Department of
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 […]
Candice Woolfolk, PhD, MPH selected as Statistical Editor for Green Journal! We are so exited for Dr. Woolfolk taking on this new role and advancing her career. We are fortunate to have her as a part of our team. “Candice L. Woolfolk, PhD, MPH, is an Assistant Professor in the Divisions of Clinical Research and […]
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 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, […]
Check out our quarter one newsletter!
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 […]
Wellness Champion Allison Wyrsch held the first-ever ObGyn health screening for the entire department! Our HR partners brought a team to test A1c level (blood test to measure diabetes risk), current blood pressure, cholesterol, and other key indicators in detecting disease early. WashU employees can participate once a year and by completing their appointment: receive […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
First-year medical students at WashU Medicine in St. Louis received their white coats, symbolizing their entrance into the medical profession. Dr. Tammy Sonn, Associate Dean for Student Affairs and a Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, welcomed the incoming medical students. Dr. Dineo Khabele, the Mitchell & Elaine Yanow Professor and head of the Department of […]
“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 […]
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.”
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, […]
April 11-17, 2024 – Updates from the DEIA Committee This week provided an opportunity for us to raise awareness and take action to improve the health and well-being of Black mothers and birthing people. As part of our commitment to supporting maternal health, we have organized a series of events aimed at educating, empowering, and […]
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
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 […]
Incoming intern, April Lewis, MD, was honored by her medical school for her work in the community.
Throughout his career, Matthew Powell, MD, has leveraged his own professional standing to advance others’ careers through direct one-on-one mentorship and sponsorship, providing opportunities, expanding networks and nominating protégées for awards and promotions. Since joining our faculty in 2002, Powell has helped train over 35 gynecologic oncology fellows, including 14 who benefited from his leadership […]
Dr. Sara Wood speaks with Houston Fox 26 about the benefits of bladder botox, insurance coverage, what an office visit looks like, and more.
Three physician-scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have been newly elected to the Association of American Physicians. Membership in the organization is an honor bestowed on physicians who lead innovative scientific research to improve health care. Khabele, the Mitchell & Elaine Yanow Professor and head of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, […]
“The FDA has approved the first daily contraceptive pill for over-the-counter sale, enhancing access to pregnancy prevention options. Dr. David Eisenberg, Chief Division of Complex Family Planning at Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, talks about new developments in over-the-counter birth control. Dr. Eisenberg says that the pill, containing an ingredient used in birth control since […]
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 […]
8ight Ways to Wellness is the framework that guides all of the programs and resources offered through WashU Human Resources Employee Well-Being. This challenge is an opportunity to learn about these evidence-based strategies to improve your overall wellbeing and reduce your risk of disease. Developed by WashU faculty, Dr. Graham Colditz, MD, DrPH, the 8ight […]
✨ We are absolutely thrilled to welcome this new intern class of 2028! ✨ India Claflin – Creighton University SOM Symphony Davis – Morehouse SOM Andy Habib – Georgetown University SOM Anna Jones – U of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink SOM Ashlyn Kinard – U of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth April Lewis – SLU SOM […]
Congratulations to graduating CFP fellow, Jayme Trevino, MD, MPH, who will assume the Darney/Landy Fellowship position with ACOG after graduation. The Darney/Landy Fellow position is a one-year, post- Complex Family Planning Fellowship placement for obstetrician-gynecologists that honors the clinical excellence of Phil Darney, MD, and the collaborative advocacy of Uta Landy, PhD. This position offers […]
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 […]
The following information was curated by: Dr. Bridget Huysman (bio), DEIA Committee. From February 28 to March 1 we recognize the Betsey, Lucy, and Anarcha Days of Recognition. Lucy, Anarcha, and Betsey were three enslaved women who underwent multiple experimental surgical procedures without anesthesia under the care of James Marion Sims. Take a moment during these […]
WashU ObGyn went to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine 2024 Pregnancy meeting. Faculty, fellows, residents Nandini Raghuraman, MD, MSCI was awarded Best Oral Plenary for “The effect of supplemental oxygen for Category II fetal resuscitation on oxidative stress: a randomized controlled trial.”
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 following information was curated by: Dr. Rachel Furuya (bio), DEIA Committee The DEIA committee is proud to present our third annual Black History Month programming, which will feature two of the first Black female surgeon pioneers of their time. Patricia E. Bath, MD (1942-2019) Dr. Patricia Bath was an ophthalmologist, research scientist, and advocate […]
Dr. Kathy Bligard spoke with KSDK on birth defects. She mentioned some of the most common are heart defects, how to catch them early, and the importance of the twenty-week anatomy scan.
The Education Team is excited to announce that Dr. Jennifer Mitchell will be assuming the role of Associate Clerkship Director beginning January 2024. Dr. Mitchell will be leading the OBGYN Clerkship along with (incoming) Clerkship Director Dr. Katherine Massa. Dr. Mitchell joined the Division of Academic Specialists of Obstetrics & Gynecology in August of 2022 […]
Every fall we recruit our residents, fellows, and faculty to lead various hands-on stations for a three-hour period. We recently hosted this event to great success! Thank you to everyone who joined us. A big thank you to our residents and fellows who helped teach! Residents: Dr. Alexis Allihien, Dr. Sarah Combs, Dr. Kati Turner Fellows: Dr. […]
Dr. Ebony Carter, former division chief, and associate professor of MFM, is leaving the department, “I am writing to share bittersweet news that Dr. Ebony B. Carter, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, will be leaving our Department at the end of October 2023. She has been named chief of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel […]
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 […]
Dr. Ebony Carter, Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist, speaks with First Alert 4′s Taylor Holt on the maternal crisis in the United States. Black women in the United States are nearly three times more likely to die during pregnancy or delivery than any other race. [We have] different community events that are commenting moms and babies to […]