Department of
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 […]
The annual Distinguished Service Teaching Awards Ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
Congratulations to Julia Burd, MD, and Bridget Huysman, MD, MPH, Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellows in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, who are both recipients of grants from the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Dr. Burd’s project is titled “Mode of cervical assessment in preterm prelabor rupture of membranes,” and Dr. Huysman’s is titled “Racism and discrimination on L&D: Birth […]
Diane Frances Merritt, MD obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree from New York University School of Medicine in 1975 and post-doctoral training in both General Surgery and Obstetrics & Gynecology at Barnes Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine from 1975-1980. She joined the Faculty of Washington University in 1980 and rose to the rank […]
The holidays are upon us, and we couldn’t be more thankful to celebrate our awesome team!
Sarah England, PhD, Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professor of Medicine, Vice Chair of Research for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Director of the Center for Reproductive Health Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine, recently received distinctive recognition of her exceptional research accomplishments and service in the field of obstetrics and […]
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. Bridget Huysman, MD, MPH (bio) Project: Birth experiences of discrimination and racism on labor and delivery Mentor: Candice […]
It takes a village, and we love our ultrasound team!
Dr. Celia Santi, MD, PhD, an internationally renowned and respected leader in the field of Reproductive Biology, has been named the James P. Crane Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “We are exceedingly fortunate to count Dr. Santi among our esteemed faculty. Her exceptional contributions to groundbreaking […]
Premal H. Thaker, MD, MS, an accomplished clinician investigator and Director of Gynecologic Oncology Clinical Trials, has been named the David & Lynn Mutch Distinguished Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “We are truly fortunate to have Dr. Thaker as a valued member of our faculty. Her […]
Reproductive biologist Sarah K. England, PhD, and two others from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, have been elected to the National Academy of Medicine, a part of the National Academy of Sciences. Membership in the organization is one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine in the United […]
Dr. Nandini Raghuraman has been named Chief of the Division of Clinical Research in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology effective October 1, 2023. Building upon the legacy of our previous directors, Raghuraman will oversee the Division of Clinical Research, which provides specialized facilities and services to support clinical research in women’s reproductive health. “Nan’s […]
Check out news and highlights from Q4 (FY23)
Andrew E Galakatos, MD, received his BS Degree from St. Louis College of Pharmacy in 1960, a medical degree from the University of Missouri in 1965, and ObGyn residency training at Barnes Hospital/Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM) from 1965 to 1970. He served two years in the Army and then had a two-year fellowship […]
“I am happy to announce that Sara C. Wood, MD, MHPE, FACOG, has accepted our offer to become the Chief of the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery. Her clinical expertise and leadership will make her a valuable division and department member. We extend our warmest welcome and look forward to working with her. Dr. Wood […]
We said goodbye to residents, welcome some back as fellows, and introduced a whole new team of interns! Read about the awardees below. Our Rothman Research Symposium is comprised of 2 half days where our residents, fellows, and basic science trainees present their OBGYN-related research projects which they have diligently worked on for a long […]
The team presented the confirmatory additional endpoints of the Ruby trial which showed with the addition of dostarlimab immunotherapy added to chemotherapy for patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer, there is a 71% improvement in progression-free survival or death for the biomarker-positive population and a 34% improvement in the overall population. Although we are […]
Magdalena Nelson, MBA, Director of Research and Business Administration in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is this year’s recipient of the WashU School of Medicine Research Support Award. This award from the medical school recognizes employees for exceptional performance or cooperation, outstanding leadership, and superior quality of service. As a distinguished honors awardee, Magdalena was […]
Maggie Mullen, MD, an assistant professor of obstetrics & gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has been selected to participate in the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) 2023 Early-Stage Surgeon Scientist Program Cohort of Surgeon Scientists.