Department of
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
November 3, 2025 David Mutch, professor of obstetrics and gynecology, has been elected president-elect of the Society of Pelvic Surgeons—a distinguished international organization dedicated to advancing multidisciplinary pelvic surgery. “Being elected president-elect of the Society of Pelvic Surgeons is a profound honor,” said Mutch. “I am thrilled to be a part of this prestigious society and look […]
Sarah Smith, RN, BSN, CLC, has been awarded the Fetal Therapy Nurse Network (FTNN) Outstanding Nurse Award. This award recognizes nurses who make an outstanding impact on the health of expectant families facing a fetal diagnosis, promoting excellence in fetal care. Sarah works as a Nurse Coordinator in our fetal care center, providing compassionate care […]
Congratulations to Heather Campbell, MD, who was selected as a member of the Academy of Educators! The Academy of Educators at WashU Medicine is an institutional collaboration of educators who together will foster a culture of educational excellence and an institutionally valued community of leaders in health science education. We are the faculty development division […]
Jaime Strickland and Emily Diveley completed leadership programs through the WashU Institute for Leadership Excellence. Emily completed the Emerging Leaders Program, and Jaime Strickland completed the Leadership Excellence and Development Program. This is a 9-month, competitive program for WashU Staff members who manage individual contributors and/or complex initiatives and are seeking an opportunity to better support their […]
The WashU Medicine gynecologic oncology team was proud to come together at the 2025 St. Louis Ignite the Fight, celebrating the impact of Pink Ribbon Good and the vital support it provides to patients and families in our community. This year, Dr. Andrea Hagemann, gynecologic oncologist, was recognized with the Igniting Hope in Oncology Award […]
Congratulations to gynecologic oncologist Dr. Premal Thaker; gynecologic oncology fellows Dr. Whitney Grither and Dr. Mark Valentine; maternal–fetal medicine fellow Dr. Cassandra Trammel; and reproductive medicine and infertility fellow Dr. Mitra Sharifi on their induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society Class of 2025. Premal Thaker, MD, MS Whitney Grither, MD, PhD Mark Valentine, […]
Congrats to Dr. Bree Goodman and Dr. Sydney Thayer, were unanimously selected to the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Class of 2024, representing WashU Medicine! “WashU Medicine values inclusion, diversity, innovation and critical thinking – all of which are aligned with AOA’s core principles,” said Renée Shellhaas, MD, the David T. Blasingame Professor of Neurology and senior associate […]
We are honored to share Dr. Thaker’s recognition as a 2024 Gynecologic Surgery Research All-Star! This accolade celebrates the significant research contributions made through co-authored publications. The Healthcare Research All Star lists, curated by Avant-garde Health, which features only the top 5% of hospitals and surgeons whose research defines the forefront of Gynecologic Surgery care. […]
WashU Medicine proudly announces David G. Mutch, MD, as the recipient of the 2025 WashU Medicine Alumni Achievement Award. This prestigious honor is awarded to a distinguished alum celebrating more than 25 years since graduation, recognizing exceptional accomplishments in the medical field, community impact, and enduring service to the university. About Dr. David Mutch A […]
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 […]
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 […]
Dr. Holly Hoefgen has received a Distinguished Teaching Service Award. This award is presented to WashU Medicine by medical students to faculty and house staff in appreciation of exemplary service in medical student education. We commend Dr. Hoefgen for being an exemplary leader for medical students, tirelessly supporting their education and development. Her dedication and […]
St. Louis, MO — Dr. Jeannie Chen Kelly, Chief of Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) and Vice Chair of Obstetrics at WashU Medicine OB-GYN, has been recognized with the BJH Medical Staff Association Early Career Award. This honor celebrates her extraordinary contributions within the first decade of completing her training. Journey into Maternal-Fetal Medicine Dr. Kelly’s academic path […]
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 […]
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 […]
After a national search, we are pleased to announce that Jeannie Kelly, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, has been appointed as Chief of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, effective March 1, 2025. She stepped into the role of interim chief in September 2024, and with her strong leadership and expertise, she has […]
We are delighted to announce the recipients of the 2024 Team Member Awards, as nominated by their peers. These awards recognize the outstanding contributions and dedication of our colleagues, who continuously go above and beyond to support our department’s goals and values. Each of these individuals has demonstrated exceptional teamwork, innovation, and commitment to excellence. […]
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 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. […]
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 […]
Congrats to Dr. Sarah England who was inducted into the National Academy of Medicine this weekend!
Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and […]
Dr. Aileen Portugal, REI Clinical Fellow, was recently accepted to participate in the RFDI this academic year, a BJC/WashU/SLCH consortium initiative to advance health equity. Congratulations, Dr. Portugal! Established in 2006 by the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation, the Residents and Fellows Diversity Initiative (RFDI) focuses on promoting a diverse and inclusive environment within our community to […]
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. 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 […]
Dr. Sydney Thayer, Dr. Alison Kosmacki, and Dr. Bree Goodman were elected to the AOA Honor Medical Society, congratulations! The WashU School of Medicine AOA chapter with more than 400 distinguished physicians.
Congratulations to the latest recipients 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. Brittani Steinberg, MDProject: “Cervical Cancer Screening Preferences in Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Diverse Patients” Mentor: Jennifer Reeves, MD, […]
Medical students at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis recently honored faculty and residents with Distinguished Service and Teaching Awards (DSTAs) for the 2023-24 academic year. From our department, four mentors were honored. Read the full article here
A look into the STL OBGYN society meeting! Residents and fellows presented (Dr. Brittani Steinberg, Dr. Halley Staples, Dr. Courtney Murphy, Dr. Mark Valentine). Dr. Steinberg won first place and Dr. Staples won second place! Congrats to all!
Congrats to all the recent BJC Excellence in Nursing Awardees! Our very own Sarah Smith, RN, BSN, CLC, was selected as a finalist for the category of women’s health. Sarah works as a Nurse Coordinator in our fetal care center, providing compassionate care to families from day one and throughout their experience. Additionally, shout out […]
Debbie Frank joined the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology as the Scientific Editor in 2012 and was promoted to Senior Scientific Editor in 2021. In this role, she helps faculty members, medical fellows, residents, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate students prepare research manuscripts, grant proposals, and fellowship applications. Debbie’s primary goal is to facilitate clear and […]
Congrats to Dr. Andrea Hagemann who was named the faculty awardee for the Gold Humanism Honor Society!
Viju Gupta, PhD and Audrey Johnston, MBA from the Center for Reproductive Health Sciences celebrated their graduation as two of only 30 WashU staff members in the inaugural cohort of the Emerging Leaders Program, sponsored by the Institute for Leadership Excellence. This is a 9-month, competitive program for WashU Staff members who manage individual contributors […]
The OB Ultrasound Clinic at Washington University has been honored with the esteemed five-star PRC Excellence Award by Barnes Patient Satisfaction Experience Team. This recognition is awarded to clinics that excel in patient satisfaction and is given to those who score among the top 10% nationally. The OB Ultrasound Clinic achieved this accolade through outstanding […]
Residents Dr. Allison Whorton and Dr. Mitra Sharifi were awarded an accolade for contributing to a positive learning environment. Both awards were reported under WashU’s Med’s SAFE reporting. Washington University School of Medicine strives to maintain an environment conducive to learning, research, and high-quality patient care. We aspire to an environment that is inclusive and […]
Matthew Powell, MD, a renowned high-volume surgeon and leader in clinical research, has been named the Ira C. and Judith Gall Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. This position was held by Dr. David Mutch, the inaugural holder of this endowed professorship. “We are proud to have […]
Dr. Whitney Grither received an ORCA Mentored Investigator Grant! The Mentored Investigator Grant provides funding for trainees (post-doctoral fellows or clinical fellows) who are working under the supervision of a mentor who is a recognized leader in the field of ovarian cancer research. Applicants must have an MD or a PhD degree. The grant provides […]
Maggie Mullen, MD, MSCI awarded the Foundation for Women’s Cancer Move4Her Research Grant! “It is an absolute honor to be supported by the Move4Her participants and the Foundation for Women’s Cancer. Thanks to this award we will be able to pursue groundbreaking research that has the potential to improve the lives of women with ovarian […]
SGO/FWC Service Award “I am truly honored to receive the SGO Service Award. It has been my pleasure to serve the SGO and its mission. I hope to continue to support the SGO and its efforts to prevent andcare for women’s cancers. Thank you for this honor.” David Mutch, MD 2024 Annual Meeting Presidential Abstract […]
After a national search, we are pleased to announce that David Eisenberg, MD, MPH, FACOG, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, has been appointed as Chief of the Division of Complex Family Planning, effective March 1, 2024. He stepped into the position of Interim Chief in December 2022 and is well-positioned to take on the permanent role based on his […]
Dr. Matthew Powell has received a 2024 Dean’s Impact Award! The 2024 Dean’s Impact Awards recognize faculty who have demonstrated enduring commitment to advancing the careers of others through exceptional mentorship and sponsorship. The time and commitment of mentors and sponsors are too often underrecognized, but without leaders like them, we could not achieve our potential as a School of Medicine.
Dr. Amanda Zofkie was named Clinical Educator of the Year (ObGyn) for 2023-2024. Congrats Dr. Zofkie!
Dr. Aileen Portugal was selected as an ASRM/Diversity Fellowship Research Award recipient from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine Research Institute. Dr. Portugal was awarded $15,000 to support her project. The project is titled, “Language Matters: Exploring the Impact of Language Concordance on Fertility Treatment Progression.” This project will be monumental in moving the needle forward […]
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 […]