chief of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, co-authored a new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases examining glecaprevir-pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) for hepatitis C treatment during pregnancy. The retrospective report, the first of its kind on this drug combination in pregnant patients, followed 14 women treated at WashU Medicine between 2024 […]

Meet Chetan Giduturi

Meet Chetan Giduturi, our gynecologic oncology visiting student scholar. This program providers visiting fourth-year medical students with a four-week rotation with WashU Medicine Gynecologic Oncology. This opportunity provides funding and networking opportunities while fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment. Students rotate through inpatient care for a large gynecologic oncology service, assist in surgery, participate […]

WashU Awarded NIH Grant to Test New Tool for Keeping New Moms in Addiction Treatment

Washington University School of Medicine has received NIH/NIDA funding for a randomized controlled trial testing Contingency Management, a proven incentive-based treatment approach, to help pregnant and postpartum patients with substance use disorder stay in treatment longer. Overdose is a top-three cause of pregnancy-associated death, and up to 80% of patients stop treatment within a year […]

Dr. Katherine Bligard Contributes to Landmark Fetal Therapy Trial

Katherine Bligard, MD, MA, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Associate Director of the Fetal Care Center, co-authored a major clinical trial published in JAMA on treating anhydramnios caused by fetal kidney failure. WashU Medicine served as one of 13 fetal therapy centers nationwide participating in the Renal Anhydramnios Fetal Therapy (RAFT) trial. The […]

Welcome New Fellows 2026

MFMDr. McKenzie BarberDr. Christina Frasik REIDr. Sara Pierpoint UROGYNDr. Hannah Wavering-Walters GYN ONCDr. Sara BrennerDr. Anh Le CFPAva Moorhead, DO

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 […]

Sara Wood, MD, MHPE, Talks Commonly Missed Symptoms on KMOV First Alert 4

Sara Wood, MD, MHPE, Chief of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Surgery at WashU Medicine, sat down with KMOV First Alert 4 to talk through commonly missed symptoms, when to see a doctor, and how to feel empowered at your first appointment. Watch the full interview below.

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 […]

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!