Portrait

Jordan Ward, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Academic Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology



Office Address
20 S. Park Clinic
20 S. Park Street
Madison, WI, 53715


Administrative Assistant
Erin Mairs
emairs@wisc.edu
608-262-9401

Congratulations to winners of UW Ob-Gyn 2022 department awards!

On June 23, 2022, the UW Department of Ob-Gyn held its annual awards ceremony, recognizing educational, research and administrative accomplishments throughout the year.

The ceremony started by acknowledging a few momentous departures. Many people retired from the department this academic year, including:

Carol Carr, CNM (Midwife in the ASOG Division)

Janet Short (Medical Student Education program coordinator)

Theresa Duello, PhD (Research)

Joel Henry, MD (ASOG Division)

Laurel Rice, MD (Gyn Onc Division and Department Chair)

Jenny Stevens, MBA (Department Administrator)

Departures:

Emily Buttigieg, MD – headed to Albert Einstein School of Medicine as an academic specialist in ob-gyn

Jay Lick, DO – transitioned practice to UW Health Urgent Care

Jackie Peebles, MD – academic position at the Medical College of Wisconsin

Makeba Williams, MD – Vice Chair of Professional Development in the Washington University in St. Louis Department of Ob-Gyn


In Memorium:

Jason Austin – Dr. Ian Bird shared remarks about Jason Austin, longtime member of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, who passed away in March 2022. Jason was a senior research specialist who made countless contributions to our research mission, was an incredible educator of medical students, residents, fellows, postdocs and more, and his loss is deeply felt.


New Arrivals:

We also have the great joy of welcoming new arrivals: 

Scott Infusino, MD will join us in July as the Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellow. Infusino received his MD from Quinnipiac University, followed by ob-gyn residency at the University of Maryland.

A couple familiar faces will stay in our department for fellowships:

Matt Wagar, MD is the incoming Gynecologic Oncology fellow. Dr. Wagar attended the University of Minnesota Medical School and completed ob-gyn residency in our department. 

Ushma Patel, MD is the incoming Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery fellow. Dr. Patel attended Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and completed ob-gyn residency in our department.

And of course, we are thrilled to welcome the Ob-Gyn residency intern class!


MEDICAL STUDENT AWARDS

DR. SAMUEL G. PERLSON SCHOLARSHIP – Ingmar Bastian (Baylor), Katarina Braun (Yale), Leeann Bui (Santa Clara)

This award goes out to one or more fourth year medical students planning to pursue a career in Ob-Gyn who have demonstrated outstanding abilities as a scholar and outstanding humanistic qualities.

T.A. LEONARD AWARD – Jamie Elizabeth Brown, Francis Arnold Perkins

The T.A. Leonard Award is given to one or more medical students in recognition of exemplary performance on their third year Ob/Gyn rotation. 

MEDICAL STUDENT EDUCATOR AWARD FOR RESIDENT TEACHING – Matt Wagar, MD

This award is given to a UW-Madison, Obstetrics and Gynecology resident, selected by 3rd and 4th year medical students, who exhibits a high interest in teaching, actively involves students in patient care, teaches at an appropriate level, is respectful, approachable, honest, and is a great role model. 

OUTSTANDING RESIDENT TEACHING AWARD – Talya Spivak, MD

Given to the most exceptional resident teacher in all of UW SMPH, as voted on by UW-Madison’s 4th year medical students.


RESIDENCY AWARDS

CHIEF RESIDENT RECOGNITION – John Poehlmann, MD (Administrative Chief Resident), Vienna Tran, MD (Administrative Chief Resident), Matt Wagar, MD (first-ever Education Chief Resident)

For service as the chief residents, academic year 2021-22

UW HEALTH INTERDISCIPLINARY GLOBAL HEALTH TRACK RECOGNITION – Ushma Patel, MD

Given to a graduating resident upon the completion of the Global Health Track.

UW HEALTH RURAL TRAINING TRACK RECOGNITION – Alexa Lowry, MD

Given to a graduating resident upon the completion of the Rural Training Track. 

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF GYNECOLOGIC LAPAROSCOPISTS (AAGL) AWARD – Connor Wang, MD

Given to a PGY-3 resident with special excellence in endoscopic procedures.

SOCIETY OF LAPAROENDOSCOPIC SURGEONS (SLS) AWARD – Maya Gross, MD

Awarded to a PGY-3, outstanding laparoendoscopic resident.

RESIDENT CREOG AWARD – Maya Gross, MD

Awarded for the highest exam score on the annual CREOG In-Training Examination

BEN M. PECKHAM AWARD – Matt Wagar, MD

Awarded to a senior resident for excellence in the teaching and clinical practice of Ob-Gyn, as voted by the residents.

SOCIETY OF GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY (SGO) AWARD – Connor Wang, MD

Awarded to a PGY-3 who best exemplifies the qualities of the mission and vision of SGO.

SOCIETY FOR ACADEMIC SPECIALISTS IN GENERAL OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY (SASGOG) AWARD – Jordan Ward, MD

Awarded to a PGY-4 who has distinguished themselves academically and demonstrates an interest in a career as an Academic Specialist.

AMERICAN UROGYNECOLOGIC SOCIETY (AUGS) AWARD – Madeline Wetterhahn, MD

Awarded to a PGY-3 resident demonstrating excellence in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, as chosen by the FPMRS faculty.

SOCIETY FOR MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE (SMFM) AWARD – Kaley Gyorfi, MD

Awarded to the PGY-2 resident who best exemplifies the qualities of the vision of our society to improve pregnancy and perinatal outcomes.


RESEARCH AWARDS

DOUGLAS W. LAUBE BEST TRAINEE PAPER AWARD – Kristal Gant, PhD

For the best peer reviewed paper by a graduate student dissertator or medical fellow.

ROLAND K. MEYER, PhD GRADUATE TRAINEE AWARD – Rachel Dahn, BS (mentor: Ian Bird); Kristal Gant, PhD (mentor: Manish Patankar)

Awarded to the graduate student dissertator showing the most scientific productivity and scholarly activity.

CHESTER B. MARTIN GRADUATE TRAINING PROGRAM MENTORSHIP AWARD – Luca Clemente, PhD (postdoctoral fellow in Ian Bird and Derek Boeldt’s lab)

Awarded to faculty or staff that has had the most impact on graduate student degree-related training.

PHILLIP R. HAMILTON III, MD RESIDENT RESEARCH AWARD – John Poehlmann, MD

Awarded to the senior residents demonstrating the best effort in research.      


ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDER AWARDS

APP/CNM EXCELLENCE AWARD – Megan Peterson, DNP

This award recognizes outstanding PA, NP, or CNM who routinely and regularly exemplifies the mission of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

BEST CONSULTING RESIDENT PHYSICIAN AWARD – Matt Wagar, MD

Given to a PGY-2, 3 or 4 who exemplifies significant consulting physician skills.


DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF AWARDS

OBGYN SUPPORT STAFF EXCELLENCE AWARD – Christy Lincicum

In recognition of outstanding staff who routinely and regularly exemplify the mission of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology through excellent performance and customer service.

JENNIFER STEVENS AWARD IN SUPPORT STAFF LEADERSHIP AWARD – Chad Craighill

In recognition of staff who display exemplary leadership skills, positive influence on colleagues, and an ability to affect change in support of the department’s mission and vision.

OBGYN SUPPORT STAFF PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD – Lisa Scott, PhD

In recognition of a commitment to lifelong learning and contributions to department success through continuing education.

OBGYN SUPPORT STAFF RISING STAR AWARD – Ariel Sorenson, MS

In recognition of a staff member who has been with the department 3 years or less who is emerging as a leader and whose record reflects ongoing and exceptional growth in contribution to the department mission. 


RESIDENT FACULTY RECOGNITION AWARDS

JOHN M. ANDERSON, MD MEMORIAL AWARD – Jackie Peebles, MD

For demonstrating the traits of Dr. Anderson: patience, integrity and compassion in the care of women.

KIMBERLEY J. MILLER-THORESON COMPASSIONATE COLLEAGUE AWARD – Patrice Grzebielski, MD

For demonstrating the traits of Dr. Miller-Thoreson showing respect, compassion, dedication and unending support towards their colleagues and trainees.

DOLORES A. BUCHLER AWARD – Luther Gaston, MD

For excellence in instruction at the senior resident level.

KARL A. RUDAT AWARD – Jay Lick, DO

For excellence in surgical teaching at the senior resident level.


FACULTY RECOGNITION AWARDS

LUIS “BEN” CURET AWARD IN OB-GYN EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE – Ian Bird, PhD

This award honors one individual who demonstrates a true passion for education. This awardee is selected by colleagues and recognizes one who exhibits compassion, patience, and respect for all learners and goes above and beyond expectations to create a positive educational experience within the discipline of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

LAUREL W. RICE OUTSTANDING FELLOW EDUCATOR AWARD – Jennifer Jacobson, MD

Given to one fellow for excellence in resident education.

ST. MARY’S ADJUNCT FACULTY EDUCATOR AWARD – Elizabeth Strom, MD (SSM Health)

Selected by the residents for excellence in resident education.

MERITER ADJUNCT FACULTY EDUCATOR AWARD – Sarah Yahnke, MD (Madison Women’s Health)

Selected by the residents for excellence in resident education. 

SOCIETY FOR ACADEMIC SPECIALISTS IN GENERAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY (SASGOG) AWARD – Cholene Espinoza, MD

National faculty award for dedication and commitment to the ideals of being an academic generalist.

SABINE DROSTE AWARD – Cholene Espinoza, MD

The Sabine Droste Award is selected by the junior residents for a faculty member who demonstrates excellence in instruction at the junior resident level.

ELLEN HARTENBACH AWARD – Emily Buttigieg, MD

Selected by the residents and given annually to the faculty member who has made the greatest contribution in simulation education.

CREOG FACULTY AWARD – Cholene Espinoza, MD

National faculty award for excellence in resident education.


Goodbye Resident Class of 2022!

The UW Ob-Gyn Resident Class of 2022 is about to embark on the next stages of their careers! Please join us in congratulating these incredible physicians on everything they have accomplished over the last four years, and wishing them the best as they head out into the world as ob-gyns!


Alexa Lowry, MD:

Where will you be going and what will you be doing after UW Ob-Gyn? 

Generalist - Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse, WI

What will you miss most about UW Ob-Gyn and/or Madison?

I will miss all of the amazing people we have the honor of working with in this program. From the residents to the attendings to the support staff, we have a wonderful work family. Leaving is very bittersweet, mostly due to these many special individuals. 


Ushma Patel, MD:

Where will you be going and what will you be doing after UW Ob-Gyn?

I'm so excited to be joining the UW FPMRS department for fellowship!

How do you feel UW Ob-Gyn prepared you for success after residency?

I feel so lucky to have matched and trained at UW, being mentored and supervised by faculty that truly care about our growth. Looking back at my own journey from intern year to now, it's amazing to see my personal evolution - all because of this department's constant commitment to our education and surgical training. I feel well prepared for fellowship!

Any special shout-outs or thanks to faculty, staff, other residents who really shaped your time here?

The UW OBGYN residents; Dr. Brown - for being the best mentor, colleague and friend. 

The milestones: 

Dr. Bills - for being there for my first vaginal delivery

Dr. Peebles - for walking me through my first cesarean delivery

Dr. Barroilhet - for taking me through my first laparoscopic case & hysterectomy

A loving goodbye to Drs. Peebles, Lick and Williams 


Daniel Pellicer, MD:

Where will you be going and what will you be doing after UW Ob-Gyn?

I'll be staying in Madison and practicing as a general OB/Gyn at Dean Clinic- East Madison.

What are the most important things you learned during your residency?

I've learned lots of important lessons these last four years about medicine, myself, and others. Here are just a few. First, admitting when you feel out of your element and asking for help is never the wrong thing to do. Second, always befriend the nurses and other members of the healthcare team. It makes the countless hours at work more fun and also makes it easier to get things done when you have an army on your side. And lastly, eat when you can and go to the bathroom when you can because you never know when an unscheduled c-hyst is going to fall into your lap.

How do you feel UW Ob-Gyn prepared you for success after residency?

I feel extremely prepared for success after residency. Not only do we get high volume experience in both inpatient obstetrics and gynecology, but we also get lots of really great experience in family planning and ultrasound. I can't imagine having trained anywhere else.

What will you miss most about UW Ob-Gyn and/or Madison?

Fortunately I won't be far and I'll still get to work with our OB/GYN residents at St. Mary's Hospital, albeit in a different role! I'll miss working so closely with all the clinical faculty in the department, but you better believe I'll still call for advice when challenging clinical scenarios come my way.


John Poehlmann, MD: 

Where will you be going and what will you be doing after UW Ob-Gyn?

Headed to Women & Infants Hospital/Brown University in Rhode Island for Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship

What are the most important things you learned during your residency?

The clinical training was exceptional and I feel very prepared to take the next step in my career both medically and surgically. In addition, I think that UW emphasized other important components of healthcare outside of just clinical skills: advocacy, cognizance about patient needs in underserved or lower-resource settings, and a sense a duty to my community as a healthcare provider. I also learned a great deal from my peers on how to be a better team-member, leader, and colleague.

How do you feel UW Ob-Gyn prepared you for success after residency?

Aside from seeing a great breadth and depth of clinical cases and challenges over the four years, I think that I have developed a greater sense of what resources to turn to when I am in unfamiliar situations. Learning not just the textbook answers, but also how to utilize those guidelines in clinical context along with appropriate judgement has been a highlight.

What will you miss most about UW Ob-Gyn and/or Madison?

Without a doubt I will miss the people the most - from my co-residents to my attendings, nurses, APPs, surgical techs, clinic staff, administration, and everyone in-between. This has been an incredible community to be a part of and I remain so thankful that I was able to train here.

Any special shout-outs or thanks to faculty, staff, other residents who really shaped your time here?

There are far too many people for me to ever adequately thank and at risk for accidentally excluding someone I do not want to make a list. I have been shaped as a person and a physician by each of my experiences in residency and that is something I can never repay. Thank you!


Vienna Tran, MD: 

Where will you be going and what will you be doing after UW Ob-Gyn?

Seattle – generalist practice

What are the most important things you learned during your residency?

The most important things I learned were how to function as part of a team, how to learn and grow with my colleagues, how to build strong relationships with nurses, techs, consultants, and how to have fun and take good care of patients. Everything I learned will help keep me loving what I do for a long time.

How do you feel UW Ob-Gyn prepared you for success after residency?

I feel like I learned how to be prepared. I was taught this incredible background of surgical skills, I learned about the research that underpins the decisions we make. I’m going to need those skills to assess new situations, because I won’t always know exactly what to do right away, but I have the foundation to help me to critically assess patients and come up with plans.

What will you miss most about UW Ob-Gyn and/or Madison?

I think I am going to miss the people, honestly. Like, I had incredible teachers, I have the best co-residents in the whole world. I’ll also miss the Madison summer lake days, and hanging out on the terrace, but mostly the people.

Any special shout-outs or thanks to faculty, staff, other residents who really shaped your time here?

I do want to shout out Dr. Rice for always leading us with such vision, Dr. Hartenbach for choosing me when I was a medical student and bringing me here, and for the leadership I know she’ll show in the future. Dr. Spencer for putting up with my late-night texts, long scheduling calls and always having our backs. To my class, for everything. All the co-residents and everyone who made this the best four years.

Special thanks Dr. Bills for always lending a listening ear, and Dr. Bennett for bike rides to Planned Parenthood and championing reproductive health care access. 


Matt Wagar, MD:

Where will you be going and what will you be doing after UW Ob-Gyn? 

I will be staying at UW to complete my fellowship in Gyn Oncology. ​

What are the most important things you learned during your residency?

I learned there's always more than one way to get the job done, and when in doubt - you have to load the boat. I also learned how to inhale my entire lunch in under five minutes. 

How do you feel UW Ob-Gyn prepared you for success after residency? 

I feel incredibly prepared to begin my training as a cancer surgeon - UW gave me a broad exposure to all aspects of women's health, and a skillset that I feel ready to hone, as well as teach to others. 

What will you miss most about UW Ob-Gyn and/or Madison? 

Not a lot since I'm not leaving! I'll miss everyone who is leaving me though (rude). I'll also miss living across the street from Rachel & Vienna - Seattle is a longer commute. I'll also miss obstetrics, delivering babies is not for the faint of heart, and if you ever need help with a vaginal breech I'm just down the street!!!

Any special shout-outs or thanks to faculty, staff, other residents who really shaped your time here? 

Dr. Sample and Dr. McDonald for teaching me how to do my first c-section and hysterectomy, respectively. The entirety of the Gyn Oncology division for fostering my interest in Gyn Onc (and giving me a job, thank you!!). Dr. MJ Kao and Dr. Rodzak for continuing to mentor me despite graduating and retiring (is it obvious yet that I have a hard time letting go?). Dr. Williams for all her mentorship and insight, and my entire class for making it through the last four years together, there's not a better group of people. 


Jordan Ward, MD:

Where will you be going and what will you be doing after UW Ob-Gyn?

I am thrilled to be joining the ASOG Division here at UW!

What are the most important things you learned during your residency?

While I have learned so much, the most important lessons have been to trust my instincts and to never be afraid to ask for help (as Dr. Rice would say, "load the boat!"). 

How do you feel UW Ob-Gyn prepared you for success after residency?

The high volume of general obstetrics and benign gynecology along with the rich exposure to subspeciality experience in Gyn Oncology, MFM, FPMRS, and REI has prepared me for the extensive breadth and depth of a career in general obstetrics and gynecology. Additionally, the surgical experience we have in this program is exceptional and I feel well-prepared for whatever I may encounter in my career.  


Save the Dates: UW Ob-Gyn 2022 Research Events

Save the dates for three UW Department of Ob-Gyn research events in 2022:

February 24, 2022 - Resident Research Day

Featuring a keynote presentation by Lisa Hollier, MD, MPH, professor of ob-gyn at Baylor College of Medicine and former president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Resident research presentations by PGY-4 residents John Poehlmann, MD, and Matthew Wagar, MD.

March 3, 2022 - Resident Research Day 

Featuring a keynote by Catherine Bradley, MD, MSCE, professor of ob-gyn at the University of Iowa. Resident research presentations by PGY-4 residents Ushma Patel, MD, Jordan Ward, MD and Daniel Pellicer, MD.

May 26, 2022 - Department Research Day

Featuring a keynote presentation by Jeffrey Peipert, MD, PhD, professor of ob-gyn at the Indiana University School of Medicine. UW Ob-Gyn faculty Jenny Higgins, PhD and Laura Jacques, MD will give research presentations. Graduating fellows Shannon Rush, MD (gynecologic oncology) and Jennifer Jacobson, MD (maternal-fetal medicine) will present their fellowship research projects.


Grand Rounds: Ward presents “Traumatic Birth Experience and Perinatal PTSD”

On August 26, 2021, UW Ob-Gyn resident Jordan Ward, MD, PGY-4 presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Traumatic Birth Experience and Perinatal PTSD.

 

In the lecture, Ward defined traumatic birth and perinatal PTSD, identified risk factors, described long-term consequences from the experience, and proposed strategies to prevent traumatic birth experiences.

 

Watch the whole lecture here