Portrait

David M. Kushner, MD, FACOG
Vice Chair of Faculty Development, Education and Wellness, Co-Chair of Faculty Development, John and Jeanne Flesch Professor in Gynecologic Oncology
Gynecologic Oncology



Office Address
UW Hospital and Clinics, Room: H4/648
600 Highland Ave
Madison, WI, 53792


Clinic Address
Gynecology Oncology Clinic
600 Highland Ave
Madison, WI, 53705
Phone: 608-265-1700


Administrative Assistant
Cortney Wood
cwood3@wisc.edu
(608) 263-1210

Bio

Dr. David Kushner is Vice Chair of Faculty Development, Education & Wellness and the tenured Flesch Professor of Gynecologic Oncology in the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Prior to this current role, he was Vice Chair of Clinical Research (2016-2022), building infrastructure across the Department to support and grow clinical trials. From 2006-2017, he directed the Gynecologic Oncology program at the UW Carbone Cancer Center (UWCCC).

Dr. Kushner is an expert in the surgical and chemotherapeutic management of patients with gynecologic cancer. His research interest focuses on minimizing the negative impact of cancer and subsequent treatments on patients’ quality of life: sexual health after cancer, fertility/menopause-sparing surgery, postoperative pain management. To this end, he has been a U.S. pioneer for multiple innovative minimally invasive and fertility-sparing surgeries. He also helped found the Scientific Network on Female Sexual Health and Cancer, an international consortium of leading researchers dedicated to the scientific pursuit of improving sexual health for women after a cancer diagnosis. Dr. Kushner served as the International Chair of this network from 2014-2016.

Dr. Kushner has worked to position UW as one of the nation’s premier institutions studying quality of life in gynecologic cancer. The UW environment offers outstanding collaborators such as the Center for Healthy Minds and the UW Health Women’s Integrative Sexual Health (WISH) clinic. Dr. Kushner was the founding Medical Director of the WISH clinic and helps oversee its research efforts. This program, along with the ongoing research in patient-reported outcomes, humor, and wellness, is positioning his group to apply for larger funding sources to study quality of life in gynecologic cancer. He is the primary investigator on multiple studies evaluating sexual health among gynecologic cancer survivors. Dr. Kushner has also acted as the Principal Investigator (PI) for NRG (formerly Gynecologic Oncology) at University of Wisconsin and Co-PI on the UWCCC institutional NIH Lead Academic Performance Site (LAPS) U10 grant.

His interest in wellness runs beyond patients to the caregivers as well. He helped found and chaired the Society of Gynecology Oncology (SGO) Physician Wellness Taskforce. Locally, he founded and chaired the UW Department of Ob-Gyn Wellness Committee and acted as departmental representative for the UW Health Wellness Taskforce. He has researched and written seminal articles on burnout and wellness among cancer providers.

Dr. Kushner was elected to the SGO Board of Directors. He also chairs the SGO’s State of the Society Survey, conducted every five years to provide detailed demographic and practice data that members can utilize to inform and support their clinical practices. He is an American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology examiner for the oral gynecologic oncology board exam and has Chaired the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) PROLOG Taskforce for Gynecologic Oncology & Critical Care.


Education

B.S. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
M.D. Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
Residency Northwestern University Medical School/ Prentice Women's Hospital, Chicago, IL
Fellowship The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH

Certifications

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Gynecologic Oncology


Department Leadership Role

Vice Chair, Faculty Development, Education and Wellness


Honors and Awards

UW Health 2019 Clinical Educator Award

Society of Gynecologic Oncology: State of the Subspecialty Survey, Co-Chair

SSM Health/St Mary’s Foundation: Physician Guardian Angel Award

PROLOG: Gynecologic Oncology & Critical Care, Task Force Co-Chair and Member

Society of Gynecologic Oncology: Elected to the Board of Directors

Mentor Training for Clinical and Translational Researchers,
UW Institute for Clinical and Translational Research

The Ellen M. Hartenbach Award,
University of Wisconsin Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Editorial Board – Gynecologic Oncology Case Reviews

Society of Gynecologic Oncology: Wellness Taskforce, Founding Member and Co-Chair

Leadership Development for Physicians in Academic Health Centers,
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health


Memberships

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Fellow

Society of Gynecologic Oncology

American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists

American Society of Clinical Oncology

Northwestern Obstetrical and Gynecological Society

American Gynecologic & Obstetrical Society


Patient reported improvement in sexual health outcomes following care in a sexual health clinic for women with cancer

Joanne K Rash, Lori A Seaborne, Megan Peterson, David M Kushner, Janelle N Sobecki

Published Date: February, 2023 - pmid:36795172 - Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer


Fluorescein Mapping in Vulvar Paget Disease

Matthew K Wagar, Ran Catherine Zhang, Paul Weisman, Ryan J Spencer, David M Kushner

Published Date: February, 2023 - pmid:36735397 - Obstetrics and gynecology


Obesity and "obesity-related" cancers: are there body mass index cut-points?

Jacqueline A Murtha, Natalie Liu, Jen Birstler, Bret M Hanlon, Manasa Venkatesh, Lawrence P Hanrahan, Tudor Borza, David M Kushner, Luke M Funk

Published Date: July, 2022 - pmid:35817851 - International journal of obesity (2005)


When we open and close: Postoperative outcomes after aborted primary cytoreduction for ovarian cancer

Connor C Wang, Matthew K Wagar, Amy Godecker, Ahmed Al-Niaimi, David M Kushner

Published Date: April, 2022 - pmid:35478695 - Gynecologic oncology reports


Prominent decidualization following progestin treatment for endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma as a mimic of large residual tumor: A cautionary tale

Yang Hu, Ahmed N Al-Niaimi, Alain Cagaanan, Elizabeth A Sadowski, David M Kushner, Paul S Weisman, Stephanie M McGregor

Published Date: April, 2021 - pmid:33816740 - Gynecologic oncology reports


Development, Implementation, and Patient Perspectives of the Women's Integrative Sexual Health Program: A Program Designed to Address the Sexual Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

Lori A Seaborne, Megan Peterson, David M Kushner, Janelle Sobecki, Joanne K Rash

Published Date: February, 2021 - pmid:33552660 - Journal of the advanced practitioner in oncology


Benign ovarian thecoma with markedly elevated serum inhibin B levels mimicking adult granulosa cell tumor

Erica V Carballo, Kaley M Gyorfi, Aleksandar K Stanic, Paul Weisman, Christopher G Flynn, David M Kushner

Published Date: November, 2020 - pmid:33204793 - Gynecologic oncology reports


RENIN-SECRETING OVARIAN ADULT GRANULOSA CELL TUMOR IN A PATIENT WITH NEW-ONSET HYPERTENSION AND HYPOKALEMIA

Rowan Karaman, Jin Xu, Ross F Harrison, David M Kushner, Paul S Weisman, Yoram Shenker

Published Date: January, 2020 - pmid:31967026 - AACE clinical case reports


Uterine Cervical Sarcoma With a Novel RET-SPECC1L Fusion in an Adult: A Case Which Expands the Homology Between RET-rearranged and NTRK-rearranged Tumors

Paul S Weisman, Morgan Altinok, Erica V Carballo, David M Kushner, Jessica J F Kram, Marc Ladanyi, Sarah Chiang, Darya Buehler, Elizabeth L Dickson Michelson

Published Date: January, 2020 - pmid:31917708 - The American journal of surgical pathology


The Society of Gynecologic Oncology wellness curriculum pilot: A groundbreaking initiative for fellowship training

Taylor B Turner, David M Kushner, Abigail Ford Winkel, Gerald McGwin, Stephanie V Blank, Jeffery M Fowler, Kenneth H Kim, SGO Wellness Taskforce

Published Date: January, 2020 - pmid:31911007 - Gynecologic oncology


Using simple radiologic measurements to anticipate surgical challenge in endometrial cancer: a prospective study

Ross F Harrison, Jeremiah E Mcnamara, Claire B Beaumont, Elizabeth A Sadowski, Richard J Chappell, Mian M Shahzad, Ryan J Spencer, Ahmed N Al-Niaimi, Lisa M Barroilhet, Stephen L Rose, David M Kushner

Published Date: January, 2019 - pmid:30640690 - International journal of gynecological cancer : official journal of the International Gynecological Cancer Society


Cancer overturned: Endometrioma mimicking granulosa cell tumor and the importance of FOXL2 analysis

Emily R Rosen, David M Kushner, Aparna M Mahajan, Cara R King

Published Date: December, 2018 - pmid:30533478 - Gynecologic oncology reports


Preoperative obstructive sleep apnea screening in gynecologic oncology patients

Ross F Harrison, Erin E Medlin, Chase B Petersen, Stephen L Rose, Ellen M Hartenbach, David M Kushner, Ryan J Spencer, Laurel W Rice, Ahmed N Al-Niaimi

Published Date: May, 2018 - pmid:29792853 - American journal of obstetrics and gynecology


Abuse, cancer and sexual dysfunction in women: A potentially vicious cycle

Brittany F Lees, Taylor P Stewart, Joanne K Rash, Shirley R Baron, Stacy Tessler Lindau, David M Kushner

Published Date: April, 2018 - pmid:29661496 - Gynecologic oncology


Interventions to Address Sexual Problems in People With Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline Adaptation of Cancer Care Ontario Guideline

Jeanne Carter, Christina Lacchetti, Barbara L Andersen, Debra L Barton, Sage Bolte, Shari Damast, Michael A Diefenbach, Katherine DuHamel, Judith Florendo, Patricia A Ganz, Shari Goldfarb, Sigrun Hallmeyer, David M Kushner, Julia H Rowland

Published Date: December, 2017 - pmid:29227723 - Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology


Surgical outcomes among elderly women with endometrial cancer treated by laparoscopic hysterectomy: a NRG/Gynecologic Oncology Group study

Erin A Bishop, James J Java, Kathleen N Moore, Nick M Spirtos, Michael L Pearl, Oliver Zivanovic, David M Kushner, Floor Backes, Chad A Hamilton, Melissa A Geller, Jean Hurteau, Cara Mathews, Robert M Wenham, Pedro T Ramirez, Susan Zweizig, Joan L Walker

Published Date: October, 2017 - pmid:29037481 - American journal of obstetrics and gynecology


A phase II evaluation of ixabepilone in the treatment of recurrent/persistent carcinosarcoma of the uterus, an NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group study

Carolyn K McCourt, Wei Deng, Don S Dizon, Heather A Lankes, Michael J Birrer, Michele M Lomme, Matthew A Powell, James E Kendrick, Joel N Saltzman, David Warshal, Meaghan E Tenney, David M Kushner, Carol Aghajanian

Published Date: December, 2016 - pmid:28029447 - Gynecologic oncology


Stress and burnout among gynecologic oncologists: A Society of Gynecologic Oncology Evidence-based Review and Recommendations

Ilana Cass, Linda R Duska, Stephanie V Blank, Georgina Cheng, Nefertiti C duPont, Peter J Frederick, Emily K Hill, Carolyn M Matthews, Tarah L Pua, Kellie S Rath, Rachel Ruskin, Premal H Thaker, Andrew Berchuck, Bobbie S Gostout, David M Kushner, Jeff M Fowler

Published Date: August, 2016 - pmid:27575910 - Gynecologic oncology


Physical examination of the female cancer patient with sexual concerns: What oncologists and patients should expect from consultation with a specialist

Stacy Tessler Lindau, Emily M Abramsohn, Shirley R Baron, Judith Florendo, Hope K Haefner, Anuja Jhingran, Vanessa Kennedy, Mukta K Krane, David M Kushner, Jennifer McComb, Diane F Merritt, Julie E Park, Amy Siston, Margaret Straub, Lauren Streicher

Published Date: January, 2016 - pmid:26784536 - CA: a cancer journal for clinicians


Robotic surgery for early stage cervical cancer: Evolution and current trends

Erin E Medlin, David M Kushner, Lisa Barroilhet

Published Date: January, 2016 - pmid:26768315 - Journal of surgical oncology


Maintaining sexual health throughout gynecologic cancer survivorship: A comprehensive review and clinical guide

Laura B Huffman, Ellen M Hartenbach, Jeanne Carter, Joanne K Rash, David M Kushner

Published Date: November, 2015 - pmid:26556768 - Gynecologic oncology


Preoperative Pelvic MRI and Serum Cancer Antigen-125: Selecting Women With Grade 1 Endometrial Cancer for Lymphadenectomy

Elizabeth A Sadowski, Jessica B Robbins, Kristie Guite, Krupa Patel-Lippmann, Alejandro Munoz del Rio, David M Kushner, Ahmed Al-Niaimi

Published Date: October, 2015 - pmid:26496578 - AJR. American journal of roentgenology


Diminished Utilization of in Vitro Fertilization Following Ovarian Transposition in Cervical Cancer Patients

Sana M Salih, Samet Albayrak, Songwon Seo, Sarah L Stewart, Kristen Bradley, David M Kushner

Published Date: September, 2015 - pmid:26380495 - The Journal of reproductive medicine


Sexual health education in U.S. physician assistant programs

Lori A Seaborne, Ronald J Prince, David M Kushner

Published Date: April, 2015 - pmid:25856226 - The journal of sexual medicine


Uterine rupture disguised by urinary retention following a second trimester induced abortion: a case report

Qiaoying Jiang, Liwei Yang, Charles Ashley, Erin E Medlin, David M Kushner, Yanmei Zheng

Published Date: January, 2015 - pmid:25608736 - BMC women's health


Intensive postoperative glucose control reduces the surgical site infection rates in gynecologic oncology patients

Ahmed N Al-Niaimi, Mostafa Ahmed, Nikki Burish, Saygin A Chackmakchy, Songwon Seo, Stephen Rose, Ellen Hartenbach, David M Kushner, Nasia Safdar, Laurel Rice, Joseph Connor

Published Date: September, 2014 - pmid:25263249 - Gynecologic oncology


False positive PET-CT scan and clinical examination in a patient with locally advanced vulvar cancer

Latoya J Perry, Onur Guralp, Ahmed Al-Niaimi, Noah A Zucker, David M Kushner

Published Date: December, 2013 - pmid:24371671 - Gynecologic oncology case reports


Community screening leading to the diagnosis of androgen insensitivity syndrome at the age of 65

Alison M Gold, Noah A Zucker, Mian M K Shahzad, David M Kushner

Published Date: December, 2013 - pmid:24371658 - Gynecologic oncology case reports


Preoperative hypoalbuminemia is an independent predictor of poor perioperative outcomes in women undergoing open surgery for gynecologic malignancies

Shitanshu Uppal, Ahmed Al-Niaimi, Laurel W Rice, Stephen L Rose, David M Kushner, Ryan J Spencer, Ellen Hartenbach

Published Date: August, 2013 - pmid:23962700 - Gynecologic oncology


A new diagnostic test for endometrial cancer?: Cytology analysis of sonohysterography distention media

Onur Guralp, Susan M Sheridan, Josephine Harter, James Louis Hinshaw, Songwon Seo, Ellen M Hartenbach, Steven Lindheim, Sarah Stewart, David M Kushner

Published Date: July, 2013 - pmid:23881100 - International journal of gynecological cancer : official journal of the International Gynecological Cancer Society


Terpenoids from Zingiber officinale (Ginger) induce apoptosis in endometrial cancer cells through the activation of p53

Yang Liu, Rebecca J Whelan, Bikash R Pattnaik, Kai Ludwig, Enkateswar Subudhi, Helen Rowland, Nick Claussen, Noah Zucker, Shitanshu Uppal, David M Kushner, Mildred Felder, Manish S Patankar, Arvinder Kapur

Published Date: January, 2013 - pmid:23300887 - PloS one


The role of appendectomy for mucinous ovarian neoplasms

Jennifer E Lin, Songwon Seo, David M Kushner, Stephen L Rose

Published Date: November, 2012 - pmid:23117124 - American journal of obstetrics and gynecology


Survivors of endometrial cancer: who is at risk for sexual dysfunction?

Nonyem Onujiogu, Tasha Johnson, Songwon Seo, Katherine Mijal, Joanne Rash, Lori Seaborne, Stephen Rose, David M Kushner

Published Date: August, 2011 - pmid:21855974 - Gynecologic oncology


Iatrogenic transtubal spill of endometrial cancer: risk or myth

Onur Guralp, David M Kushner

Published Date: August, 2011 - pmid:21837428 - Archives of gynecology and obstetrics


Uterine artery sparing robotic radical trachelectomy (AS-RRT) for early cancer of the cervix

Ahmed N Al-Niaimi, Margaret H Einstein, LaToya Perry, Ellen M Hartenbach, David M Kushner

Published Date: October, 2010 - pmid:20947081 - International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics


Effect of acetyl-l-carnitine on ovarian cancer cells' proliferation, nerve growth factor receptor (Trk-A and p75) expression, and the cytotoxic potential of paclitaxel and carboplatin

David B Engle, Jennifer A Belisle, Jennifer A A Gubbels, Sarah E Petrie, Paul R Hutson, David M Kushner, Manish S Patankar

Published Date: March, 2009 - pmid:19263582 - Gynecologic oncology


A protocol of dual prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism prevention in gynecologic cancer patients

M Heather Einstein, David M Kushner, Joseph P Connor, Alex A Bohl, Thomas J Best, Michael D Evans, Richard J Chappell, Ellen M Hartenbach

Published Date: November, 2008 - pmid:18978110 - Obstetrics and gynecology


The effect of laparoscopic guidance on gynecologic interstitial brachytherapy

David B Engle, Kristin A Bradley, Rick J Chappell, Joseph P Conner, Ellen M Hartenbach, David M Kushner

Published Date: July, 2008 - pmid:18657479 - Journal of minimally invasive gynecology


Sonohysterography and endometrial cancer: incidence and functional viability of disseminated malignant cells

Emily Berry, Steven R Lindheim, Joseph P Connor, Ellen M Hartenbach, Julian C Schink, Josephine Harter, Jens C Eickhoff, David M Kushner

Published Date: May, 2008 - pmid:18456240 - American journal of obstetrics and gynecology


Laparoscopic sentinel lymph node mapping for cervix cancer--a detailed evaluation and time analysis

David M Kushner, Joseph P Connor, Michael A Wilson, G Reza Hafez, Richard J Chappell, Sarah L Stewart, Ellen M Hartenbach

Published Date: June, 2007 - pmid:17560635 - Gynecologic oncology


Weekly docetaxel and carboplatin for recurrent ovarian and peritoneal cancer: a phase II trial

David M Kushner, Joseph P Connor, Federico Sanchez, Michael Volk, Julian C Schink, Howard H Bailey, Linda S Harris, Sarah L Stewart, Jason Fine, Ellen M Hartenbach, Wisconsin Oncology Network

Published Date: January, 2007 - pmid:17258800 - Gynecologic oncology


Human telomerase RNA degradation by 2'-5'-linked oligoadenylate antisense chimeras in a cell-free system, cultured tumor cells, and murine xenograft models

Jayashree M Paranjape, Da Xu, David M Kushner, James Okicki, Daniel J Lindner, Hagen Cramer, Robert H Silverman, Douglas W Leaman

Published Date: September, 2006 - pmid:16978086 - Oligonucleotides


Development and validation of a home-based, mirrored, gynecologic laparoscopy trainer

James K Robinson, David M Kushner

Published Date: March, 2006 - pmid:16527711 - Journal of minimally invasive gynecology


Use of a bupivacaine continuous wound infusion system in gynecologic oncology: a randomized trial

David M Kushner, Regina LaGalbo, Joseph P Connor, Rick Chappell, Sarah L Stewart, Ellen M Hartenbach

Published Date: August, 2005 - pmid:16055569 - Obstetrics and gynecology


Sonohysterography: a valuable tool in evaluating the female pelvis

Steven R Lindheim, Natalie Adsuar, David M Kushner, Elizabeth A Pritts, David L Olive

Published Date: October, 2003 - pmid:14581828 - Obstetrical & gynecological survey


Dr. Kushner's Research

Research Focus: Minimizing the negative impact of cancer and subsequent treatments on patients’ quality of life.


Kushner publishes article in American Cancer Society Journal

David Kushner, MD, professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, co-authored a new article published in American Cancer Society Journal. Co-authors include Narjust Florez, MD, Laurent Kiel, BS, Kelly Meza, MD, Zihan Wei, MS, Emanuele Mazzola, PhD, Ana I. Velazquex, MD, MSc, Idalid Franco, MD, MPH, Mary Jo Fidlr, MD, Ivy Elkins, Jill Feldman, Lori Seaborne, PA, Christine Heisler, MD, MS, Jennifer C. King, PhD, Amy Moore, PhD, Jacinta Wiens, PhD.

In “Sexual Health Assessment in Women with Lung Cancer study: Sexual health assessment in women with lung cancer”, Kushner and co-authors work to understand any correlations between lung cancer and sexual health. The study found that most women with stage IV lung cancer receiving targeted care felt little satisfaction in their sex lives.

“The most common reasons negatively affecting participants' satisfaction with their sex life included fatigue (40%) and feeling sad/unhappy (28%). Common reasons for lack of recent sexual activity included lack of interest (68%) and vaginal dryness or pain (30%). Compared to pre-diagnosis, women were significantly less likely to have recent interest in sexual activity. In multivariable logistic-regression, vaginal dryness showed a significant negative association with recent interest in sexual activity.”

Read the whole article here!

**by Paige Stevenson, Ob-Gyn Communications Intern


Kushner elected to UWSMPH Academic Planning Council

Congratulations to Dave Kushner, MD, professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology! Kushner was recently elected to a three-year term on the UW School of Medicine and Public Health’s Academic Planning Council (APC).

The APC advises the Dean’s Office on school programs and budgetary planning, including strategic and long-range planning for the SMPH, program review, and other key factors to help the school fulfill its academic mission.

Kushner will represent the Department of Ob-Gyn on this important council. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Dr. Kushner!


Kushner selected to serve on UW-Madison Biological Sciences Tenure Committee

Congratulations to David Kushner, MD, professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology! In this spring’s UW-Madison faculty committee elections, Kushner was selected to serve on the Biological Sciences Divisional Committee. His term on the committee begins in July 2023.

The Biological Sciences Divisional Committee, the executive committee of the Faculty Division of Biological Sciences, advises deans and directors about appointments and promotions to tenure and recommendations to use honorific modified professorial titles, names Hilldale Award recipients and Hilldale Lecture Series speakers, and makes appointments to standing and ad hoc committees.

Committee members serve three-year terms. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!​


Obstetrics and Gynecology features video demonstration of fluorescein mapping for Paget’s Disease

In February, UW Ob-Gyn gynecologic oncology fellows Catherine Zhang, MD, MPH and Matt Wagar, MD, published a new Procedures and Instruments piece, “Fluorescein Mapping in Vulvar Paget Disease”, in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Co-authors on the article include Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, and David Kushner, MD, professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology.

In the article, Zhang, Wagar, and co-authors describe a two-step procedure to identify areas of disease when treating Paget disease, and describe their results using this method to treat eight patients. Obstetrics and Gynecology recently shared a case demonstration video of the technique on their YouTube channel.

You can watch the technique video here!


Zhang, Wagar publish in Obstetrics and Gynecology

UW Ob-Gyn gynecologic oncology fellows Catherine Zhang, MD, MPH and Matt Wagar, MD, published a new Procedures and Instruments piece in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Co-authors on the article include Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, and David Kushner, MD, professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology.

In “Fluorescein Mapping in Vulvar Paget Disease”, Zhang, Wagar, and co-authors describe a two-step procedure to identify areas of disease when treating Paget disease, and describe their results using this method to treat eight patients. Their conclusions are optimistic: 

“We report a technique for the injection of fluorescein sodium for the visualization of vulvar Paget disease capable of providing accurate surgical margins and identification of occult satellite lesions with a high degree of safety and a favorable cost profile. This staged approach to vulvectomy could offer improved accuracy of resection for vulvar Paget disease with few drawbacks.”

Read the whole article here!


Rash, Peterson, Sobecki, Kushner publish in Supportive Care in Cancer

​The UW Women’s Integrative Sexual Health (WISH) Clinic team of Joanne Rash, PA, Megan Peterson, DNP, Janelle Sobecki, MD, and David Kushner, MD published a new article in the journal Supportive Care in Cancer.

In “Patient reported improvement in sexual health outcomes following care in a sexual health clinic for women with cancer", Rash and co-authors aimed to determine the impact of interventions provided in the WISH Clinic. They found:

“Women with cancer report integrative sexual health care to address sexual health problems that are helpful and result in long-term improvement. Patients are overall highly adherent to recommended therapies, and nearly all would recommend the program to others."

Read the whole study here!


Sobecki appointed medical director of UW Health WISH Program

Janelle Sobecki, MD, MA, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, recently stepped into the role of medical director for the UW Health Women’s Integrative Sexual Health (WISH) Program. Congratulations, Dr. Sobecki!

The WISH Program provides clinical consultation, resources, education, emotional support and appropriate referrals related to sexual health concerns for women with cancer. The program is open to people experiencing issues with gynecologic, breast, and other types of cancer. Sobecki became medical director on January 1, 2023.

David Kushner, MD, professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, is the outgoing WISH medical director. Kushner developed the WISH program at UW Health and led it through many years of growth. His vision, expertise and leadership have improved the cancer survivorship experience for countless patients in our area.

Our thanks to Dr. Kushner for his many years of leadership, and huge congratulations to Dr. Sobecki on this new role!


Kushner to become Vice Chair of Faculty Development, Education and Wellness

David Kushner, MD, Professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, has accepted the appointment of Vice Chair of Faculty Development, Education and Wellness. This appointment will be effective November 1, 2022!

As Vice Chair of Faculty Development, Education and Wellness, Kushner will be integrally involved with the department’s faculty mentoring program, recruitment, faculty promotions and supporting career development for faculty at all levels. Provider wellness is a new addition to this vice chair role and will include providing strategic vision and direction to the development, implementation, and evaluation of wellbeing initiatives, in collaboration with the department, UW SMPH, and UW Health leadership. He will also provide oversight and leadership for all levels of education in our department, working closely with the leaders of medical student, residency, fellowship, and graduate training programs to ensure the highest quality for all our educational programs.

Kushner brings a depth of experience to each aspect of this role. He has been a mentor to many early-career faculty, chairing and serving on countless faculty mentor committees as well as advising and mentoring medical students, residents, and fellows. He has long been a champion for wellbeing efforts, including founding and co-chairing the Society of Gynecologic Oncology Wellness Task Force, pioneering the Department of Ob-Gyn’s Wellness Committee in 2018, and serving as an active voice on the UW Health Provider Wellbeing Committee since its creation. He is an award-winning educator. During his tenure as director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, he successfully navigated the accreditation process to launch the UW Ob-Gyn Gynecologic Oncology fellowship, which he then led successfully for many years.

Thanks to Dr. Kushner for his leadership as Vice Chair of Research, a role he held since 2015, and congratulations on this new opportunity to shape the department’s faculty development, education, and wellness efforts!


Kushner published in Gynecologic Oncology

Dave Kushner, MD, professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, is senior author on a new publication in the journal Gynecologic Oncology.

In “SGO and the elephant that is still in the room: Wellness, burnout and gynecologic oncology”, Kushner and co-authors analyzes survey responses from physician and advanced practice provider members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology to compare mental health factors and burnout:

“Burnout in gynecologic oncology persists in both genders and is felt most acutely by female GOs. APPs are not immune and would benefit from inclusion in future research to mitigate burnout in healthcare clinicians.”

Read the whole study here!


SHAWL Study featured in World Conference on Lung Cancer media event

The Sexual Health Assessment in Women with Lung Cancer (SHAWL) study, co-authored by David Kushner, MD, professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, was featured in a media event during the 2022 World Conference on Lung Cancer in August!

The SHAWL study overall found that 77% of participants experienced moderate to severe sexual dysfunction. During a media conference in Vienna, SHAWL study principal investigator Narjust Florez, MD (formerly of UW Carbone Cancer Center, now of Dana Farber Cancer Institute) outlined the key findings from the study:

“The take-home message is that sexual dysfunction is prevalent in women with lung cancer, that sexual health should be integrated into thoracic oncology care — “now, not tomorrow” — and that further research is necessary to develop tailored interventions for patients with lung cancer, Florez said.”

Read the whole article here!


Kushner published in International Journal of Obesity

Professor David Kushner, MD, of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, is a co-author on a new study published in the International Journal of Obesity. 

In "Obesity and "obesity-related" cancers: Are there body mass index cut-points?", Kushner and co-authors used a retrospective cohort study to look for statistically significant associations between rising body mass index (BMI) and incidence of certain types of cancer:

“In adjusted logistic regression analyses, statistically significant associations were identified between increasing BMI and the incidence of kidney, thyroid, and uterine cancer. BMI cut-points were identified for kidney (26.3 kg/m2) and uterine (26.9 kg/m2) cancer.”

Read the whole study here.


Montemorano presenting at UW Resident and Fellow Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Symposium

On Thursday, May 26, UW Ob-Gyn gynecologic oncology fellow Lauren Montemorano, MD will present at the UW Resident and Fellow Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Symposium!

Montemorano will present “Code status documentation for admitted gynecologic oncology patients”, a project mentored by David Kushner, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology.

Incredible work, Dr. Montemorano!


Grand Rounds: Badger Bytes presentations on UW Ob-Gyn and Sexual Health Research

On May 12, 2022, several presenters shared updates on sexual health research and resources in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn during the Badger Bytes Grand Rounds presentation “UW Ob-Gyn and Sexual Health Research”.

The six presentations were:

Sex Therapy: Understanding Its Utility in Improving Patient Outcomes (presented by Madelyn Esposito-Smith, LPC)

Choosing the Right Vaginal Moisturizer and Lubricants for Your Patients (presented by Jon Pennycuff, MD, MSPH)

DaneMAC Mobile Forensic Nurse Exams – University Health Services (presented by Mary Landry, MD)

Cancer and Sexual Health: Clinical Need and Outcome Measures (presented by Joanne Rash, PA-C)

Cancer and Sexual Health: Collaborative Academic Partnership (presented by Janelle Sobecki, MD)

Cancer and Sexual Health: Setting Standards and Generating Evidence (presented by David Kushner, MD)

Watch the whole Badger Bytes presentation here!


Wang published in Gynecologic Oncology Reports

Congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn resident Connor Wang, MD, PGY-3, who is lead author on a new publication in Gynecologic Oncology Reports!

In the article “When we open and close: postoperative outcomes after aborted primary cytoreduction for ovarian cancer”, Wang and co-authors Matt Wagar, MD, PGY-4, Amy Godecker, PhD, Ahmed Al-Niaimi, MD, and David Kushner, MD aimed to expand available data to help counsel patients about outcomes after aborted primary debulking surgery.

This retrospective study looked at postsurgical morbidity for 43 patients who underwent aborted primary debulking surgery for advanced ovarian cancer:

“All patients subsequently underwent ICS, [interval cytoreductive surgery] with 21 (48.8%) achieving no residual macroscopic disease and 21 (48.8%) to ≤1cm of macroscopic disease. After AD [aborted primary debulking], 16 (37.2%) experienced at least one G≥3 event within the first 30 days. The most common complication was gastrointestinal complications. Preoperative albumin was the only significant predictor for G≥3 complication after AD.”

Read the whole study here!


UW Ob-Gyn presentations at 2022 Society of Gynecologic Oncology conference

Members of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, fellows and residents prepared an impressive slate of posters and presentations for the 2022 Society of Gynecologic Oncology Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer! Take a look at just some of the research brought to the hybrid conference, as well as the variety of service and leadership roles held by members of our department:

Ahmed Al-Niaimi, MD:

Master Class: Optimize and Operate: Enhancing Perioperative Quality, Safety, Experience, and Outcomes

Master Class: Debulk and Deliver: A Virtual Live-Streamed Master Class with Optional Hands-On Cytoreductive Surgery Lab 

Oral Plenary Presentation: Mechanical bowel preparation and post-operative renal dysfunction in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer

Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS:

Distillation: On-Demand Oral Featured Posters: Novel Therapies, PROs, and Disparities in Care

Special Interest Session: Curriculum for Emerging Clinical Trialists (Dr. Barroilhet is course director for this session)

Vice-Chair of the Patient Education Committee

Katherine Dryer, MD:

Poster: Outpatient palliative care utilization and aggressiveness of end-of-life care in women with gynecologic cancers (authors Kathryn Dryer MD, Janelle Sobecki MD, Michael Lasarev MS, Lena Law BA, Anna Stecher MD, Ellen Hartenbach MD)

Maya Gross, MD, MPH:

Poster: Risk factors associated with distress among postoperative patients in an academic gynecologic oncology practice

Ellen Hartenbach, MD:

Symposium: Wake to Wellness: Beating Burnout Through Better Patient Communication (Hartenbach presented “Mitigating Burnout Through Effective Communication Techniques”)

Palliative Medicine Committee 

Clinical Practice Committee

David Kushner, MD:

Finance Committee

Wellness Committee (Chair)

Developed two “Wake to Wellness” Sessions based on SGO Wellness Curriculum that was just published:

Managing Priorities 

Moving from Surviving to Thriving (Kushner will present as part of this session)

Senior author on Surgical Innovation presentation “Beneath the Surface: Fluorescein mapping in vulvar Paget’s Disease” given by Gyn Onc fellow Catherine Zhang, MD

Joanne Rash, PA:

Attending the SGO Board meeting (virtually), and will start her board term as the first-ever APP representative on the SGO board

Stephen Rose, MD:

Co-Chair of the Fellowship Program Directors Network and will be leading the annual meeting Thursday night. 

Hosting the UW Fellow Alumni Reception Sunday night

Senior author on Connor Wang’s study: Adaptive and maladaptive humor styles are closely associated with burnout and professional fulfillment in members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology

Shannon Rush, MD:

Poster: Hormone replacement therapy counseling at prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in high risk patients

Janelle Sobecki, MD:

Poster: Risk factors associated with distress among postoperative patients in an academic gynecologic oncology practice (Maya Gross, Sumer Wallace - Senior)

Poster: Outpatient Palliative Care Utilization and Aggressiveness of End-of-Life Care in Women with Gynecologic Cancers (Kathryn Dryer, Ellen Hartenbach – Senior)

Sumer Wallace, MD:

Serves on Policy, Quality, & Outcomes task force for the Health Policy and Socioeconomic committee

Connor Wang, MD:

Poster: Adaptive and maladaptive humor styles are closely associated with burnout and professional fulfillment in members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology

Catherine Zhang, MD:

Poster: Thromboembolic events in gynecologic cancer patients treated with chemotherapy (authors R. Zhang, MD; T. Stewart, BS; K. Tetreault, MS; R. Alexandridis, PhD; J. Bergsbaken, PharmD;  S. Wallace, MD; D. Kushner, MD;E. Hartenbach, MD)

Farr Nezhat Session Surgical Innovation Session: How Surgical Futurists are Revolutionizing Cancer Care (Zhang presented “Beneath the Surface: Fluorescein mapping in vulvar Paget’s Disease”)

Congratulations to all for these incredible achievements!


WISH Clinic team publishes article in Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology

A new article co-authored by Joanne Rash, PA-C, Megan Peterson, DNP, Janelle Sobecki, MD, and David Kushner, MD was published in the Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology!

Development, Implementation, and Patient Perspectives of the Women’s Integrative Sexual Health Program: A Program Designed to Address the Sexual Side Effects of Cancer Treatment” outlines the creation of the UW Carbone Cancer Center’s Women’s Integrative Sexual Health Clinic, which was created in 2013 by Rash and Lori Seabourne, PA-C. The publication also shares results from a patient experience survey:

“When asked how helpful their experience in the WISH program was, 99 of 113 (88%) reported that it was at least somewhat helpful. Seventy-five out of 110 (68%) said their experience in the WISH program improved their overall sexual function. Eighty out of 112 (71%) thought their sexual function would be worse if they had not been seen in the WISH program. Almost all (95%) reported they would recommend the WISH program to other women.”

Read the whole publication here. Congratulations to the WISH team!