Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. Wallace's Research

Research Focus: My research focuses on quality improvement, outcomes, and healthcare delivery as well as patient satisfaction.

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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!

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Wallace steps up as Gynecologic Oncology Director of Clinical Informatics

Our congratulations to Sumer Wallace, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology! Wallace recently accepted the role of Director of Clinical Informatics for the division.

Wallace has led the division’s initiative to improve Healthlink documentation of staging for patients, as well as driving the use of Notewriter to improve data collection through Healthlink. She is also working closely with the Healthlink analytics teams to better capture data collection for outcomes research.

As Director of Clinical Informatics, Wallace will continue to serve as the lead for Healthlink upgrades and continuing reviews. Congratulations on this well-deserved appointment!

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Wallace nominated for UW Health Rising Star Award

Congratulations to Sumer Wallace, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology! Wallace was nominated for the highly competitive UW Health Physician Excellence Rising Star Award.

Rising Star nominees are physicians on an upward career trajectory who “demonstrate exceptional patient and family centered care with a commitment to quality and patient safety.”

Wallace was nominated by colleagues who can see the exceptional path she is on. Congratulations, Dr. Wallace!

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Wallace published in Gynecologic Oncology

A new article in the journal Gynecologic Oncology by Sumer Wallace, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, uses multicenter data to assess outcomes for endometrial cancer patients with low-volume metastasis in sentinel lymph nodes.

“Oncologic outcomes of endometrial cancer in patients with low-volume metastasis in the sentinel lymph nodes: An international multi-institutional study” uses retrospective data from 22 international cancer centers, collected between 2009 and 2018. 

Read the whole article here!

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Women’s Healthcast: Cervical Cancer Prevention, Detection, Treatment

Cervical cancer is the third most common type of gynecologic cancer in the United States. On this replay episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Sumer Wallace, MD talks about what causes cervical cancer, how it’s treated, and why the HPV vaccine and regular screenings are important tools to help prevent cervical cancer. Wallace is an assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology.

Listen to Cervical Cancer Prevention, Detection, Treatment now.

Did you know the Women’s Healthcast is available on all your favorite podcast platforms? Whether you like to listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean, or anywhere else, you can find us! (Just search Women’s Healthcast, and while you’re at it, may as well subscribe!)

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Congratulations to winners of 2021 UW Ob-Gyn department awards!

On June 24, 2021, 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:

Klaus Diem, MD is retiring after many years of service in the department. Diem is a past director of the Division of Gynecology, and served as interim director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility during a transition time.

Jeff Rodzak, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, is also retiring. Rodzak will continue to see patients at the VA Hospital.

Cynthie Wautlet, MD, of the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, is headed to Colorado for a fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Congratulations, Dr. Wautlet!

We also have the great joy of welcoming new arrivals: 

Kristina Warner, MD will join us in July as the first-ever Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery fellow. Dr. Warner graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Biology, earned her medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, and is currently completing her Ob-Gyn residency at Northwestern University. 

Erin Bailey, MD will join the Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship program. Dr. Bailey received her M.D. from the University of Wisconsin. She is currently completing her Ob-Gyn residency at Washington University. 

Lauren Montemorano, MD is the incoming Gynecologic Oncology fellow. Dr. Montemorano earned her medical degree from the University of Virginia and is completing her Ob-Gyn residency at The Ohio State University.

Guadalupe Aguilera, PhD is a new postdoctoral fellow joining the Health Disparities Research Scholars program. Aguilera is finishing her PhD at the University of Utah in the Department of Sociology and will join the HDRS program in September 2021.

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

MEDICAL STUDENT AWARDS

DR. SAMUEL G. PERLSON SCHOLARSHIP – Erin Nacev, MD (Oregon Health & Science University); Steven Hesse, MD (University of Minnesota)

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 – Nicholas Schreiter

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 – Ramsey Larson, 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. 

RESIDENCY AWARDS

 CHIEF RESIDENT RECOGNITION – Ramsey Larson, MD; Stephanie Peace, MD

For service as the administrative chief resident, academic year 2020-2021

UW HEALTH INTERDISCIPLINARY GLOBAL HEALTH TRACK RECOGNITION – Stephanie Peace, MD

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

UW HEALTH RURAL TRAINING TRACK RECOGNITION – Laura McDowell, MD

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

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF GYNECOLOGIC LAPAROSCOPISTS (AAGL) AWARD – Ramsey Larson, MD

Given to a graduating resident with special excellence in endoscopic procedures.

SOCIETY OF LAPAROENDOSCOPIC SURGEONS (SLS) AWARD – Matt Wagar, MD

Awarded to a PGY3, outstanding laparoendoscopic resident.

RESIDENT CREOG AWARD – Ramsey Larson, MD

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

BEN M. PECKHAM AWARD – Stephanie Peace, MD

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

SOCIETY OF GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY (SGO) AWARD – Matt Wagar, MD

Awarded to a PGY3 who best exemplifies the qualities of the mission and vision of SGO.

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

Awarded to a PGY4 who has distinguished themselves academically and demonstrates an interest in a career as an Academic Specialist.

AMERICAN UROGYNECOLOGIC SOCIETY (AUGS) AWARD – Ushma Patel, MD

Awarded to a PGY3 resident demonstrating excellence in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, as chosen by the FPMRS faculty.

SOCIETY FOR MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE (SMFM) AWARD – Madeline Wetterhahn, MD, MPH

Awarded to the PGY2 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 – Jessica Vazquez, PhD

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

ROLAND K. MEYER GRADUATE TRAINEE AWARD – Amanda Mauro

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

CHESTER B. MARTIN GRADUATE TRAINING PROGRAM MENTORSHIP AWARD – María Virumbrales Muñoz, PhD

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 – Ramsey Larson, MD

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

DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE AWARD

OBGYN SUPPORT STAFF EXCELLENCE AWARD – Amy Williamson, MPP

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.

RESIDENT FACULTY AWARDS

JOHN M. ANDERSON, MD MEMORIAL AWARD – Heidi Brown, MD

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

KIMBERLEY J. MILLER-THORESON COMPASSIONATE COLLEAGUE AWARD – Kristen Sharp, 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 – Jennifer Karnowski, MD

For excellence in instruction at the senior resident level.

KARL A. RUDAT AWARD – Ahmed Al-Niaimi, MD

For excellence in surgical teaching at the senior resident level.

FACULTY RECOGNITION AWARDS

OUTSTANDING FELLOW EDUCATOR – Shannon Rush, MD

Given to one fellow in either Gynecologic Oncology or Maternal-Fetal Medicine for excellence in resident education.

ST. MARY’S ADJUNCT FACULTY EDUCATOR AWARD – Ryan Luellwitz, DO

Selected by the residents for excellence in resident education.

MERITER ADJUNCT FACULTY EDUCATOR AWARD – Mary Stoffel, 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 – Jennifer Karnowski, MD

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

SABINE DROSTE AWARD – Ruth Yemane, 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 – Sumer Wallace, MD

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

CREOG FACULTY AWARD – Kristen Sharp, MD

National faculty award for excellence in resident education.

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Wallace passes gyn onc oral boards

Please join us in our sincere congratulations to Sumer Wallace, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology! Wallace passed the gynecologic oncology oral board examination in April.

Though it was a strange and challenging time to prepare for the exam, we had no doubt Dr. Wallace would be successful!

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First HAGO Conference was a great success!

On September 10-11, the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology hosted the first-ever Heartland Association of Gynecologic Oncology (HAGO) meeting. More than 70 gynecologic oncology professionals tuned in for the virtual conference, which included two keynote presentations and 21 research abstract presentations.

HAGO was founded in 2020 by UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gyn Onc Director Stephen Rose, MD, and the program committee included Ryan Spencer, MD and UW Ob-Gyn Gyn Onc fellowship graduates Andrea O’Shea, MD and Shitanshu Uppal, MD.

Of the 21 abstracts selected for presentation, five were from our department (Matthew Wagar, MD with mentor Sumer Wallace, MD; Wagar with mentor Makeba Williams, MD; Shannon Rush, MD with mentor Steve Rose, MD; Rachel Mojdehbakhsh, MD with mentor Ryan Spencer, MD; and Connor Wang, MD with mentor Spencer).

UW Ob-Gyn Gyn Onc fellow Shannon Rush, MD earned the first Award for Clinical Research for her abstract “65 Revisited: A Revised Markov Model for Evaluating Oophorectomy at the Time of Hysterectomy for Benign Disease”!

Lisa Barroilhet, MD was also an invited distillation presenter and UW Ob-Gyn Department Chair Laurel Rice, MD gave a keynote address and received the inaugural HAGO Award for Service and Leadership.

Our congratulations to everyone involved in planning and preparing the HAGO Conference – incredible work!

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