Matthew Powell, MD, a renowned high-volume surgeon and leader in clinical research, has been named the Ira C. and Judith Gall Distinguished 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. Powell as a longtime member of our faculty. His relentless pursuit of excellence in surgery, groundbreaking contributions to advancements in gynecologic cancer treatments, and unwavering commitment to mentorship resonate far beyond the walls of academia, continue to leave an indelible mark in the field of gynecologic oncology. Being named the Ira C. and Judith Gall Professor is a testament to his exceptional merit and profound impact on our tripartite mission at WashU,” said Dineo Khabele, MD, Chair of the Department of OB/GYN.
Dr. Powell completed his undergraduate work at Washington State University followed by medical school at Michigan State University. He then completed his residency in OBGYN at Ohio State University in 1999, followed by a three-year fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at Washington University in St. Louis. He joined the faculty in 2002 and rose through the ranks to Professor, becoming a valued member of the department who embodies the tripartite mission.
Dr. Powell is the highest volume surgeon in the department with a broad regional referral base because of his exceptional surgical skills in complex and radical gynecologic procedures. He is also recognized nationally and internationally as a leading clinical trials specialist at the forefront of developing new chemotherapy treatments for gynecologic malignancies. Based on his clinical trial expertise, Dr. Powell serves on the NCI’s Gynecologic Cancer Steering Committee and is Chair of the NRG Oncology Uterine Corpus Committee, the largest NCI-funded cooperative group for gynecologic cancer trials. Most recently, his leadership in clinical trials have produced two-immunotherapy trials, published back-to-back in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2023. These studies have changed the paradigm for treating advanced and recurrent endometrial cancer.
Dr. Powell is also an outstanding educator, mentor, and leader. Most of his educational activities occur in the operating room and as a result, he is one of the most important surgical educators in the department. Since joining the faculty in 2002, Dr. Powell has helped train over 35 gynecologic oncology fellows, including 14 who benefited from his leadership as the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Director from 2008-2017. Dr. Powell led the division as Chief of Gynecologic Oncology from 2015 – 2024. During that time he recruited, four former resident/fellow trainees to join the division. Those faculty have been supported by him from the rank of assistant professor through the promotion of one to full professor.
“It is such an honor to be named the Ira C. and Judith Gall Professor. Ira C. Gall, MD was a strong supporter of Washington University School of Medicine and our department. I had the pleasure of meeting the Galls through the first Gall Chair, Dr. David G. Mutch and am proud to carry on the tradition of serving patients, students/trainees, research efforts here at Washington University and the broader community.”
Matthew Powell, MD
In recognition for his exceptional standing in the field of gynecologic oncology, he has been elected to the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) Board as President-Elect II and will serve as SGO President in 2025. A key to his success within the SGO is his longstanding record of mentorship and sponsorship through the SGO Winter Meeting and as a mentor in the SGO Bridges Research Initiative which is a mentored program for early career investigators with the aim of developing the next generation of trialists.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Powell on this distinguished appointment.