After a thorough national search, we are delighted to announce that Denise M.S. Willers, MD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, has been appointed Chief of the Division of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics & Gynecology (ASOG), effective October 1, 2025. Dr. Willers stepped into the role of interim chief in July 2024, and her exceptional leadership skills and extensive expertise have proven her to be an outstanding candidate for this position.
Dr. Willers earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Drake University in Des Moines, IA, and her medical degree from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, IL. She completed her residency in OBGYN at the combined Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University School of Medicine, where she was selected as an Administrative Chief Resident. Dr. Willers joined the faculty in 2004.
“Dr. Willers exemplifies unparalleled expertise and compassionate leadership in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her commitment to patient-centered care and academic excellence has significantly advanced the field, serving as an unwavering advocate for underserved populations. We look forward to an impactful future under her guidance,” said Dineo Khabele, MD.
Dr. Willers is a highly respected clinician in the full spectrum of OBGYN care, known for her exceptional patient-centered approach. She is a highly sought-after specialist, providing care for many faculty and staff at WashU and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, as well as women and families throughout the region. For the past decade, St. Louis Magazine has consistently recognized her on the Best Doctors list. Dr. Willers was awarded the 2025 Dean’s Impact Award for Community Engagement due to her commitment to women’s health.
Dr. Willers’ administrative leadership has been evident since 2015 through her role as Medical Director of the Barnes-Jewish Hospital OBGYN Clinic, a hospital-based safety net clinic providing over 20,000 visits annually. By overseeing clinical operations, the supervision of nurse practitioners, and the training of medical students, residents, and fellows, Dr. Willers has shown an unwavering commitment to improving access to underserved populations. Under her leadership, the clinic has thrived as a hub for comprehensive, patient-centered services, with patient visit volumes increasing by 30% since 2019.
Dr. Willers’ clinical expertise and compassionate leadership have notably advanced the care for women diagnosed with infectious diseases. She founded the Perinatal HIV Working Group at WashU Medicine and BJH, forming a multispecialty committee aimed at reducing perinatal HIV infection rates and improving care for women infected with HIV in St. Louis and surrounding communities. Moreover, for 16 years, Dr. Willers provided vital clinical care for all genders aged 13–24 at the SPOT, an adolescent center dedicated to youth with serious health risks and gaps in healthcare.
In addition, Dr. Willers is committed to teaching and mentoring medical students, residents, junior faculty, and advanced practice nurse practitioners in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Her dedication to fostering growth in clinical decision-making, patient communication, and procedural skills has earned her national and regional awards, including the Society for Academic Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology Award, the APGO Excellence in Teaching Award, and the CREOG National Faculty Award for Excellence in Resident Education.
Dr. Willers’ dedication extends beyond clinical excellence; she fosters an inclusive environment where diverse patient needs are met with dignity and compassion. A steadfast advocate for quality improvement, she continuously implements initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and improve provider workflows. As administrator for a Barnes-Jewish Foundation Grant, Dr. Willers has successfully implemented the provision of home blood pressure cuffs for pregnant patients with hypertensive disorders, which is now part of the standard care at BJH.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Willers on her appointment. We are excited about the future of our ASOG division and look forward to furthering its success under her distinguished leadership.