Ob-Gyn Department News

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology began its academic mission of training excellent women's health physicians in 1929. Since then, hundreds of distinguished graduates have pursued successful careers as general ob-gyns, cancer specialists, surgeons, experts in high-risk pregnancy conditions, and more. UW-Madison-trained physicians and researchers work across the world as committed partners in women's health. 

Domeyer-Klenske joins Governor’s Task Force on Healthcare Workforce

Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn Director Amy Domeyer-Klenske, MD, was selected to join the Wisconsin Governor’s Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce. The task force met for the first time on Wednesday, March 13!The task force will be charged with studying the workforce challenges facing the state’s healthcare system, including recruitment and retention, identify... more

Cooney publishes reflection in Fertility and Sterility

Laura Cooney, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, published a Reflection piece in the journal Fertility and Sterility.Cooney’s article “Are we writing letters of mis-recommendation?” is a reflection essay in response to the article “Do gender differences exist in letters of recommendation for reproductive endocrinology and i... more

Green honored at UW–Madison Outstanding Women of Color Awards Ceremony

On March 7, 2024, the UW–Madison Division of Diversity, Equity and Educational Achievement hosted the Outstanding Women of Color Awards. Tiffany Green, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Reproductive and Population Health and the Department of Population Health Sciences, was one of six recipients honored at the ceremony.The Outstanding Women of Color Awards honor ex... more

Higgins to lead panel on reproductive health at Ripon College, March 21

UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH, will co-lead a panel discussion at Ripon College titled “The State of Women’s Health in Wisconsin​” on March 21, 2024. The in-person event begins at 6:30pm.Discussion topics include reproductive health, chronic health conditions, depression and postpartum maternal health, infant mortality and minority... more

Cooney co-authors article on live birth rates and PCOS in Fertility and Sterility

Laura Cooney, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, is the lead author on a new study published in Fertility and Sterility.“The details matter: personalized prediction of live birth following in vitro fertilization in women with polycystic ovary syndrome” is a multicenter, retrospective cohort study attempting to validate a pr... more

It’s a Match: Meet the UW Department of Ob-Gyn Resident Class of 2028!

We are thrilled to introduce the incoming UW Ob-Gyn Resident Class of 2028, who matched into our residency on March 15, 2024. Please help us welcome these future ob-gyns to our department!Maya Adler - Boston University School of MedicineTaylor Badger - Southern Illinois University School of MedicineChelsie Clark - University of Michigan Medical SchoolMichelle DeMeo - Rush Me... more

Cutler fact checks pregnancy test claims with Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Abigail Cutler, MD, MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, spoke with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for a Politifact Wisconsin article about how soon pregnancy tests can detect a pregnancy.In the article “Fact check: Claim that pregnancy can be detected the day after conception is false”, Cutler explained the typical timeline of fertiliz... more

Sanneh presents on panel during Department of Medicine Education Day

UW Department of Ob-Gyn resident Awa Sanneh, MD, PGY-4, joined a panel of physicians who shared their experiences with becoming parents during medical training at the 2024 UW School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Medicine Education Day on February 23, 2024.Sanneh spoke during the breakout session “Fertility, Pregnancy, Parental Leave & Lactation Issues in GME”. ... more

Cooney receives UW Health Clinical Practice Physician Excellence Award

Please help us congratulate Laura Cooney, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility! Cooney was selected to receive a UW Health Clinical Practice Physician Excellence Award. Cooney and other winners will be honored at the UW Health Physician Excellence Awards Ceremony on May 15, 2024.The Clinical Practice Physician Excellence Award... more

Save the Date: Gloria Sarto Reproductive Health Symposium, October 10, 2024

The first UW Women’s Health and Health Equity Research Lecture and Symposium grew out of the pioneering vision of Dr. Gloria Sarto and Dr. Gloria Johnson-Powell in 2005. Since then, hundreds of people have shared their research addressing persistent gender, racial, and health disparities through presentations and posters at the event. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the... more

Women’s Healthcast: Fourth Trimester: Pregnancy Prevention, featuring Katie Sampene, MD

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists calls the 12 weeks after giving birth the Fourth Trimester. On the Women’s Healthcast, we’re airing a Fourth Trimester series, with episodes about physical recovery after birth, postpartum mental health, breastfeeding, and more. Katie Sampene, MD, joined this episode to talk about pregnancy prevention in the fourth trim... more

Grand Rounds: Fox presents “Modern Management of the Placenta Accreta Spectrum and Complex Cesarean”

On March 7, Karin Fox, MD, MEd, assistant professor of maternal-fetal medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch Department of Ob-Gyn, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Modern Management of the Placenta Accreta Spectrum and Complex Cesarean.” Fox gave the Dr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Leonard Visiting Professor Series lecture at Resident Research Day. In the lecture, Fox ... more

Cooney publishes study on PCOS and mental health in Fertility and Sterility

Laura Cooney, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, co-authored a new study published in Fertility and Sterility. Co-authors include Snigdha Alur-Gupta, MD and Anuja Dokras, MD, PhD.In “Management of polycystic ovary syndrome must include assessment and treatment of mental health symptoms,” Cooney and co-authors mention how an... more

Grand Rounds: Denlinger presents “How to Get Involved in Clinical Trials”

On February 29, Loren Denlinger, MD, PhD, professor in the UW-Madison Department of Medicine, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “How to Get Involved in Clinical Trials.”In the lecture, Denlinger gave a comprehensive discussion outlining not just the value of clinical trials but also how to get involved with trial teams and the resources available for investigators in clinic... more

Grands Rounds: Cass presents “HPV Vaccination and Lower Genital Tract Dysplasia: The Promise and the Reality”

On February 22, Ilana Cass, MD, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “HPV Vaccination and Lower Genital Tract Dysplasia: The Promise and the Reality.” Cass gave the Dr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Leonard Visiting Professor Series lecture at Resident Research Day. In the lecture, Cass discussed HPV prevention and... more

UW Department of Ob-Gyn at 2024 ACOG Congressional Leadership Conference

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists hosted the 2024 Congressional Leadership Conference in Washington, DC, March 3-5. Many members of the UW Department of Ob-Gyn attended the conference to strengthen their advocacy skills and meet with Wisconsin legislators to discuss issues like Medicare payment and improving maternal mortality. Faculty: Amy Domeyer-Kle... more

Presentations and posters at the 2024 CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting

The Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics hosted their 2024 Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. UW Department of Ob-Gyn faculty and residents brought a variety of presentations to this education-focused conference. Just some of their incredible offerings: Breakout session: "A Brave New Worl... more

Gravelle selected for induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society

Congratulations to UW Department of Ob-Gyn resident John Gravelle, MD, PGY-3, who was selected for induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society as a resident/fellow member! Gravelle was nominated by members of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health medical student class of 2024 to join the society.Alpha Omega Alpha is a medical honor society that recognizes indivi... more

Bharucha selected as first-ever Quality Chief Resident

The UW Department of Ob-Gyn is excited to announce that Kharmen Bharucha, MD, will be the inaugural Quality Chief Resident! This is a new role that will be annually selected from the rising PGY-3 resident class. As the Quality Chief Resident,Bharucha will be embedded in the department’s existing relevant committee work, including the Quality Improvement Review Committee and ... more

Rhoades promoted to Associate Professor (CHS)

Huge congratulations to Janine Rhoades, MD, of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine! The School of Medicine and Public Health CHS Promotion to Associate Professor Committee unanimously voted to approve Rhoades promotion to Associate professor (CHS), effective June 30, 2024. Rhoades joined the UW Department of Ob-Gyn in 2018 after completing MFM fellowship at Washington Un... more

Sobecki presents at NRG Oncology Winter Meeting

Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, presented at the NRG Oncology Winter Meeting on February 16, 2024. The conference was held in Orlando, Florida. Sobecki, who is the medical director of the UW Health Women’s Integrated Sexual Health (WISH) program, presented “What We Don’t Talk About When We Don’t Talk About Sex & Cancer” duri... more

Green to be honored at Outstanding Women of Color reception on March 7

Tiffany Green, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Reproductive and Population Health and the School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Population Health Sciences! Green is one of six recipients of the 2023 University of Wisconsin–Madison Outstanding Women of Color Awards. Green’s award was announced last November; the ceremony honoring Green and the other a... more

Farooque receives WMAA Outstanding Resident Teaching Award

Congratulations to UW Department of Ob-Gyn resident Alma Farooque, MD, PGY-1, who was selected to receive the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association (WMAA) 2024 Outstanding Resident Teaching Award! The WMAA Distinguished Faculty and Resident Clinical Science Teaching Awards are given to the most exceptional teachers from across the statewide campus. Farooque was voted best res... more

Professional Development Funding Feature: Ladanyi attends physician leadership course

Each fiscal year, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Development Committee makes available a total of $10,000 for professional development. Faculty may submit applications at any time (until funds are exhausted for the current fiscal year). Camille Ladanyi, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, used Faculty Development F... more

Domeyer-Klenske talks about postpartum health care with Wisconsin Watch

UW Department of Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn Director Amy Domeyer-Klenske, MD, discussed health care barriers for postpartum people with public insurance in a new article from Wisconsin Watch. In “Wisconsin’s Medicaid postpartum protection lags most of the country”, Domeyer-Klenske outlined the challenges for someone who might lose Medicaid coverage in ... more

Grand Rounds: Harrison presents “Cannabis and Reproductive Health”

On January 25, Department of Ob-Gyn resident Margaret Harrison, MD, PGY4, presented the Grand Rounds lecture, “Cannabis and reproductive health: Impacts on preconception, gestational, and fetal outcomes.” In the lecture, Harrison explored broadly the availability and usage of cannabis and the accuracy of health information related to it. Later, she spoke more specifically on... more

Women's Healthcast: Fourth Trimester: Breastfeeding, featuring Molly Lepic, DO

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists calls the 12 weeks after giving birth the Fourth Trimester. Molly Lepic, DO, assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, joined the Women’s Healthcast to discuss a common postpartum topic: breastfeeding. Lepic talked about how breastfeeding works, common questions about nutrition, rest, and hy... more

Grand Rounds: Andes presents “Ob-Gyn residency abortion training in a post-Dobbs era”

On February 8, Department of Ob-Gyn resident Alexandra Andes, MD, PGY-4, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Ob-Gyn residency abortion training in a post-Dobbs era”.In the lecture, Andes first addressed the current state and availability of abortion services within the United States and how it relates to Ob-Gyn residency programs. Then, she compared the availability of abort... more

Posters, presentations, and awards at the 2024 Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine conference

Faculty, trainees, researchers, and more from the UW Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology brought posters and presentations to the 2024 Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Meeting in National Harbor, Maryland, this February. Read on for some of their exciting accomplishments! Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellow Jackie Powell, MD, earned the Best Poster of Poster Ses... more

Welcome incoming REI fellow Jayapriya Jayakumaran, MD!

The UW Department of Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) is excited to announce that Jayapriya Jayakumaran, MD will join us as the first-ever REI fellow!Jayakumaran earned her medical degree from Madras Medical College, followed by obstetrics and gynecology residency at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital and University of Central Florid... more

Grand Rounds: Kaljo presents “Teaching in Virtually Every Learning Environment”

On February 1, Kristina Kaljo, PhD, associate professor in the Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Teaching in Virtually Every Learning Environment”.In the lecture, Kaljo compared the different perspectives around hybrid learning systems and shared strategies to help facilitate active learning in any setti... more

Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Fellowship earns ACGME accreditation

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology’s Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) Fellowship received initial accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) on February 7, 2024! Bala Bhagavath, MD, professor and director of the Division of REI, will serve as the fellowship program director. This will be the first REI fellowsh... more

Women’s Healthcast: Fourth Trimester: Perineal Tears, featuring Jon Pennycuff, MD, MSPH

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists​ calls the 12 weeks after giving birth the Fourth Trimester. Jon Pennycuff, MD, MSPH, assistant professor in the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, discussed a common aspect of postpartum recovery on the second episode of the Women’s Healthcast Fourth Trimester series: perineal tears. Perinea... more

Gravelle, Sibbald, Williams named chief residents for 2024-25 academic year

Congratulations to UW Department of Ob-Gyn residents John Gravelle, MD, Carrie Sibbald, MD, and Maggie Williams, MD, who will step into chief resident roles on May 1, 2024! Gravelle and Sibbald will be the Administrative Chief Residents, transitioning into the role with support from current administrative chiefs Alex Andes, MD, and Margaret Harrison, MD. Williams will be the... more

Green, Higgins cited in WPR article about Wisconsin birth rates

​Tiffany Green, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Reproductive and Population Health, and Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH, professor and director of the UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity and Division of Reproductive and Population Health, were cited in a recent Wisconsin Public Radio story about the effects of overturning Roe v. Wade in June 2022 on Wisconsin birth ... more

Stanic Lab publishes study in Frontiers in Immunology

Aleksandar Stanic-Kostic, MD, PhD, associate professor in the Divisions of Reproductive Sciences and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, co-authored a new article published in Frontiers in Immunology. Postdoctoral researcher Jessica Vazquez, PhD, is lead author on the article, and co-authors include Mona A. Mohamed, Soma Banerjee, PhD, Logan T. Keding, PhD, Michelle ... more

Welcome Katie O’Brien, MD, to Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn

Dr. Kathleen (Katie) O’Brien will join the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn as an assistant professor on September 1, 2024. O’Brien is currently completing a fellowship in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (PAG); she will be a valuable addition to our clinical offerings. O’Brien completed medical school at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Publi... more

Jacques selected for WMAA Early Career Achievement Award

Laura Jacques, MD, associate professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, was selected to receive a 2024 Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association (WMAA) Early Career Achievement Award! Jacques will be honored at an award presentation ceremony on April 19, 2024. The WMAA Early Career Achievement Award honors UW School of Medicine and Public Health MD alumni who ha... more

Welcome Outreach Program Manager Timothy O’Hearn!

Please help us welcome Timothy O’Hearn, MPH, who joined the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology on January 29, 2024, as the new Outreach Program Manager! In this role, Timothy will lead the department’s in- and outreach efforts. Prior to joining our department, Timothy served as the Program Administrator of Family Planning with the Florida Department of Health. In this r... more

Boeldt awarded Office of Vice Chancellor for Research grant

Congratulations to Derek Boeldt, PhD, assistant professor in the Division of Reproductive Sciences! Boeldt received a UW-Madison Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, Fall Research Competition award for the project “Endothelial immunomodulatory phenotypes may underlie preeclampsia”. The award supports one year of research associate salary and fringe benefits, from July... more

Sobecki discusses cervical cancer screenings with WBAY-TV 2

Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, discussed cervical cancer symptoms and screening with WBAY-TV 2 during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in January. In the interview, Sobecki reminded viewers that cervical cancer symptoms can be subtle and emphasized the importance of timely cancer screenings. She also provided an update on HP... more

Professional Development Funding Feature: Gaston attends critical care courses

Each fiscal year, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Development Committee makes available a total of $10,000 for professional development. Faculty may submit applications at any time (until funds are exhausted for the current fiscal year). Luther Gaston, MD, associate professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, used Faculty Development Fund... more

Domeyer introduces Vice President Harris at reproductive health event in Wisconsin

Vice President Kamala Harris visited Wisconsin to launch the “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” tour on January 22, 2024. Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn Director Amy Domeyer-Klenske, MD, attended the event to give remarks and introduce the vice president before her speech.Domeyer-Klenske talked about the uncertainties of providing ob-gyn care and the challenges of... more

Cutler introduces governor at Wisconsin Doctor Day 2024

The Wisconsin Medical Society hosted Wisconsin Doctor Day, an annual advocacy event connecting physicians and legislators to discuss health policy issues, on January 23, 2024. Abigail Cutler, MD, MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, introduced Governor Tony Evers before his welcome remarks at the event. This year, Doctor Day’s advocacy ... more

Women’s Healthcast: 4th Trimester: Physical Recovery, featuring Kim Bannon, MD

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists​ calls the 12 weeks after giving birth the Fourth Trimester. For the next few months, the Women’s Healthcast will air a Fourth Trimester series, with episodes about physical recovery, postpartum mood changes, breastfeeding, and so much more. On the first episode of the Fourth Trimester series, Kim Bannon, MD, assistant ... more

Welcome Awa Sanneh to Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn

Awa Sanneh, MD, has accepted our offer to join the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn faculty as an assistant professor (CHS), effective September 3, 2024. Dr. Sanneh will be a Centennial Clinician faculty, with a role focusing on clinical care, education, and global health. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Sanneh to our faculty!Sanneh earned her medical degree at Joh... more

Senderowicz publishes in Studies in Comparative International Development

Leigh Senderowicz, ScD, MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Reproductive and Population Health, co-authored a new article published in Studies in Comparative International Development. Co-authors include Taryn Valley, MA.In “Fertility Has Been Framed: Why Family Planning Is Not a Silver Bullet for Sustainable Development,” Senderowicz and Valley challenge popular ide... more

Grand Rounds: Collier presents “Vaccines in Pregnancy”

On January 11, 2024, Ai-Ris Collier, MD, assistant professor of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Vaccines in Pregnancy.”In the lecture, Collier went through the various vaccines that are suitable for women to get during pregnancy and in postpartum. She explained the effects of maternal immunization on fetuse... more

Rice’s Belzer Award featured in SMPH Quarterly Magazine

In October 2023, Laurel Rice, MD, received the UW School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) Folkert O. Belzer Award. This esteemed award is given to UW leaders who have left a major impact not only on UW but medicine in general. Rice’s career and contributions were featured in the spring 2024 issue of Quarterly, the SMPH alumni magazine.Rice, an emerita professor of obstet... more

Welcome India Anderson-Carter to Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn

India Anderson-Carter, MD, has accepted an offer to join the ASOG Division as an assistant professor (CHS), effective August 1, 2024. Anderson-Carter will be a Centennial Clinician faculty, with a role focusing on clinical care, research, and diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Anderson-Carter to our faculty!Anderson-Carter earned her... more

Landry to retire in spring 2024

Mary Landry, MD, clinical professor in the Department of Ob-Gyn, has indicated her intention to retire this spring, with her final working day around the end of March. Please join us in thanking Dr. Landry for service to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and wishing her all the best as she embarks on retirement!Landry earned her medical degree from the University o... more

Barroilhet evaluates endometrial cancer data in Targeted Oncology

Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, discussed trials that may be of interest for patients with recurrent endometrial cancer with Targeted Oncology during a Case-Based Roundtable event. In the discussion, Barroilhet reviewed data from a few recent trials for patients with recurrent endometrial cancer. She shared patient characteristics i... more

Betancourt Ponce inducted into Bouchet Graduate Honor Society

Congratulations to Mayra Betancourt Ponce, UW School of Medicine and Public Health MD/PhD student and trainee in the labs of Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, and Manish Patankar, PhD, who was inducted into the University of Wisconsin–Madison Graduate School chapter of the Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society!“The Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society commemorates the f... more

Higgins, Green publish editorial in Wisconsin State Journal

UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity and Division of Reproductive and Population Health Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH, and associate professor Tiffany Green, PhD, co-authored an article in the Wisconsin State Journal.In “Dobbs forced at least 1,500 unintended births, causing harm to Wisconsin communities”, Higgins and Green cite a nationwide study documenting the effe... more

Spencer invited to co-chair the PROLOG 9th Edition of Gynecologic Oncology and Critical Care

Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, was invited by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to co-chair the ninth edition of PROLOG: Gynecologic Oncology and Critical Care.The PROLOG (Personal Review of Learning in Obstetrics and Gynecology) books are self-directed study resources for ob-gyn physicians and trainee... more

Cutler receives Group on Women in Medicine and Science Impact Award

Sincere congratulations to Abby Cutler, MD, MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, who received a 2023 UW School of Medicine and Public Health Group on Women in Medicine and Science (GWIMS) Impact Award! The award was presented during the annual GWIMS Symposium on November 28, 2023.The Impact Award recognizes significant contributions wit... more

Giles promoted to Professor (CHS)

Congratulations to Dobie Giles, MD, MS, MBA, of the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery! The School of Medicine and Public Health CHS Faculty Appointments and Promotions Committee endorsed the Department of Ob-Gyn’s recommendation that Giles be promoted to the rank of Professor (CHS), effective June 30, 2024.Giles joined our department in 2013. He b... more

Grand Rounds: Hammond presents “Cardio-Obstetrics: An Overview (From a Cardiologist’s Perspective)”

On December 14, 2023, Allexa Hammond, MD, assistant professor of cardiovascular medicine in the UW School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Medicine, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Cardio-Obstetrics: An Overview (From a Cardiologist's Perspective).” In the lecture, Hammonds discussed the main contributors to the establishment and growth of the cardio-obstetric... more

Sharp promoted to Clinical Professor

Please join us in congratulating Kristen Sharp, MD, of the Division of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology! The UW School of Medicine and Public Health Clinician Teacher Track Appointments and Promotions Committee endorsed the recommendation that Sharp be promoted to the rank of Clinical Professor, effective June 30, 2024. After completing her residency at the ... more

Grand Rounds: Villavicencio presents “Challenging Racism and Questioning Power in Leadership”

On December 7, 2023, Jenni Villavicencio, MD, MPP, director of Public Affairs and Advocacy af the Society of Family Planning, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Challenging Racism and Questioning Power in Leadership.”In the lecture, Villavicencio discussed the historical and current conditions in regards to anti-racist and reproductive frameworks, the role power and power d... more

Heisler appointed permanent Division Director of FPMRS

After nearly a year of exemplary service as Interim Division Director in the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (soon to be the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery), Christine Heisler, MD, MS, has agreed to become the permanent director of the division. Please help us congratulating Dr. Heisler on this well-deserved appointm... more

Shapiro to join UW Health APP Advisory Council

Congratulations to Nicole Shapiro, NP, of the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn! Shapiro was selected to join the UW Health APP Advisory Council; her two-year term will begin in 2024.The APP Advisory Council helps UW Health departments with professional issues, ranging from professional advancement, recognition, networking, to provider wellness problems. In addition... more

Higgins authors chapter in new edition of Contraceptive Technology

Division of Reproductive and Population Health and UW Collaborative for Reproductive Health Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH, co-authored the sixth chapter in the 22nd edition of Contraceptive Technology. Co-authors of the chapter include Patty Cason, MS, FNP-PC, Jessica N. Sanders, PhD, MSPH.In Chapter Six, “Sexuality and Contraception,” Higgins and co-authors identified di... more

Grand Rounds: Powell and Moore present “HIV Care & Prevention in Obstetrics & Gynecology”

On November 30, 2023, UW Ob-Gyn Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellow Jacqueline Powell, MD, and UW School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Family Medicine and Community Health LGBTQ+ Health Fellow Laurence Moore, MD, presented the Grand Rounds lecture, “HIV Care & Prevention in Obstetrics & Gynecology.”In the lecture, Powell and Moore described current HIV epidemiologic... more

Grzebielski promoted to Clinical Associate Professor

Please join us in congratulating Patrice Grzebielski, MD, of the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn! The UW School of Medicine and Public Health Clinician Teacher Track Appointments and Promotions Committee endorsed the Department of Ob-Gyn's recommendation that Grzebielski be promoted to the rank of Clinical Associate Professor, effective June 30, 2024.After graduat... more

Phillips receives Excellence in Student Research Award

Congratulations to Camille Phillips, UW School of Medicine and Public Health medical student and mentee of Laura Hanks, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn! Phillips received the Excellence in Student Research award at the 22nd Annual Medical Student Research Forum on Nov 20, 2023.    Forty students were competitively selected to present... more

Spencer selected for ACGME Residency Tracks in Programs Work Group

Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, was invited to join the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Residency Tracks in Programs Work Group. This work group will contribute to the ACGME’s learning about different types of “track” experiences across all specialties. They will offer considerations for how best... more

Research and leadership at 2023 AAGL Global Congress on MIGS

The AAGL held the annual Global Congress on MIGS November 5-8, 2023, in Nashville. Members of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology brought research and contributed to the success of the event! Olga Fajardo, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, co-authored two abstracts presented during oral sessions. Other authors on the abstracts... more

Division of FPMRS at 2023 AUGS annual meeting

Members of the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery brought research and leadership to the PFD Week 2023 meeting in Portland, OR in early October: Dobie Giles, MD, MS, MBA, professor in the Division of FPMRS, moderated a general session during the conference. Poster: Development of a Multidisciplinary Curriculum for Urogynecology and Colorectal Surge... more

Spencer joins panel on GME grants at Wisconsin Healthcare Workforce Summit

Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, participated in the 2023 Wisconsin Healthcare Workforce Summit, hosted by the Wisconsin Collaborative for Rural Graduate Medical Education (WCRGME) October 29-31, 2023. During the summit, Spencer joined the GME Grant Programs panel discussion to talk about residency development and expansion i... more

Patel earns Morley Memorial Paper Award at Central Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Annual Meeting

Congratulations to Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery fellow Ushma Patel, MD, who received the Dr. George Morley Memorial Paper award at the 2023 Central Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (CAOG) 90th Annual Meeting, held in Nashville October 25-28, 2023. Patel received the award for the paper “Aiming for Zero: Success of the Hysterectomy Surgical ... more

Rhoades, Rose, Iruretagoyena serve as ABOG examiners

In early November, three Department of Ob-Gyn faculty served as American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology board examiners in Texas! Janine Rhoades, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine; Steve Rose, MD, professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology; and Igor Iruretagoyena, MD, MS, professor and director of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Me... more

Spencer co-authors article about rural health disparities in Quarterly Magazine

Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, co-authored an article in the Fall 2023 issue of Quarterly Magazine, the UW School of Medicine and Public Health’s alumni publication, that outlines rural health disparities and highlights programs in the School of Medicine and Public Health designed to alleviate them. In “Easing Rural Health ... more

Green receives 2023 UW–Madison Outstanding Women of Color Award

Huge congratulations to Tiffany Green, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Reproductive and Population Health and the School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Population Health Sciences! Green is one of six recipients of the 2023 University of Wisconsin–Madison Outstanding Women of Color Awards. UW–Madison Chief Diversity Officer LaVar Charleston announced ... more

Rice receives UW SMPH Folkert O. Belzer Award

On October 23, 2023, emerit professor and retired UW Ob-Gyn Department Chair Laurel W. Rice, MD, received the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Folkert O. Belzer Award! Rice was honored during the UW School of Medicine and Public Health Faculty/Staff Fall Meeting. Named for the late former chair of the school’s Department of Surgery, who was known... more

Department engages UW students during AHANA-MAPS outreach event

On November 16, 2023, several members of the Department of Ob-Gyn participated in an outreach event with the University of Wisconsin–Madison AHANA-MAPS Pre-Health Society. The event focused on showcasing obstetrics and gynecology careers and career pathways with students interested in medical and health science careers. During the event, department members led hands-on birt... more

Rose publishes invited review in Green Journal

Stephen Rose, MD, professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, authored a new invited review published in Obstetrics and Gynecology.In “When Less is More”, Rose discusses advancements in screening and ultrasounds that can reduce the need for unnecessary follow-up appointments for ovarian cysts. Rose admits diagnosing ovarian cancer is difficult, but is optimistic that ... more

Green discusses birth cost recovery with Wisconsin Examiner

Tiffany Green, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Reproductive and Population Health, spoke with the Wisconsin Examiner for a recent story about phasing out birth-cost recovery programs across some Wisconsin counties.In “Milwaukee County stops taking fathers to court to pay back Medicaid for childbirth costs,” Milwaukee County court discussed limiting birth-cost rec... more

Department of Ob-Gyn brings posters, presentations to 2023 Society of Family Planning Conference

Members of the Department of Ob-Gyn brought an impressive array of posters and panel sessions to the annual Society of Family Planning Conference on October 28-30, 2023 in Seattle. This conference aims to allow professionals to share research and learn from one another about abortion and contraception care. These are just a few of their exciting accomplishments:Abigail Cutle... more

Women’s Healthcast: Contraceptive Coercion, featuring Laura Swan, PhD, LCSW

Reproductive coercion – any behavior that interferes with someone’s ability to make decisions about their reproductive health – can happen in the context of intimate relationships, family relationships, or even in health care settings. Laura Swan, PhD, LCSW, research scientist in the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Population Healt... more

Grand Rounds: Bhagavath presents “Reproductive Surgery: Past, Present, Future”

On November 9, 2023, Bala Bhagavath, MD, professor and director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, presented the Grand Round lecture “Reproductive Surgery: Past, Present, Future”.In this lecture, Bhagavath described the history of reproductive surgeries and the various things they help fix. Advancements in reproductive surgeries was also discussed... more

Green discusses health disparities on PBS Wisconsin in Black & White series

Tiffany Green, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Reproductive and Population Health, sat down with other experts to discuss the impacts of race on social determinants of health in Wisconsin as part of the PBS Wisconsin in Black & White series:“Black people, Indigenous people are disproportionately likely to be in impoverished and socially-stratified circumstances…... more

Sobecki gives keynote speech at Midwest Aspiring Physicians Conference

Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, gave a keynote speech at this year’s Midwest Aspiring Physicians (MAP) Conference on November 4, 2023.Sobecki’s speech was entitled, “10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Became a Gyn-Oncologist”.The MAP Conference provides pre-med students with a chance to connect with UW School of Medicine and Pu... more

Grand Rounds: Bailey, Patel and Wagar present “Badger Bytes: Fellow Focused Session”

On November 2, 2023, UW Department of Ob-Gyn fellows Erin Bailey, MD, Ushma Patel, MD, and Matt Wagar, MD presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Badger Bytes: Fellow Focused Session”. Erin Bailey, MD, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellow, presented “Postpartum depression pre and post development of comprehensive PAS center at a single academic institution”.Matt Wagar, MD, Gynecologic... more

Spencer receives Rural Health Day Community Hero Award

Congratulations to Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, who received a Rural Health Day Community Hero Award from the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health in November!Spencer was nominated by the Wisconsin Collaborative for Rural Graduate Medical Education (WCRGME) for his efforts to expand rural maternity care training in Wisconsin ... more

Rose, Mojdehbakhsh co-author study in Gynecologic Oncology

UW Department of Ob-Gyn Gynecologic Oncology Fellow Rachel Mojdehbakhsh, MD, and Stephen Rose, MD, professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, co-authored a multi-site study recently published in Gynecologic Oncology. In “Radical hysterectomy case volume and cervical cancer treatment in the era of COVID-19: A multi-site analysis of National Cancer Institute-designated... more

Grand Rounds: Johnson presents “Philanthropy in Medicine: A Culture of Giving and Gratitude that Goes Both Ways”

On October 26, 2023, Lily Johnson, UW Department of Ob-Gyn Advancement Manager and Senior Director of Development Administration, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Philanthropy in Medicine: A Culture of Giving and Gratitude that Goes Both Ways”.In the lecture, Johnson discussed grateful patient philanthropy and how it relates to patients as well as caregivers. Johnson’s pr... more

Green discusses racial inequities in health with PBS Wisconsin

Tiffany Green, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Reproductive and Population Health and the UW Department of Population Health Sciences, spoke with PBS Wisconsin for a recent story about conversations dealing with racial biases and their impact on pregnant patients.In “Tiffany Green on racial inequities in delivering health care”, Green talked about how health care... more

REI Division members lead sessions at 2023 ASRM Congress

Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Director Bala Bhagavath, MD, and Associate Professor Aleks Stanic-Kostic, MD, PhD, led sessions at this year’s American Society for Reproductive Medicine Scientific Congress on October 14-18 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Bhagavath presented Cesarean Scar Isthmoceles: When and How to Diagnose and Treat Surgically.Stanic-Kost... more

Women’s Healthcast: Replay: Promoting Pelvic Floor Health, featuring Angie Sergeant, NP

The Women’s Healthcast replays an episode from 2020 in honor of November being Bladder Health Month. In this episode, Angie Sergeant, NP, for the UW Health Women’s Pelvic Wellness Clinic dives into the risk factors for pelvic floor disorders as well as physical therapy and other intervention options to help pelvic floor issues.Listen to Promoting Pelvic Floor Health now.Did ... more

UW SMPH Department of Ob-Gyn thanks rural training partners on National Rural Health Day 2023

As the state of Wisconsin celebrates National Rural Health Day on November 16, 2023, the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology would like to thank the physicians and partners across Wisconsin who are training future ob-gyn physicians in rural practice.The UW–Madison Department of Ob-Gyn created the first rural ob... more

Women’s Healthcast: Health Equity Innovations, featuring Denise Howard, MD, MPH

Health disparities in the United States are a pressing issue – and we see gaps in health outcomes across all aspects of ob-gyn care, too. What role does the health care system have in reducing health disparities?Dr. Denise Howard sat down with the Women’s Healthcast in advance of delivering the keynote lecture “Our Greatest Challenge: Eliminating Healthcare Disparities” at t... more

Grand Rounds: Hicks presents “The Obstetrician/Gynecologist as Leader”

On September 21, 2023, President of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Verda Hicks, MD, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “The Obstetrician/Gynecologist as Leader”.In the lecture, Hicks discussed the changing healthcare environment, defined the difference between leadership and management, and examined the pathway to leadership and leadership readiness. The... more

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... more

Bailey, Hoppe co-author CHAP article in Green Journal

UW Ob-Gyn Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellow Erin Bailey, MD, MS, is the lead author on a new article about the Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy (CHAP) trial published in Obstetrics and Gynecology! Kara Hoppe, DO, MS, associate professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, is senior author on the article; co-authors include other researchers who were involved in this l... more

Department hosts successful Women’s Health and Health Equity Research Lecture and Symposium

On October 12, 2023, the UW Department of Ob-Gyn hosted the UW Women’s Health and Health Equity Research Lecture and Symposium, an event created in 2005 by Gloria Sarto, MD, and Gloria Johnson-Powell, MD. Katie Sampene, MD, associate professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, chaired the event planning committee.The event included Brief and Brilliant presen... more

Bhagavath accepted into 2024 UW Health Physician Leadership Development Program cohort

Congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn Professor and Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Director Bala Bhagavath, MD! He was accepted into the UW Health Physician Leadership Development Program’s 2024 cohort.As part of the program, Bhagavath will participate in 10 live courses on topics including leadership, strategy and human resources. The curriculum includes lead... more

Barroilhet discusses gynecologic cancer signs and symptoms with WISN

During Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month in September, Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, joined WISN 12 News to share common gynecologic cancer signs and symptoms.In the interview, Barroilhet outlined the variety of gynecologic cancers, risk factors for developing different types of gynecologic cancers, warning signs or sy... more

Cooney featured in UW Health IVF success story

An area family shared their IVF experience at Generations Fertility Care with UW Health in the story “Second IVF try a charm for the McMahon family”. Laura Cooney, MD, associate professor in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, worked with the couple and added perspective on their care to the UW Health article.“While IVF never comes with a guarantee, D... more

Department of Ob-Gyn helps raise cancer research funds at Badger Challenge

The 2023 Badger Challenge, the annual walk, run, and bike event that raises funds for cancer research at UW–Madison, took place on September 24, 2023. Many members of the UW Department of Ob-Gyn supported the event, which raised nearly $1 million for research.Angie Sergeant, NP, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Joanne Rash, PA, Division of Gynec... more

Heisler earns Top Reviewer award from Urogynecology

Congratulations to Christine Heisler, MD, MS, associate professor and director of the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery! She was named a 2023 Top Reviewer by the journal Urogynecology.Urogynecology selected the Top Reviewer Award recipients based on their high-quality, timely reviews of articles for the publication.Thanks to Dr. Heisler for her ex... more

Grand Rounds: Bailey presents “To give or not to give: antenatal corticosteroids”

On October 5, 2023, UW Ob-Gyn Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellow Erin Bailey, MD, MS, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “To give or not to give: antenatal corticosteroids”.In the lecture, Bailey summarized the history of betamethasone (BMZ) administration in preterm birth; assessed the available literature on corticosteroid administration; and outlined future recommendations fo... more

Higgins presents post-Dobbs research perspectives to HHS, NASEM

UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Director and Division of Reproductive and Population Health Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH, brought important perspectives on reproductive health research in a post-Dobbs landscape to two national leadership organizations this fall.In late September 2023, Higgins and UW CORE Research Scientist Jane Seymour, PhD, MPH, presented at a ... more

Sobecki discusses chemical hair straighteners with CBS 58

As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reportedly considers a ban on some chemical hair straightening products, Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, talked with CBS 58 News about recent research on connections between those products and uterine cancer.“Data was collected from more than 30-000 women for 11 years and women who fre... more

Grand Rounds: Sampene, Adams present “Optimizing Contraceptive Counseling”

On August 10, 2023, UW Ob-Gyn Associate Professor and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Chair Katherine Sampene, MD, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Optimizing Contraceptive Counseling”. Jackie Adams, MD, MS, assistant professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and Laura Berghahn, MD, private practice ob-gyn at Associated Physicians of Madison, co-pre... more

Hall nominated for UW Health APP Unsung Hero Award

Congratulations to Melanie Hall, NP, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, who was recently nominated for a UW Health APP Excellence Unsung Hero Award! Hall and other members of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and the APP team celebrated her nomination at the UW Health APP Awards Ceremony on September 26, 2023.Nominees to the Unsung Hero category demonstrat... more

Register for Break Free From Pelvic Floor Disorders Community Talk on November 14

Many of us have questions about topics like bladder and bowel leakage and pelvic organ prolapse, but we may not know how to bring them up. These conditions are common, especially as we get older, but they are not inevitable. Please join us on Tuesday, November 14 for an evening of conversation with UW Health Women’s Pelvic Wellness physicians, advanced practice providers, an... more

Women’s Healthcast: E-Visits for Contraception, featuring Eliza Bennett, MD, and Nicole Shapiro, NP, CNM

Can starting a new birth control method, or changing your method, be as easy as opening an app, answering a few questions about your health, and picking up your prescription? E-visits for contraception are increasingly popular, whether offered through clinics or online-only services. Associate Professor Eliza Bennett, MD, and Nicole Shapiro, NP, CNM, both members of the UW O... more

Grand Rounds: Shapiro Students present research projects

Every summer, Shapiro Summer Research students collaborate with UW Department of Ob-Gyn faculty on research projects. On August 3, the 2023 Shapiro Summer Research students presented their projects during Ob-Gyn Grand Rounds. Presenters, mentors, and projects were: Camille Phillips, mentored by Laura Hanks, MD - “Sterilizations Rates of Pregnancy Capable People at a Single I... more

Phillips earns Junior Fellow prize paper at ACOG District VI meeting

Huge congratulations to Camille Phillips, UW School of Medicine and Public Health medical student and mentee of Laura Hanks, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn! Phillips earned the Junior Fellow Prize Paper at the ACOG District VI Meeting in early October 2023. Phillips presented the paper “Sterilizations Rates of Pregnancy Capable Peo... more

Ladanyi discusses endometriosis with Wisconsin Public Radio

Camille Ladanyi, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, spoke with Wisconsin Public Radio for a recent story about endometriosis. In “'I wasn't crazy': Wisconsin women hope painful disease gains more attention”, Ladanyi discussed common signs, treatment options, and how awareness efforts around the disease may advance research ef... more

UW Ob-Gyn brings presentations to Association of Managers of Gynecology and Obstetrics conference

The Association of Managers of Gynecology and Obstetrics (AMGO) hosted their 47th Annual Conference in Hilton Head, South Carolina September 24-27, 2023. The UW Department of Ob-Gyn was well represented at the event. A few of our department’s accomplishments:Kara Mulligan, MHA, MBA, FACHE, UW Ob-Gyn chief administrative officer, is president of AMGO and led the conference.Do... more

Local family hosts fundraiser for Hope after Loss clinic

In early October, during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a local family hosted the fundraiser Cheers to Hope at Octopi Brewing in Waunakee to support the Hope After Loss Clinic!Kristen Sharp, MD, associate professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn and founder of the Hope After Loss Clinic, and Julianne Zweifel, PhD, clinical assistant professor a... more

Grand Rounds: Goetz presents “NAS/NOWS: A Continuing Evolution in Care”

Elizabeth Goetz, MD, MPH, professor in the UW SMPH Department of Pediatrics, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “NAS/NOWS: A Continuing Evolution in Care” at Ob-Gyn Grand Rounds on July 20, 2023.In the lecture, Goetz described current management of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS); provided equitable and evidence-based approac... more

Women’s Heathcast: Palliative Care and Advance Care Planning, featuring Catherine Zhang, MD, MPH

Palliative care – medical care to help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for people with serious illnesses – is often a key component of cancer care and treatment. Catherine Zhang, MD, MPH, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, joined the Women’s Healthcast during Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month to talk about palliative care, p... more

Welcome incoming Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellow Katy Hallman, MD!

The UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine is excited to announce that Katy Hallman, MD, matched to the Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship! Hallman received her MD from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine and is currently completing ob-gyn residency at the University of Utah School of Medicine. She comes highly recommended by our MFM colleague... more

Welcome incoming Gynecologic Oncology Fellow Julia Gelissen, MD!

The UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology is excited to announce that Julia Gelissen, MD matched to the Gynecologic Oncology fellowship! Gelissen received her MD from Brown University and is currently completing ob-gyn residency at Yale School of Medicine. She comes highly recommended by her gynecologic oncology colleagues and we are very excited to welcome her to Madi... more

Women’s Healthcast: Perineal Tears: Cause and Recovery, featuring Jon Pennycuff, MD, MSPH

Perineal tears, or perineal lacerations, are a very common complication that can happen during childbirth – somewhere between 60-70 percent of people who give birth experience some degree of tearing in the skin or muscles between the vagina and anus. Despite their frequency, they’re not a commonly-discussed topic. Jon Pennycuff, MD, MSPH, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gy... more

Jacques and VCAT team publish in Medical Education Online

Laura Jacques, MD, associate professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, is the senior author on a new study about online values clarification workshops in Medical Education Online. Co-authors on the study include Margaret Williams, MD, PGY-3; Elise Cowley; Taryn Valley; Alma Farooque, MD, PGY-1; Zoey Schultz; Amy Godecker, PhD; and Jackie Askins. ... more

Barroilhet discusses PARP inhibitors with OncLive

Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, joined OncLive to talk about the role of PARP inhibitors for patients with ovarian cancer. In the video, Barroilhet discusses findings from two trials that seem encouraging for PARP inhibitor use: “All patients with ovarian cancer displaying somatic or germline BRCA mutations should receiv... more

Faculty Development Funding Feature: Luther Gaston, MD

Each fiscal year, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Development Committee makes available a total of $10,000 for professional development. Faculty may submit applications at any time (until funds are exhausted for the current fiscal year). Read more about Dr. Gaston’s experience with the Faculty Development Funding Program, and learn how you can apply for f... more

Barroilhet publishes editorial in Gynecologic Oncology Reports

Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, published an editorial about the intersection of gynecologic cancer care and post-Dobbs restrictions on health care in Gynecologic Oncology Reports. In “Editorial on vaginal cancer diagnosed in pregnancy and current abortion law on cancer care in Louisiana”, Barroilhet lays out the ways abo... more

Shoutout to Lisa Scott!

Originally shared in In the Know​, the UW SMPH internal newsletter: Megan Knutson Sinaise, MS, says that Lisa Scott, PhD, sponsored projects post award accountant in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, exemplifies these Guiding Principles and Behaviors: Commit to Respect, Kindness, Compassion and Altruism and Demonstrate Innovation and Excellence "A big thanks goes ... more

Barroilhet co-authors article in Abdominal Radiology

Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, co-authored a new study published in Abdominal Radiology. In “Distribution of prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on PET-MRI in patients with and without ovarian cancer”, Barroilhet and co-authors outline a proof-of-concept study comparing the results of an imaging protocol in patient... more

Cooney, Stanic co-author publication in Women

Associate Professor Laura Cooney, MD, and Associate Professor Aleks Stanic-Kostic, MD, PhD, both of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, co-authored a recent study in the journal Women. In “Rapid Ovarian Reserve Decline in a Woman with Pericentric Inv(9) Variant”, Cooney, Stanic, and lead author Leeann Bui, MD, UW SMPH graduate and current ob... more

Celebrate Advanced Practice Provider Week – September 25-29, 2023

This year, National Advanced Practice Providers Week is September 25-29, 2023. Please join us in thanking the many skilled, dedicated APPs who work in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn! National APP Week celebrates the hard work of Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Certified Nurse Midwives, and other specialists who help elevate the fields of medicine and nursing to ensur... more

Spencer presents first-ever WCRGME Rural Health Grand Rounds

On August 9, 2023, Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, presented the first Rural Health Grand Rounds lecture for the Wisconsin Collaborative for Rural Graduate Medical Education (WCRGME). Spencer presented an update on maternity care deserts, a growing issue in Wisconsin and other parts of the country. Incredible work, Dr. Spenc... more

Green quoted in New York Times opinion about maternal mortality

A recent opinion article published in the New York Times includes perspective from Tiffany Green, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Reproductive and Population Health! In “America Already Knows How to Make Childbirth Safer”, the author outlines options for reducing maternal mortality; the author cites Green in discussion of racial bias and its effect on health outc... more

In the News: Sobecki discusses cancer risk and hair straighteners

Recent research found that using chemical hair straighteners or relaxers may be linked to an increased risk of uterine cancer. Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, spoke with several media outlets during Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month to share the research and help people recognize common signs and symptoms of uterine cancer. ... more

Zheng earns Editor’s Choice distinction in Journal of Physiology

Congratulations to Jing Zheng, PhD, professor in the Division of Reproductive Sciences, whose recent article was selected as the Editor’s Choice in the August issue of The Journal of Physiology! Zheng is senior author on the article; Chi Zhou, PhD, former postdoctoral trainee in the Department of Ob-Gyn and current assistant professor at the University of Arizona, is the fir... more

McDonald discusses new postpartum depression medication with CBS 58 News

Earlier this summer, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved a new pill to treat postpartum depression. Ryan McDonald, MD, clinical professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, spoke with CBS 58 News about the medication.“Dr. Ryan McDonald also notes that postpartum depression is underdiagnosed and under-treated. The cost, and if the pill is s... more

Hartenbach joins editorial board of Gynecologic Oncology

Congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn Department Chair Ellen Hartenbach, MD, who was invited to join the editorial board of the journal Gynecologic Oncology! Gynecologic Oncology is an international journal devoted to the publication of clinical and investigative articles that concern tumors of the female reproductive tract. Gynecologic Oncology is an official journal of the Society ... more

Cutler discusses Convenient Contraception Act in Cap Times

In summer 2023, members of Congress introduced the Convenient Contraception Act, which could require insurers to cover up to a year’s supply of birth control at a time, with the potential of reducing the number of times an individual would need to pick up certain methods of birth control in a year. Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin is a co-sponsor of the bill. Abigail Cutler, ... more

Support the 2023 UW Ob-Gyn Diaper Drive

Did you know the average baby uses 3,000 diapers in the first year? For some families, the cost is overwhelming. These families are supported through the annual UW Department of Ob-Gyn Diaper Drive. Our annual Diaper Drive supports families in need in the Madison area by collecting monetary donations. The department's Healthy Women Healthy Babies Fund supports the annual dri... more

Women’s Healthcast: Over-the-Counter Birth Control, featuring Amy Domeyer-Klenske, MD

In July 2023, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved a birth control pill for over-the-counter use, meaning most consumers could buy it from a pharmacy without a prescription. The pill will likely be available sometime in 2024.Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn Director Amy Domeyer-Klenske, MD, joined the Women’s Healthcast share information about th... more

Welcome Carley Zeal, MD, MPH, to Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn

We are pleased to welcome a familiar face back to the UW Department of Ob-Gyn: on January 1, 2024, Carley Zeal, MD, MPH will join the Division of Academic Specialists as an ob-gyn nocturnist and assistant professor. Zeal graduated from ob-gyn residency in our department in 2017.Zeal attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison for her undergraduate, medical, and residency tr... more

Leadership transition in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology

Later this fall, the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology will undergo a leadership transition: Stephen Rose, MD, who has served as Division Director of Gynecologic Oncology since 2017, will step down from that role. Dr. Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS will become the new Division Director on November 13, 2023. Please help us thank Dr. Rose for his steadfast, supportive, and i... more

Ladanyi discusses endometriosis on Wisconsin Public Radio’s Central Time

Camille Ladanyi, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, joined the Wisconsin Public Radio program Central Time on September 6, 2023 to talk about endometriosis. In the interview, Ladanyi shared an explanation of what endometriosis is and what symptoms can look like, common barriers to arriving at an endometriosis diagnosis, medic... more

Register now for UW Prevention Research Center Annual Meeting – October 24, 2023

Registration for the UW Prevention Research Center 2023 Annual Meeting is now open! The UWPRC 2023 Annual Meeting will be held October 24, 2023 from 8:30AM-4:30PM at the Goodman Community Center in Madison, WI. Jackie Adams, MD, MS, assistant professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, will give a keynote address during the PRC Annual meeting! The purpose of the UW... more

Welcome María Virumbrales-Muñoz, PhD, to Division of Reproductive Sciences

Please help us welcome María Virumbrales-Muñoz, PhD, to the Department of Ob-Gyn’s Division of Reproductive Sciences! Virumbrales-Muñoz will joined the UW Department of Ob-Gyn as an assistant professor (tenure track) on September 1, 2023. Virumbrales-Muñoz earned a Master of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology and PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Zarago... more

Welcome incoming FPMRS Fellow Julie Dorland, MD

The UW Ob-Gyn Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship is excited to announce that Julie Dorland, MD, has matched as our August 2024 incoming FPMRS Fellow!Dorland received her MD from the Baylor College of Medicine and is currently completing her OBGYN Residency at the University of Texas at Austin. She comes highly recommended by our FPMRS Colleagues, a... more

Celebrate the UW Ob-Gyn Education Office on GME Professionals Day 2023

The third Friday in August is National Graduate Medical Education (GME) Professionals Day, an opportunity to recognize the work of professionals at all levels of graduate medical education. Please help us thank the amazing individuals in the UW Ob-Gyn Education Office!Providing a high-quality, comprehensive educational experience to learners of all levels is an essential pie... more

Chair's Check-In: UW Obstetrics and Gynecology is Ranked #9 in the Nation!

US News and World Report just released the 2023-24 Best Hospital guide and, once again, UW Obstetrics and Gynecology has achieved an exceptional ranking: this year, we are the #9 Ob-Gyn program in the nation! UW Ob-Gyn also earned High Performing scores for uterine cancer and ovarian cancer surgeries for the second year running. This ranking is an acknowledgment of our nati... more

Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Center featured in Quarterly Magazine

The UW Health Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Center has celebrated many successes in the past several months, including rebuilding a baby’s airway partway through delivery, supporting a Wisconsin woman who gave birth and received a heart transplant all within eight weeks, and treating twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Michael Beninati, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gy... more

Barroilhet, Wallace co-author review article in Radiology

Associate Professor Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, and Associate Professor Sumer Wallace, MD, MS, co-authored a review article in the journal Radiology. In “Adnexal Lesion Imaging: Past, Present, and Future”, Barroilhet, Wallace, and co-authors discuss ways imaging has affected treatment of adnexal lesions, current data supporting the use of ultrasound, MRI, and CT imaging to diff... more

Wagar hosts episode of International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer podcast

UW Ob-Gyn Gynecologic Oncology fellow Matt Wagar, MD, guest-hosted an episode of the International Journal of Gynecologic Oncology podcast as part of his role as an editorial fellow for the journal! In the episode, Wagar and another editorial fellow outlined the contents of the July 2023 issue of the International Journal of Gynecologic Oncology. Listen to the whole episode ... more

CORE brief: Impacts of abortion restrictions on pregnant people, their partners, families, and communities

The UW-Madison Collaborative for Reproductive Equity (CORE) released a brief outlining the impacts of abortion restrictions on pregnant peoples’ wellbeing, family and community health, economic health, and more. Since the June 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion services have been nearly unavailable in Wisconsin, and restricted or banned in... more

Grand Rounds: Heisler presents “Reconstructive Vulvar Surgery: Beyond Cosmetic Gynecology”

On July 6, 2023, UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Director Christine Heisler, MD, MS, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Reconstructive Vulvar Surgery: Beyond Cosmetic Gynecology”. In the lecture, Heisler explained relevant vulvar anatomy, described specific clinical conditions that may present for surgical management, discussed availa... more

Domeyer-Klenske discusses pharmacist-prescribed birth control with WISC-TV

In early July, the Wisconsin State Senate Committee on Health held a hearing on a bill​ that would allow pharmacists to prescribe some forms of birth control. UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn Director Amy Domeyer-Klenske, MD, spoke with WISC-TV about what the change could mean for birth control access: “"By breaking down these barriers for a medication,... more

Abbott published in Journal of the Endocrine Society

A new article published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society by David Abbott, PhD, professor in the Division of Reproductive Sciences, uses a cross-sectional, cohort study to compare hormonal concentrations and body fat distribution between normal-weight women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and age and BMI-matched controls. In “Interplay of Cortisol, Testosterone, ... more

Sobecki presents Healthy Women Community Talk “Straight Talk: Chemical Hair Straighteners and Reducing Your Risk of Uterine Cancer”

Recent research found that using chemical hair straighteners or relaxers may be linked to an increased risk of uterine cancer. On July 13, 2023, Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, presented the Healthy Women Community Talk “Straight Talk: Chemical Hair Straighteners and Reducing Your Risk of Uterine Cancer” to a lively audience ... more

Golos, Stanic receive NIH R21 grant

Congratulations to Ted Golos, PhD, professor in the School of Veterinary Sciences and the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, and Aleks Stanic, MD, PhD, associate professor in the Divisions of Reproductive Sciences and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility! They received a new NIH R21 grant for the project “Gestationally driven trafficking of decidual lymphocyt... more

Green discusses infant health disparities with WKOW

Tiffany Green, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Reproductive and Population Health, spoke with WKOW as part of a story on ConnectRx, the prenatal program meant to help connect pregnant people who meet screening criteria for any of several social determinants of health metrics with community health workers. In “Digging Deeper: Wisconsin's persisting racial gap in i... more

Domeyer-Klenske shares post-Dobbs essay with ACOG

In recognition of the one-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn Director Amy Domeyer-Klenske, MD wrote an essay for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists about the challenges of providing care in the year since Roe v. Wade was overt... more

Zheng, Zhou publish in Journal of Physiology

Jing Zheng, PhD, professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, recently published an article in the Journal of Physiology entitled “MicroRNA-29 differentially mediates preeclampsia-dysregulated cellular responses to cytokines in female and male fetal endothelial cells.” Chi Zhou, PhD, a formal member of Division of Reproductive Sciences, is the first author a... more

Grand Rounds: Carter presents “A Practical Approach to EleVATE Equity in Reproductive Health”

On June 8, 2023, Dr. Ebony Carter, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, joined us to present the Grand Rounds lecture “A Practical Approach to EleVATE Equity in Reproductive Health”.In the lecture, Carter discussed drivers of health disparities in the U.S., examined the impact of implicit bias and raci... more

Chair's Check-In: Acknowledging the one-year anniversary of Dobbs

Over the weekend, we reached a difficult milestone: Saturday, June 24, 2023 marked one year since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned the constitutionally protected right to abortion in our country.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released a statement on the anniversary of the decis... more

Cutler and Cox to become Associate Program Directors of UW Ob-Gyn Residency

Abigail Cutler, MD, MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, and Caroline Cox, MD, incoming assistant professor in the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, will become Associate Program Directors of the UW Ob-Gyn Residency Program in September 2023. Cutler and Cox will join incoming Residency Program Director Bridg... more

Barroilhet appointed co-DOT leader of Chemoprevention

Congratulations to Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology! Barroilhet was appointed co-leader of the UW Carbone Cancer Center’s Chemoprevention Disease-Oriented Team. She will lead the team alongside Howard Bailey, MD, associate dean for oncology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and director of ... more

Higgins, Williamson co-author editorial in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Just before the one-year anniversary of the United States Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH, and Associate Director Amy Williamson, MPP, co-authored an opinion in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.In “Even if Wisconsin abortion ban overturned, women will face obstacles to care”, Higgins ... more

Spencer to present WCRGME Rural Medicine Grand Rounds on August 9

Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and Residency Program Director, will present the first-ever Wisconsin Collaborative for Rural GME Rural Medicine Grand Rounds on August 9, 2023!Spencer will present the lecture “Maternal Deserts” via Zoom from 12-1pm.Meeting ID: 895 0272 6489Passcode: 2023

Swan, Senderowicz publish study in Health Services Research

UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity postdoctoral researcher Laura Swan, PhD, and Leigh Senderowicz, PhD, assistant professor in the Division of Reproductive and Population Health, and co-authors published a study in the journal Health Services Research!In “Health care provider bias in the Appalachian region: The frequency and impact of contraceptive coercion”, authors u... more

In the News: Higgins reflects on abortion access one year after Dobbs decision

As we approach the one-year anniversary of the United States Supreme Court decision in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization on June 24, 2023, UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Director and UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH, spoke with news outlets about the consequences of restricted abortion acc... more

Spencer accepted into AAMC 2023-2024 GME Leadership Development Certificate Program

Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology as well as UW Ob-Gyn Residency Program Director and Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Director, was selected to participate in the 2023-24 Association of American Medical Colleges GME Leadership Development Certificate Program.The GME Leadership Development Certificate helps participants build th... more

Cowley, Jacques, and Values Clarification Workshop research team receive Paster Award

Congratulations to Laura Jacques, MD, associate professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, Elise Cowley, UW SMPH MD/PhD student, and the whole research team involved with the Values Clarification Workshops (VCAT) on abortion! The VCAT team earned the 2022 Paster Family Foundation Innovation Award for their work.The Paster Family Foundation Innovation Award ... more

Luellwitz to co-lead Rural Family Medicine OB fellowship

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recently awarded the UW School of Medicine and Public Health’s Department of Family Medicine and Community Health (DFMCH) a Graduate Medical Education Residency GME Program Development Grant to support the Rural Family Medicine OB Fellowship. Ryan Luellwitz, DO, assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in O... more

Spencer co-authors Dean’s Corner article on rural training in Wisconsin Medical Journal

Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and Residency Program Director, co-authored an editorial piece in the latest issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal about the importance of rural physician training with UW SMPH Dean Robert Golden, MD, and Department of Family Medicine and Community Health Assistant Professor Jillian Landeck, M... more

Beninati and Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment team save baby with innovative surgical intervention

UW Health recently shared a remarkable story from the Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Center: the team performed a specialized surgery in February 2023 that saved a Waupun baby’s life. Michael Beninati, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, co-directs the center along with pediatric general surgeon Inna Lobeck, MD and was a crucial membe... more

Green promoted to Associate Professor with tenure

Congratulations to Tiffany Green, PhD, who was recently promoted to Associate Professor with tenure! Green holds a joint appointment with the UW SMPH Department of Population Health Sciences and the Department of Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health. Green, a health economist who has researched and published widely on topics related to health equity, racial ... more

Banerjee, Stanic, Cooney published in Immunohorizons

Congratulations to Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology graduate student Soma Banerjee, MD, who is lead author on a new article in the journal Immunohorizons! Aleks Stanic-Kostic, MD, PhD, associate professor in the Divisions of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Reproductive Sciences, and Laura Cooney, MD, associate professor in the Division of Reproductive... more

Farewell, Resident Class of 2023!

This week, we say goodbye to the UW Ob-Gyn Residency Class of 2023! Read more about where these brilliant physicians are headed after residency, what they’ll miss about Madison, and how their time here set them up for success in the future. Congratulations, Class of 2023!Kathryn Dryer, MD:Where will you be going and what will you be doing after UW Ob-Gyn?I am headed to Charl... more

Bosse reflects on training time, shares what’s next after MFM Fellowship

After three years of intense fellowship training in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Bradley Bosse, MD, is preparing to graduate. Bosse shares what’s next after fellowship, the important lessons he will carry forward, and messages of gratitude for people who shaped his time in Madison.Where will you be going and what will you be doing after UW Ob-Gyn?I am m... more

Zhang reflects on training time, shares what’s next after Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship

After three years of intense fellowship training in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Ran (Catherine) Zhang, MD, MPH, is preparing to graduate. Zhang shares what’s next after fellowship, the important lessons she will carry forward, and messages of gratitude for people who shaped her time in fellowship.What are you looking forward to about your next career step... more

Rose helps host Ukrainian surgeon at UW

In the spring of 2023, the UW Carbone Cancer Center and UW Department of Surgery hosted a Ukrainian surgeon for trauma care training. Dr. Olena Renkas, a surgical oncologist from Kyiv, Ukraine, spent four weeks of training in American trauma care standards. Stephen Rose, MD, director of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, was instrumental in supporting Dr. Renkas... more

Congratulations to winners of the 2023 UW Ob-Gyn department awards!

On June 15, 2023, the UW Department of Ob-Gyn held its annual awards ceremony, recognizing educational, research and administrative accomplishments throughout the year.The ceremony started by celebrating service milestones:Five Years:Carol Hulland - Administrative ManagerIrene Ong, PhD - Assistant ProfessorJennifer Karnowski, MD - Clinical Assistant ProfessorLaura Cooney, MD... more

Racine passes MFM board exams!

Our sincere congratulations to Jenna Racine, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine! Racine passed the ABOG subspecialty boards in maternal-fetal medicine in April 2023.Racine joined the UW Department of Ob-Gyn faculty in 2021 after completing her maternal-fetal medicine fellowship in our department. Though she will leave the department for a new ... more

Spencer brings chemotherapy shortages to legislators’ attention at House Cancer Caucus briefing

On June 6, Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, helped organize and participated in the Society of Gynecologic Oncology’s House Cancer Caucus briefing on chemotherapy shortages. Spencer is the chair of the SGO’s Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Committee.The briefing was co-sponsored by Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Rep. Brian H... more

Domeyer-Klenske discusses mifepristone case on WUWM’s Lake Effect

On June 1, UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn Director Amy Domeyer-Klenske, MD, joined the WUWM show Lake Effect to talk about legal challenges to mifepristone and how they could affect health care in Wisconsin.In the interview, Domeyer-Klenske provided background about mifepristone and its uses, discussed the current landscape of abortion care in Wisconsin... more

Grand Rounds: Badger Bytes – Industry-Sponsored Trials in Ob-Gyn

On June 1, 2023, three members of the UW Department of Ob-Gyn with expertise in clinical research presented the Grand Rounds Badger Bytes session “Industry-Sponsored Trials in Ob-Gyn.”Clinical Research Manager Kellie Baumann, MS, presented “Industry-Sponsored Clinical Trials: An Overview”, during which she shared the benefits of participating in industry-sponsored trials.Div... more

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 oth... more

Welcome Caroline Cox, MD, to Division of FPMRS

Caroline Cox, MD, will be joining the UW Department of Ob-Gyn’s Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery as an assistant professor on September 11, 2023! Dr. Cox completed ob-gyn residency with our department in 2017; please help us welcome her back to Madison!Dr. Cox graduated from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, follo... more

Grand Rounds: Dalby presents “Syphilis in Pregnancy: Addressing Rising Syphilis Rates in Wisconsin”

On May 25, 2023, UW SMPH Department of Family Medicine and Community Health associate professor Jessica Dalby, MD, presented the Ob-Gyn Grand Rounds lecture “Syphilis in Pregnancy: Addressing Rising Syphilis Rates in Wisconsin”. UW SMPH medical student Helena Reising co-presented along with Dalby.In the presentation, Dalby and Reising discussed the epidemiology of syphilis i... more

Mojdehbakhsh selected as BIRCWH Women’s Health Scholar

Congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn resident and incoming gynecologic oncology fellow Rachel Mojdehbakhsh, MD! Mojdehbakhsh was selected to be a Women’s Health Scholar in the UW Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH) program.As a Women’s Health Scholar, Mojdehbakhsh will have access to UW BIRCWH monthly seminars and research training opportunities, ... more

Adams passes Maternal-Fetal Medicine board exam

Huge congratulations to Jacquelyn Adams, MD, MS, assistant professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine! Adams passed the ABOG subspecialty boards in maternal-fetal medicine in April 2023.Adams joined the UW Department of Ob-Gyn faculty in 2020 after completing her maternal-fetal medicine fellowship here. Incredible work, Dr. Adams!

Share your health equity research at the 2023 UW Women’s Health and Health Equity Research Lecture & Symposium on October 12

Do you have health equity or health disparities research you’d like to showcase? Submit a Brief & Brilliant talk proposal or poster to the UW Women’s Health and Health Equity Research Lecture & Symposium, coming up October 12, 2023!CALL FOR BRIEF & BRILLIANT TALK PRESENTATIONSThe Brief & Brilliant (B&B) talks are TedX-style presentations aimed to translate women's health and... more

Stewart elected to UWSMPH Technical Standards and Access to Accommodations Committee

Congratulations to Kathy Stewart, MD, professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine! Stewart was elected to the UW School of Medicine and Public Health’s Technical Standards and Access to Accommodations Committee (TSAAC) for a two-year term.The TSAAC is appointed and charged with reviewing and maintaining best practices related to medical school technical standards an... more

Residency leadership transition: Spencer to step down, Kelly to become Residency Program Director

Later this summer, the UW Ob-Gyn Residency Program will undergo a leadership transition – current Residency Program Director Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, will step down from this role. Bridget Kelly, MD, current associate residency program director, will become Residency Program Director on September 1, 2023. Please help us thank Dr. Spencer for his many years of incredible leaders... more

Funding available for UWPRC Small Grants

The UW-Madison Prevention Research Center (UWPRC) announced the 4th annual Small Grant Competition to support research promoting maternal and child health and health equity. Grants are intended to support small-scale and innovative research projects, especially those that will provide preliminary data leading to larger research efforts in population health and wellbeing, hea... more

CHAP trial awarded trial of the year by Society for Clinical Trials

The Chronic Hypertension And Pregnancy (CHAP) trial, a multisite study led by the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) with a collaborating site at the University of Wisconsin, received the David Sackett Annual Trial of the Year Award from the Society for Clinical Trials!Kara Hoppe, DO, MS, associate professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, was the lead inv... more

Register for free community talk on chemical hair straighteners and uterine cancer on July 13

Recent research found that using chemical hair straighteners or relaxers may be linked to an increased risk of uterine cancer. If you’ve used chemical hair relaxers in the past, join the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for a free, virtual Healthy Women Community Talk about reducing your uterine cancer ris... more

Barroilhet selected as 2023-2024 Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine Program fellow

Huge congratulations to Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology! Barroilhet was selected as a 2023-24 Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine® (ELAM) Program fellow!The ELAM Program, offered by the Drexel University College of Medicine, is a year-long, part-time fellowship for women faculty in schools of med... more

Bhagavath discusses infertility coverage on Let’s Get Local podcast

During National Infertility Awareness Week in April, Bala Bhagavath, MD, professor and director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, joined the Let’s Get Local podcast to talk about efforts in Wisconsin to improve access to fertility care.During the interview, Bhagavath contrasted his experience working in states with state-mandated infertility cove... more

Sobecki talks about relationships and intimacy after 50 on Doctor Radio

Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and medical director of the UW Health Women's Integrative Sexual Health (WISH) Program, joined SiriusXM Doctor Radio on Monday, May 15 to discuss sex, relationships, and intimacy after age 50!Sobecki was a guest on the Doctor Radio’s Healthy Aging program, alongside UW Health AASECT certified se... more

Higgins talks contraceptive access issues with Tone

A recent article on Tone Madison covered peoples’ emerging concerns about contraceptive access following the US Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs that struck down Roe v. Wade.In the article “Contraception has a new weight post-Roe in Madison”, UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health and UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, MP... more

Holmes-Drammeh receives Jerry Noack Friend of the Program Award from UW PA Program

Huge congratulations to Emelle Holmes-Drammeh, PA, of the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn! She was selected for the Jerry Noack Friend of the Program Award by the UW-Madison Physician Assistant Program! She was honored during the PA graduation ceremony on May 12, 2023.The Friend of the Program Award recognizes someone not employed within the program, but whose con... more

Senderowicz publishes in Studies in Family Planning

​Leigh Senderowicz, ScD, MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Reproductive and Population Health, published an article in Studies in Family Planning about a common indicator in global family planning programs.In “Assessing the Suitability of Unmet Need as a Proxy for Access to Contraception and Desire to Use It”, Senderowicz and co-authors used survey data from Burkin... more

In the News: Green discusses first year of ConnectRx

In April 2022, the Dane County Health Council launched ConnectRx, a care coordination tool within the electronic health record to help providers working with Black pregnant patients navigate supportive resources for patients that are available in the community, in all Madison ob-gyn clinics. Tiffany Green, PhD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive an... more

Stanic, Ong Labs publish in the Journal of Immunology

A new study in collaboration between the Stanic and Ong research groups in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn will be published in the July 2023 issue of the Journal of Immunology!“Proteogenomic and V(D)J Analysis of Human Decidual T Cells Highlights Unique Transcriptional Programming and Clonal Distribution”, by Deborah A. Chasman; Rene Welch Schwartz; Jessica Vazquez; Melina Chav... more

Domeyer-Klenske visits White House Gender Policy Council

On a recent visit to Washington, D.C., UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn Director Amy Domeyer-Klenske, MD, met with staff from the White House Gender Policy Council to discuss challenges and experiences practicing in a post-Dobbs environment. Domeyer-Klenske is currently serving as the Chair of the Wisconsin Section of the American College of Obstetricians... more

Sobecki becomes Gynecology Disease-Oriented Team leader

Congratulations to Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology! Sobecki became the Gynecology Disease-Oriented Team (DOT) leader on May 15, 2023. She takes over from Department Chair Ellen Hartenbach, MD, who will stay on as co-leader during a transition period. DOTs are research groups embedded in specific UW Carbone Cancer Cen... more

Hoppe’s Staying Healthy After Childbirth project with PRC publicized on WORT

The Staying Healthy After Childbirth​ program, led by Kara Hoppe, DO, MS, associate professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, is the new core research project in the UW-Madison Prevention Research Center. WORT Community Radio in Madison covered the launch of Hoppe’s research with UWPRC at a recent community event.The radio story “CDC-Funded Center Prioritizes Bir... more

Grand Rounds: Wang presents “Stepping into the OR: Examining the Transition from Training to Surgical Practice”

On May 8, 2023, UW Ob-Gyn resident Connor Wang, MD, PGY-4, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Stepping into the OR: Examining the Transition from Training to Surgical Practice”.In the lecture, Wang identified key factors that contribute to resident preparedness for the transition to independent practice and identified key challenges junior surgeons feel during the transitio... more

CORE releases statement on mifepristone ruling

While legal challenges to the United States Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the medication mifepristone work their way through the courts, the UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity is tracking the decisions and their potential impact on health care in Wisconsin.CORE published an update in late April after the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that temporarily protect... more

Patankar Lab publishes study on endometriosis treatment in Reproduction

According to the World Health Organization, endometriosis affects roughly 10 percent of reproductive-aged women around the world; despite this prevalence, treatment options are limited. In a new study in Reproduction, members of the Patankar Lab describe a novel treatment strategy for the disease.“Oxidative phosphorylation inhibitors inhibit proliferation of endometriosis ce... more

Sobecki named as BIRWCH Scholar

Congratulations to Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, who was recently appointed to a fully funded position in the UW Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH) program!The UW BIRCWH program provides interdisciplinary career development opportunities for a diverse cohort of early career faculty to fo... more

Bills honored for more than 25 years of service

Huge congratulations to Greg Bills, MD, professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, who recently reached the milestone of 27 years of service to UW Health and the UW Department of Ob-Gyn! Bills will be recognized at the UW Health Honoring You Recognition Event on June 8, 2023.In addition to exceptional patient care and resident education, Bills’ career withi... more

Rose delivers Katz Memorial Lecture to University of Pittsburgh Department of Ob-Gyn

On May 9, 2023, UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology Director Stephen Rose, MD, gave the David and Lenore Brundige Katz Memorial Lecture to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine's Department of Ob-Gyn. Rose gave the presentation “Laughing in the face of Cancer: How humor may benefit patients.”The Katz Memorial Lecture is an annual event hosted for the UPMC De... more

Jacques publishes study in Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health

A new study by Laura Jacques, MD, associate professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology, uses anonymous posts on social media to document the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on people’s abortion experiences in the United States.““I'm going to be forced to have a baby”: A study of COVID-19 abortion experiences on Reddit”, published in the journa... more

In the News: Beninati on Wisconsin woman’s heart failure in pregnancy

UW Health shared the remarkable story of a Wisconsin woman who gave birth and received a heart transplant within an eight-week span in late 2022 and early 2023. Michael Beninati, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, was a critical part of the team that cared for the patient and her baby:““We put together a huge team of experts at UW H... more

Bhagavath discusses Dobbs’ implications on fertility care with Tone Madison

In a recent article on Tone Madison, Bala Bhagavath, MD, professor and director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, weighted in about the impact of the Dobbs decision on infertility care.In “Fertility care in Wisconsin faces worrisome unknowns in the wake of Dobbs”, Bhagavath discussed common questions and concerns he has heard from patients, and w... more

Grand Rounds: Department Research Day 2023

On May 4, 2023, the UW Department of Ob-Gyn hosted Department Research Day. You can watch all the research presentations given that day here. Keynote by Genevieve Neal-Perry, MD, PhD – 0:00:00-1:01:45Menopause Management: Where are we now? Graduating Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellow Brad Bosse, MD – 1:01:46-1:20:45Preeclampsia: It’s in the water?Graduating Gynecologic Oncology... more

Archer and Sergeant present at Wisconsin Nursing Association Conference

Sari Archer, NP and Angie Sergeant, NP, both nurse practitioners in the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, presented at the Wisconsin Nursing Association’s 37th annual APRN Pharmacology and Clinical Update in April!Archer and Sergeant brought the presentation “Pee, Poop, and the Pelvic Floor: They are not taboo subjects!” to the intensive, three-d... more

Rose receives UW Health Physician Excellence Award

Stephen Rose, MD, professor and director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, received the 2023 UW Health Regional Services Physician Excellence Award at a ceremony on May 3! The award recognizes physicians who exemplify UW Health’s strategic priority in providing extraordinary regional services care for patients at neighboring health care facilities in Wisconsin and bey... more

UW Ob-Gyn presentations at 2023 Society for Reproductive Investigation Conference

In March 2023, the Society for Reproductive Investigation hosted their 70th Annual Scientific Meeting in Brisbane, Australia. Members of the UW Department of Ob-Gyn brought fantastic representation to the meeting: Irene Ong, PhD, assistant professor in the Division of Reproductive Sciences, was invited to present during the “Circulating Factors Regulating Maternal/Fetal Immu... more

Welcome Olga Fajardo, MD, to ASOG Division!

Olga Fajardo, MD, has accepted our offer to join the UW Department of Ob-Gyn as a Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon (MIGS). Dr. Fajardo will start on August 14, 2023; in this role, she will be part of the faculty of the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn. Fajardo graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, followed by Obstetrics and G... more

Women’s Healthcast: What’s Next in Menopause Management?

Vasomotor symptoms, also known as hot flashes, are one of the most common and most disruptive symptoms of the perimenopause transition. For some people, they can happen more than seven times a day. And once hot flashes start, people experience them for an average of 2 years (but sometimes as long as 10 to 12 years).On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Genevieve Neal-Pe... more

Funding available for maternal-child health pilot projects through UW SMPH

The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and state Department of Health Services (DHS) are teaming up to improve maternal and infant health across Wisconsin through a new funding opportunity, Healthy Wisconsin Families: Investing in the Infrastructure of Maternal and Infant Health​. Applications for pilot projects are due May 30, 2023.Proposals from n... more

Save the Date: Black Women’s Wellness Day, September 30, 2023

The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness will present the 15th Annual Black Women’s Wellness Day on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at the Monona Terrace. Registration opens soon for Black Women’s Wellness Day, featuring a powerful mix of information, inspiration, and empowerment. Learn more about the event and how to register here.

Grand Rounds: Dryer presents “Obstetrics & Oncology: The Unique Landscape in a Post-Roe Era”

On April 27, 2023, UW Ob-Gyn resident Kathryn Dryer, MD, PGY-4, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Obstetrics & Oncology: The Unique Landscape in a Post-Roe Era”.In the lecture, Dryer defined the general principles of oncology care during pregnancy; identified the most common cancers during pregnancy, and how pregnancy can affect their treatment; and evaluated how current l... more

REI professionals gather in Madison for 2023 Clinical Embryologists Summit Conference

More than 80 professionals from reproductive endocrinology and infertility organizations across the country visited Madison for the 24th Annual Clinical Embryologists Summit (CES) Conference April 21-22, 2023. The CES Conference is an annual event designed to give participants an informal setting to share ideas and to interact with invited speakers and other clinical embryol... more

Women’s Healthcast: Equity and Access in Fertility Care

​In early April 2023, the World Health Organization released a new report that suggests one in six adults – or roughly 17.5% of the world’s adult population – will be affected by infertility in their lifetime. Despite how common infertility is, access to treatment in the United States is inconsistent.During National Infertility Awareness Week, the Women’s Healthcast focused ... more

Staying Healthy After Childbirth selected for Phase II HHS Hypertension Innovator Award Competition

Huge congratulations to Kara Hoppe, DO, MS, associate professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, whose Staying Healthy After Childbirth program was chosen as one of 15 Phase II awardees for the HHS Hypertension Innovator Award Competition by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Women’s Health (OWH)!The Hypertension Innovator A... more

Jennings discusses syphilis symptoms with Giddy

Cases of syphilis are on the rise in the United States and around the world, making it crucial that people understand risks, signs and symptoms, and how to find treatment for this common sexually transmitted infection.Ashley Jennings, MD, associate professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, spoke with Giddy about how common syphilis can be in “The... more

Brown receives Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professorship

Congratulations to Heidi Brown, MD, MAS, associate professor in the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, who recently received a Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professorship!Brown is one of 13 awarded the 2023 Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professorships, an award recognizing distinguished scholarship as well as standout efforts in teaching and s... more

Williamson’s UW-Madison Academic Staff award featured in UW News

UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Associate Director Amy Williamson, MPP, received the 2023 UW–Madison Robert and Carroll Heideman Award for Excellence in Public Service and Outreach! A recent article published by UW-Madison News outlines Williamson’s statewide outreach efforts that helped earn the award:“She has produced many evidence-based policy briefs (such as Roe... more

Higgins joins WORT to talk about future of medication abortion in Wisconsin

Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH, director of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health and the UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity, spoke with WORT Community Radio in Madison about recent federal court rulings around FDA approval of the drug mifepristone and what it could mean for abortion and miscarriage patients.In “What Now For Medication Abortions?”, Higg... more

Molly Willging, PhD candidate in Abbott Lab, receives UW mentoring award

Sincere congratulations to Molly Willging, PhD student in the UW Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program and member of the Abbott Lab! Willging is one of just two graduate students to receive the 2023 Undergraduate Symposium Mentor Award in Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities.The Office of the Provost offers these awards to recognize the important role ment... more

Adams to co-chair Wisconsin Maternal Mortality Review Team

We are pleased to share that Jackie Adams, MD, MS, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, was recently named co-chair of the Wisconsin Maternal Mortality Review Team! Adams will co-chair alongside Jasmine Zapata, MD, MPH, assistant professor in the UW SMPH Department of Pediatrics and Chief Medical Officer for Community Health in the Wiscon... more

Sobecki and WISH program featured by UW Health

Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, discussed the importance of attention and conversation about sexual side effects of cancer treatment with UW Health in a new article about the UW Health Women’s Integrative Sexual Health (WISH) Program.Sobecki, who is medical director of the WISH Program, offered support and advice fo... more

Green publishes op-ed in The Hill

Tiffany Green, PhD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, published an opinion piece in The Hill during Black Maternal Health Week, April 11-17.In “Ending the COVID emergency will further harm Black maternal mortality”, Green shares recent maternal mortality statistics that show an uptick in maternal mortality that aligns with t... more

Spencer receives SGO Congressional Ambassador Award

Congratulations to Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, who received the Society of Gynecologic Oncology Congressional Ambassador Award! Spencer received the award during the 2023 SGO Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer in March 2023.The Congressional Ambassador Award recognizes SGO members who have worked hard to educate ... more

Barroilhet, Giles, Iruretagoyena in Texas as Board Examiners

Three UW Ob-Gyn faculty served as ABOG subspecialty board examiners in Texas this year!Dobie Giles, MD, MS, MBA, professor in the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, and Igor Iruretagoyena, MD, MS, professor and director of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine,... more

CORE brief outlines #WeCount data on changes in abortion access

A new brief from the UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity synthesizes findings from the Society of Family Planning’s #WeCount report that aims to capture changes in abortion access across the United States since the June 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.“Post-Dobbs changes in abortion access in Wisconsin and nationally” adds important context to t... more

M1 Samantha Williams in Abbott Lab receives Shapiro Summer Research grant

Congratulations to Samantha Williams, M1 student in the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, who received a 2023 Shapiro Summer Research Program Award! Samantha was previously an undergraduate student in the lab of Professor David Abbott, PhD, and will be co-mentored by Abbott alongside Dan Ulrich, PhD, professor in the UW SMPH Department of Neuroscience.Samantha’s proje... more

UW Ob-Gyn presentations at 2023 Society of Gynecologic Oncology conference

UW Ob-Gyn faculty, advanced practice providers, fellows, and residents prepared an impressive slate of presentations and posters, and served in key leadership roles, for the 2023 Society of Gynecologic Oncology Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer! Here are just some of their exciting contributions to the conference, which took place March 25-28, 2023 in Tampa, FL:Associate Proe... more

Higgins discusses #WeCount survey in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

A recent article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel summarizes findings from the Society of Family Planning’s #WeCount report that highlights a marked decline in abortions performed across the United States since the June 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.In “National report finds sharp decline in abortions in the U.S. since Dobbs decision”, UW Ob-Gyn D... more

Hutcherson receives Student National Medical Association Excellence in Pre-Medical Education Award

Beverly Hutcherson, graduate student in the Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology program, received the Student National Medical Association Excellence in Pre-Medical Education Award at the 2023 Annual Medical Education Conference in Hartford, CT! Hutcherson is an MS student in the Abbott Lab, as well as Diversity and Inclusion Manager in the UW SMPH Dean's Office.Hutche... more

Moureau shares incontinence research on UroToday

Research Specialist Madeline Moureau, member of the Brown Research Group, presented the study “Zoom To Scale? Real World Implementation Of Online Versus In-Person Community-Based Continence Promotion” in a video on UroToday! Moureau discussed the project with Diane Newman, DNP, adjunct professor of urology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. In the... more

Rhoades to become Associate Division Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Janine Rhoades, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, will become associate director of the division on July 1, 2023! She will work closely with Division Director Igor Iruretagoyena, MD, MS, in this role.Rhoades joined the UW Department of Ob-Gyn in 2018 following MFM fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis. She has been a leader in fel... more

Hartenbach elected to CUCOG Executive Board

Congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn Department Chair Ellen Hartenbach, MD, who was elected to serve as Member-At-Large on the Council of University Chairs of Obstetrics and Gynecology (CUCOG) Executive Board. Hartenbach’s term begins during the 2023 CUCOG Annual Meeting in Baltimore, MD on May 18, 2023 and ends during the annual meeting in 2025.CUCOG is dedicated to supporting OB-G... more

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... more

Hanks passes ABOG board exams

Sincere congratulations to Laura Hanks, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn! We are proud to share that Hanks passed her ABOG board exams.Hanks joined our department faculty in May 2022. Incredible work, Dr. Hanks!

Iruretagoyena to become Vice Chair of Finance in July 2023

Later this year, the UW Ob-Gyn Finance Committee will undergo a leadership change: Igor Iruretagoyena, MD, MS, professor and director of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, will become the new Vice Chair of Finance, effective July 1, 2023. He will follow Dobie Giles, MD, MS, MBA, associate professor in the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, w... more

Healthy Women Community Talk: Navigating Your Fertility Journey

Starting or growing a family is a deep desire for many people, but the path to parenthood is not always straightforward. A panel of experts answered fertility questions during the well-attended virtual community talk "Navigating Your Fertility Journey" on April 10, 2023: Generations Fertility Care Director Dr. Bala Bhagavath discussed physical and medical aspects of fertili... more

Women’s Healthcast: Back to Basics: Contraception, featuring Dr. Ryan Luellwitz

There’s a lot to consider when choosing the right birth control - what will work with your lifestyle? What are your goals? Are there other health issues you should consider before starting a method? Where can you go to find the right birth control for you? On the final Back to Basics episode of the Women’s Healthcast, guest experts Ryan Luellwitz, DO, assistant professor in ... more

Giles to step down as Vice Chair of Finance

Later this year, the UW Ob-Gyn Finance Committee will undergo a leadership change: Dobie Giles, MD, MS, MBA, associate professor in the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, will step down as Vice Chair of Finance. Igor Iruretagoyena, MD, MS, professor and director of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, will become the new Vice Chair of Finance,... more

Brown publishes editorial on implementation science in Urogynecology

Heidi Brown, MD, MAS, associate professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, published a new editorial “Beyond Effectiveness: Implementation Science 101 for Clinicians and Clinical Researchers” in Urogynecology.Brown has a proven expertise in implementation science, serving as faculty in the UW Institute for Clinical and Translati... more

Hartenbach interviewed on NPR

UW Ob-Gyn Department Chair Ellen Hartenbach, MD, is included in a National Public Radio story that aired on Weekend Edition on March 18, 2023!In “How the overturn of Roe v. Wade is impacting medical students entering gynecology”, Hartenbach adds some context to residency candidates’ concerns about training environments post-Dobbs, discusses the impact of traveling for traini... more

In the News: Green discusses new infant, maternal mortality statistics with Channel 3000, WPR

Tiffany Green, PhD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, joined local and statewide news outlets to talk about the latest U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics about infant and maternal mortality in the U.S.Uncovering the causes of infant and maternal mortality – Wisconsin Public RadioIn this intervie... more

Jacques, Higgins co-author article in Wisconsin Medical Journal

Laura Jacques, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, and Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH, director of the UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity and Division of Reproductive and Population Health, are co-authors on a new study in the Wisconsin Medical Journal. Taryn Valley, MA, an MD-PhD student in the UW School of Medicine and Public... more

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 ... more

Patankar trainee Sejal Sharma accepted into Morgridge Entrepreneurial Bootcamp

Huge congratulations to Sejal Sharma, PhD candidate in the UW Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology program and member of Manish Patankar’s lab, who was accepted into the Morgridge Entrepreneurial Bootcamp (MEB) for 2023!The MEB is a one-week intensive training program in technology entrepreneurship for graduate students in the sciences, engineering, and math. MEB is co-... more

Pennycuff publishes editorial in Green Journal

Jon Pennycuff, MD, MSPH, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, published an editorial in the April 2023 issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology!In “Is Two Better than One? Concurrent Surgery for Gynecologic Cancer and Pelvic Floor Disorders”, Pennycuff outlines the low frequency of concurrent surgeries, despite increas... more

UWPRC invites you to two Birthing Justice screenings and launch of Hoppe’s research project in April

The UW-Madison Prevention Research Center invites community members, faculty, students, and staff to two screenings of the film Birthing Justice, “a documentary that flips the victim-blaming narrative by centering the lived experiences of Black women and their advocates as they fix a broken system one birth at a time.” The film screening will be followed by a panel discussio... more

Green talks about Wisconsin’s post-Dobbs landscape on MSNBC

Tiffany Green, PhD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, joined American Voices on MSNBC to discuss Wisconsin’s current abortion restrictions and what the outcome of the April 4, 2023 Wisconsin State Supreme Court election could mean for abortion access in the future.In the interview, Green added important context about barrier... more

Healthy Women Community Talk: Navigating Your Fertility Journey – April 10, 2023

Starting or growing a family is a deep desire for many people, but the path to parenthood is not always straightforward. All are invited to a free, virtual community talk about navigating your fertility journey, presented by the UW Department of Ob-Gyn! Bring your questions about all aspects of fertility to a panel of experts at 6:30pm on April 10, 2023:Generations Fertility... more

Grand Rounds: Walker presents “Nobody warned me about this part: The complexities of postpartum care”

On March 23, UW Ob-Gyn resident Jessica Walker, MD, PGY-4, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Nobody warned me about this part: The complexities of postpartum care.”In the lecture, Walker defined the “fourth trimester” and highlighted its importance in obstetric care; outlined the typical inpatient postpartum course at our institution; and discussed common postpartum compla... more

Women’s Healthcast: Back to Basics: STIs and Safer Sex, featuring Ryan Luellwitz, DO

Sexually transmitted infections (or STIs) are incredibly common – over half of people in the U.S. will have an STI at some point in their life. Despite being so common, we still approach STIs with a lot of stigma and shame, and maybe even avoid talking about them at all!On this Back to Basics episode of the Women’s Healthcast, guest experts Ryan Luellwitz, DO, assistant prof... more

Faculty and residents attend 2023 ACOG Congressional Leadership Conference

UW Ob-Gyn faculty and residents learned about effective engagement and visited members of the Wisconsin congressional delegation during the 2023 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Congressional Leadership Conference March 5-7 in Washington, D.C.UW Ob-Gyn Residency Director and Associate Professor Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, Clerkship Coordinator and Assistant Prof... more

Williamson receives UW-Madison Heideman Award for Excellence in Public Service and Outreach

Huge congratulations to UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Associate Director Amy Williamson, MPP, who received the 2023 UW–Madison Robert and Carroll Heideman Award for Excellence in Public Service and Outreach! This award is one of the campus-wide Academic Staff Excellence Awards chosen by the UW Academic Staff Assembly’s Professional Development and Recognition Comm... more

Wagar published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, featured on Green Journal Editors’ Picks podcast

Congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn gynecologic oncology fellow Matt Wagar, MD, who coauthored a new study in Obstetrics and Gynecology! Wagar also joined the latest Obstetrics and Gynecology Editors’ Picks podcast to discuss his article “Postpartum Opportunistic Salpingectomy Compared With Bilateral Tubal Ligation After Vaginal Delivery for Ovarian Cancer Risk Reduction: A Cost-Ef... more

Green discusses hope for infant mortality disparities in On Wisconsin

The Spring 2023 issue of the UW–Madison alumni magazine On Wisconsin set its sights on the future of UW. In the article “Fixing the Future”, UW–Madison researchers shared breakthroughs in their fields that make them optimistic about tomorrow.In the article, Tiffany Green, PhD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, described a pr... more

Rose to receive UW Health Regional Services Physician Excellence Award

Our sincere congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology Director Stephen Rose, MD, who will receive the 2023 UW Health Regional Services Physician Excellence Award at a ceremony on May 3, 2023!Rose was nominated by colleagues to receive the Regional Services Physician Excellence award, which recognizes physicians who exemplify UW Health’s strategic priority... more

Wendland published in Advances in Health Sciences Education

Claire Wendland, MD, PhD, Professor and Chair of the UW-Madison Department of Anthropology and professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, co-authored a new publication in the journal Advances in Health Sciences Education!In the article “Admitting privileges: a construction ecology perspective on the unintended consequences of medical school ad... more

Anderson-Carter featured in Carbone’s Pancreas Cancer Task Force news

UW Ob-Gyn resident India Anderson-Carter, MD, PGY-3, was included in the UW Carbone Cancer Center’s Pancreas Cancer Task Force Women’s History Month newsletter as a Resident Hero!Anderson-Carter served on a Women in Health Care Career panel at West High School alongside oncologist Noelle LoConte, MD, on March 3, 2023.We are so proud of the outreach work Dr. Anderson-Carter d... more

Casey’Grant and Sorensen to join Aftershock film discussion panel on April 13

The UW Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education (UW CIPE) and the Master Public Health Program in the UW School of Medicine and Public Health present a Knowledge Exchange Series (KES) which includes a film screening of the film AFTERSHOCK and a panel discussion to follow.Following the preventable deaths of their loved ones due to childbirth complications, two fami... more

It’s a Match! Welcome incoming UW Ob-Gyn Resident Class of 2027!

We are thrilled to introduce the incoming UW Ob-Gyn Resident Class of 2027, who matched into our residency on March 17, 2023. Please help us welcome these future ob-gyns to our department!Emily ChiuUniversity of MinnesotaNicolette CodispotiLoyola UniversityAlma Farooque University of WisconsinOlivia Johnson - Rural trackUniversity of WisconsinAbbey KnickerbockerWashington St... more

Grand Rounds: Eichelberger presents Resident Research Day keynote

At the UW Ob-Gyn Resident Research Day event on March 2, 2023, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville professor of obstetrics and gynecology Dr. Kacey Eichelberger gave the keynote presentation “Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): How Understanding Your Patients’ Early Life Traumas Will Make You a Better Ob/Gyn (Promise!)”.In the presentation, Eichelber... more

Hartenbach nominated to Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society

Our sincere congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn Department Chair and Professor Ellen Hartenbach, MD, who was nominated to join the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society as a Class of 2023 faculty inductee!Alpha Omega Alpha is a medical honor society that recognizes individuals for their excellence in scholarship, professionalism, leadership, and teaching. Each year, faculty members are s... more

Beninati discusses maternal mortality statistics with CBS 58

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated maternal mortality statistics showing an increase in maternal mortality from 2018 to 2021, with significant racial disparities in the rates of increase.Michael Beninati, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, discussed these statistics with CBS-58: “"I think that w... more

Grand Rounds: Wetterhahn presents “More Than “OSH”: Why Outside Hospitals Transfer Patients and How You Can Help”

On March 9, 2023, UW Ob-Gyn resident Madeline Wetterhahn, MD, PGY-4, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “More Than “OSH”: Why Outside Hospitals Transfer Patients and How You Can Help”. In the lecture, Wetterhahn discussed the frequency of maternal transfers to the Madison birthing hospital where UW Ob-Gyn physicians practice; outlined most common reasons for transfers; talke... more

Sobecki discusses sexual health and cancer on WPR’s The Morning Show

On March 1, 2023, Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, joined Wisconsin Public Radio’s The Morning Show to discuss a recent study from the UW Health Women’s Integrative Sexual Health (WISH) Clinic team and talk about sexual health after cancer. In the interview, Sobecki answered questions about what aspects of cancer care can affe... more

Register for 3rd Annual Virtual Black Maternal & Child Health Summit on April 20, 2023

Register today for the 3rd Annual Virtual Black Maternal & Child Health Summit on Thursday April 20, 2023 9am – 3pm CST! Register here for the event.The annual BMCH Summit is the outgrowth of the Saving our Babies work the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness and the Black Maternal and Child Health Alliance and partners are deeply engaged in here in Wisconsin, to address an... more

Women’s Healthcast: Back to Basics: Consent and Bodily Autonomy, featuring Ryan Luellwitz, DO

Understanding bodily autonomy and consent can be crucial tools for navigating healthy relationships of all kinds, including romantic relationships. But helping young people build a strong sense of self and understand boundaries and autonomy should start when kids are as young as possible, well before romantic relationships are on the horizon. On this Back to Basics episode o... more

UW Ob-Gyn brings presentations, posters, film to 2023 CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting

The Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics hosted their 2023 Annual Meeting in National Harbor, MD February 27-March 1. Faculty, residents, fellows, students, and staff in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn brought a variety of presentations to this education-focused conference. Just some of their in... more

Brown to depart for Kaiser Permanente in San Diego

It is bittersweet to announce a sad loss for our department, but an exciting life change for our friend and colleague: Heidi Brown, MD, MAS, will be leaving UW Ob-Gyn for a new opportunity at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego, CA later this year. Her last day in the department will be June 30, 2023.Please join us in thanking Dr. Brown for her tremendous contributions to the dep... more

Hoppe’s MyHEART study results published in JAMA

Huge congratulations to Kara Hoppe, DO, MS, associate professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine! Results from the long-running MyHEART study, which Hoppe became principal investigator of in 2019, were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.“Effect of a Telephone Health Coaching Intervention on Hypertension Control in Young Adults: The MyHEART... more

Jacques promoted to Associate Professor (CHS)

Our sincere congratulations to Laura Jacques, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn! The UW School of Medicine and Public Health CHS Faculty Appointments and Promotions Committee met in February 2023 and overwhelmingly endorsed her promotion to the rank of Associate Professor (CHS).The promotion will be effective June 18, 2023. Incredible work, Dr. ... more

Grand Rounds: Rassier delivers Resident Research Day keynote

On February 23, 2023, Sarah Rassier, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology Director of Fibroid Clinic at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, presented the keynote lecture “From Hysteria to Heart Disease: A Biography of the Uterus” at UW Ob-Gyn Resident Research Day.In the lecture, Rassier discussed the history and evolution of hysterectomy as... more

Women’s Healthcast: Back to Basics: Sex, Gender, Sexuality featuring Ryan Luellwitz, DO

Our understanding of gender identity, gender expression, sexuality, and sexual orientation has expanded so much over time. On this Back to Basics episode of the Women’s Healthcast, guest experts Ryan Luellwitz, DO, assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, and Paula Cody, MD, MPH, associate professor in the UW SMPH Department of Pediatrics, make ... more

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 ... more

UW Ob-Gyn brings impressive slate of research to 2023 SMFM meeting

​Faculty, residents, and fellows brought an exciting variety of posters and presentations to the 2023 Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Annual Pregnancy Meeting February 6-11 in San Francisco! Just some of their incredible accomplishments:Erin Bailey, MD, MS (MFM fellow) presented “Treatment for mild chronic hypertension during pregnancy: is tighter better?” during an oral... more

Rose invited to present Grand Rounds to Weill Cornell Department of Ob-Gyn

Steve Rose, MD, professor and Director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, presented Grand Rounds to the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology on Monday, January 30! The Weill Cornell Ob-Gyn residents were allowed to select a Grand Rounds speaker for the first time, and Rose was their first choice! Rose presented the lecture “A Revised Markov Mo... more

Green quoted in New York Times article about infant mortality disparities

The New York Times shared a study out of California that found huge racial disparities in infant mortality, regardless of family income. “Childbirth Is Deadlier for Black Families Even When They’re Rich, Expansive Study Finds” summarizes a study of infant mortality published by the National Bureau of Economic Research.In the article, Tiffany Green, PhD, assistant professor i... more

Cooney promoted to Associate Professor (CHS)

Our sincere congratulations to Laura Cooney, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences! The UW School of Medicine and Public Health CHS Faculty Appointments and Promotions Committee met in February 2023 and overwhelmingly endorsed her promotion to the rank of Associate Professor (CHS).The promotion will be effective June 18, 2023. Incredible work, Dr. Cooney! more

Grand Rounds: Iruretagoyena presents “Communication milestones for the OB/GYN resident”

On February 9, 2023, UW Ob-Gyn Professor and Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Director Igor Iruretagoyena, MD, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Communication milestones for the OB/GYN resident”.In the lecture, Iruretagoyena summarized the new Ob-Gyn milestones from ACGME, defined the different components needed to advance in the milestones, identified tools needed to a... more

Senderowicz publishes in Studies in Family Planning

Leigh Senderowicz, ScD, MPH, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, is building a distinguished reputation as a leading scholar in contraceptive autonomy, with numerous publications and international presentations on the topic. Her 2020 article suggesting contraceptive autonomy as a novel family planning indicator even informed t... more

Jacques, Cutler discuss sterilization trends with WPR

Since the US Supreme Court’s decision in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in June 2022, health care providers across the state have seen an increase in requests for permanent sterilization.Wisconsin Public Radio reported on new sterilization services to be offered at Planned Parenthood in Milwaukee. In “Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin to begin vasectomy ... more

Adams accepted into Johns Hopkins Mixed Methods Research Training Program

Congratulations to Jackie Adams, MD, MS, assistant professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, who was recently accepted into the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Mixed Methods Research Training Program for the Health Sciences!The Mixed Methods Research Training Program for the Health Sciences is funded by the National Institutes of Health through th... more

UW Ob-Gyn celebrates Thank A Resident/Fellow Day!

On February 24, 2023, the Gold Foundation hosted Thank A Resident/Thank A Fellow Day, an opportunity to celebrate trainees’ invaluable contributions to health care.Faculty and APPs from across the department shared messages of thanks for the residents and fellows who are truly the heart of our department. You can watch the whole video here!

Wagar discusses ERAS on SGO podcast

UW Ob-Gyn Gynecologic Oncology fellow Matt Wagar, MD, joined a panel of guests on the Society of Gynecologic Oncology’s SGO On the Go podcast to discuss Enhanced Recovery After Surgery!As part of a panel of 2022-2023 SGO Opioid/ERAS Subcommittee members, Wagar and others guests provided practical tips on developing Enhanced Recovery After Surgery programs that could be appli... more

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 ... more

Grand Rounds: Pellebon presents Next Steps: Disclosures of Sexual Violence

​On February 2, 2023, Dane County RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center Co-Director Dana Pellebon presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Next Steps: Disclosures of Sexual Violence”.In the lecture, Pellebon defined sexual assault, explained strategies for mandated reporting versus protective interrupting during disclosures, discussed victims’ rights and advocates’ roles, explained... more

Beninati and UW Health Fetal Surgery Center successes in news

​UW Health, in partnership with UnityPoint Health-Meriter Hospital, launched the Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Center in 2022. Michael Beninati, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, co-directs the center along with pediatric general surgeon Inna Lobeck, MD. A recent surgery at the Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Center was featured in s... more

Women’s Healtcast: Back to Basics: Period Products, featuring Ryan Luellwitz

Just about half the world’s population has had or will have a period at some point. But despite how common menstruation is, there can still be some confusion or even stigma around period products like pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and more. And that’s not even getting into the huge industry around so-called feminine hygiene products that can often do more harm than good. O... more

Cutler, Higgins publish in Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health

In new research published in the journal Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, UW Ob-Gyn Assistant Professor Abigail Cutler, MD, UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity and Division of Reproductive and Population Health Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH, and co-authors use survey data to examine factors associated with physicians' level of concern and perceived con... more

Welcome Erin Bailey, MD, MS to the MFM Division!

The UW Department of Ob-Gyn is thrilled to announce that Erin Bailey, MD, MS will join the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine faculty as an assistant professor (CHS) upon completing fellowship in September 2024!Bailey earned a Master of Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Population Health Sciences in 2013. She graduated from the University of Wis... more

Anderson-Carter, Andes, Harrison named chief residents for 2023-24 academic year

Congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn residents India Anderson-Carter, MD, Alex Andes, MD, and Margaret Harrison, MD! After a period of transition and training, they will all step into chief resident roles on May 1, 2023.Anderson-Carter will be the Education Chief, taking over from graduating resident Maya Gross, MD. Andes and Harrison will be Administrative Chiefs, taking over from ... more

Wallace promoted to Associate Professor (CHS)

In a unanimous decision, the UW School of Medicine and Public Health CHS Faculty Appointments and Promotions Committee approved the promotion of Sumer Wallace, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, to the rank of Associate Professor (CHS)!Wallace’s promotion will be effective June 18, 2023. Congratulations, Dr. Wallace!

Welcome Kimberly Bannon, MD to ASOG Division!

We are thrilled to share that Kimberly Bannon, MD, will join the UW Department of Ob-Gyn as a member of the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn faculty! Dr. Bannon will start on June 15, 2023.Bannon joins us from Edward-Elmhurst Health in Naperville, IL, where she has been a partner in a full-scope ob-gyn practice since 2019. In that practice, she cares for high-risk ... more

Adams named Co-chair of UW Health/Meriter Maternal Child Health Steering Group

Jackie Adams, MD, MS, assistant professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, was recently named co-chair of the UW Health/UnityPoint Health-Meriter Maternal and Child Health Steering Group!The Maternal and Child Health Steering Group is comprised of stakeholders from UW Health and UPH- Meriter in clinical/non-clinical areas such as OB, Pediatrics, Family Medicine, S... more

Wang publishes study on digital cervicography in Gynecologic Oncology Reports

Congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn resident Connor Wang, MD, PGY-4, who published a new study in Gynecologic Oncology Reports! The study was a cooperative effort with the UW SMPH Department of Family Medicine and Community Health.In “Digital cervicography for cervical cancer screening in low-resource settings: A scoping review”, Wang and co-authors synthesized data from past studi... more

Grand Rounds: Gross presents Put Me In, Coach: Surgical education beyond “see one, do one, teach one”

On January 12, 2023, UW Ob-Gyn resident Maya Gross, MD, MPH, PGY-4 presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Put Me In, Coach: Surgical education beyond “see one, do one, teach one””.In the lecture, Gross discussed the history and terminology of surgical education and coaching, compared the nuances of surgical coaching in a formal training environment versus coaching as part of co... more

Residency alum Carballo publishes in Scientific Reports

Erica Carballo, MD, UW Ob-Gyn residency graduate in the class of 2021, published a new article in Scientific Reports! Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, is senior author on the article.In “Surgical outcomes of adnexal masses classified by IOTA ultrasound simple rules”, Carballo and co-authors conducted a retrospective study ... more

Women's Healthcast: Back to Basics: Menstrual Cycle and Periods with Ryan Luellwitz, DO and Paula Cody, MD, MPH

The Women’s Healthcast, the UW Department of Ob-Gyn podcast, kicked off 2023 with a new series designed to answer some of the most common questions about sexual and reproductive health and provide resources for parents and supportive adults who may want to start having these conversations with the kids in their lives.Guest experts Ryan Luellwitz, DO, assistant professor in t... more

Spencer discusses rural GME opportunities with ACGME blog

As part of an ongoing series of interviews with programs offering rural graduate medical education experiences, UW Ob-Gyn Residency Program Director Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, spoke with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) about the successes and challenges of sustaining the nation’s first-ever rural ob-gyn residency track: ACGME: What advice do you h... more

UW Ob-Gyn named Preeclampsia Center of Excellence by Preeclampsia Foundation

After a highly successful visit from Preeclampsia Foundation CEO Eleni Tsigas in the summer of 2022, the Department of Ob-Gyn was named a Preeclampsia Center of Excellence!In June 2022, Kara Hoppe, DO, MS, associate professor of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Ian Bird, PhD, professor of Reproductive Sciences, and Derek Boeldt, PhD, assistant professor of Reproductive Sciences, pre... more

Faculty Development Funding Feature: Wallace attends AAMC Early Career Women Faculty Leadership Development Seminar

Each fiscal year, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Development Committee​ makes available a total of $10,000 for professional development. Faculty may submit applications at any time (until funds are exhausted for the current fiscal year).Sumer Wallace, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, used a Faculty Development Gr... more

Sobecki presents Carbone Cancer Center Grand Rounds

Janelle Sobecki, MD, MA, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, presented a Grand rounds lecture to the UW Carbone Cancer Center on January 11, 2023.In the presentation "What We Don't Talk About When We Don't Talk About Sex & Cancer", Sobecki provided attendees with an overview of sexual health and cancer as well as strategies to improve screening for ... more

Bailey earns funding from UPH-Meriter Foundation

Congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellow Erin Bailey, MD! She recently received a grant from the UnityPoint Health-Meriter Foundation to support her fellowship research project “AT GOAL: Adopting technology for glucose optimization and lifestyle in pregnancy.”In addition to the UPH-Meriter Foundation grant, she also received a generous equipment donation f... more

Save the date: Department Research Day, May 4, 2023

Please join us for several exciting research presentations at Department Research Day, coming up May 4, 2023 from 7:00-10:00am. The event will be held in 1335 HSLC.Department Research Day will open with a keynote presentation from Genevieve Neal-Perry, MD, PhD, Robert A. Ross Distinguished Professor and Chair in the University of North Carolina School of Medicine Department ... more

Mojdehbakhsh published in Gynecologic Oncology Reports

Congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn resident (and soon-to-be gynecologic oncology fellow) Rachel Mojdehbakhsh, MD, PGY-4, who published a new study in Gynecologic Oncology Reports!In “Efficacy and safety of a restrictive blood transfusion protocol in gynecologic surgical patients”, Mojdehbakhsh and co-authors compared postsurgical outcomes for patients before and after the hospital... more

Women’s Healthcast: Back to Basics of Anatomy and Puberty, with Ryan Luellwitz and Paula Cody

The Women’s Healthcast, the UW Department of Ob-Gyn podcast, kicked off 2023 with a new series designed to answer some of the most common questions about sexual and reproductive health and provide resources for parents and supportive adults who may want to start having these conversations with the kids in their lives.Ryan Luellwitz, DO, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn D... more

McDonald promoted to Clinical Professor

Congratulations to Ryan McDonald, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn! The UW SMPH Clinician Teacher Track Appointments and Promotions Committee recently met and overwhelmingly endorsed his promotion to Clinical Professor.His promotion will be effective June 18, 2023. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Dr. McDonald!

Senderowicz to present at Wednesday Nite at the Lab on February 1

Leigh Senderowicz, ScD, MPH, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, will share her research at the UW-Madison Science Outreach event Wednesday Nite @ the Lab at 7:00pm on February 1, 2023! More information about the event and how to attend is available here.In the talk "I Was Obligated to Accept: Coercion and Autonomy in Contempo... more

Don’t miss Resident Research Day events on February 23 and March 2

Mark your calendars now for both UW Ob-Gyn Resident Research Days, coming up February 23 and March 2, 2023! Both events will be held in HSLC 1335 from 7:00-9:00am.On February 23, Sarah Rassier, MD, MPH, assistant professor in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science and director of the Mayo Clinic’s Fibroid Clinic, will present the keynote. Fourth-year residents Kathr... more

Boeldt earns UPH-Meriter Foundation grant for preeclampsia research

Exciting news from Derek Boeldt, PhD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences: he received a UnityPoint Health-Meriter Foundation grant for the project “Developing a Novel Diagnostic Test for the Early Detection of Preeclampsia”!The grant will support a research project that will investigate a novel approach to develop specific biomarkers for e... more

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 con... more

Adams earns Masters in Clinical Investigation from UW ICTR

Congratulations to Jackie Adams, MD, MS, assistant professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, who recently completed a master’s in clinical investigation through the UW Institute for Clinical and Translational Research!Adams started the master’s program during her time as MFM fellow in our department and continued to work on it when she joined the MFM division fac... more

Heisler to serve as Interim Division Director of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery

Christine Heisler, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS), has agreed to serve as Interim Division Director of FPMRS! She will step into the role on February 1, 2023.Dr. Heisler joined the department in 2016, developing a distinguished reputation as a leader in clinical care, education, and research over the p... more

Yemane promoted to Clinical Associate Professor

We are thrilled to share that Ruth Yemane, MD, of the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, has been promoted to Clinical Associate Professor! The UW School of Medicine and Public Health Clinician Teacher Track Appointments and Promotions Committee met in mid-January 2023 and overwhelmingly endorsed Yemane’s promotion. The promotion will be effective June 18, 2023. Con... more

Harrison and Cutler publish op-ed on Medicaid sterilization consent practices in Health Affairs

In a new opinion piece published on Health Affairs, UW Ob-Gyn resident Margaret Harrison, MD, PGY-3, reflects on the origins of the Medicaid Sterilization Consent Form and suggests revisions to the consent form and process that could improve patient-centered, evidence-based, equitable ethical health care. In “Medicaid Sterilization Consent Practices Increase Barriers To Effe... more

Karnowski promoted to Clinical Associate Professor

Huge congratulations to Jennifer Karnowski, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology! The UW School of Medicine and Public Health Clinician Teacher Track Appointments and Promotions Committee met in mid-January 2023 and endorsed Karnowski’s promotion to Clinical Associate Professor!Karnowski’s promotion will be effective June 18, 202... more

Grand Rounds: Jones and Robbins present “Improving Birth Outcomes for Black Families by Connecting Care and Community to Advance Health Equity”

​On January 5, 2023, Adrian Jones, MPH and Ariel Robbins, MPH, both of UW Health, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Improving Birth Outcomes for Black Families by Connecting Care and Community to Advance Health Equity”.In the presentation, Jones and Robbins outlined Community Health Improvement and its role in health program development; explained gaps in resources for pat... more

Wallace and Sampene to co-lead department’s Quality and Safety program

As part of the ongoing changes to the UW Department of Ob-Gyn’s Quality and Safety platform, Sumer Wallace, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, and Katie Sampene, MD, associate professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, will co-lead the Department of Ob-Gyn’s Quality Improvement Review Committee!Wallace was appointed the first-e... more

Heidi Janzen to join department as Research Program Associate Director

Heidi Janzen, MBA, has accepted an offer to join us as the UW Department of Ob-Gyn’s first-ever Research Program Associate Director. She will start in this role on January 30, 2023.Heidi is an experienced research administrator and leader with an extensive background in university administration. She has held a variety of research and business administration roles at the Uni... more

Domeyer-Klenske to join UW Department of Ob-Gyn as ASOG Division Director

After a highly competitive search with many exceptional candidates, Amy Domeyer-Klenske, MD, has accepted our offer to join the UW Department of Ob-Gyn as the next Director of the Division of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology, with an anticipated start date of May 1, 2023. Please help welcome Dr. Domeyer-Klenske to the department! Dr. Domeyer-Klenske went to... more

Women’s Healthcast: Surgical Sterilization, featuring Dr. Laura Hanks

Since the spring of 2022, ob-gyn clinics around the U.S. have reported an increase in questions about tubal ligation, also known as surgical sterilization or salpingectomy. On a recent episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Laura Hanks, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, talked about why those requests are up, and answered questi... more

Abbott published in Fertility and Sterility

David Abbott, PhD, professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, co-authored a new publication in Fertility and Sterility!“Randomized clinical trial: effect of low-dose flutamide on abdominal adipogenic function in normal-weight women with polycystic ovary syndrome” shares results from a human clinical trial that demonstrates that a low dose of the androgen r... more

Cowley, Jacques mentee, earns Paster Award for values clarification workshop

Huge congratulations to Elise Cowley, UW SMPH MD/PhD student and mentee of Laura Jacques, MD, who earned the 2022 Paster Family Foundation Innovation Award for the project ““We had to put ourselves in their shoes”: A Values Clarification Workshop on Abortion with Medical Students”!The Paster Family Foundation Innovation Award is given for a project, system improvement, or in... more

Zweifel publishes article in Fertility and Sterility

Julianne Zweifel, PhD, assistant clinical adjunct professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, published a Views and Reviews piece in the journal Fertility and Sterility!In “The risky business of advanced paternal age: neurodevelopmental and psychosocial implications for children of older fathers”, Zweifel and co-author Julia Woodward, P... more

Higgins talks about crisis pregnancy centers with Cap Times

A recent article in the Cap Times dives into crisis pregnancy centers in Wisconsin and nationwide. “Do crisis pregnancy centers help women or mislead them?” discusses the importance of understanding what crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) are and offer in light of statewide abortion restrictions.Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH, director of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Pop... more

Grand Rounds: Jacques, Bennett present “At a Loss? Diagnosis and Management of Nonviable Early Pregnancy”

On November 10, 2022, Assistant Professor Laura Jacques, MD, and Associate Professor Eliza Bennett, MD, both of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “At a Loss? Diagnosis and Management of Nonviable Early Pregnancy”.In the lecture, they examined the data for ultrasound diagnosis of early pregnancy loss, explained the op... more

Senderowicz’s presentation at International Conference on Family Planning featured in Global Health Now

Leigh Senderowicz, ScD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, presented at the International Conference on Family Planning in Thailand in November. She presented “The effect of a postpartum IUD program on contraceptive method choice in Tanzania: Results from a cluster-randomized stepped-wedge trial” and was part of a session on ... more

Cutler and Higgins talk about impact of abortion restrictions with National Public Radio

A recent story on National Public Radio profiled a Wisconsin woman whose pregnancy plans changed in light of abortion restrictions in the state. UW Ob-Gyn Assistant Professor Abby Cutler, MD, and Division of Reproductive and Population Health and UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity (CORE) Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH, both added perspective to the story.Cutler talke... more

Green weighs in on Wisconsin’s C grade from March of Dimes

This year’s March of Dimes report card on maternal and infant health assigned Wisconsin a C for the state’s preterm birth rate of 10 percent. Tiffany Green, PhD, assistant professor in the Division of Reproductive and Population Health, spoke with CBS 58 in Milwaukee about what that grade means for our state.“Green said decades of research don't point to one specific reason ... more

Grand Rounds: Mojdehbakhsh presents “No stopping it: How telemedicine is changing how we deliver women’s healthcare”

On December 1, 2022, UW Ob-Gyn resident Rachel Mojdehbakhsh, MD, PGY-4 presented the Grand Rounds lecture “No stopping it: How telemedicine is changing how we deliver women’s healthcare”.In the lecture, Mojdehbakhsh outlined the status of telemedicine today in ob-gyn, assessed why telecontraception is safe and effective at reducing contraception access barriers, and explaine... more

Hoppe earns UPH-Meriter grant to expand Staying Healthy After Childbirth program

Kara Hoppe, DO, MS, associate professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, was recently awarded a grant from the UnityPoint Health-Meriter Foundation to expand the Staying Healthy After Childbirth program!Hoppe’s original program, Staying Healthy After Childbirth (STAC), is a six-week postpartum home blood pressure monitoring program with demonstrated succ... more

Jacques talks about Roe reversal’s impact on medical education with Matter of Fact

​A story produced by Matter of Fact profiled two Wisconsin medical students with different thoughts on what the United States Supreme Court decision in June 2022 that overturned Roe v. Wade will mean for their future training.In “SCOTUS’s Reversal Of Roe V Wade Sends Some Ob-Gyn Medical Students Into Uncertainty”, Laura Jacques, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Divis... more

Zhang to join Division of Gynecologic Oncology faculty

The UW Department of Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology is thrilled to announce that Catherine Zhang, MD, MPH will join the faculty in September 2023!Dr. Zhang attended the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. While in Iowa, she also earned a Master’s in public health from the University of Iowa College of Public Health. She completed ob-gyn residency at the U... more

Casey’Grant, Greene appointed to WAPC Risk-Based Care/Levels of Care Group

UW Ob-Gyn Outreach Specialist Cheryl Casey’Grant and Madelyne Greene, PhD, RN, assistant professor in the UW-Madison School of Nursing and faculty affiliate in the Department of Ob-Gyn, were appointed to the Wisconsin Association for Perinatal Care’s Risk-Based Care/Levels of Care work group!The Risk-Based Care Work Group is responsible for creating and implementing statewid... more

Hartenbach talks about hereditary cancer risk in article from Carbone Cancer Center

A recent article published by the UW Carbone Cancer Center shares one patient’s experience with ovarian and breast cancer related to BRCA genetic mutations. In the article, UW Ob-Gyn Department Chair and Professor of Gynecologic Oncology Ellen Hartenbach, MD, discusses hereditary cancer risk:“Hartenbach said it’s important for people to know their family history with cancer,... more

Williamson discusses federal travel funding bill with WPR

In an interview with Wisconsin Public Radio, UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Associate Director Amy Williamson, MPP, shares context around a new bill proposed by U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) that would provide federal funding for grants to support abortion-related travel.The Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act would fund grants to support travel, child care, an... more

CORE researchers publish conference abstracts in Contraception

Faculty, researchers and trainees in the UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity brought posters and presentations to the 2022 Society of Family Planning annual meeting in Baltimore, MD in December. Three abstracts presented at the conference were published in Contraception!Characterizing physician concerns with publicly supporting abortion – AS Cutler, LT Swan, M Lands, NB... more

Grand Rounds: Adams and Bhatanagar present “Pregnancy and Drug Use: Dispelling the Myths and Understanding Legal Implications”

Jacquelyn Adams, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and Ritu Bhatnagar, MD, MPH, of the UW SMPH Department of Psychiatry, presented the Ob-Gyn Grand Rounds lecture “Pregnancy and Drug Use: Dispelling the Myths and Understanding Legal Implications” on August 4, 2022.In the lecture, they explained the benefits of medications for addic... more

Brown receives GWIMS Advancing Women in Medicine & Science Award

​Please help us congratulate Heidi Brown, MD, MAS, associate professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery! Brown received the 2022 UW School of Medicine and Public Health Group on Women in Medicine and Science Advancing Women in Medicine & Science Award, which was presented during the Women in Medicine & Science Symposium on Novemb... more

Iruretagoyena to serve as ABOG board examiner in 2023

​Huge congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division Director Igor Iruretagoyena, MD! He was invited to serve as an American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology examiner for the Maternal-Fetal Medicine certifying exams in April 2023.Iruretagoyena has previously served as an ABOG examiner for the Obstetrics boards. Returning as an examiner for the MFM certifying... more

Women’s Healthcast: Robotic-Assisted Surgery, featuring Laura Hanks, MD

On a recent episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Laura Hanks, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, discussed different ways surgery can be performed, with a focus on robotic-assisted surgery.In the episode, Hanks talked about how robotic surgery works, what kinds of procedures in the ob-gyn world can and can’t be performed with t... more

Barroilhet earns GWIMS Impact Award

Congratulations to Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, associate professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology! Barroilhet earned the 2022 UW School of Medicine and Public Health Group on Women in Medicine and Science Impact Award! The award was presented at a ceremony on November 29, 2022.The Impact Award recognizes significant contributions with ongoing, substantive imp... more

Green authors editorial on masking protocols in New England Journal of Medicine

In a new editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine, Tiffany Green, PhD, assistant professor in the Division of Reproductive and Population Health, responds to a study examining the effects of universal masking policies on rates of COVID-19 infection in schools.The study “Lifting Universal Masking in Schools — Covid-19 Incidence among Students and Staff” compares COVID... more

Senderowicz publishes in Health Policy and Planning

In a new study in Health Policy and Planning, Leigh Senderowicz, ScD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, evaluates postpartum intrauterine device (PPIUD) programs on outcomes related to contraceptive choice.“The effect of a postpartum intrauterine device program on choice of contraceptive method in Tanzania: a secondary analy... more

Bird published in Journal of Molecular Endocrinology

Congratulations to Ian Bird, PhD, professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, who published a new study in the Journal of Molecular Endocrinology!Bird and postdoctoral scholar Luca Clemente, PhD, published “The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Healthy Pregnancy and Preeclampsia”, which consider evidence for the possibility that the endothelial dysfunctio... more

In the News: Cutler talks stigma and challenges in post-Dobbs Wisconsin

Abby Cutler, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, spoke with Grid News and appeared on a Wisconsin Health News panel about challenges to accessing abortion care in recent weeks.More doctors are speaking out against abortion bans ahead of the 2022 midterm elections – Grid NewsIn this article, Cutler talks about how stigma may sw... more

Barroilhet presents keynote speech at Middleton Society event

On September 30, 2022, Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, associate professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, presented the keynote speech at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health’s Middleton Society event.Barroilhet presented “Women Need Us Now: The Science and Strategy of Cancer Prevention” to an audience of UW SMPH alumni, friends, and supporters. In her ta... more

Green published in Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine

A new article in the journal Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine examines racial/ethnic differences in post-operative pain experience and opioid medication use in the first day after C-section delivery! Tiffany Green, PhD, assistant professor in the Division of Reproductive and Population Health, is senior author on the article. UW Ob-Gyn residency graduate John Poehlmann, ... more

Diaper Drive delivery to Reach Dane

Though the UW Ob-Gyn Diaper Drive takes place in August, we have the pleasure of distributing diapers to community partners throughout the year! On Thursday, November 10, UW Ob-Gyn Outreach Program Manager Melody Bockenfeld, MPH, BSN, brought a delivery of diapers to Reach Dane!Reach Dane provides high-quality early childhood services to over 1,000 underserved children ages ... more

Barroilhet joins Crossing the Line podcast to discuss Dobbs’ impact on health care

On a recent episode of the new podcast Crossing the Line, Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, discussed Wisconsin’s abortion ban and the challenges of navigating the “life of the mother” exception.In the episode “A Matter of Life or Death”, Barroilhet talks about the lack of clarity that affects the kinds of health care patie... more

In the News: Jacques discusses impacts of Dobbs decision on medical education

Since the United States Supreme Court decision in June 2022 overturned Roe v. Wade, medical schools and ob-gyn residencies have struggled with the question of how abortion restrictions will affect training programs. Laura Jacques, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn and UW SMPH ob-gyn clerkship director, discussed challenges to... more

Swan, Cutler, Higgins in publish study in AJOG

A new article in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology uses data from a 2019 survey of UW SMPH physicians to assess physicians’ understanding of whether contraceptive methods work by causing abortion. Laura Swan, PhD, LCSW, postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Population Health Sciences Green Inequality Lab, is first author on the study.In “Physic... more

Grand Rounds: Stewart presents “Will you write me a letter? Teaching, coaching, mentoring and the art of letter writing”

On October 27, 2022, Professor Kathy Stewart, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Will you write me a letter? Teaching, coaching, mentoring and the art of letter writing”.In the lecture, Stewart explained the history of letters of recommendation, outlined the role of the letter writer, discussed competency domains as ... more

In the News: Higgins talks about state of reproductive health care access

Since the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in June 2022, overturning the constitutionally protected right to abortion, UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health and UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH spoke with several news outlets to answer questions... more

Former UW Ob-Gyn student presents at ASRM conference

Sincere congratulations to Leeann Bui, MD, who recently presented an abstract at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine Scientific Congress in Anaheim, California! Bui, now an ob-gyn resident at Stanford Medicine, graduated from the UW School of Medicine and Public Health in 2022.Bui presented “Assessing the Effectiveness of a Pregnancy-Specific Obstructive Sleep Apn... more

Huffman presents at HAGO conference

Laura Huffman, MD, assistant professor and newest member of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, presented at the Heartland Association of Gynecologic Oncology Annual Meeting in September!Huffman presented during the Tumor Board session at the HAGO conference in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she gave an excellent overview of PARP inhibitor therapy in ovarian cancer.C... more

CORE research brief projects access issues after Dobbs decision

A new research brief by UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity researcher Jason Fletcher, PhD and CORE alumna Joanna Venator, PhD estimates changes in birth rates and number of abortions following the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision earlier this year. “Assessing access to abortion services for Wisconsin residents post-Roe” builds on previous research conducted by Fletc... more

Betancourt Ponce presents poster at SACNAS Conference

Congratulations to Mayra Betancourt Ponce, UW School of Medicine and Public Health MD/PhD student, who recently presented a poster at the SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico!Betancourt Ponce presented the poster “Characterizing T cell exhaustion in ovarian cancer ascites” during the three-day conference in late October. In addition to being ... more

Tamkus presents at 2022 HAGO meeting

UW Ob-Gyn resident Saule Tamkus, MD, PGY-2, presented at the Heartland Association of Gynecologic Oncology Annual Meeting in Ann Arbor, Michigan on September 29, 2022!Tamkus presented the abstract “Analysis of the Initial Years of Gynecologic Oncology Standardized Letters of Evaluation (SLOE) for Fellowship Applications” at the conference. UW Ob-Gyn Residency Program Directo... more

Higgins named new Jeanne Bissell Professor in Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice

Please help us congratulate UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity and UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH, who was recently named the next Jeanne Bissell Professor in Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice! Higgins and Bissell, longtime supporter of the UW Department of Ob-Gyn, were honored at the first-ever UW Schoo... more

Grand Rounds: Barroilhet presents “The Dobbs Decision: Implications for Health Care in Wisconsin”

On October 6, 2022, UW Ob-Gyn Associate Professor Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “The Dobbs Decision: Implications for Health Care in Wisconsin”.In the lecture, Barroilhet explained current law surrounding abortion care in Wisconsin, outlined some clinical situations where abortion would be legal under today’s law, and discussed access to abortio... more

Congratulations 2022 Women’s Health and Health Equity Research Lecture & Symposium award winners!

The 2022 UW Women’s Health and Health Equity Research Lecture and Symposium took place on October 20. This annual event brought together healthcare professionals, population health experts and community advocates dedicated to advancing health equity for a busy morning of presentations and poster sessions highlighting research that addresses persistent gender, racial, and oth... more

Cutler talks about post-Dobbs impacts on ob-gyn training with WPR

A recent article published by Wisconsin Public Radio discusses the challenges facing ob-gyn and family medicine physicians after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision earlier this year, including uncertainty around how Wisconsin’s law criminalizing abortion will be enforced.In “While enforceability of 1849 abortion ban is debated, health experts worry about OB-GYN recruitm... more

Sobecki presents “Sex After Cancer: A Candid Discussion” Community Talk

On September 29, 2022, Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, presented the Healthy Women Community Talk “Sex After Cancer: A Candid Discussion” to an engaged, enthusiastic group of community members.Along with Lori Seabourne, physician assistant in the UW Health Women’s Integrative Sexual Health (WISH) clinic, Sobecki pro... more

Grand Rounds: Spivak presents “Sexpertise: A Review of Sexual Health Education Around the World”

On September 29, 2022, UW Ob-Gyn resident Talya Spivak, MD, PGY-4 presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Sexpertise: A Review of Sexual Health Education Around the World”.In the lecture, Spivak defined comprehensive sexual health education, gave an overview of the history of sexual health education in the United States, compared the current state of sexual health in the U.S. to... more

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, facu... more

Green discusses flu vaccination disparities with WKOW

As influenza season picks up, Tiffany Green, PhD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, discussed disparities in flu vaccine rates with WKOW News.Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services show racial disparities in flu vaccination. In “Data: Wisconsin, country s... more

Hoppe to become Vice Chair of Clinical Research

Kara Hoppe, DO, MS, associate professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, has been appointed the new Vice Chair of Clinical Research in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn! This appointment is effective November 1, 2022.Hoppe will be an incredible asset to the Department of Ob-Gyn’s research platform as Vice Chair of Clinical Research. In this role, she will provide oversi... more

Jacques discusses Dobbs’ impact on ob-gyn residency applicants with Hechinger Report

As medical students consider which residency programs to apply to this year, some may add a new consideration to the mix: whether abortion training is available in the states where they apply.In an article published by The Hechinger Report, “Overturning Roe created new barriers, not just to abortion, but to OB-GYN training”, UW Ob-Gyn Assistant Professor Laura Jacques, MD, d... more

Brown hosts monthly ICTR dissemination and implementation seminar

Heidi Brown, MD, MAS, associate professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, is the host of a new interactive, monthly lunchtime seminar about the growing science of dissemination and implementation research and practice!Presented by the UW Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, the Dissemination Research and Implement... more

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 Gyneco... more

Senderowicz publishes study in SSM – Qualitative Research in Health

In a new study in SSM – Qualitative Research in Health, Leigh Senderowicz, ScD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, uses focus group data to assess peoples’ experiences having long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) removed when desired.In previous works, Senderowicz laid out a definition of contraceptive autonomy that in... more

Cutler discusses Dobbs’ impact on patient autonomy with New York Times

Abby Cutler, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, spoke with the New York Times as part of an article examining the impact of abortion bans in Wisconsin, Arizona, and Texas.“Medical Impact of Roe Reversal Goes Well Beyond Abortion Clinics, Doctors Say” outlines the way abortion bans can affect pregnancy care, cancer care, emerg... more

Wang published in AJOG

UW Ob-Gyn resident Connor Wang, MD, PGY-4, is the lead author on new research in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology!In “Trends in public- and industry-funded uterine cancer clinical trials and disability-adjusted life years from 2007 to 2019”, Wang and co-authors Shannon Rush, MD, Shitanshu Uppal, MD, Laurel Rice, MD, and Ryan Spencer, MD, MS queried a databas... more

Final Sparkle of Hope Gala draws dedicated crowd for cancer research

On September 16, the UW Department of Ob-Gyn hosted the final Sparkle of Hope Gala for gynecologic cancer research. More than 240 gynecologic cancer survivors, loved ones, health care providers, and other members of the gynecologic cancer community gathered at Monona Terrace to celebrate the incredible progress we’ve made in gynecologic cancer research over 14 years of hosti... more

Dryer, Gross, Wang match into Gynecologic Oncology fellowships!

Please join us in congratulating the PGY-4 residents who matched into Gynecologic Oncology fellowships!Kathryn Dryer, MD, matched into the University of Virginia Gynecologic Oncology fellowship in Charlottesville, VA. Maya Gross, MD, MPH, matched with the University of Washington Gynecologic Oncology fellowship in Seattle, WA.Connor Wang, MD, matched into the Northwestern Un... more

Join us for UW Women’s Health and Health Equity Research Lecture & Symposium on October 20

The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health is pleased to invite you to attend the Women’s Health and Health Equity Research Lecture & Symposium on October 20, 2022.Join other healthcare professionals, population health experts and community advocates in person in 1325 HSLC or online via Zoom from 6:45-10:00am on October 20 for an exciting morning of pre... more

Wagar discusses ERAS on SGO on the Go podcast

UW Ob-Gyn Gynecologic Oncology fellow Matt Wagar, MD joined other members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology’s Opioid/Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) subcommittee on the SGO on the Go podcast in September to talk about ERAS.In the episode “Key Concepts of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery. ERAS–Why Do We Do It?”, Wagar and other guests talked about key concepts and ... more

Welcome incoming MFM Fellow Jacqueline Powell!

The UW Ob-Gyn Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship program is thrilled to welcome incoming Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellow Jacqueline Powell, MD, to the department! Powell will arrive in August 2023.Powell attended medical school at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and is currently completing ob-gyn residency at Oregon Health & Science University. We can’t wait to welcome Dr. ... more

Welcome incoming Gynecologic Oncology fellow Rachel Mojdehbakhsh!

The UW Ob-Gyn Gynecologic Oncology fellowship program is thrilled to announce Rachel Mojdehbakhsh, MD, has matched as the incoming 2023 Gynecologic Oncology fellow!Mojdehbakhsh completed medical school at Drexel University and is currently finishing ob-gyn residency in our department. Our selection committee was impressed by Dr. Mojdehbakhsh’s passion for medical education a... more

UW Ob-Gyn presents at ACOG District VI meeting

Many people from across the UW Department of Ob-Gyn were active participants in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists District VI annual meeting in Chicago September 16-18, 2022! Just a few of their amazing contributions:Ryan McDonald, MD, associate professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, served as the District VI CME Representative on ... more

Congratulations to UW Health APP Excellence award nominees!

Please help us congratulate the incredible UW Ob-Gyn advanced practice providers who were nominated for 2022 UW Health Advanced Practice Provider Excellence Awards!Ann Baggot, WHNP, Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn – nominated for the Excellence in Teaching AwardAngela Sergeant, NP, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery – nominated for the U... more

Spencer presents at AMGO meeting in Chicago

Ryan Spencer, MD, associate professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology and director of the UW Ob-Gyn Residency Program, presented at the 2022 Association of Managers of Gynecology and Obstetrics annual meeting in Chicago!Spencer presented “Rural Residency Programs” to a full, attentive room during a one-hour session on Monday, September 26. Incredible work, ... more

UW Ob-Gyn celebrates National Advanced Practice Provider Week!

​National Advanced Practice Providers Week is September 26-30, 2022! Please join us in learning a little bit more about some of the incredible APPs who support the clinical, educational, and research missions in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn and thanking them for their expertise, excellence, and dedication! [image]ObGyn News Files/CNM1.png[/image] [image]ObGyn News Files/CNM... more

Cutler to take over as Ryan Residency Program director

Later this year, Abigail Cutler, MD, MPH, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, will become director of the Ryan Residency Program. She will take over from Associate Professor Eliza Bennett, MD, who has led the program since 2010.The Ryan Residency Program “works directly with ob-gyn residency programs to integrate training in abort... more

UW Ob-Gyn ranks #14 in US News and World Report Best Hospitals list

The 2022 US News and World Report Best Hospital rankings were released in late July, and once again, UW Health Obstetrics and Gynecology is the highest-ranked specialty in our institution! UW Health Ob-Gyn ranked #14 on the list of best Ob-Gyn hospitals in the country.This year, US News and World Report also added performance scores for some procedures within specialties. UW... more

Wang published in Menopause

UW Ob-Gyn resident Connor Wang, MD, PGY-4 is the lead author on a new study published in Menopause!In “Barriers to surgical menopause counseling in gynecologic cancers: a quantitative and qualitative study of patients and providers”, Wang and co-authors used a mix of chart review and surveys to better understand experiences with menopause counseling and care:“Younger age at ... more

Barroilhet joins WPR to talk about impacts of Wisconsin abortion laws

During her time as interim chair of the UW Department of Ob-Gyn, Associate Professor Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS spoke with Wisconsin Public Radio on two occasions about the impacts of Wisconsin’s 1849 law restricting the availability of abortion care in the state.In Wisconsin, what are my options if genetic testing shows the fetus isn't viable? – WHYsconsinIn this listener-ques... more

Green discusses economic impacts of policy changes in panel

In a panel discussion hosted by Opportunity Wisconsin and 9to5 Wisconsin, Tiffany Green, PhD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, discussed the economic effects of changes in abortion access, as well as other reproductive health policies. Green served on the panel with U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin; she discussed inequities that ... more

Greene published in Wisconsin Medical Journal

A new study by UW Ob-Gyn faculty affiliate Madelyne Greene, PhD, RN (whose primary faculty appointment is in the UW School of Nursing) and several former members of the UW Department of Ob-Gyn was published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal!In “Difficult Questions With Many Gray Areas: Nuanced Abortion Attitudes Among Physicians”, Greene and co-authors used qualitative survey... more

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 con... more

Mojdehbakhsh publishes in Gynecologic Oncology Reports

A new article from UW Ob-Gyn resident Rachel Mojdehbakhsh, MD, PGY-4 was published in Gynecologic Oncology Reports! Co-authors on the article include UW SMPH medical student and Shapiro Summer Student Carolina Hurtado and Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology.In “The long game: Telemedicine patient satisfaction metrics and methods ... more

Sobecki to present Healthy Women Community Talk “Sex and Cancer: A Candid Discussion”

Cancer treatment may result in a variety of physical and emotional side effects. Sometimes, these side effects might change our ability to have or enjoy sex. For some, it may be challenging to discuss these issues with a medical provider.Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, and physician assistant Lori Seabourne will present free,... more

Green discusses challenges with pregnancy care on WORT

In an interview on WORT Community Radio in Madison, UW Ob-Gyn assistant professor Tiffany Green, PhD, of the Division of Reproductive and Population Health, discussed obstacles to pregnancy care in Wisconsin:“Even before this summer’s landmark Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, many pregnant patients were not receiving the care they need…. “People were already l... more

Rose and patient featured in 2022 Sparkle of Hope grateful patient story

Ten years ago, avid Wisconsin Badgers football fan Shirley Pokorski received a gynecologic cancer diagnosis that put her tailgating traditions in peril. After working with UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology Director Steve Rose, MD, and an incredible care team at the UW Carbone Cancer Center, Shirley has been cancer-free and back at the field for years.On WISC-TV News... more

Spencer presents at RRPD/THCPD conference

On August 31, 2022, UW Ob-Gyn Residency Program Director Ryan Spencer, MD, MS presented at the Rural Residency Planning and Development / Teaching Health Center Planning and Development Grantees Annual Meeting in Chicago.Spencer presented “Creating an Effective Resident Evaluation System” on the second day of the three-day event for recipients of grants to expand their rural... more

Higgins discusses abortion misinformation with CNN

After the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade in June, misinformation about self-managed abortions has blown up on social media. CNN reporters spoke with experts across the country, including UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity and UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH, about self-managed abortion (SMA)... more

Hoppe presents Community Talk “High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy & Beyond”

In the first UW Ob-Gyn Healthy Women Community Talk​ of the year, Kara Hoppe, DO, MS, associate professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, shared research and resources about hypertension and pregnancy.In “High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy and Beyond”, Hoppe helped participants understand blood pressure basics, get to know blood pressure ranges during pregnancy... more

Jacques publishes in AJOG

In a new article in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laura Jacques, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, examines types of bacteria found at surgical site infections (SSIs) to help inform prophylactic antibiotic choices. In “Characterization of bacterial composition of surgical site infections after gynecologi... more

Barroilhet discusses challenges of post-Dobbs health care with Wisconsin Watch

In a new article, media outlet Wisconsin Watch highlights the effects of Wisconsin’s 173-year-old abortion ban law on patient care. In the article, Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, associate professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, weighed in about the challenges of interpreting the law’s exception for “therapeutic abortions”:““It’s really important to understand... more

New publications from the Golos Lab!

Researchers in the lab of Ted Golos, PhD, professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences and Chair of the Department of Comparative Biosciences in the UW School of Veterinary Medicine, have recently published exciting papers!Lindsey Block, Cellular and Molecular Pathology trainee in the Golos Lab, published the paper “Zika virus impacts extracellular vesicle co... more

Racine published in Wisconsin Medical Journal

Jenna Racine, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, is the lead author on a new study published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal!In “Perinatal Outcomes Associated With Institutional Changes Early in the COVID-19 Pandemic”, Racine and co-authors (including Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division Director Igor Iruretagoyena, MD, and Kara Hoppe,... more

Women’s Healthcast: “Vasectomy: Asked and Answered” with David Paolone, MD

Over the last few months, Google searches about vasectomy – the procedure for male sterilization – have skyrocketed. David Paolone, MD joined the Women’s Healthcast to share the basics about vasectomy.During the episode, he discussed what preparation and recovery for vasectomy look like, cleared up some common vasectomy myths, and talked about how he counsels patients to mak... more

Stanic, Golos earn pilot grant from Wisconsin National Primate Research Center

Congratulations to Aleks Stanic, MD, PhD, associate professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Divisions of Reproductive Sciences and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and Ted Golos, PhD, professor and Chair of the Department of Comparative Biosciences in the UW School of Veterinary Medicine! They are co-investigators on a pilot grant from the Wisconsin National Primate Research C... more

Welcome incoming FPMRS fellow Kelley Stewart!

The Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship is excited to announce that Kelley Stewart, MD, has matched as our August 2023 incoming FPMRS Fellow!Stewart received her MD from the University of New Mexico and is currently completing her ob-gyn residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. She comes highly recommended by our FPMRS collea... more

Grand Rounds: Eglash presents “Hot Topics in Lactation for OB/Gyn Physicians and Other Providers”

On August 25, 2022, Anne Eglash, MD, professor in the UW SMPH Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, presented the lecture “Hot Topics in Lactation for OB/Gyn Physicians and Other Providers” at UW Ob-Gyn Grand Rounds.In the lecture, Eglash discussed recent data on improved long term cardiovascular and metabolic health among women who breastfeed/lactate, explaine... more

Grand Rounds: Eastman presents “What's the Real Risk? Pre-Operative Geriatric Evaluation”

On August 11, 2022, Alexis Eastman, MD, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “What's the Real Risk? Pre-Operative Geriatric Evaluation” to the UW Department of Ob-Gyn. Eastman is an associate professor in the UW SMPH Department of Medicine.In the lecture, Eastman explained the physiologic changes of aging that increase peri-operative risk, identified key factors that determine... more

Women’s Healthcast: Privacy, Security, and Cycle Tracking Apps, with Jenna Nobles, PhD

Lots of questions about menstrual tracking or cycle tracking apps popped up after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the constitutional right to an abortion in June 2022. Questions like: are these apps secure? Could data tracked in these apps be used to criminalize people who seek abortion care? Should people be concerned about using cycle tracking apps?Jenna Nobles, PhD, pr... more

Patankar and Ong earn grant from UW Prevention Research Center

UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences Director Manish Patankar, PhD, and Irene Ong, PhD, earned a Special Interest Project grant from the UW-Madison Prevention Research Center! Their project will focus on detecting early-stage ovarian cancer, with a goal of developing computational tools to help identify early-stage ovarian cancer and improve patient outcomes.In collab... more

Celebrate the UW Ob-Gyn Education Team on GME Professionals Day

National Graduate Medical Education (GME) Professionals Day, the third Friday in August every year, is an opportunity to recognize the work of professionals at all levels of graduate medical education. Everyone in the incredible UW Ob-Gyn Education Office works tirelessly to make sure that our residency and fellowships run smoothly, are successful, and recruit stellar learne... more

Rhoades published in AJOG MFM

UW Ob-Gyn Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship Director Janine Rhoades, MD, has published a new article in AJOG-MFM!In “Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship program director perspective on virtual interviews following matriculation of the first virtual interview class”, Rhoades and co-authors compared program directors’ experiences with fellows who interviewed virtually to their... more

Brown and research team win ICS abstract award

Huge congratulations to Associate Professor Heidi Brown, MD, MAS, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, and research team members Madeline Moureau and Zoe Rozema! Their abstract “Zoom to scale? Real world implementation of online versus in-person community-based continence promotion” will be awarded the Best In Category – Prevention ... more

Rose’s patient profiled by UW Carbone Cancer Center

In a new profile published by UW Health and the UW Carbone Cancer Center, a grateful patient who worked with Professor Stephen Rose, MD, director of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, shared her cervical cancer treatment story.In “A Remarkable Outcome”, Rose and patient Phyllis Stokes share her clinical experiences with cervical cancer and multiple treatment mod... more

Cutler published in Women’s Health Issues

UW Ob-Gyn Assistant Professor Abigail Cutler, MD, of the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, published a randomized trial in Women’s Health Issues.In “The Impact of First-Person Abortion Stories on Community-Level Abortion Stigma: A Randomized Trial”, Cutler and co-authors randomized participants to view either three video stories about someone’s abortion experience,... more

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... more

CORE postdoc Seymour published in AJPH

Jane Seymour, PhD, postdoctoral trainee in the UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity, is the lead author on a new publication in the American Journal of Public Health examining telemedicine policies for medication abortion.In “Potential Impact of Telemedicine for Medication Abortion Policy and Programming Changes on Abortion Accessibility in the United States”, Seymour an... more

Al-Niaimi publishes in Annals of Surgical Oncology

UW Ob-Gyn Professor Ahmed Al-Niaimi, MD, of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, co-authored a new article in the Annals of Surgical Oncology.In “Rethinking Routine Intensive Care After Cytoreductive Surgery With Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: The Fiscal Argument”, Al-Niaimi and co-authors used a cohort comparison of patients admitted to the intermediate care unit com... more

CORE’s WOMB Lab publishes brief on abortion education for medical students

A new brief published by the UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity WOMB Lab (led by Abigail Cutler, MD and Laura Jacques, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn) examines the availability of abortion training for medical students and outlines the ways increasing abortion training can improve patient care and expand physician skills.“Medical Studen... more

Green discusses paid parental leave in WI State Journal

UW Ob-Gyn Assistant Professor Tiffany Green, PhD, discusses paid parental leave policies in a new article in the Wisconsin State Journal.In “‘Paying their fair share’: Madison companies embrace paid parental leave, but experts say more is needed”, Green expands on some of the supports needed to make a difference for families:“The work of governments and employers needs to go... more

Ob-Gyn earns “exemplary” rating in NSQIP report

The American Council of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) released the semiannual report evaluating surgical outcomes between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021, including University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority scores.At the UW Health site, the surgical review team samples hysterectomy and myomectomy cases to assess for qualit... more

In the News: Bennett discusses post-Roe realities

Since the United States Supreme Court overturned the constitutionally protected right to abortion on June 24, 2022, UW Ob-Gyn Associate Professor Eliza Bennett, MD, of the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, discussed post-Roe realities in Wisconsin with several news outlets:With abortion blocked, what happens to the health of the mother? – Wisconsin ExaminerIn an ar... more

Grand Rounds: Bird presents “The role of Th17 associated immune and endothelial cell fate changes in hypertensive pregnancy”

On July 14, 2022, Professor Ian Bird, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “The role of Th17 associated immune and endothelial cell fate changes in hypertensive pregnancy”.In the lecture, Bird identified recent advances being made in the department on immune cell endothelial cell interactions in preeclampsia and discusse... more

Rhoades becomes Director of MFM Fellowship

UW Ob-Gyn Assistant Professor Janine Rhoades, MD became the director of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship on July 1, 2022! Rhoades takes over the fellowship director role from Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Director Igor Iruretagoyena, MD. Iruretagoyena will be the associate fellowship director for a transition period.Rhoades served as associate director of the fel... more

In the News: Green discusses post-Roe issues

Assistant Professor Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, spoke with many media outlets about the implications of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade: Wisconsin health providers navigate a new world without abortion rights – Wisconsin ExaminerIn an article about new initiatives to expand contraceptive acces... more

Pennycuff published in International Urogynecology Journal

Assistant Professor Jon Pennycuff, MD, MSPH, of the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, published a new study in the International Urogynecology Journal!“Prevalence of pelvic floor disorders, associations of endocrine therapy, and surgical intervention among breast cancer survivors” is a retrospective cohort study matching more than 19,000 women di... more

Grand Rounds: Christopher presents “Solutions to Maternal Morbidity and Mortality: Is Quality Improvement the Answer?”

On June 30, 2022, University of Colorado Assistant Professor Diane Christopher, MD, presented the lecture “Solutions to Maternal Morbidity and Mortality: Is Quality Improvement the Answer?” at UW Ob-Gyn Grand Rounds.In the lecture, Christopher named leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality, illustrated ethnic and racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, exam... more

In the News: Cutler shares insight in post-Roe reporting

Since the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization on June 24, overturning the constitutionally protected right to abortion, UW Ob-Gyn Assistant Professor Abigail Cutler, MD, of the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, has spoken with many news outlets to discuss what that decision could mean for the futu... more

Wendland publishes op-ed in Cap Times

Professor Claire Wendland, MD, PhD, Chair of the UW-Madison Department of Anthropology and faculty member in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, published an editorial in the Cap Times drawing on her many years of clinical and research experience to share potential consequences of overturning abortion rights.In “I've seen what happens when abortions... more

Jacques discusses challenges in medical education with Wisconsin State Journal

When the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization and overturned the constitutional right to an abortion, clinics in Wisconsin stopped offering abortion services. That raises questions about ob-gyn resident education in the state.In “Medical residents struggle to receive training after Planned Parenthood halts abortion s... more

Senderowicz published in Contraception

Assistant Professor Leigh Senderowicz, ScD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, is lead author on a new study published in Contraception!In “Contraceptive method denial as downward contraceptive coercion: A mixed-methods mystery client study in Western Kenya”, Senderowicz and co-authors analyze mystery client interactions, focus groups, key infor... more

In the News: Higgins shares insights in post-Roe reporting

Since the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization on June 24, overturning the constitutionally protected right to abortion, UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health and UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH spoke with several news outlets to answer questions a... more

Green, Cutler, Jacques discuss Wisconsin’s post-Roe future with Wisconsin Watch

Three UW Ob-Gyn faculty joined Wisconsin Watch in an audio interview on July 18 to discuss the current landscape of reproductive health care in Wisconsin after the United States Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. Wisconsin Watch hosted the conversation on Twitter, which you can listen to here. Assistant Professor Abby Cutler, MD, of the Division of Academic ... more

Advocacy Update: 2022 elections

It takes more than good medical care to ensure optimal health outcomes in our community. Health is mainly influenced by where we live, work, learn, and play. Civic engagement can improve the conditions that influence health and well-being for all.Learn more about election resources on campus, options for providing voting information in clinical spaces, and voting guidelines ... more

Senderowicz talks about gender pain gap in Good Housekeeping

A recent article in Good Housekeeping discusses several aspects of intrauterine device (IUD) experiences, including pain during the procedure, options for pain management, what removal looks like, and more. In the article, UW Ob-Gyn Assistant Professor Leigh Senderowicz, ScD, of the Division of Reproductive and Population Health, offered a perspective on why pain with this p... more

Gravelle nominated to Gold Humanism Honor Society

Huge congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn resident John Gravelle, MD, PGY-2! Gravelle was nominated to join the Gold Humanism Honor Society by UW School of Medicine and Public Health medical students. Every year, the newest medical student members of the Honor Society from the UW SMPH nominate two faculty members and one resident from the entire medical school to the society. Gravel... more

UW–Madison Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology response to U.S. Supreme Court decision

The following statement comes from the UW–Madison Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Chair Ellen Hartenbach, MD:The U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case all but eliminated access to abortion in Wisconsin, except to save the life of the patient. The uncertainty over the status of existing state law interferes with the relat... more

Hoppe discusses updated treatment recommendations for hypertension in pregnancy with Spectrum News

Kara Hoppe, DO, MS, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, was a co-author on the recent Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. She joined Spectrum News to discuss updated treatment recommendations for hypertension during pregnancy, strategies for staying on top of blood pressure during pregnancy, and more.Wa... more

Green discusses disparities to come from abortion restriction on Here and Now

On June 10, 2022, UW Ob-Gyn assistant professor Tiffany Green, PhD, of the Division of Reproductive and Population Health, spoke with Here and Now on Wisconsin Public Television about economic and racial disparities likely to increase after Roe v. Wade is overturned:“…the effects of abortion or limiting access have been very well established and as we said, they can lead to ... more

Wang publishes in Gynecologic Oncology

UW Ob-Gyn resident Connor Wang, MD, PGY-4, is lead author on a new publication in Gynecologic Oncology!In “Mechanical and oral antibiotic bowel preparation in ovarian cancer debulking: Are we lowering or just trading surgical complications?”, Wang and co-authors Rana Al-Rubaye, MD, Lauren Montemorano, MD, Vienna Tran, MD, and Ahmed Al-Niaimi, MD, examined postoperative compl... more

Cutler and Higgins discuss possible impacts of Roe decision on physician training

A recent article in the Wisconsin Examiner investigated potential difficulties for physician training programs after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.“Medical training programs teach abortion procedures. What happens if abortion is outlawed?” outlines the national standards for training set by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), whi... more

Wagar published in Reproductive Medicine

Incoming UW Ob-Gyn gynecologic oncology fellow (and recent residency graduate) Matt Wagar, MD, is co-author on a new publication in Reproductive Medicine.“A Standardized Protocol for Post-Partum Salpingectomy with Suture Ligation: A Prospective Feasibility Study” compared operative outcomes of 157 patients who underwent post-partum salpingectomy with 300 historical cases of ... more

Higgins discusses future of abortion research in challenging atmosphere with STAT

A new article in STAT talks to researchers who specialize in reproductive health about what the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 24 decision overturning Roe v. Wade might mean for research about abortion in the future.In “These researchers study abortion in states likely to ban it. That will make their jobs even harder”, UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health and ... more

UW Health and Meriter launch innovative Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Center

Earlier this year, UW Health and UnityPoint Health-Meriter Hospital launched the new Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Center, a collaboration between maternal-fetal specialists, pediatric surgeons, neonatologists and multiple pediatric sub-specialties located in the Meriter Center for Perinatal Care.The Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Center is the only fetal surgical center in W... more

Brown, Williams published in AJOG

Heidi Brown, MD, MAS, interim Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Director, and Makeba Williams, MD published a new article in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Williams presented the research in this article at the annual Society of Academic Specialists in General Obstetrics and Gynecology conference in May, where it earned the fir... more

Zhang earns Humanism in Medicine Award

The UW SMPH Department of Medicine’s Hospice and Palliative Care fellows recently named UW Ob-Gyn gynecologic oncology fellow Catherine Zhang, MD the 2022 recipient of their annual Humanism in Medicine Award. Congratulations, Dr. Zhang!The Humanism in Medicine award is given to a non-palliative care member of the UW SMPH community who most embodies the attributes of compassi... more

Sergeant to present at UW Health APP Grand Rounds on July 21

Angie Sergeant, NP, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, will present at the UW Health APP Grand Rounds on July 21, 2022!In the lecture “Let’s talk about incontinence! Providing care for females with urinary incontinence in any setting”, Sergeant will:Describe prevalence and risk factors for female urinary incontinenceExplain the ma... more

Women’s Healthcast: Choosing Lubricants and Vaginal Moisturizers, featuring Jon Pennycuff, MD, MSPH

Vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and vaginal estrogen can be helpful tools for improving sexual wellbeing, but how many people are confident navigating the products and choosing the right ones for them?Jon Pennycuff, MD, MSPH, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, joined the Women’s Healthcast to discuss why peop... more

Grand Rounds: Hoppe presents “Hypertension in Pregnancy and Young Adults”

On June 9, 2022, UW Ob-Gyn associate professor of maternal-fetal medicine Kara Hoppe, DO, MS, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Hypertension in Pregnancy and Young Adults”.In the lecture, Hoppe shared how to classify hypertension, outlined current management recommendations for pregnant and non-pregnant young people with hypertension, discussed the recent Chronic Hypertens... more

Wang published in Gynecologic Oncology Reports

UW Ob-Gyn resident Connor Wang, MD is lead author on a new article published in Gynecologic Oncology Reports! Wang’s mentor on this project (and senior author on the publication) is UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gyencologic Oncology Director Steve Rose, MD.“Adaptive and maladaptive humor styles are closely associated with burnout and professional fulfillment in members of the Societ... more

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 Studen... more

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? General... more

Grand Rounds: Bidar-Sielaff presents “Integrating Language Access into Daily Practice”

On June 2, 2022, UW School of Medicine and Public Health Associate Dean for Diversity and Equity Transformation Shiva Bidar-Sieleff presented the lecture “Integrating Language Access into Daily Practice” at UW Ob-Gyn Grand Rounds.In the lecture, Bidar-Sielaff explained key definitions and regulatory requirements for translation and language services at UW Health, highlighted... more

UW Ob-Gyn expertise highlighted at AUGS/IUGA Scientific Meeting

The UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery was incredibly productive at the combined American Urogynecologic Society/International Urogynecologic Association (AUGS/IUGA) meeting in Austin, Texas June 14-18, 2022! This scientific meeting of the two organizations takes place every five years. Learn about the research, presentations, and leader... more

Hartenbach named new Chair of UW Department of Ob-Gyn

Ellen Hartenbach, MD, has accepted the offer from the UW–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health to become the next Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology! Hartenbach’s appointment will be effective September 1, 2022.Hartenbach earned her medical degree at the University of Missouri, followed by an obstetrics and gynecology residency at the same institutio... more

Jacobson reflects on training time, shares what’s next after MFM fellowship

After three years of intense fellowship training in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Jennifer Jacobson, MD is moving on to the next stage of her career! Jacobson shares what’s next after fellowship, the important lessons she will carry forward, and messages of gratitude for people who shaped her time in Madison.***Where will you be going and what will you b... more

Women’s Healthcast: The State of Abortion Rights in 2022, with Jenny Higgins, PhD

Sometime in the next few weeks, the United States Supreme Court will issue a decision in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. Their decision in this case could have huge effects on abortion legality and abortion access across the country.To share information about today’s landscape of abortion access in Wisconsin, what the Supreme Court decision could mean,... more

Wisconsin Watch interviews UW Ob-Gyn faculty on abortion laws

Wisconsin Watch, a nonprofit news organization, recently published two articles about the complex future of abortion in Wisconsin and physician opinions on why abortion is a necessary part of health care. UW Ob-Gyn faculty shared their expertise in both articles.“Wisconsin faces a ‘tangled series’ of abortion laws dating back to 1849 as it heads into a possible post-Roe futu... more

Abbott Lab publishes in Journal of the Endocrine Society

A new study by the Abbott research group, led by Professor David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, was just published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society!“Aromatase Inhibition Eliminates Sexual Receptivity Without Enhancing Weight Gain in Ovariectomized Marmoset Monkeys” shows that estrogen from extra-ovarian sources, likely the brain, play... more

Higgins talks about physician perspectives on abortion with Here and Now

On Wisconsin Public Television’s Here and Now, UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health Director and UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH shared data from a study of physician opinions on abortion.Higgins joined Here and Now on May 20 to answer questions about how supportive physicians are of abortion access, how they thin... more

Green discusses COVID disparities with Wisconsin Examiner

Tiffany Green, PhD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, spoke with the Wisconsin Examiner in an article about inequities in COVID-19 safety precautions.In “COVID surges as masks decline, hurting the most vulnerable”, Green talked about areas of employment, including service, industrial, and childcare, where workers are more vu... more

Higgins quoted in article about mobile abortion clinics

As questions arise about the future of abortion access in many states, health care providers are pursuing creative solutions to provide abortion care to more patients. In “Abortion care on wheels”, the Wisconsin Examiner profiled Just the Pill, an online, nonprofit clinic that dispenses medication abortion. Just the Pill is working on rolling out mobile clinics in many state... more

Mayer joins UW Health Employee Advisory Council

Anne Mayer, PA, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, is one of the newest members of the UW Health Employee Advisory Council!Mayer was selected from a strong pool of applicants across the organization. Successful applicants to the council received endorsement from their manager and director, have a history of strong performance within the organization, embody t... more

Zhang’s SGO presentation included in SGO Select package

Congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn gynecologic oncology fellow Catherine Zhang, MD, whose recent presentation from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology Annual Meeting in March will be included in the SGO Select package!Zhang presented “Beneath the Surface: Fluorescein Mapping in Vulvar Paget's Disease” at the SGO annual meeting in Phoenix. The 2022 conference program chairs selecte... more

Patel earns FPMRS Journal 2022 Media Impact Award

UW Ob-Gyn resident and soon-to-be Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery fellow Ushma Patel, MD received the 2022 Media Impact Award from the journal FPMRS for the article “Updated Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence in Women: 2015-2018 National Population-Based Survey Data"!The article was published online in February 2022 and appeared in the April 2022 issue of F... more

Rush reflects on training, shares what’s next after finishing fellowship

After three years of intense fellowship training in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Shannon Rush, MD, is preparing to graduate. Rush shares what’s next after fellowship, the important lessons she will carry forward, and messages of gratitude for people who shaped her time in Madison.Where will you be going and what will you be doing after UW Ob-Gyn?I'm headed... more

Gross, Mojdehbakhsh, Wang selected as 2022-23 residency chiefs

Huge congratulations to soon-to-be PGY-4 residents Maya Gross, MD, Rachel Mojdehbakhsh, MD, and Connor Wang, MD, who were elected to serve as chief residents for the 2022-23 academic year!Gross was selected to serve as Education Chief, while Mojdehbakhsh and Wang are Administrative Chiefs. They take over from graduating residents John Poehlmann, MD and Vienna Tran, MD.Congra... more

Sobecki earns GOG Foundation New Investigator Award

Congratulations to Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology! Sobecki earned the 2022 GOG Foundation New Investigator Award.The GOG Foundation’s New Investigator Award supports attendance of the NRG Oncology Semiannual Meeting, coming up in Chicago July 21-23, 2022.Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Dr. Sobecki! more

Higgins discusses potential impact of US Supreme Court decision on reproductive health care in Wisconsin with WTMJ

UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health Director and UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH spoke with WTMJ about some possible implications for reproductive health care in Wisconsin if Roe v. Wade is overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.In the interview, Higgins fielded questions about whether miscarriage is distinguishabl... more

Bhagavath discusses fertility with Brava Magazine

Bala Bhagavath, MD, director of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, provided insight into common causes and treatments of infertility in a recent article in Brava Magazine.In “When Fertility Is Fragile”, Bhagavath outlines criteria for infertility, discusses common treatment options, and shares information on how much some of the treatment o... more

2022 Department Research Day

On May 26, 2022, the UW Department of Ob-Gyn hosted Department Research Day, which included many research presentations from across the Department.Jeffrey Peipert, MD, chair of the Indiana University School of Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, kicked off Department Research Day with the keynote presentation “The Contraceptive CHOICE Project to Path4You: Les... more

UW CORE develops research briefs on abortion and access in Wisconsin

Researchers in the UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity have developed topical briefs in the last several weeks about abortion access, reproductive health laws, and more. The briefs provide overviews of topics that may be of increased interest as we wait for changes to abortion laws and access in Wisconsin:Self-Managed AbortionWhat Would Happen In Wisconsin If Roe v. Wad... more

DEI Update: UW Ob-Gyn Celebrates Pride Month

Happy Pride Month, a time for celebration, education, visibility, and liberation for the spectrum of people who make up the LGBTQ+ community: Throughout June, the campus and the Madison community have a series of events to celebrate the self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and visibility of the diverse group of people who make up the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gend... more

Share your research at the 2022 Women’s Health and Health Equity Research Lecture and Symposium!

The UW Women’s Health and Health Equity Research Lecture and Symposium, coming up October 20, 2022, connects healthcare professionals, population health experts and community advocates dedicated to advancing health equity. There are two opportunities for you to share your health equity and health disparities research at the 2022 Symposium!CALL FOR BRIEF AND BRILLIANT TALK PR... more

Women’s Healthcast: Finding Out About Fibroids, featuring Bala Bhagavath, MD

Uterine fibroids are incredibly common – between 20 and 70 percent of people with uteruses will develop fibroids during their lifetimes. And while they’re often benign, they can still cause some troublesome symptoms.Bala Bhagavath, MD joined the Women’s Healthcast to talk about common symptoms of uterine fibroids, the broad variety of treatment options, and whether all fibro... more

Barroilhet and Patankar publish in Cancers

A new study co-authored by Lisa Barroilhet, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology and Division of Reproductive Sciences Director Manish Patankar, PhD was published in the journal Cancers!“Atovaquone: An Inhibitor of Oxidative Phosphorylation as Studied in Gynecologic Cancers” outlines the Barroilhet and Patankar Labs’ research of the FDA-approved antimalarial... more

Join the UW Ob-Gyn team for the Badger Challenge!

This fall, the UW Carbone Cancer Center will raise awareness and funds for cancer research with the Badger Challenge (formerly The Ride). The walking, running, and biking event on September 25, 2022 supports promising new cancer research and treatment opportunities at the University of Wisconsin. You can join the UW Ob-Gyn team and run, walk, or bike along with us!Learn more... more

In the News: Higgins discusses Supreme Court decision and abortion restrictions

Since the May 2 leak of a draft U.S. Supreme Court memo that suggests the court’s intention to overturn Roe v. Wade later this summer, researchers and scholars have shared insights on the current landscape of abortion access in the country, and potential implications for the coming Supreme Court decision.UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity and UW Ob-Gyn Division of Repr... more

Division of FPMRS brings presentations to AUGS/IUGA 2022 conference

Faculty and fellows in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery will bring research and presentations to the American Urogynecologic Society and International Urogynecological Association 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting in Austin, TX, June 15-16! Read more about some of the exciting developments they will share at the meeting:Oral abstract: ... more

Diaper Drive delivery to River Food Pantry

On Wednesday, May 4, members of the UW Ob-Gyn outreach team delivered a load of diapers purchased through our annual diaper drive to community partners at the River Food Pantry!Our annual Diaper Drive supports families in the Madison area by collecting monetary donations to the department's Healthy Women Healthy Babies Fund. Using this fund enables the department to leverage... more

Gross earns 2nd place oral abstract at SASGOG conference

UW Ob-Gyn resident Maya Gross, MD, PGY-3 presented the abstract “Operationalizing Aspirin to Reduce Preeclampsia Risk and Related Morbidity and Mortality” during the Society of Academic Specialists in General Obstetrics and Gynecology Annual Meeting in San Diego on May 5, 2022.Gross earned the 2nd Place Oral Abstract award at the conference for her presentation. Congratulati... more

Kick off the Promise Walk for Preeclampsia fundraiser with a brat fry on June 4!

Help kick off planning and fundraising for the Promise Walk for Preeclampsia with a brat fry on Saturday, June 4! The kick-off event is hosted by the Madison Promise Walk for Preeclampsia, and will feature special guest Eleni Tsigas, CEO of the Preeclampsia Foundation.Join the brat fry at Lake Farm County Park at 11:00am – more details are available on Facebook.The Promise W... more

UW Ob-Gyn research and presentations at 2022 ACOG Annual Meeting

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists held the Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting in San Diego May 6-8, 2022. Faculty, fellows and residents in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn brought many exciting presentations and projects to the conference. Read more about some of their awesome accomplishments:Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn Director Makeba Wi... more

Birkeland becomes program director of Master of Genetic Counselor Studies

Please help us congratulate Assistant Professor Laura Birkeland, MS, CGC, who recently became the next program director of the UW SMPH Master of Genetic Counselor Studies! Birkeland will provide expert leadership, vision, and oversight to continue the growth and positive impact of this important health professions education program.Laura joined the UW SMPH in 2006, and has b... more

Williams earns 1st place oral abstract award at SASGOG conference

UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn Director Makeba Williams, MD presented “BP Connect: Referring Gynecology Patients with Elevated Blood Pressure to Primary Care Follow-up” during the Society of Academic Specialists in General Obstetrics and Gynecology Annual Meeting in San Diego on May 5, 2022.Williams’ presentation earned the First Place Oral Presentation... more

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... more

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 M... more

Al-Niaimi presents at Carbone Grand Rounds and UC Irvine surgery course

Ahmed Al-Niaimi, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, brought his surgical and quality improvement expertise to two recent presentations!On May 11, 2022, Al-Niaimi presented the lecture “Surgical Quality outcomes: Past, Present and Future” at the UW Carbone Cancer Center Oncology Grand Rounds.Al-Niaimi also brought presentations to the University of Califor... more

Barroilhet/Patankar Labs celebrate graduates

The research labs of interim department chair Lisa Barriolhet, MD, MS and Division of Reproductive Sciences Director Manish Patankar, PhD celebrated some amazing graduates in May!Please help us congratulate Lojain Ibrahim Aljohani, MS and Kristal Gant, PhD, who graduated from the UW-Madison Endocrinology & Reproductive Physiology program, and Shannon Rush, MD, graduating UW ... more

Community Connections: What are Health Disparities, and Wisconsin PRAMS data

In Community Connections, UW Ob-Gyn Outreach Specialist Cheryl Casey'Grant shares information about important community issues, events, and forums to bring better awareness and help our department connect to community concerns.***​Community Connections: What are Health Disparities? A “health disparity” refers to a higher burden of illness, injury, disability, or mortality e... more

Grand Rounds: Stephenson presents “Equity Objectives for Health Professions Learners and Institutions”

Jason Stephenson, MD, UW SMPH associate dean for multicultural affairs for health professions learners, presented the lecture “Equity Objectives for Health Professions Learners and Institutions” at UW Ob-Gyn Grand Rounds on May 5, 2022.In the lecture, Stephenson defined equity and inclusion developmental stages for large institutions, guided participants through a process to... more

Sobecki presents Grand Rounds to U Buffalo Department of Ob-Gyn

Janelle Sobecki, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, presented at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences’ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Grand Rounds on May 11, 2022!In the lecture “Assessing Bone Health and Osteoporosis Risk in OB/GYN Practice”, Sobecki helped members of the U Buffalo Department of Ob-Gyn lear... more

Green discusses economic burden of abortion ban in The New Yorker

Since the May 2 leak of a draft U.S. Supreme Court memo that suggests the court’s intention to overturn Roe v. Wade later this summer, we have seen an abundance of reporting on what that decision could mean for people across the country. In a new article in The New Yorker, UW Ob-Gyn Assistant Professor Tiffany Green, PhD, of the Division of Reproductive and Population Health... more

Al-Niaimi’s SGO presentation included in SGO Select package

Congratulations to Ahmed Al-Niaimi, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, whose recent presentation from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology Annual Meeting in March will be included in the SGO Select package!Al-Niaimi presented “Mechanical bowel preparation and post-operative renal dysfunction in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer” ... more

Higgins co-authors study in The Lancet Regional Health

A new study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas looks at movement across state lines to obtain abortion care in 2017. UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity and Division of Reproductive and Population Health Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH co-authored the article.“Abortion travel within the United States: An observational study of cross-state movement to ob... more

Abbott mentee Sindhu Shankar earns Hilldale fellowship

Congratulations to Sindhu Shankar, undergraduate researcher in the Abbott Research Group, who earned a Hilldale Undergraduate/Faculty Research Fellowship! Shankar plans to study adipose dysregulation with the fellowship support, under mentorship of David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences.The Hilldale Undergraduate/Faculty Research Fellowship pro... more

Study published in AJOG by UW CORE team examines contraceptive satisfaction and sexual side effects

A new study in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology uses data from a longitudinal cohort study to examine whether sexual acceptability of a contraceptive method predicts contraceptive satisfaction at three months.“A prospective analysis of the relationship between sexual acceptability and contraceptive satisfaction over time”, by Renee Kramer, PhD, MPH, UW Colla... more

Hutcherson invited to Wisconsin Maternal Mortality Review Impact Team

Beverly Hutcherson, graduate student in the Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology program, was invited to join the Wisconsin Department of Health Maternal Mortality Review Impact Team!The Wisconsin Maternal Mortality Review Team (MMRT) identifies and reviews pregnancy-associated deaths, identifies factors that contribute to these deaths, and proposes recommendations that... more

Abbott mentee Jacob Blanchar wins Sophomore Honors Summer Apprentice award

Jacob Blanchar, sophomore undergrad in the Levine-Abbott lab’s Ovary team, was awarded a Sophomore Honors Summer Apprenticeship by the Letters &Science Faculty Honors Committee!Blanchar, who is part of the lab of David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, will look at aspects of diminished thermogenesis in brown fat from experimentally manipulated... more

Hutcherson wins presentation award at Wilbert C. Jordan Research Forum

Beverly Hutcherson, graduate student in the Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology program, won Best Poster Presentation at the Wilbert C. Jordan Research Forum during the Student National Medical Association Annual Medical Education Conference in April!Hutcherson’s translational science poster “PCOS research informs biological understanding of developmental origins contr... more

Al-Niaimi promoted to Professor (CHS)

Huge congratulations to Ahmed Al-Niaimi, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology! The UW SMPH CHS Faculty Appointments and Promotions Committee unanimously voted to promote Al-Niaimi to the rank of Professor (CHS), effective July 1, 2022.Al-Niaimi joined the UW Department of Ob-Gyn in 2011 after graduating from the UW gynecologic oncology fellowship.Please join... more

Casey’Grant invited to statewide Maternal Mortality Review Impact Team

We are thrilled to share that UW Ob-Gyn Outreach Specialist Cheryl Casey’Grant, who was invited to join the Wisconsin Department of Health Maternal Mortality Review Impact Team!The Wisconsin Maternal Mortality Review Team (MMRT) identifies and reviews pregnancy-associated deaths, identifies factors that contribute to these deaths, and proposes recommendations that aim to pre... more

Abbott published in Journal of the Endocrine Society

A new article by David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Science was published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society! Abbott is senior author on the article; co-authors include Marissa Kraynak, Molly Willging, Alex Kuehlmann, Amita Kapoor, Matthew Flowers, Ricki Colman, and Jon Levine.In “Aromatase Inhibition Eliminates Sexual Receptivity Without Enhan... more

Women’s Healthcast: Effective Advocacy in Healthcare Settings, with Cheryl Casey’Grant

Preparing for a doctor’s visit can feel intimidating. How do we make sure all our questions are answered and our concerns are taken seriously? How many of us know how to be effective self-advocates in medical settings?On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Cheryl Casey’Grant shares tips and resources to make sure we’re getting the best care. Cheryl is an outreach special... more

Students in Abbott research group bring 16 presentations at Undergraduate Symposium

Undergraduate student researchers in the lab of David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, brought 16 solo or team oral presentations to the 2022 UW-Madison Undergraduate Symposium April 28-29, 2022! Abbott served as mentor on 12 of the projects.The annual Undergraduate Symposium​ showcases undergraduate creativity, achievement, research, service-... more

Bird earns Meriter Foundation grant

Congratulations to Ian Bird, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences! Bird recently earned a Meriter Foundation grant for the project “Cytokine induced antigen presentation as a source of endothelial dysfunction in pregnancy”.This proposal is submitted to establish if the endothelial dysfunction already known to underlie hypertension in preeclampsia is in fac... more

Rush, Rose co-author article on cover of May 2022 Green Journal

A new article in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology by UW Ob-Gyn Gynecologic Oncology fellow Shannon Rush, MD and Division of Gynecologic Oncology Director Stephen Rose, MD reexamines age recommendations for bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The article was featured on the cover of the May 2022 issue of the Green Journal, Rush was interviewed on the Obstetrics and Gynecolo... more

Lick and BME students earn SMPH/BME Tech Collaborative Innovation Award

Our congratulations to Jay Lick, DO, and UW-Madison biomedical engineering students Elizabeth Wacker, Nesya Graupe, Sakina Tariq, Lauren Hicks, Annika Rossebo, and UWSMPH medical student Ansley Hartney, who earned the Biomedical Engineering and UW SMPH Tech Collaborative Innovation Award!The team earned the award for their project “Elevator for the Impacted Fetal Head During... more

M4s get ready for residency with UW Ob-Gyn intern prep course

In late April 2022, six UW SMPH medical students who matched into ob-gyn residency programs participated in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn’s intern prep course! The course, organized by Laura Jacques, MD, Janet Short, Amanda Wildenberg, Alison Klein, and Jody Silva, helped the students strengthen some basic surgical and medical skills before they start their intern year.Faculty... more

90 attendees gather in Madison for Clinical Embryologists Summit Conference

More than 90 professionals from reproductive endocrinology and infertility organizations across the country visited Madison for the 23rd Annual Clinical Embryologists Summit (CES) Conference April 29-30, 2022. The CES Conference is an annual event designed to give participants an informal setting to share ideas and to interact with invited speakers and other clinical embryol... more

UW Ob-Gyn residents represent department at Student National Medical Association conference

UW Ob-Gyn residents India Anderson-Carter, MD, PGY-2, Ushma Patel, MD, PGY-4, and Awa Sanneh, MD, PGY-2 attended the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) Annual Medical Education Conference in Orlando to represent the UW Ob-Gyn residency in April!The SNMA is an organization that supports current and future underrepresented minority medical students. The Annual Medical... more

Hoppe co-authors CHAP study published in NEJM; discusses results with Wisconsin media

Results from the national Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy study were recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Kara Hoppe, DO, MS, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, was the lead investigator for the UW arm of the study and a co-author on the article!In “Treatment for Mild Chronic Hypertension during Pregnancy”, Hoppe and co-authors sha... more

ConnectRx launches in Madison clinics

At a press conference on April 14, the Dane County Health Council and the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness announced the launch of ConnectRx in Madison clinics using Epic. ConnectRx is a care coordination tool within the electronic health record that will help providers working with Black pregnant patients navigate supportive resources for patients that are available in... more

Gyorfi featured in WCRGME Day in the Life of a Rural Resident video

The Wisconsin Collaborative for Rural GME recently launched a new “Day in the Life of a Rural Resident” video series. The first video features UW Ob-Gyn rural resident Kaley Gyorfi, MD, PGY-2 on a rural rotation at Western Wisconsin Health in Baldwin, Wisconsin!In the video, Gyorfi walks us through a typical day at a rural hospital site, including arriving at the hospital ar... more

Sobecki earns grant for osteoporosis screening project

Congratulations to Janelle Sobecki, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology! Sobecki received a grant from the University of Wisconsin–Madison American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant review committee for the project “Bone Health and Osteoporosis Screening in Gynecologic Cancer Survivors”.The $50,000 grant runs from May 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023. So... more

UW SMPH Shapiro research student Hailey Milakovich presents at SGO conference

Huge congratulations to UW SMPH phase II medical student Hailey Milakovich, who gave an oral plenary presentation at the 2022 Society of Gynecologic Oncology Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer!Milakovich presented “What’s the Value of a Pelvic Exam? Endometrial Cancer Surveillance in the Era of Telemedicine.” The presentation was featured in the SGO Women’s Cancer News, a dail... more

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 av... more

Black Maternal Health Week, April 11-17, 2022

This year marks the fifth-year anniversary of the Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) campaign. Learn more about opportunities to connect with and promote Black Maternal Health Week!Founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, BMHW is a week of awareness, activism, and community building intended to:Deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health in the US;... more

Green discusses policy failures around COVID-19 with Wisconsin Examiner

A recent article from Wisconsin Examiner recapped a report that found the United States’ poorest counties experienced mortality from COVID-19 at nearly twice the rate of the nation’s wealthiest counties. Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, was interviewed for the article.In “Report ties COVID-19 deaths to poverty, systemic pol... more

Women's Healthcast: Dr. Jennifer Lincoln on health claims and social media

As health misinformation grows and spreads online, more and more doctors are spending time on social media breaking down health myths. On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, we’re joined by physician, author, and social media star Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, MD, IBCLC.When she’s not working as an ob-gyn in Oregon, Dr. Lincoln busts reproductive health myths for her millions of... more

Grand Rounds: Eschenbach presents “Treatment of Severe Infection”

On April 7, 2022, David Eschenbach, MD of the University of Washington presented the UW Ob-Gyn Grand Rounds lecture “Treatment of Severe Infection.”In the lecture, Eschenbach covered several aspects of treatment for serious maternal infections, including reviewing the pathophysiology and treatment of sepsis; identifying bacteria least likely to respond to antibiotics; unders... more

Women’s Healthcast: Healthy Pregnancy at Any Weight, featuring Katie Antony, MD

On the latest episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Katie Antony, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, discusses respectful, person-centered care, her recommendations for safe and healthy pregnancies at any weight, and concerns or considerations for pregnant people with overweight or obesity.Listen to Healthy Pregnancy at Any Weight now!Did you know the Wom... more

Higgins authors article in Journal of Sex Research

A new article in the Journal of Sex Research by UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health and UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity (CORE) Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH introduces the concept of “erotic equity” and examines the connections between socioeconomics and sexual wellbeing.In “Socioeconomics and Erotic Inequity: A Theoretical Overview and Narra... more

Senderowicz to become Assistant Professor in Division of Reproductive and Population Health

We are thrilled to announce that Leigh Senderowicz, ScD, MPH will join the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health in August 2022 as assistant professor! Senderowicz will be jointly appointed with the UW-Madison Department of Gender and Women’s Studies (75%) and the Department of Ob-Gyn (25%).She has been part of our department since 2019, when she joined us... more

Spencer nominated for Dean’s Excellence in Medical Student Mentorship Award

Congratulations to Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in Division of Gynecologic Oncology, director of the Gynecologic Oncology fellowship, and director of the UW Ob-Gyn residency program! Spencer was nominated for the UW SMPH Dean’s Excellence in Medical Student Mentorship Award.These awards recognize faculty members who exemplify dedication and excellence in medical... more

Welcome Laura Huffman, MD!

The UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology is thrilled to announce that Laura Huffman, MD, will join the division faculty in August 2022! Huffman graduated from the UW Ob-Gyn Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship in 2017.Huffman received her medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2010. She completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at the... more

Grand Rounds: Poehlmann presents “Stress Response and Coping in the Field of OB/GYN”

On March 24, UW Ob-Gyn resident John Poehlmann, MD, PGY-4 presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Stress Response and Coping in the Field of OB/GYN”.In the lecture, Poehlmann outlined clinical situations that can prompt stress for patients and providers, recognized common coping strategies used in stressful situations, defined cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and discussed ho... more

Faculty Development Funding Feature: Katie Sampene, MD

Each fiscal year, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Development Committee makes available a total of $10,000 for professional development. Faculty may submit applications at any time (until funds are exhausted for the current fiscal year).Read more about Dr. Katie Sampene’s experience with the Faculty Development Funding Program, and learn how you can apply... more

Grand Rounds: Patel presents “The Global Burden of Surgical Disease”

On March 10, 2022, UW Ob-Gyn resident Ushma Patel, MD, PGY-4 presented the Grand Rounds lecture “The Global Burden of Surgical Disease”.In the lecture, Patel defined the concept of global surgery, explained the evolution of global surgery, identified strategies to alleviate the global surgical burden, and more.Watch the whole lecture here!

Senderowicz published in Population and Development Review

Health Disparities Research Scholar Leigh Senderowicz, ScD is lead author on a new publication in the journal Population and Development Review!In “Supply-Side Versus Demand-Side Unmet Need: Implications for Family Planning Programs”, Senderowicz summarizes different critiques of the “unmet need” measure, suggests a modification to the indicator, and uses data from the Demog... more

Warner gives oral presentation at SGS conference

Our congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Fellow Kristina Warner, MD, who presented research at the 2022 Society of Gynecologic Surgeons annual meeting in San Antonio, TX!Warner presented “The impact of subspecialty training on outcomes following surgery for pelvic organ prolapse – a NSQIP-based study” during an oral poster session.In... more

Sobecki published in International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer

Janelle Sobecki, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, is lead author on a new study published in the International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer!In “Opportunistic osteoporosis screening using routine computed tomography images to identify bone loss in gynecologic cancer survivors”, Sobecki and co-authors (including gynecologic oncology faculty Lisa Barroilh... more

Mojdehbahksh gives oral presentation at SGS conference

Congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn resident Rachel Mojdehbakhsh, MD, PGY-3, who gave an oral presentation at the 2022 Society of Gynecologic Surgeons annual meeting in San Antonio, TX! Mojdehbakhsh presented “Efficacy and Safety of a Restrictive Blood Transfusion Protocol in Gynecologic Surgery Patients”, a project that was mentored by Ahmed Al-Niaimi, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Divisio... more

Welcome UW Ob-Gyn Resident Class of 2026!

Happy Match Day! We are thrilled to introduce the newly-matched UW Ob-Gyn Resident Class of 2026! Please help us welcome the incoming class of UW Ob-Gyn interns, who will join us in July 2022:Kaitlyn Anderholm (Rural Track Resident) – University of Minnesota Medical SchoolShilpika Bajpai – University of Kansas School of MedicineKharmen Bharucha – University of Minnesota Medi... more

UW Ob-Gyn prepares posters, presentations for SASGOG Annual Meeting

The Society of Academic Specialists in General Obstetrics and Gynecology Annual Meeting, coming up in May 2022, will include exciting presentations and posters from faculty and residents in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn! Some of the great work that will be featured at the conference:Presentation:UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn Director Makeba Williams, MD,... more

Al-Niaimi to present at SGS conference

Ahmed Al-Niaimi, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, will bring an oral presentation to the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting in San Antonio, TX at the end of March!Al-Niaimi will present “Efficacy and Safety of Restrictive Blood Transfusion Protocol in Gynecologic Surgical Patients”. Congratulations, Dr. Al-Niaimi!

Green shares insight on postpartum depression disparities in Essence

A recent article in Essence profiled the founders of an app to support Black mothers with postpartum depression and anxiety. In the article, Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, discussed how provider bias and communication issues may lead to underdiagnosis of postpartum depression for Black women:““…the evidence strongly sugge... more

Higgins, Senderowicz publish study in Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health

A new study in the journal Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health by UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH and Health Disparities Research Scholar Leigh Senderowicz, ScD examines connections between economic resources and sexual wellbeing.“Sex, poverty, and public health: Connections between sexual wellbeing and eco... more

Bird appointed as senior editor on editorial board of Journal of Endocrinology, Journal of Molecular Endocrinology

Huge congratulations to Ian Bird, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences! Bird was appointed as senior editor to the editorial boards of the Journal of Molecular Endocrinology and Journal of Endocrinology! The Journal of Endocrinology and Journal of Molecular Endocrinology are well-established, successful journals of the UK’s Society for Endocrinology, and o... more

Division of Reproductive Sciences prepares impressive slate of research for Society for Reproductive Investigation conference

The 2022 Society for Reproductive Investigation’s Annual Scientific Meeting, held in Denver, CO between March 15-19, features several presentations, posters and abstracts from members of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences! Just some of their exciting accomplishments:Clinical and Translational Perinatology Oral Presentation:Breastfeeding Promotes Predominant Bifi... more

Spencer and Zorbas talk women’s health research funding with Congress

On March 9, 2022, members of the UW Department of Ob-Gyn discussed funding for women’s health research with members of the Wisconsin congressional delegation during a virtual advocacy day organized by the Women First Research Coalition.In conversations with Senator Tammy Baldwin and Representative Mark Pocan, department Research Manager Andrea Zorbas, MBA, MS, Residency Prog... more

Patel recaps research on AUGS social media

After publication of the new article “Updated Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence in Women” in the journal Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, UW Ob-Gyn resident (and incoming FPMRS fellow) Ushma Patel, MD, PGY-4 summarized the study’s findings in a video highlighted on the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS)’s social media.In the video, Patel outlined the stu... more

Wetterhahn, Bosse present at AIUM Conference

Huge congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn resident Madeline Wetterhahn, MD, PGY-3 and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellow Brad Bosse, MD, who shared research at the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine’s 2022 Annual Integrative Ultrasound Meeting!Wetterhahn and Bosse both presented during Obstetric Ultrasound Scientific Sessions at the conference, which was held March 12-16, 2022... more

Green published in Journal of Women’s Health

A new publication co-authored by Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, examines connections between experiences of racial discrimination and postpartum depression.“Are Experiences of Racial Discrimination Associated with Postpartum Depressive Symptoms? A Multistate Analysis of Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Data”, p... more

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 depart... more

Al-Niaimi brings poster to SGO Winter Meeting

Ahmed Al-Niaimi, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, brought a poster to the Society of Gynecologic Oncology Winter Meeting in late January 2022!Al-Niaimi’s poster “The impact of preoperative bowel preparation on surgical outcome beyond surgical site infection” was presented during the meeting in Olympic Valley, CA. The Winter Meeting is an important oppor... more

Bhagavath co-authors publication in Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology

UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Director Bala Bhagavath, MD, co-authored a study in the latest issue of the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology!“Clinical and Patient Reported Outcomes of Pre- and Postsurgical Treatment of Symptomatic Uterine Leiomyomas: A 12-Month Follow-up Review of TRUST, a Surgical Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing ... more

Presentations, posters, and more at the 2022 CREOG/APGO Annual Meeting!

UW Ob-Gyn faculty, residents, and affiliated medical students with interest and expertise in medical education showcased their work at the CREOG/APGO Annual Meeting​! The conference, which was organized around the theme “Together Again, Together Forever: Med Ed Family Reunion”, took place in Orlando, Florida March 9-12. Some of the exciting highlights from our department:Rya... more

Faculty Development Feature: McDonald graduates from APGO Academic Scholars and Leaders program

Ryan McDonald, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, graduated from the American Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics Academic Scholars and Leaders Program during the 2022 APGO/CREOG annual meeting! McDonald used funding from the UW Ob-Gyn Faculty Development Committee’s Faculty Development Funding Program to support his experience in the APGO p... more

Grand Rounds: Bradley presents keynote at Resident Research Day

On March 3, 2022, Catherine Bradley, MD, MSCE, professor of urology in the University of Iowa Department of Ob-Gyn, presented the keynote lecture “Overactive Bladder: Clinical and Research Updates” at Resident Research Day.In the lecture, Bradley discussed non-urologic clinical factor that may affect people with overactive bladder; explained new research evidence and methods... more

Green receives Wisconsin Partnership Program New Investigator grant

Huge congratulations to Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health! Green recently earned a Wisconsin Partnership Program New Investigator grant for the project “Evaluating the Impacts of Wisconsin’s Birth Cost Recovery Policy on the Health and Wellbeing of Low-Income Black Birthing Parents: A Community-Centered Approach”.In Wisconsin... more

Peebles highlighted by WISC-TV, UW Health and SMPH

Jackie Peebles, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, was featured in stories and social media posts from WISC-TV Madison, the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, and UW Health during Black History Month.In “UW Health working to improve healthcare equity”, an article on WISC-TV’s website, Peebles discussed her work with the UW SMPH Building Eq... more

Grand Rounds: Hollier presents “Preventing Pregnancy-Related Mortality” at Resident Research Day

The UW Department of Ob-Gyn had the great pleasure of hosting past ACOG President Lisa Hollier, MD, MPH as the keynote speaker for Resident Research Day on February 24, 2022. Hollier, who is a professor of ob-gyn at Baylor College of Medicine, presented the keynote lecture “Preventing Pregnancy-Related Mortality.”In the lecture, Hollier discussed various factors that contrib... more

Short retiring from role as Medical Student Coordinator

After many years of dedicated service as the UW Ob-Gyn Medical Student Coordinator, Janet Short is retiring on March 4, 2022. Please join us in thanking her for her immeasurable contributions to the UW Ob-Gyn education team! Janet has been an essential part of the Ob-Gyn clerkship experience for countless medical students over the years. Her support, encouragement, and overa... more

UW Ob-Gyn residency accepted into PDPQ Educators Network

An exciting update from the UW Ob-Gyn Residency:Our residency program was accepted into the exclusive Program Director Patient Safety and Quality (PDPQ) Educators Network partnered with the ACGME and Project ECHO.The aim of the PDPQ Educators Network is to implement a national learning network for Program Directors (PDs) and associate Program Directors (APDs) to assist their... more

Bhagavath discusses endometriosis and infertility in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

In a recent article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a Wisconsin woman shares her experience with endometriosis and infertility. UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Director Bala Bhagavath, MD adds insight into the challenges of endometriosis and the importance of insurance coverage for fertility services in the article. In “Summit woman shares... more

CORE study published in SSM – Population Health

A study in the latest issue of SSM – Population Health examines physicians’ knowledge of referral for abortion care. UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, as well as former UW Ob-Gyn members Cynthie Wautlet, MD and Nicholas Schmuhl, PhD, are co-authors on the study. “Willing but unable: Physicians' referral knowledge as barriers to abortion ca... more

Spivak earns WMAA Outstanding Resident Teaching Award

Huge congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn resident Talya Spivak, MD, PGY-3! Spivak earned the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association’s 2022 Outstanding Resident Teaching Award.She was voted best resident teacher by UW-Madison’s fourth-year medical students. The WMAA Distinguished Faculty and Resident Clinical Science Teaching Awards are given to the most exceptional teachers from acro... more

Sharp gives keynote speech at 3rd annual Butterfly Ball

On Saturday, February 26, Kristen Sharp, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn gave the keynote address at the 3rd annual Butterfly Ball, an event that raises awareness and provides hope and healing to families that have experienced pregnancy or infant loss.Hosted by the Alana Rose Foundation, the event included a virtual program, silent auction, an... more

Poehlmann and Antony published in AJOG-MFM

A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology-Maternal-Fetal Medicine examines the link between maternal anxiety and pain following C-section delivery.In “The impact of preexisting maternal anxiety on pain and opioid use following cesarean delivery: a retrospective cohort study”, UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine faculty Katie Antony,... more

Rush and Rose selected for late-breaking presentation at ACOG conference

Exciting news for UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology Director Stephen Rose, MD and gynecologic oncology fellow Shannon Rush, MD! Rose and Rush’s article “A Revised Markov Model Evaluating Oophorectomy at the Time of Benign Hysterectomy: Age 65 Years Revisited” was selected for the Obstetrics and Gynecology late-breaking research session at ACOG’s 2022 Annual Clinical... more

Patel and Brown discuss underdiagnosis and undertreatment of incontinence with UrologyTimes

After publication of their new article “Updated Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence in Women” in the journal Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, authors Heidi Brown, MD, MAS (Division of FMPRS) and Ushma Patel, MD (PGY-4 resident and soon-to-be FPMRS fellow) spoke with Urology Times about the study.In the latest video interview, Patel and Brown discuss the strong... more

Antony discusses COVID vaccines, pregnancy with Verywell Health

Katie Antony, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, spoke with Verywell Health about COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy!In “COVID Vaccine During Pregnancy Protects Babies, Study Shows”, Antony provided an overview of how immunity is passed from the pregnant person to the fetus, how long antibodies persist in babies after birth, and other ways to protec... more

Heisler promoted to Associate Professor (CHS)

Please join us in congratulating Christine Heisler, MD, MS, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery! The UW School of Medicine and Public Health CHS Faculty Appointments and Promotions Committee unanimously promoted Heisler to the rank of Associate Professor (CHS), effective July 1, 2022.Heisler joined our department in 2016. Since then... more

Abbott published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Huge congratulations to Dave Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences! Abbott is senior author on an invited paper in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences’ Special Issue on PCOS.“Experimentally Induced Hyperinsulinemia Fails to Induce Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-like Traits in Female Rhesus Macaques” demonstrates that while compensatory elevat... more

Antony, Cooney publish in journal Women

A new study co-authored by Katie Antony, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Laura Cooney, MD, of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility examines whether screening for sleep apnea should be included for women seeking fertility treatment.Published in the journal Women, “Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Another Condition to Screen for in Wo... more

Faculty Development Funding Feature: Janine Rhoades, MD

Each fiscal year, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Development Committee makes available a total of $10,000 for professional development. Faculty may submit applications at any time (until funds are exhausted for the current fiscal year).Read more about Dr. Janine Rhoades’ experience with the Faculty Development Funding Program, and learn how you can apply... more

Brown earns three-year U-18 grant

Huge congratulations to Heidi Brown, MD, MAS, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery! Brown was recently awarded a U-18 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for the project “Bridging Community-based Continence Promotion and Primary Care”.Brown’s project is one arm of th... more

Gaston published in Journal of Ob-Gyn Hospital Medicine

Luther Gaston, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, is senior author on a new article in the most recent issue of the Journal of Ob-Gyn Hospital Medicine!“Prediction of Vaginal Delivery Using Intrapartum Transperineal Ultrasound”, co-authored by Jackie Adams, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine as well as UW Ob-Gyn residency a... more

Grand Rounds: Tran presents “From Correctional Care to Correct Care: Reproductive Health in Incarcerated Patients”

On February 10, 2022, UW Ob-Gyn resident Vienna Tran, MD, PGY-4 presented the Grand Rounds lecture “From Correctional Care to Correct Care: Reproductive Health in Incarcerated Patients.”In the lecture, Tran examined the history and legal status of health access for person experiencing incarceration; described the barriers to access for patients seeking reproductive healthcar... more

UW Ob-Gyn brings posters, presentations to 2022 SMFM Annual Pregnancy Meeting

Though the meeting was virtual this year, the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine brought an impressive raft of research to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s 42nd Annual Pregnancy Meeting! Read about some of the incredible posters and presentations they shared at the conference:Risk calculator for hypertension related postpartum readmission - Jinxin Tao, Yo... more

Wagar published in Journal of Ob-Gyn Hospital Medicine

A new article in the latest issue of the Journal of Ob-Gyn Hospital Medicine looks at rates of removal of fallopian tubes during postpartum sterilization procedures.“Trends in Postpartum Opportunistic Salpingectomy During Vaginal Delivery Admissions”, by UW Ob-Gyn resident Matt Wagar, MD, PGY-4 and co-authors Amy Godecker, PhD, Maria Landeros, Lisa Barroilhet, MD MS, and Mak... more

Brown and Patel on current state of urinary incontinence for women in Urology Times

After publication of their new article “Updated Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence in Women” in the journal Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, authors Heidi Brown, MD, MAS (Division of FMPRS) and Ushma Patel, MD (PGY-4 resident and soon-to-be FPMRS fellow) spoke with Urology Times about the study. In the interview, Brown and Patel shared the motivation behind t... more

Green discusses perinatal care coordination issues with Wisconsin Public Radio

In January 2022, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel published an investigation into prenatal care coordination companies in the Milwaukee area (note: article available to MJS subscribers only). On February 3, Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, joined The Morning Show on Wisconsin Public Radio to discuss the investigation, and wha... more

Hutcherson’s abstract selected for Wilbert C. Jordan Research Forum

Congratulations to Beverly Hutcherson, graduate student in the Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology program and mentee of David Abbott, PhD (UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences), whose abstract “PCOS research models inform biological understanding of developmental origins contributing to maternal morbidities” was selected for a poster presentation during the 202... more

Heisler published in Journal of Surgical Education

What can professional introductions before Grand Rounds lectures tell us about hierarchical, gender, or descriptive bias? A new article in the Journal of Surgical Education aims to find out.“Professional Address during Obstetrics and Gynecology Grand Rounds Introductions: Setting the Stage, Setting the Standard”, by Christine Heisler, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of FPMRS, ... more

Senderowicz’s studies guide MSF contraceptive guidelines

Health Disparities Research Scholar Leigh Senderowicz, ScD, recently shared an incredible example of academic work having real-world impact – in this case, world-wide impact!Senderowicz is an accomplished researcher with a particular interest in contraceptive autonomy: the idea that people should have free, full, informed choice about whether to use contraception, and which ... more

Patel, Brown, Giles publish in FPMRS journal

A new study published in the journal Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery provides updated estimates for how many women in the U.S. experience or are at risk for urinary incontinence.“Updated Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence in Women”, by Division of FPMRS faculty Heidi Brown, MD, Dobie Giles, MD, and resident and soon-to-be FPMRS fellow Ushma Patel, MD, PGY-4... more

Wagar nominated for AOA Society

Congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn resident Matt Wagar, MD, PGY-4, who was recently nominated by a UW SMPH medical student to be inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society!Nominees to the society exemplify the ideals of the AOA: recognizing educational achievement, honoring gifted teaching, encouraging leadership development, supporting the ideals of humanism, and p... more

Beninati talks about COVID vaccines and temporary cycle changes on NBC-15

A new study published in the Green Journal found that COVID vaccines can cause brief, temporary changes to menstrual cycles. Michael Beninati, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine joined NBC-15 Madison to explain why those temporary cycle changes are not cause for alarm and do not indicate future fertility issues.“But MD Michael Beninati, an OBGYN at UW H... more

Stanic promoted to Associate Professor with tenure

We are thrilled to announce that Aleks Stanic-Kostic, MD, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Divisions of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Reproductive Sciences has been promoted to Associate Professor (tenure track). The promotion will be effective July 1, 2022.Since joining the UW Department of Ob-Gyn in 2014, Stanic has earned a reputation as a talented researcher, educa... more

Green publishes Perspective piece in New England Journal of Medicine

How can economic principles help inform public health policy and address racial health disparities? Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health answers that question in a Perspective article in the New England Journal of Medicine.“Trade-offs and Policy Options — Using Insights from Economics to Inform Public Health Policy” highlights t... more

Spencer steps into Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Director role

As of February 1, 2022, Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, is the new director of the UW Ob-Gyn Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship! Spencer takes over for Division of Gynecologic Oncology Director Stephen Rose, MD, who has led the fellowship since 2011.Spencer has served as Associate Fellowship Director since 2017 and has been invaluable in supporting our fellows and the program in that tim... more

Grand Rounds: Pellicer presents “Climate Change and the Future of Medicine”

​On February 3, 2022, UW Ob-Gyn resident Daniel Pellicer, MD, PGY-4 presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Climate Change and the Future of Medicine.”In the lecture, Pellicer explained how climate change impacts health and health disparities; discussed how climate change affects healthcare delivery; predicted how climate change may force changes in clinical practice; and illust... more

Brown promoted to Associate Professor with tenure

Our congratulations to Heidi Brown, MD, MAS, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery! Brown has been promoted to Associate Professor (tenure track). The promotion will be effective July 1, 2022.Since joining the UW Department of Ob-Gyn in 2013, Brown has earned an impressive reputation in research and scholarship. Just a few of her incr... more

Grand Rounds: Wagar presents “Ask not what I can do for you, but what you can do for Salpingectomy: Access to Risk Reducing Gynecologic Surgery”

On January 27, 2022, UW Ob-Gyn resident Matt Wagar, MD, PGY-4 presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Ask not what I can do for you, but what you can do for Salpingectomy: Access to Risk Reducing Gynecologic Surgery.”In the lecture, Wagar examined the epidemiologic evidence and biologic theories for risk reducing gynecologic surgery; discussed current recommendations for risk re... more

Montemorano authors research letter in Green Journal

UW Ob-Gyn gynecologic oncology fellow Lauren Montemorano, MD is lead author on a research letter in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology!“Blood Loss With Inhaled Anesthetic During First-Trimester Spontaneous Abortion Evacuation” is a single-institution retrospective study comparing estimated blood loss during surgery by anesthesia type. The study found:“Inhaled anesthetic i... more

Beninati discusses COVID vaccines and fertility on CBS 58

A recent study in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that COVID-19 vaccination does not affect future fertility. Michael Beninati, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine appeared on CBS 58 News to help explain what people need to know about COVID vaccination and fertility.In the interview, Beninati emphasized that pregnant people are at higher risk ... more

Wagar published in Gynecologic Oncology

A new article in the journal Gynecologic Oncology by UW Ob-Gyn resident Matt Wagar, MD, PGY-4 examines whether enrollments in clinical trials for PARP inhibitors reflects the racial and ethnic diversity of people who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer.“Racial and ethnic enrollment disparities in clinical trials of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors for gynecologic cancers... more

Williams’ research earns DFMCH Small Grant

UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn Director Makeba Williams, MD, is a co-investigator on a study that recently earned a UW SMPH Department of Family Medicine and Community Health Small Grant!Williams is co-PI on “African American Women’s Experiences of Menopause: A Focus Group Study” with WREN Medical Director Sarina Schrager, MS, MS, WREN Associate Directo... more

Diaper Drive deliveries to Salvation Army, The Road Home, and more

Donations to community organizations from the 2021 Diaper Drive continue to go out! Before the new year, UW Ob-Gyn Outreach Specialist Cheryl Casey’Grant brought deliveries to the Salvation Army on Milwaukee Street in Madison, and The Road Home Dane.In early January, Cheryl brought a delivery to longtime UW Ob-Gyn Community Advisory Council member Carola Gaines, who is distr... more

Montemorano and Betancourt Ponce selected to UW Carbone Cancer Center Trainee Society

Huge congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn gynecologic oncology fellow Lauren Montemorano, MD and UW SMPH MD/PhD student Mayra Betancourt Ponce, who were both invited to join the UW Carbone Cancer Center Trainee Society! Betancourt Ponce is a student in Lisa Barroilhet, MD’s lab.The UWCCC Heidi Dvinge and Patti Keely Trainee Society connects cancer research trainees to funding opport... more

Women’s Healthcast ranked as #2 OB-GYN podcast!

Since 2018, the UW Department of Ob-Gyn podcast the Women’s Healthcast has helped answer questions about issues and innovations in women’s health through interviews with guest experts in our department and beyond. The Women’s Healthcast is ranked the #2 ob-gyn podcast by FeedSpot, second only to the podcast produced by the Green Journal!The UW Ob-Gyn podcast production team ... more

HDRS scholar Huynh earns Baldwin Wisconsin Idea Endowment seed grant

Congratulations to Tuyen Huynh, PhD, postdoctoral trainee in the Health Disparities Research Scholar program! Huynh recently earned a Baldwin Wisconsin Idea Endowment Seed Grant.Huynh’s seed grant will support the project “Promoting Family Resilience: Examining Racial/Ethnic Minoritized Parents' Reflective Capacities”, in collaboration with Larissa Duncan, PhD, associate pro... more

Williams to present special lecture at ACOG Clinical and Scientific Meeting

UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn Director Makeba Williams, MD will present a special endowed lecture at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting this May! Williams will present the Morton and Diane Stenchever Lecture “The Women’s Health Initiative: Controversy, Confusion, Consensus” at the opening of t... more

Barroilhet joins ICTR Graduate Program in Clinical Investigation admissions committee

Lisa Barroilhet, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, was recently invited to join the UW-Madison Institute for Clinical and Translational Research’s admissions and recruiting subcommittee for the Graduate Program in Clinical Investigation! Her three-year term began on January 1, 2022.The admissions and recruiting subcommittee makes final, program-level dec... more

Study from CORE investigator Nobles published in PNAS

A new study by UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity investigator Jenna Nobles, PhD found that 22% of menstrual cycle tracking apps users had irregular cycles. Cycle irregularities may mean delays in learning about pregnancies and challenges accessing abortion, depending on state-level restrictions. Nobles is a professor in the UW-Madison Department of Sociology and direc... more

Mind Over Matter team’s Paster Award honored on SMPH site

The Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels Healthy Bladder team, led by UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery faculty Heidi Brown, MD, MAS, recently earned the 2021 Paster Family Foundation Innovation Award. Now, the team’s work and accomplishments are highlighted in a new article from the UW School of Medicine and Public Health:““Our research tea... more

Advocacy Update: Bill for insurance coverage of infertility care introduced in Wisconsin legislature

Fertility treatments can be costly, and most states across the country do not require insurance plans to cover fertility care (take a look at this Kaiser Family Foundation issue brief on coverage and use of infertility services in the United States). A bill recently introduced in the Wisconsin State Legislature would require insurance companies to provide coverage for fertil... more

Women’s Healthcast: “Know Your STIs: Syphilis”, featuring Ryan Luellwitz, DO

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, rates of the sexually transmitted infection syphilis have been climbing across the country. In Wisconsin in particular, the state’s Department of Health Services recently recommended pregnant people be screened twice during pregnancy for syphilis, which can have significant affects on fetal health and development.On this epi... more

Abbott published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology

A new article by David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, examines historical evidence that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may have originated as an evolutionary adaptation for reproduction during food scarcity.“Polycystic ovary syndrome as a plausible evolutionary outcome of metabolic adaptation” is a review article published in the Reproduct... more

HDRS postdoc Huynh receives Prevention Research Center grant

The UW-Madison Prevention Research Center recently awarded the latest round of small grants, and UW Ob-Gyn Health Disparities Research Scholar Tuyen Huynh, PhD is one of the recipients!Huynh earned a grant for the project “A Community-Based Pilot Feasibility Study to Adapt the CHIME+ Program to Build Resilience Among Minoritized Families”, her project with Dr. Holly Hatton-... more

Poehlmann matches to Brown University for MFM fellowship

Please help us congratulate UW Ob-Gyn resident John Poehlmann, MD, PGY-4! After finishing residency with us next summer, Poehlmann will be off to Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship at Brown University/Women and Infants Hospital in Rhode Island.Poehlmann’s skill and commitment to maternal-fetal medicine have been apparent throughout residency. In 2020, he received the Society... more

Women’s Healthcast: Understanding Your Breast Health, with Laura Bozzuto

About one in eight U.S. women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re replaying this interview with Laura Bozzuto, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn. Bozzuto is double certified in ob-gyn and breast cancer surgery.In the episode, Bozzuto talks about breast cancer symptoms, the latest in... more

Stanic Lab published in American Journal of Reproductive Immunology

A new article out of collaborative research between Aleks Stanic-Kostic, MD, PhD and Irene Ong, PhD was published in the American Journal of Reproductive Immunology!“Multiomic analysis reveals decidual-specific transcriptional programing of MAIT cells” examines the possible role of Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells in tissue-repair mechanisms at the maternal-fetal ... more

Bhagavath discusses fibroids with HealthCentral

Uterine fibroids can have big effects on menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, even sleep and exercise. In a new article on HealthCentral, UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Director Bala Bhagavath, MD discussed how to recognize and manage uterine fibroids:“Uterine fibroids aren’t cancerous—but that doesn’t mean they can’t affect your life profoun... more

Iruretagoyena earns UW Health Clinical Practice Award

Huge congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Director Igor Iruretagoyena, MD! Iruretagoyena was selected to receive a UW Health 2021 Physician Excellence Clinical Practice Award, and was honored at the UW Health Physician Excellence Awards ceremony on November 30.The Clinical Practice Award, which is nominated by peers, is a tremendous and well-deser... more

Ong’s work on AyrFlo intervention featured in Madison Magazine

Over the last few years, Irene Ong, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, has been working with clinician-scientists in the SMPH Departments of Anesthesiology and Radiology to develop a device that could identify respiratory distress earlier.An article in the November 2021 issue of Madison Magazine introduces the team behind AyrFlo, tracks their progress i... more

Division of FPMRS brings research and leadership to AUGS annual meeting

Huge congratulations to the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, as well as fantastic UW Ob-Gyn residents and UW undergrads, who brought presentations and research to the PFD Week 2021 Annual Meeting, hosted by the American Urogynecologic Society!In addition to the presentations, UW was mentioned twice in the President’s Address: research ... more

Congratulations to Women’s Health Symposium poster award winners Mojdehbakhsh and Bailey!

On October 14, 2021, the UW Department of Ob-Gyn hosted the annual Women’s Health and Health Equity Research Lecture and Symposium​. This year’s virtual event included the keynote presentation “Health Equity and Quality of Care: The Case of Maternal Mortality and Morbidity” by Elizabeth Howell, MD, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Perelman School of ... more

Peterson and Rash present at national SGO Allied Health Professionals Meeting

The Society of Gynecologic Oncology hosted the SGO Allied Health Professionals Meeting in October, and two members of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology presented at the conference!On October 9, Megan Peterson, NP presented the session “Sexual Health”, focused on sexual health issues that gynecologic oncology patients encounter as a result of treatment and some c... more

Kwitek and Sergeant nominated for UW Health APP Excellence Awards

During National Advanced Practice Provider Week in October, UW Health recognized outstanding clinicians across the institution with the APP Excellence Awards. Two incredible APPs from the UW Department of Ob-Gyn were nominated for awards – please help us congratulate them!Laura Kwitek, DNP, of the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, was nominated for a Leadership Awa... more

Higgins and Jacques publish in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

A recent article published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health by UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH, Laura Jacques, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, and co-authors, used anonymized data from an online forum to examine how cost-related barriers affect peoples’ ability ... more

Welcome Ryan Luellwitz, DO!

Please help us welcome Ryan Luellwitz, DO, to the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn! Luellwitz comes to us from SSM Health, where his work with our UW Ob-Gyn residents earned him the St. Mary’s Adjunct Faculty Educator Award in 2021. Luellwitz earned his DO from Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, followed by osteopathic intern... more

Green discusses Momnibus Act and wealth inequality with In These Times

A new article published by In These Times examines how the federal Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, a package of legislation aimed at closing Black maternal health disparities, could improve lives in Wisconsin.In “The Momnibus Act Protects Wisconsin’s Black Babies from a Premature Death”, UW Ob-Gyn Assistant Professor Tiffany Green, PhD, of the Division of Reproductive an... more

Welcome Zeki Beyhan, PhD!

The UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility is so happy to welcome Zeki Beyhan, PhD, to the department! Beyhan joins our team as the Lab Director for Generations Fertility Care.Beyhan earned an MS and PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program. Prior to returning to Wisconsin, Beyhan served as labor... more

Hoppe published in Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine

Kara Hoppe, DO, MS, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, published an article in a recent issue of the Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine.In the article “Cost-effectiveness of telehealth with remote patient monitoring for postpartum hypertension”, Hoppe and co-authors (including UW Ob-Gyn residency alum Brenda Niu, MD) evaluate the costs of a re... more

Welcome incoming MFM fellow Scott Infusino, MD

The Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine is thrilled to introduce the incoming 2022 Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellow. Please help us welcome Scott Infusino, MD!Infusino received his MD from Quinnipiac University. He is currently completing his ob-gyn residency at the University of Maryland. We look forward to welcoming him to Madison in July 2022.

Welcome Cholene Espinoza, MD!

The UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn is pleased to welcome Cholene Espinoza, MD to our faculty as of October 1, 2021!Espinoza earned an MD from the St. George’s University School of Medicine, followed by an obstetrics and gynecology residency at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Espinoza recently completed a surgical critical care fellowship at ... more

Wagar matches into Gynecologic Oncology fellowship at University of Wisconsin

The UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology is excited to announce that Matthew Wagar, MD, PGY-4, matched as our 2022 Gynecologic Oncology fellow! Wagar earned his MD at the University of Minnesota, and is currently completing ob-gyn residency in our department. The Gyn Onc team was impressed with his passion for medical education and commitment to providing excellent pat... more

Patel matches into FPMRS fellowship at University of Wisconsin

We’re so thrilled to announce that Ushma Patel, MD, PGY-4 will stick around after finishing residency to be the second Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery fellow! Patel received her MD from Loyola University and has been completing her ob-gyn residency with us at the University of Wisconsin. The FPMRS team is impressed with her dedication to the field and fierc... more

UW Ob-Gyn hosts successful Heartland Association of Gynecologic Oncology annual meeting

Huge congratulations to the planning committee of the Heartland Association of Gynecologic Oncology’s 2nd annual meeting! The meeting brought 62 attendees together in Madison to learn about the latest developments in gynecologic cancer care on September 17 and 18, 2021. The committee planned a safe, engaging event while adhering to COVID protocols. During the two-day meeting... more

Hartenbach talks clinical trials in Sparkle of Hope grateful patient story

Every year in the lead-up to Sparkle of Hope, Channel 3000 films and airs an inspiring story about a patient who has worked with the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology as part of their gynecologic cancer journey. This year, in “Sparkle of Hope: Fighting cancer during the pandemic”, Cindy Mikula shared her story of endometrial cancer recurrence and enrollment on a cl... more

Grand Rounds: Al-Niaimi presents “Quality Metrics And Outcomes: Past, Present And Future”

Ahmed Al-Niaimi, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, presented the UW Ob-Gyn Grand Rounds lecture “Quality Metrics And Outcomes: Past, Present And Future” on September 16, 2021.In the lecture, Al-Niaimi explained current measures of post-operative outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality; assessed how past and ongoing QI programs can improve outcomes; ... more

HPV research from UW Ob-Gyn cited in PBS News Hour article

Misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines is abundant. One of the most pernicious myths – that COVID-19 vaccines can cause infertility – may be deterring people from getting the vaccine. (Michael Beninati, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, already dispelled that myth on a recent episode of the Women’s Healthcast!)Making up fertility concerns is a common ... more

Grand Rounds: Jung presents “Feedback Culture”

Sarah Jung, PhD, of the UW SMPH Department of Surgery, presented the lecture “Feedback Culture” at UW Ob-Gyn Grand Rounds on September 9, 2021. Jung is an Assistant Professor in Education Research and Development in the Department of Surgery.In the lecture, Jung discussed why and how culture may affect feedback; identified elements of culture that make feedback successful; a... more

Beninati shares CDC recommendations on COVID vaccines and pregnancy with UW Health, area news

Michael Beninati, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, has been helping combat COVID vaccine and pregnancy misinformation a lot over the last few months. He recently appeared in a UW Health video explaining why COVID vaccines are recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding people, which aired on many Wisconsin news stations.Beninati’s recommendation was s... more

Bhagavath accepted as AGOS fellow

Congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Director Bala Bhagavath, MD, who was recently accepted as an active fellow of the American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society (AGOS)!AGOS advances the health of women by providing dedicated leadership and promoting excellence in research, education and medical practice. In order to be cons... more

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 i... more

Zweifel shares causes, signs of postpartum depression with CNET

While emotional changes after having a baby are not uncommon, many may not know how to identify the more severe symptoms of postpartum depression.In an article on CNET, Julianne Zweifel, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, outlines the differences between baby blues and postpartum depression, and discusses the factors that can cause ... more

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... more

Green’s course “Race in American Obstetrics and Gynecology” approved for medical school curriculum

Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, will teach a new course to students in the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. “Race in American Obstetrics and Gynecology” will mainly be offered to M3s.Green’s innovative course sounds incredible:“Opportunity for medical students to survey the history of race in American obstetrics an... more

Wetterhahn and Spencer discuss rural residency with TMJ4 in Milwaukee

Access to ob-gyn health care in rural Wisconsin has trended downward over the last couple decades. In this interview with WTMJ-TV Milwaukee, UW Ob-Gyn Residency Program Director Ryan Spencer, MD discusses the motivation behind creating the first rural ob-gyn residency training track in the country.In “UW Health hopes to curb rural Wisconsin’s OBGYN shortage”, UW Ob-Gyn rural... more

Green discusses ethics of deprioritizing care for unvaccinated patients with Wisconsin Examiner; Wisconsin Public Radio

As the Delta variant caused COVID-19 cases to surge across the country last summer, the ensuing rise in hospitalizations and deaths stretched the healthcare system in many states beyond capacity. In Texas, a physician group discussed the ethics of deprioritizing the unvaccinated. Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, discussed ... more

Wagar published in Journal of Nursing Education and Practice

UW Ob-Gyn resident Matt Wagar, MD, PGY-4 is the lead author on a quality improvement study published in the Journal of Nursing Education and Practice!Accurate maternal blood pressure measurements are important for diagnosing hypertension problems, making treatment plans, and more. “Obtaining an accurate maternal blood pressure: A quality improvement initiative to improve nur... more

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 DayFeaturing 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, an... more

Rose nominated for UW Health Physician Leadership Award

Congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology Director Steve Rose, MD! Rose was nominated for the highly competitive UW Health Physician Excellence Leadership Award.Rose was nominated by peers who appreciate his strong leadership skills within the Department of Ob-Gyn, as the UW Health Regional Oncology Services Medical Director, and more.

Higgins publishes in SSM – Population Health

A publication currently available online in the journal SSM – Population Health examines physicians’ knowledge of referral for abortion care. UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, as well as former UW Ob-Gyn members Cynthie Wautlet, MD and Nicholas Schmuhl, PhD, are co-authors on the study.“Willing but unable: Physicians' referral knowledge as... more

Rose talks about gynecologic oncology as a practice on Specialty Stories podcast

On a recent episode of Specialty Stories, a podcast aimed at helping premed and medical students choose a future career, UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology Director Steve Rose, MD discussed what brought him to gynecologic oncology and what the subspecialty is like today.During the conversation, Rose talked about key interests and traits that can lead to success in gy... more

Grand Rounds: Lowry presents “The History of Paid Family Leave”

On December 9, 2021, UW Ob-Gyn resident Alexa Lowry, MD, PGY-4 presented the Grand Rounds lecture “The History of Paid Family Leave.”In the lecture, Lowry defined maternity, paternity, and parental leave; compared parental leave policies in the United States to countries around the world; evaluated the benefits of parental leave; and explained the current state of paid paren... more

Rose discusses genetic testing for cancer with OncLive

In a recent installment of OncLiveTV, UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology Director Steve Rose, MD discussed the importance of genetic testing in ovarian cancer. In the video, Rose mentioned the importance of genetic testing in setting a treatment path for some ovarian cancers:“The importance of the testing, for sure, has to do with the use of PARP inhibitors, specific... more

Higgins talks about US Supreme Court case Dobbs v Jackson on NBC15

In early December, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a case involving a Mississippi state law that banned abortions after 15 weeks. UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Director Jenny Higgins, PhD spoke with NBC-15 about what that case could mean for abortion access in Wisconsin. A decision in the case is exp... more

Abbott mentees present at Biology 152 Research Symposium

Undergraduate students mentored by David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, shared their research projects at the UW-Madison Biology 152 Research Symposium on December 14, 2021!Mihika Sathe brought a poster on excess fetal testosterone exposure in male rhesus monkeys and how it induces pancreatic morphological damage in adulthood leading to type... more

Hoppe published in Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine

Kara Hoppe, DO, MS, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, published a new study in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine.The article “Longitudinal blood pressure patterns of women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: preconception through postpartum” details a retrospective study on nearly 900 people diagnosed with hypertension disorders of... more

Grand Rounds: Badger Bytes on PCOS

On December 2, 2021, three presenters offered different updates on PCOS during the UW Ob-Gyn Grand Rounds Badger Bytes research presentation. David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, Laura Cooney, MD, of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and Leeann Bui, UW SMPH medical student, each presented updates on polycystic ovary... more

Women’s Healthcast: Sexual Health and Cancer Survivorship, featuring Dr. Jon Pennycuff

As our ability to detect and treat cancer has improved, more people are living longer after their cancer diagnosis. For survivors of breast and gynecologic cancer, that can mean more time living with the side effects treatment can have on sexual and pelvic health.On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Jon Pennycuff, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine... more

Brown, Williams featured at national conference on dissemination and implementation in health

Two faculty from the UW Department of Ob-Gyn were featured at the 14th Annual Conference on the Science of Dissemination and Implementation in Health (D&I), co-hosted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and AcademyHealth. Congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists Director Makeba Williams, MD and Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive... more

Iruretagoyena earns UW Health Clinical Practice Award

Huge congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Director Igor Iruretagoyena, MD! Iruretagoyena was selected to receive a UW Health Physician Excellence 2021 Clinical Practice Award, and was honored at the UW Health Physician Excellence Awards ceremony on November 30.The Clinical Practice Award, which is nominated by peers, is a tremendous and well-deser... more

Iruretagoyena promoted to Professor (CHS)

We are thrilled to announce that the UW School of Medicine and Public Health CHS Faculty Appointments and Promotions Committee voted unanimously to promote UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Director Igor Iruretagoyena, MD to the rank of Professor (CHS). The promotion will be effective July 1, 2022.Iruretagoyena joined the UW Department of Ob-Gyn faculty in 2011, ... more

Hoppe’s Staying Healthy After Childbirth earns HHS grant

Huge congratulations to Kara Hoppe, DO, MS, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine! Hoppe’s Staying Healthy After Childbirth program, a home telehealth monitoring program for postpartum hypertension, was one of 20 recipients of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Phase I Hypertension Innovator Awards.The Hypertension Innovator Award Competition was... more

Spencer appointed as central hub leader for THCGME grant

UW Ob-Gyn Residency Program Director Ryan Spencer, MD, has been appointed as the Central Hub Leader for the Teaching Health Center Technical Assistance Center. In this role, he will oversee the development of new residency programs in Teaching Health Centers funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in the ... more

Williams talks about hormones and menopause on Well Wisconsin Radio

UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn Director Makeba Williams, MD appeared on a recent episode of Well Wisconsin Radio to address some myths about hormones.During the interview, Williams discussed the primary hormones active in women’s bodies, why hormone testing is rarely recommended, how to recognize common signs and symptoms of menopause, and more.Listen t... more

Jennings promoted to Clinical Associate Professor

Please join us in congratulating Ashley Jennings, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn! The UW SMPH Clinician Teacher Track Appointments and Promotions Committee voted overwhelmingly to approve Jennings’ promotion to Clinical Associate Professor.The promotion will be effective July 1, 2022. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Dr. Jennings! more

Grand Rounds: Rice presents “The Nuances of Career Development”

On November 11, 2021, Laurel Rice, MD, Ben Miller Peckham, MD, PhD, Chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “The Nuances of Career Development”. In the presentation, Rice shared perspectives for navigating career development in academic medicine through the power of articulating one's interests and passion, identifying and being open to pursuin... more

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 ... more

Bhagavath presents at SREI fellows forum

UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Director Bala Bhagavath, MD presented at the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellows forum in Utah on November 19!Bhagavath’s presentation on reproductive surgeries garnered a lot of excitement from the REI fellows and physicians in attendance, with more than half the fellows expressing a... more

Mind Over Matter team wins Paster Award

Please help us congratulate the Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder research team, which won the Paster Family Foundation Innovation Award for the development and dissemination of their program.The Paster Family Foundation Innovation Award is given for a project, system improvement, or initiative that has made a difference in human health and/or the lives of pa... more

Mojdehbakhsh’s abstract selected for presentation at SGS Conference

​Huge congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn resident Rachel Mojdehbakhsh, MD, PGY-3! Mojdehbakhsh’s abstract “Efficacy and Safety of Institution-Wide Restrictive Blood Transfusion Protocol in Gynecologic Surgical Patients” was selected for an oral poster presentation at the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons’ upcoming annual meeting.Mojdehbakhsh will present during the SGS 48th Annual S... more

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 mul... more

Grand Rounds: Pennycuff presents “Onco-urogynecology: Pelvic Health, Intimate Well Being, and Cancer Survivorship”

On October 28, 2021 Jon Pennycuff, MD, MSPH of the UW Ob Gyn Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Division presented the grand rounds lecture “Onco-urogynecology: Pelvic Health, Intimate Well Being, and Cancer Survivorship”. In the presentation, Pennycuff explored the role of the gynecologist in cancer survivorship care, described the prevalence and severity of ... more

Barroilhet discusses patient education with Health Professional Radio

On a recent episode of Health Professional Radio, Lisa Barroilhet, MD of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, discussed the launch of the Foundation for Women’s Cancer #MoveTheMessage campaign.In the interview, Barroilhet talked about the need for greater awareness of gynecologic cancers, the importance of having accessible, inclusive education materials readily a... more

Rural residency (and first graduate) featured on Minneapolis news

In June 2021, Laura McDowell, MD became the first graduate of the first rural ob-gyn residency program in the country when she finished her residency training in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn. Following graduation, McDowell moved to Willmar, Minnesota to join a general ob-gyn practice.Her experience as a rural ob-gyn physician is highlighted in this story from KSTP in Minneapo... more

Green presents to Duke Center for Child and Family Policy

Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, presented to the Duke University Center for Child and Family Policy on October 28, 2021, as part of the center’s Early Childhood Initiative series. Green’s presentation “Income Gains, Pregnancy-Related Health, and Birth Outcomes: Evidence from the Marcellus Shale Economic Boom” was summarize... more

Grand Rounds: Rhoades presents “Virtual interviewing in medical education: what have we learned and is it here to stay?”

On November 4, 2021, Janine Rhoades, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Virtual interviewing in medical education: what have we learned and is it here to stay?”.In the presentation, Rhoades identified advantages, limitations, and areas for improvement in the virtual interview process, discussed best practices for virt... more

Spencer appointed as hub lead for HRSA Rural Residency Program Development Center

UW Ob-Gyn Residency Program Director Ryan Spencer, MD, has been appointed to be the Central Hub Lead for the Rural Residency Program Development Technical Assistance Center (RRPD-TAC). The RRPD-TAC is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).The grant provides $4.6 million of total funding over four years.... more

UW-Madison Department of Ob-Gyn thanks rural training partners on National Rural Health Day

As the state of Wisconsin celebrates National Rural Health Day on November 18, 2021, the University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology would like to thank the physicians and partners across Wisconsin who are training future ob-gyn physicians in rural practice.The UW–Madison Department of Ob-Gyn created the first rural ob-gyn residency training track... more

Hoppe’s remote home monitoring program highlighted in video from Meriter

Preeclampsia: a birth story from UnityPoint Health - Meriter on Vimeo. Preeclampsia affects about 1 in 25 pregnancies. In an incredible new video produced by UnityPoint Health-Meriter Hospital, Kara Hoppe, DO, MS of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, discusses her Meriter program that helps new parents with high blood pressure stay home and stay healthy after... more

Brown and Giles elected to AUGS Board of Directors

Our sincere congratulations to two members of our Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery: Heidi Brown, MD, MAS and Division Director Dobie Giles, MD have both been elected to the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) Board of Directors. It is a tremendous honor to have two board members selected from the same institution! Giles was elected to serve a... more

Green discusses health care disparities with Brava Magazine

Wisconsin has some of the starkest disparities in health outcomes between Black and white moms and babies. In an article in Brava Magazine, Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, joined other community leaders who are working to understand and address health disparities in Madison and Dane County. In “Tackling Health Care Dispar... more

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 ... more

Rural ob-gyn disparities and UW Ob-Gyn Rural Residency featured in Appleton Post Crescent

An in-depth article in the Appleton Post Crescent examines the gaps in rural ob-gyn care in Wisconsin, outlines why the UW Department of Ob-Gyn created the first rural residency training track in the country, and demonstrates how innovations in Wisconsin are rippling out throughout the Midwest - in the form of a rural ob-gyn residency at the University of Iowa. The article ... more

Grand Rounds: Moniz presents “US Healthcare Reform & Women: Progress to date and Unfinished Business”

On August 12, 2021, the UW Department of Ob-Gyn hosted Michelle Moniz, MD for a special Grand Rounds lecture. Moniz, who is an assistant professor in the University of Michigan Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and a member of the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, presented the lecture “US Healthcare Reform & Women: Progress to d... more

Bhagavath discusses fibroid treatment with HealthCentral

UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Director Bala Bhagavath, MD answered common fibroid questions in the HealthCentral article “10 Things to Know About Uterine Fibroid Treatment.” In the article, Bhagavath explains what fibroids are and what kinds of symptoms they can sometimes cause (including heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure) and how to brin... more

Antony and residency grad Meyer published in Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine

Katie Antony, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and Melissa Meyer, MD, 2021 UW Ob-Gyn residency graduate, co-authored a new article in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine. In “A standardized post-cesarean analgesia regimen reduces postpartum opioid use”, Antony and Meyer evaluated a standardized protocol of pain medications after C-sect... more

Rose selected as medical director for UW Health Regional Oncology Services

Congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn Gynecologic Oncology Division Director Steve Rose, MD! Rose was recently appointed to the role of Medical Director for Regional Oncology Services at UW Health. In that role, Rose will be the physician leader for UW Health’s regional cancer program. Responsibilities include providing clinical and professional direction for the program; building r... more

Donate now to the UW Ob-Gyn Diaper Drive!

On Friday, August 27, member of the UW Ob-Gyn outreach team delivered the first load of diapers purchased through our annual Diaper Drive to community partners at the River Food Pantry! There’s still time to support families in Madison and Dane County by donating to the Diaper Drive! Our annual Diaper Drive supports families in the Madison area by collecting monetary donati... more

Grand Rounds: Adegboro presents “The Age of Viability: A New Era”

Claudette Adegboro, MD, of the UW SMPH Department of Pediatrics, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “The Age of Viability: A New Era” on July 29, 2021. In the lecture, Adegboro explained current obstetric and neonatal practice around periviable birth at 22-25 weeks’ gestation, assessed survival rates and outcomes for extremely preterm infants, and identified next steps for ... more

Higgins to lead Division of Reproductive and Population Health

The UW Department of Ob-Gyn is pleased to announce that Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH will assume the role of Director of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, effective September 1, 2021. Dr. Higgins joined the faculty of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Gender and Women’s Studies in 2012. In 2017, she joined our Department of Obstetric... more

Grand Rounds: Heisler and Higgins present Equity Badger Bytes

On July 15, 2021, researchers in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn presented a Badger Bytes research Grand Rounds. Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH, of the Division of Reproductive and Population Health, presented “Economics and Erotic Inequity: Poverty and Sexual Wellbeing.” During her presentation, Higgins defined erotic equity and shared main findings from the literature and a new empi... more

Abbott earns AEPCOS Distinguished Researcher Award

Our sincere congratulations to David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences! The Androgen Excess and PCOS Society awarded Abbott the 2021 Ricardo Azziz Distinguished Researcher Award for his outstanding contributions to PCOS research. The Ricardo Azziz Distinguished Researcher Award was created through an endowment for the purpose of providing an aw... more

Patel and Heisler author article in Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America

Christine Heisler, MD, MS, of the UW Ob-Gyn Divison of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery and resident Ushma Patel, MD PGY-4 co-authored an article in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. In “Urinary tract injury during gynecologic surgery: prevention, recognition and management”, Patel and Heisler review important anatomy involved ... more

Women’s Healthcast: Beninati dispels COVID vaccine myths

Vaccines for COVID-19 became available in late 2020, and were immediately followed by a rash of myths and misinformation online. Many of the most pervasive myths – that the vaccine causes infertility, that it’s unsafe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, that it can cause miscarriage – are specifically focused on women’s health and reproductive health. Michael Beni... more

Stanic presents at NICHD workshop on early pregnancy loss

Aleks Stanic, MD, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Divisions of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Reproductive Sciences, was recently invited to speak as part of a group of experts at the NIH National Institute on Child Health and Human Development’s workshop “Idiopathic/Non-aneuploid Early Pregnancy Loss: The State of the Science”. Stanic presented as part of the session ... more

Wagar published in Gynecologic Oncology

UW Ob-Gyn resident Matt Wagar, MD, PGY-4 published an article in a recent edition of Gynecologic Oncology! In “Postoperative venous thromboembolism in gynecologic oncology patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery: Does modality matter?”, Wagar and co-authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent gynecologic cancer surgery at UW between 2... more

Rhoades passes MFM boards!

We’re thrilled to share that Janine Rhoades, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, recently passed her oral MFM boards! Please join us in congratulating Dr. Rhoades on this important accomplishment. Preparing for and taking board exams during a stressful pandemic is no mean feat!

Ong publishes article on antibody binding in SARS-CoV-2 infections in PLOS Biology

Many researchers over the last many months have shifted their focus to help us better understand and treat SARS-CoV-2, and that’s true of some of the brilliant research minds in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn! Irene Ong, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences co-authored the article “The landscape of antibody binding in SARS-CoV-2 infection” in PLOS Biology. I... more

Women’s Healthcast: Senderowicz discusses global reproductive health

Reproductive health care trends, norms and policies in the United States shape global reproductive health in a big way. UW Ob-Gyn Health Disparities Research Scholar Leigh Senderowicz, ScD, MPH joined the Women’s Healthcast to talk about the roots of international family planning programs, how to recognize reproductive coercion, and why we should pay attention to the way U.S... more

Abbott has top-cited article in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism

Our sincere congratulations to David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences! Abbott’s article “Adipose Insulin Resistance in Normal-Weight Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Women” was one of the top-cited articles in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism in 2019-2020. The article was one of the top 10 percent, as assessed by rate of citation,... more

Senderowicz published in BMJ Global Health

Health Disparities Research Scholar Leigh Senderowicz, ScD, MPH published a new study in BMJ Global Health! The article “‘I haven’t heard much about other methods’: quality of care and person-centredness in a programme to promote the postpartum intrauterine device in Tanzania” used in-depth, qualitative interviews with pregnant people seeking antenatal care at five Tanzania... more

Jacques publishes in AJOG

A new article in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology analyzed posts on Reddit to help better document peoples’ decision-making processes regarding abortion modality. “Medication or surgical abortion? An exploratory study of patient decision making on a popular social media platform”, by Laura Jacques, MD and other researchers from the UW Collaborative for Repr... more

Grand Rounds: Marsh presents “Recurrent Pregnancy Loss”

On July 8, 2021, the UW Department of Ob-Gyn welcomed Courtney Marsh, MD, MPH from the University of Kansas Medical Center Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology to present the Grand Rounds lecture “Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.” In the lecture, Marsh described the most common causes of recurrent pregnancy loss, discussed appropriate treatments for recurrent pregnancy loss, and... more

Spencer, Rice published in Obstetrics and Gynecology

A new study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology compares operative times in the American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Project with physician-reported operative times from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to assess for the impact on RVUs. “Discrepancies Created by Surgeon Self-Reported Operative Time and the Effects on Procedura... more

Senderowicz talks reproductive coercion with The Lily

Health Disparities Research Scholar Leigh Senderowicz, ScD, MPH shared insights on the history of reproductive coercion in the United States in an article from The Lily about revelations from Britney Spears’ conservatorship hearing. In the article, Senderowicz discussed the different levels at which reproductive coercion can occur, with a focus on the systemic: “Reproducti... more

Brown, Williams edit book on older women’s health

What happens when two world-class experts on menopause and pelvic floor disorders work together? They literally write the book on older women’s health concerns. Heidi Brown, MD, MAS, of our Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, and Makeba Williams, MD, Director of our Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, edited the book “Challenges in Older W... more

Study by UW CORE researchers published in Contraception

A new study in Contraception uses data from a survey of UW School of Medicine and Public Health physicians to assess physician support for abortion access and abortion providers. The study also examines physicians’ perceptions of their peers’ attitudes towards abortion and abortion providers. “Physician attitudes about abortion and their willingness to consult in abortion c... more

Women’s Healthcast: Paplomata talks about clinical trials

Elisavet Paplomata, MD came to the UW School of Medicine and Public Health and UW Carbone Cancer Center in 2020 to expand cancer clinical trials, including bringing more trials for gynecologic cancer patients to the UW. She joined the Women’s Healthcast to talk about why researchers do trials, why people might choose to enroll in them, safety precautions in place for trial p... more

HDRS postdoc Tran Smith receives AHEAD grant

Congratulations to Health Disparities Research Scholar Bikki Tran Smith, PhD, who earned a 2021 Advancing Health Equity and Diversity (AHEAD) Pilot Program grant from the UW Institute for Clinical and Translational Research! Tran Smith received the AHEAD grant for the project “In Our Own Voice: The Narrative Experiences of Latina Immigrants in Navigating Access to Healthcare... more

Heisler presents at Society of Gynecologic Surgeons conference

Christine Heisler, MD, MS, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery presented her research about gender disparities in the field of obstetrics and gynecology at the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons conference in June. Heisler was invited by the meeting’s scientific program chair to present the special guest lecture “Ready, Set, ACTION! D... more

Grand Rounds: Brown presents “Are We Able To Talk About ABL? Tackling the Taboo of Bowel Incontinence”

On June 10, 2021, Heidi Brown, MD, MAS of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Are We Able To Talk About ABL? Tackling the Taboo of Bowel Incontinence.” In the lecture, Brown identified risk factors for bowel incontinence, described initial evaluation and management of the condition, and outlined som... more

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 a... more

What’s next for the UW Ob-Gyn Resident Class of 2021

The UW Ob-Gyn resident class of 2021 will graduate on June 24, 2021. Please join us in congratulating them on four exceptional years of training, and wishing them all the best as they depart for the next stages of their careers!​ EMILY BUTTIGIEG, MD Where will you be going and what will you be doing after UW Ob-Gyn? I am staying on as faculty with UW for a year while my fian... more

McDonald published in Neurotoxicology and Teratology

Ryan McDonald, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, co-authored a recent publication in Neurotoxicology and Teratology! “A socioecological framework for engaging substance-using pregnant persons in longitudinal research: Multi-stakeholder perspectives” sought feedback from community stakeholders, including people with lived experience of subst... more

Hoppe discusses hypertension in pregnancy with NHLBI

As part of a meeting with the Women First Research Coalition with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), UW Ob-Gyn maternal-fetal medicine specialist Kara Hoppe, DO discussed high blood pressure during pregnancy and some ongoing research in the U.S. The meeting served as an opportunity to discuss current women’s health research at the NHLBI, consider future ... more

Spencer’s gynecologic cancer research funding disparity mentioned in NIH hearing

Ryan Spencer, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, has studied differences in funding for gynecologic cancer research compared to other cancer types for several years. His work led to the publication of the study “Disparities in the allocation of research funding to gynecologic cancers by Funding to Lethality scores” in Gynecologic Oncology in 2018. In a N... more

Racine published in Wisconsin Medical Journal

A study by maternal-fetal medicine fellow and soon-to-be member of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine faculty Jenna Racine, MD, was published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal. “Barriers to Self-Disclosing Level of Maternal Care: What Are Wisconsin Hospitals Worried About?” is eligible for continuing education credit. In the study, Racine and co-authors (inclu... more

Huynh receives Undergraduate Research Scholars Exceptional Mentorship Award

Congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn Health Disparities Research Scholar Tuyen Huynh, PhD, MS, who received the Undergraduate Research Scholars (URS) Exceptional Mentorship Award for the 2020-21 academic year! As part of the URS program, Huynh mentors and trains early undergraduate students at UW-Madison through research and creative practices. Over the years, the program has demon... more

Rivas’ resident research published in Contraception

Before graduating from the UW Ob-Gyn residency in 2020, Kali Rivas, MD focused her resident research project on whether resident physicians in Wisconsin are trained in immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). Her study is now published in Contraception! Amy Godecker, PhD, Heidi Brown, MD, MAS, and Nicholas Schmuhl, PhD, co-authored the article. In t... more

Grand Rounds: Parker-Autry presents “Urinary Incontinence: From Condition to Geriatric Syndrome”

On June 3, 2021, the UW Department of Ob-Gyn hosted Candace Parker-Autry, MD, of the Wake Forest Baptist Health Department of Urology, for the Grand Rounds lecture “Urinary Incontinence: From Condition to Geriatric Syndrome”. In the lecture, Parker-Autry reviews clinical characteristics of aging that contribute to the progression of a condition to a syndrome; highlights kn... more

Brown’s Mind Over Matter program disseminated by AUGS president

A recent President’s Perspective blog from American Urogynecologic Society President Holly Richter, MD, PhD invited AUGS members to learn more about adapting Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder (MOM) for their communities. MOM is an educational program focused on incontinence self-management created by Heidi Brown, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic... more

Sobecki earns BIRCWH award

Huge congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn gynecologic oncology fellow and soon to be member of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology faculty Janelle Sobecki, MD! Sobecki was recently awarded a spot in the UW Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH) program, which will support her continuing her work on osteoporosis in gynecologic cancer patients. This g... more

McDowell makes history as first rural ob-gyn residency grad in country

Later this month, UW Ob-Gyn resident Laura McDowell, MD, PGY-4 will make medical history when she becomes the first graduate from the first rural ob-gyn residency training program in the country. Numerous news outlets in the area have covered McDowell’s accomplishment. Watch or read about this momentous UW Ob-Gyn residency occasion: Caring for Rural Women: UW doctor comple... more

Antony published in Wisconsin Medical Journal

A new study by Katie Antony, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, was published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal. “Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pregnancy: Early Lessons From Our Sleep Pregnancy Clinic” is eligible for continuing education credit. In the publication, Antony and co-authors describe the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea during pregnancy,... more

Farewell to nurse midwives Kiley Hewett and Carol Carr

The UW Ob-Gyn certified nurse midwife team has announced two upcoming departures. Please join us in thanking these wonderful nurse midwives for the exceptional care they provided during their time with our department! Kiley Hewett will join a practice in Bend, Oregon this August to be closer to extended family. She has been a wonderful member of our team for the past two an... more

Women’s Healthcast: Hartenbach discusses second opinions

Seeking a second opinion is fairly common, especially when facing a challenging diagnosis or intense treatment. On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Ellen Hartenbach, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, discusses why people ask for second opinions, what happens after a second opinion is given, and how to approach the conversation with your own health... more

Grand Rounds: Sampene presents “Leveraging Quality Improvement to Promote Health Equity”

Katie Sampene, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Leveraging Quality Improvement to Promote Health Equity” to the department on May 27, 2021. In the lecture, Sampene described the principles of health equity and how they relate to medical practice, walked through the basic process of quality improvement, and ... more

Stanic earns best poster award at ASRI annual meeting

Our congratulations to Aleks Stanic-Kostic, MD, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Divisions of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Reproductive Sciences! He attended the American Society for Reproductive Immunology virtual meeting in May, where he won the Best Poster award. Stanic received the award for the poster “The integration of disparate single cell data in decidual im... more

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!

Women’s Healthcast: Yemane discusses transgender health care in ob-gyn settings

Ruth Yemane, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, is one of our department’s leading experts in gender affirming surgery and gynecologic care for transgender people. On this episode, Yemane shares recommendations for safe, trust-filled patient-provider relationships, and what surgical, clinical and preventive health care can look like for trans a... more

McDowell to present on rural health at UW Wednesday Nite @ the Lab

UW Ob-Gyn resident Laura McDowell, MD, PGY-4 will present the lecture “Rural Medical Training: The Stats, The Need, The Future” for UW–Madison Science Outreach’s Wednesday Nite @ the Lab series on Wednesday, June 9 at 7:00pm. Wednesday Nite @ the Lab is a free outreach event designed to share university research and developments with the public. This Wisconsin Idea project ... more

Abbott’s mentoring award featured in UWSMPH Building Communities blog

In April, we learned that David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, was one of just five educators on campus to receive the UW-Madison Award for Mentoring Undergraduates in Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities from the UW-Madison Office of the Provost. Now, a new post on the UW SMPH Building Communities blog offers more perspective on Abbo... more

Hoppe discusses pregnancy complications and heart disease on WKOW

Kara Hoppe, DO, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, spoke with WKOW News in Madison about pregnancy complications that can lead to long-term cardiovascular health issues. In the interview, Hoppe discussed the need for continued care after experiencing some pregnancy complications: "It underlines the need for early prevention and treatment of these risk fa... more

Spencer presents on rural health at ACOG annual meeting

At the virtual 2021 ACOG Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting, UW Ob-Gyn Residency Program Director Ryan Spencer, MD joined a panel of experts to discuss rural health. During the clinical seminar, Spencer discussed the importance of supporting pipelines to bring ob-gyns to rural areas, and of building clinical partnerships between rural and urban practices to facilitate l... more

Beninati presents on obstetric critical care to Indiana University Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship

On May 13, 2021, Michael Beninati, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, presented a lecture to the Indiana University Department of Medicine’s Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship program. Beninati, who is fellowship trained in surgical critical care as well as maternal-fetal medicine, discussed pulmonary changes in pregnancy with more than 70 attende... more

Grand Rounds: Department Research Day

On May 13, 2021, the UW Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology hosted Department Research Day, featuring exceptional presentations on fundamental, clinical, and quality improvement research. Recorded presentations from Department Research Day are available now. To start the morning, Kimberly Gregory, MD, MPH of Cedars-Sinai Obstetrics and Gynecology Department presented th... more

Barroilhet promoted to Associate Professor (tenure track)

Our congratulations to Lisa Barroilhet, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology! Barroilhet has been promoted to Associate Professor (Tenure Track). The promotion and track transfer will be effective July 1, 2021. Previously, Barroilhet was an associate professor (CHS track). Since joining the department in 2012, Barroilhet has earned a distinguished reputatio... more

Grand Rounds: Laura McDowell presents “Rural Medical Training: The Stats, The Need, The Future”

UW Ob-Gyn resident Laura McDowell, MD, PGY-4 will be the first person to graduate from the UW Ob-Gyn Rural Residency Training Program, the first program in the nation to offer specific training for rural women's health. On April 29, 2021, McDowell presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Rural Medical Training: The Stats, The Need, The Future”. In the lecture, McDowell outlined ... more

Grand Rounds: Valea presents "The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Medical Education"

On April 22, 2021, UW Ob-Gyn Grand Rounds featured a guest lecture from Virginia Tech Carilion Department of Ob-Gyn Chair Fidel Valea, MD. Valea presented the lecture “The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Medical Education". In his lecture, Valea described common impacts of the 2020 pandemic on medical student education, resident and fellow training, and other clinical tr... more

Green discusses reimagining health care with PBS Wisconsin

During Black Maternal Health Week in April, UW Ob-Gyn Assistant Professor Tiffany Green, PhD discussed maternal health disparities in Wisconsin, and how to change them, with PBS Wisconsin. In addition to her appointment in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, Green is part of the UW-Madison Department of Population Health Sciences faculty. In the ar... more

Kramer publishes in Women’s Health Issues

A recent publication by UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity trainee Renee Kramer, PhD aimed to understand how Medicaid changes in Wisconsin affected provision of immediate postpartum LARC. The article was published in Women’s Health Issues. “Provision of Immediate Postpartum Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives Before and After Wisconsin Medicaid's Payment Change” exa... more

Beninati discusses COVID vaccines and pregnancy with WISC-TV News 3 Now

To help answer common questions about COVID-19, vaccination and pregnancy, Michael Beninati, MD of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, spoke with WISC-TV News 3 Now. In the interview, Beninati clarified vaccine advice from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and discussed pregnancy-related data that is available so far: “He said the CDC is tracking side eff... more

Higgins published in JAMA Internal Medicine

A new study co-authored by UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Director Jenny Higgins, PhD and published in JAMA Internal Medicine examines the association of sexual satisfaction and self-reported sexual acceptability with continued contraceptive use over time. “Association Between Patients’ Perceptions of the Sexual Acceptability of Contraceptive Methods and Continued... more

Rhoades authors two publications on virtual fellowship recruitment

UW Ob-Gyn Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist and associate MFM fellowship director Janine Rhoades, MD, co-authored two articles in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Maternal-Fetal Medicine about the virtual fellowship recruitment season of 2020. The two articles examined the 2020 MFM match process from candidates’ and program directors’ perspectives. “Mate... more

Abbott mentee earns Hilldale Research Fellowship award

Our congratulations to UW-Madison undergraduate student Lukas Henjum, who won a 2021-2022 Hilldale Research Fellowship for the project “Estrogen Receptor Alpha Neurons in the Arcuate Nucleus Mediate Female Neural Inhibition of Neuroendocrine Puberty”! Henjum is mentored by David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences. With Abbott’s support and mento... more

Grand Rounds: Huang presents “Caring for our Hmong Patients: Intersection of Culture and Western Medicine”

Wisconsin has the third-largest Hmong population in the United States. For her Grand Rounds lecture, UW Ob-Gyn resident Dandi Huang, MD, PGY-4 presented “Caring for our Hmong Patients: Intersection of Culture and Western Medicine”. In her presentation, Huang shared some history of Hmong migration to the U.S., discussed unique aspects of Hmong culture in relation to health, ... more

Bird to lead new iPEnd T32 grant

We are pleased to announce a new translational postdoctoral T32 lead by our own Ian Bird, PhD, of the Division of Reproductive Sciences, in partnership with Dr. Jon Levine. This application is a part of the integrated Program in Endocrinology (iPEnd), started back in 2016. This T32 is an unusual grant as it funds both PhD and MD trainees to undertake translational studies i... more

Green, Brown offer commentary on maternal health equity in Obstetrics and Gynecology

In this must-read commentary in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health and Heidi Brown, MD, of the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery suggest new approaches to eliminating Black maternal health disparities in the U.S. “Rethinking Bias to Achieve Maternal Health Equity: Changin... more

Brown receives R01 award for online continence promotion program

Huge congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Associate Director Heidi Brown, MD! Brown earned an R01 award from the NIH for the project “Tailoring Online Continence Promotion for Women”. More than half of older women have incontinence. Interventions to improve symptoms are urgently needed. This project seeks to understand h... more

Rice, Higgins make case for health care provider proficiency with contraceptives in Health Affairs blog

UW Ob-Gyn Department Chair Laurel Rice, MD, and UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, co-authored an article for Health Affairs outlining the reasons it’s critical that health care providers seek out accurate information on contraceptive care. Inaccuracies or misunderstandings about how birth control works shape public perception and affect he... more

Abbott published in Cell Metabolism

David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, co-authored an invited preview with long-time clinical collaborator Daniel Dumesic MD (UCLA Department of Ob-Gyn) in the journal Cell Metabolism. “Passing on PCOS: new insights into its epigenetic transmission” analyzes insights from another article published in that issue of the journal: “Polycystic o... more

Green discusses Black maternal health outcomes on WPR

On April 14, 2021, during Black Maternal Health Week, Tiffany Green, PhD joined The Morning Show on Wisconsin Public Radio to discuss Black maternal health outcomes. Green is an assistant professor in the UW Departments of Ob-Gyn and Population Health Sciences. During the interview, Green discussed the broader, systemic inequalities that drive disparities in Black maternal ... more

Willging, trainee in Abbott Lab, presents at Diabetes Research Day

Molly Willging, a UW Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology trainee in David Abbott’s lab in Reproductive Sciences, was one of the invited speakers presenting talks at the 2nd Annual UW Madison Diabetes Research Day on March 15-16, 2021. Willging presented part of her PhD thesis work “Hypothalamic ESR1 Gene Knockdown Elicits Intermittent Decrement In Postprandial Energy E... more

Bhagavath explains endometriosis with Spectrum News

UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health Director Bala Bhagavath, MD discussed endometriosis in an article with Spectrum News. In “Founded in Milwaukee, Endometriosis Awareness Month Shines Light on Women’s Health”, Bhagavath explains what endometriosis is, common symptoms, options for treatment and management, and why it can take a long time to arrive at an... more

Abbott receives UW award for undergraduate mentorship

Please join us in congratulating David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, who is one of just five educators on campus to receive the UW-Madison Award for Mentoring Undergraduates in Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities from the UW-Madison Office of the Provost! Abbott earned the award for decades of meaningfully engaging undergraduates i... more

Women’s Healthcast: Social media and health communications, with Kenan Omurtag

More and more, you can find doctors and other health care professionals talking about their expertise on social media, whether that’s answering questions on an Instagram Live, or adding a medical twist to the latest TikTok dance trend. Kenan Omurtag, MD joined the Women's Healthcast to talk about why doctors and health professionals are increasingly moving to social platfor... more

Beninati to discuss COVID vaccines and women’s health on News 3 Now, Fox 47

Tune in to WISCTV / News 3 Now at 5:30pm or 10pm on Sunday, April 18 to catch Michael Beninati, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, discussing how COVID and COVID vaccines can affect women’s health! Beninati’s segment will also run in the 9pm newscast on Fox 47 News on Sunday. After it airs, the segment will be available on Channel 3000. You can also w... more

Antony earns board certification from American Board of Obesity Medicine

Huge congratulations to Katie Antony, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, who recently earned her third board certification! Antony studied for and passed the American Board of Obesity Medicine certification exam. Over the years, Antony has worked to improve care for pregnant patients with obesity, from clinical recommendations and protocols to communi... more

Key findings from UW CORE study published on Scholar Strategy Network

In 2012, the Wisconsin legislature passed Act 217, which increased regulation on medication abortion care in our state. The legislation included a ban on telemedicine provision of medication abortion, restrictions on who can prescribe the medication, and more. A new Scholar Strategy Network article by UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity trainee and UWSMPH medical stude... more

Williams promoted to Associate Professor (CHS)

We are thrilled to announce that UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn Director Makeba Williams, MD has been promoted to Associate Professor (CHS)! The UW the School of Medicine and Public Health CHS Faculty Appointments and Promotions Committee unanimously endorsed her promotion, which will be effective July 1, 2021. Williams joined the UW Department of Ob-G... more

McDonald published in Neurotoxicology and Teratology

Congratulations to Ryan McDonald, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, who recently co-authored an article published in Neurotoxicology and Teratology! The paper “Recruitment and retention of pregnant women in prospective birth cohort studies: A scoping review and content analysis of the literature” sought to review the literature for best practi... more

Stewart published in FASEB BioAdvances

Kathy Stewart, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, co-authored a new publication in the journal FASEB BioAdvances about adapting medical school instruction to meet educational needs and maintain safety during a public health emergency. In the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, Stewart is the Director of Core Clinical Curriculum and Phase 2 Direct... more

Jennings shares insights on HPV and Pap testing with Insider

In a new article from Insider, Ashley Jennings, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, helps answer some common questions about Pap and HPV testing. Jennings helps explain what people can expect during the test, what happens to samples after they’re collected, and when to expect results from the tests. The article also includes updated guidelines o... more

Green reframes vaccine disparities with WKOW

Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, continues to add important context to conversations around inequities exposed by COVID-19. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, just over 28% of white Wisconsinites have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, but that’s only true for 11.5% of Black Wisconsini... more

Hutcherson published in Wisconsin Medical Journal

In the Wisconsin Medical Journal special issue on the impact of race and racism on health, Beverly Hutcherson published an article on her experience as part of the UW SMPH Diversity and Inclusion Advocates (DIA) Program. In addition to her full-time role in the SMPH Dean’s Office in diversity and inclusion, Hutcherson is a graduate student in the lab of David Abbott, PhD (UW... more

Wang presents oral abstract at SGO 2021 virtual conference

During the 2021 Society of Gynecologic Oncology Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer, UW Ob-Gyn resident Connor Wang, MD, PGY-2 presented an oral abstract! Wang presented the abstract “Cancer lethality: An important burden metric to consider for the allocation of clinical trial research funding from all sources” during a session on Sunday, March 21: “GYN cancers have significa... more

Save the date for the 2021 Sparkle of Hope gala!

You’re invited to join us on Friday, September 24 for a unique celebration of those whose lives have been touched by gynecologic cancers and a community dedicated to a cure. The Sparkle of Hope gala is a collaboration between the UW Department of OB-GYN Division of Gynecologic Oncology and the Carbone Cancer Center. This fabulous gala raises awareness and funds for women’s... more

SAVE THE DATE: UW Women's Health and Health Equity Research Lecture & Symposium

Mark your calendars for the 2021 UW Women’s Health and Health Equity Research Lecture and Symposium​ on October 14, 2021 at 7:00am. Please join us for this annual symposium that connects healthcare professionals, population health experts and community advocates dedicated to advancing health equity and eliminating persistent gender and racial health disparities. We are hono... more

Al-Niaimi featured in story about cancer treatment in a pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the face of health care last year, including care for gynecologic cancer patients. Shortly after the pandemic began, Ahmed Al-Niaimi, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, helped a patient with stage 4 ovarian cancer. UW Health produced a video story about the experience - watch the video here! WISC-TV in Madison also picked ... more

Women’s Healthcast: Emergency Contraception, featuring Molly Lepic

Discussions around emergency contraception often include some myths and misunderstandings. Even the nickname of the morning-after pill gives us an inaccurate sense of emergency contraception’s effective timeframe. Molly Lepic, DO, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, joined the Women’s Healthcast to help clear up some common questions about emergenc... more

Grand Rounds: Clark presents Resident Research Day keynote

On March 25, 2021, Steven Clark, MD kicked off Resident Research Day with the keynote presentation “Antepartum Testing 2021 – Making Sense of the Confusion.” Clark is a professor in the Baylor College of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In his presentation, Clark discussed the broad range of available antepartum tests, the benefits and detractions of using ... more

Green joins WKOW’s Capital City Sunday to reflect on pandemic anniversary

One year after Wisconsin’s first pandemic-related emergency order, Tiffany Green, PhD joined Capital City Sunday on WKOW in Madison to talk about lasting lessons from this pandemic that could carry forward to future public health crises. On Sunday, March 14, 2021, Green discussed the ways the pandemic highlighted structural inequities in the U.S., and what she hopes will be... more

Match Day 2021: Welcome the UW Ob-Gyn resident class of 2025

Another successful Match Day is in the books! It is our great pleasure to introduce the UW Ob-Gyn resident class of 2025. These amazing future ob-gyns will join us in Wisconsin this summer – please help us welcome them to our department! John Gravelle University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine Jackie Luthardt Rural Track Michigan State University Coll... more

Women’s Healthcast: Jacques talks Vulvar Health, Care and Cleaning

On the latest episode of the UW Ob-Gyn podcast, Laura Jacques, MD, of the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, discussed vulvar health, care and cleaning. She talked about how to care for vulvas and vaginas, what products are safe to use, how vulvar health can change with age, and more. Listen to Vulvar Health, Care and Cleaning now! Did you know the Women’s Healthca... more

Patel published in International Journal of Surgery Case Reports

A case study by UW Ob-Gyn resident (and future UW Ob-Gyn Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery fellow) Ushma Patel, MD, PGY-3 was published in the International Journal of Surgery Case Reports. Christine Heisler, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of FPMRS co-authored the case study. “Enterocele manifesting as recurrent anterior rectal prolapse: A case report” outlin... more

Green to appear on CDE Demography Seminar March 9

Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, will offer comment on the UW-Madison Center for Demography and Ecology’s Demography Seminar on Tuesday, March 9 at 12:15pm. Green will respond to the presentation “Covering Undocumented Immigrants: The Effect of a Large-Scale Prenatal Care Intervention” by Associate Professor Laura Wherry, P... more

Schmuhl and Antony co-author article in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

A new article in the journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth examines prenatal care experiences for women with obesity. Medical student Danielle Hurst is lead author on the article, with co-authors Nicholas Schmuhl, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences and Katie Antony, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. “Prenatal care experiences amon... more

Grand Rounds: Dehlendorf presents “Person-Centered Contraceptive Care: Advancing Reproductive Autonomy and Equity”

Christine Dehledorf, MD, MAS, of the University of California, San Francisco Person-Centered Reproductive Health Program, presented the UW Ob-Gyn Grand Rounds lecture “Person-Centered Contraceptive Care: Advancing Reproductive Autonomy and Equity” on Thursday, March 4. In her lecture, Dehlendorf discussed different models of counseling commonly used in family planning care,... more

Green joins Badger Talks to discuss vaccine equity

Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, joined Veronica Rueckert of UW-Madison Communications on a recent Badger Talks to discuss inequities in COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Wisconsin. In the interview, Green outlined disparities in COVID incidence and severity in Wisconsin, and a mismatch in who has access to the COVID vaccin... more

Racine published in Wisconsin Medical Journal

A new study published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal by UW Ob-Gyn maternal-fetal medicine fellow Jenna Racine, MD sought to survey birthing centers in Wisconsin to better understand barriers to disclosing their level of maternal care. The article was co-authored by UW-Madison Prevention Research Center Deputy Director Kate Gillespie, DNP, Cynthie Wautlet, MD, of the UW Ob-... more

Higgins publishes on contraceptive satisfaction in Journal of Sex Research

Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH, director of the UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity and member of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, published a new study in the Journal of Sex Research. “Sexual Functioning, Satisfaction, and Well-Being Among Contraceptive Users: A Three-Month Assessment From the HER Salt Lake Contraceptive Initiative” followed new ... more

Hoppe promoted to Associate Professor (CHS)

The UW SMPH CHS Faculty Appointments and Promotions Committee approved promotion to the rank of Associate Professor (CHS) for Kara Hoppe, DO, effective July 1, 2021. Hoppe joined the UW Department of Ob-Gyn and Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine in 2015. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Hoppe on this exciting achievement!

Wagar published in Green Journal

In a new publication in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, UW Ob-Gyn resident Matt Wagar, MD, PGY-3 compared operative outcomes of postpartum tubal ligation and bilateral salpingectomy. Co-authors on the article include UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists Director Makeba Williams, MD, and Amy Godecker, PhD. The retrospective study “Postpartum Salpingectomy Compar... more

Advocacy Update: Abbott, Cooney join virtual PCOS Advocacy Day

On March 4, 2021, David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences and Laura Cooney, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility attended the virtual PCOS Advocacy Day, hosted by PCOS Challenge. PCOS Advocacy Day focuses on building connections with federal legislators and advocating for increased access to better informe... more

Grand Rounds: Brubaker presents “Everyday Scholarship”

As the keynote speaker at Resident Research Day on February 25, 2021, Linda Brubaker, MD, MS presented the lecture “Everyday Scholarship.” Brubaker is a urogynecologist and chair of the UC San Diego Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences. In her presentation, Brubaker discusses the value of scholarship as a personal challenge, professional growth too... more

Green discusses Black Maternal Health Momnibus on WPR

Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, appeared on the Wisconsin Public Radio program Central Time to discuss the federal Black Maternal Health Momnibus legislation, along with Wisconsin Congresswoman Gwen Moore. In the interview, Green talked about Wisconsin’s maternal mortality and preterm birth inequities, and speculation abo... more

Spencer promoted to Associate Professor (CHS)

Ryan Spencer, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, was promoted to Associate Professor (CHS) by the School of Medicine and Public Health CHS Faculty Appointments and Promotions Committee, effective July 1, 2021. Spencer joined the UW Department of Ob-Gyn in 2012 as a gynecologic oncology fellow. After finishing his fellowship, Spencer joined the Division o... more

Poehlmann and Tran selected as 2021-22 chief residents

Our congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn residents John Poehlmann, MD and Vienna Tran, MD! Currently in their third year of residency, Poehlmann and Tran have been selected to serve as Administrative Chief Residents in the coming year. Poehlmann and Tran will take the reins from PGY-4 residents Ramsey Larson, MD and Stephanie Peace, MD. After a transition period starting March 1, t... more

Grand Rounds: Byars-Winston presents “Science of Mentorship: From Good Intentions to Good Practice”

Angela Byars-Winston, PhD, of the UW SMPH Department of Medicine, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Science of Mentorship: From Good Intentions to Good Practice” to the UW Department of Ob-Gyn on February 11, 2021. In her lecture, Byars-Winston discussed how cultural diversity can affect mentoring relationships, described evidence-based mentorship education to improve cul... more

Green discusses federal Momnibus legislation on WORT, Wisconsin Public Radio

Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, joined WORT Community Radio in Madison to offer insight on the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021, including the Perinatal Workforce Act introduced by Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin and Congresswoman Gwen Moore. In the interview, Green offers additional perspective on the Perinatal... more

UW Ob-Gyn brings research, developments to 2021 SMFM Conference

Faculty, residents, fellows, researchers and more brought numerous posters and presentations to the virtual 2021 Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Annual Meeting at the end of January! Learn more about the wealth of research shared by our colleagues at the conference: PRESENTATION: Racial disparities in post-operative pain experience and treatment following cesarean birt... more

Advocacy Update: Holmes-Drammeh quoted in support of Perinatal Workforce Act

Emelle Holmes-Drammeh, PA, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn submitted a statement in support of the Perinatal Workforce Act, which has been included in materials supporting the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021: "It is a known fact that the health care disparities that impact many people in this country lead to poor outcomes. As an Africa... more

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 ... more

Hoppe’s telehealth grant featured in Wisconsin Partnership Program article

A new article from the Wisconsin Partnership Program features the “Advancing Postpartum Care For Black Women in Wisconsin By Engaging Community Partners With a Home Telehealth Service for Hypertension” program, led by UW Ob-Gyn Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist Kara Hoppe, DO! The program is funded by a WPP New Investigator grant. In the article, Hoppe discusses the postp... more

Grand Rounds: Zapata presents “Combating Racial Inequities in Infant Mortality: A Personal and Professional Journey”

Jasmine Zapata, MD, MPH, of the UW SMPH Department of Pediatrics, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Combating Racial Inequities in Infant Mortality: A Personal and Professional Journey” to the UW Department of Ob-Gyn on February 4, 2021. In the lecture, Zapata identified leading causes of Black infant mortality in Wisconsin, examined major health problems affecting infant... more

Lindsey Block, of Golos Lab, published in Biology of Reproduction

Lindsey Block, graduate student in the Golos Lab, is first author on a recent paper in the journal Biology of Reproduction entitled “The promise of placental extracellular vesicles: models and challenges for diagnosing placental dysfunction in utero”. Co-authors include Aleks Stanic, MD, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Divisions of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Repro... more

Grand Rounds: Davis presents “Medical Therapy for Transgender Patients”

On January 28, Dawn Davis, MD, PhD presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Medical Therapy for Transgender Patients.” Davis is an associate professor in the UW SMPH Department of Medicine’s Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. In her presentation, Davis identified best practices for creating safe and welcoming environments for transgender patients, discussed heal... more

Welcome Jon Pennycuff, MD, MPH to the Division of FPMRS

The UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery is happy to announce that Jon Pennycuff, MD, MPH will join the department as the fourth FPMRS faculty member on September 1, 2021. Pennycuff comes to us after finishing his FPMRS fellowship at Georgetown University/MedStar Health in Washington, DC. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Science,... more

Mojdehbakhsh published in Gynecologic Oncology Reports

A quality improvement study by lead author Rachel Mojdehbakhsh, MD, PGY-2, was published in Gynecologic Oncology Reports. Co-authors include Stephen Rose, MD, Megan Peterson, DNP, Laurel Rice, MD, and Ryan Spencer, MD, all of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic that began in early 2020, industry organizations like the National C... more

Iruretagoyena discusses changes to pregnancy care during COVID on NBC-15

A recent story on NBC-15 in Madison asked whether to expect a baby boom or baby bust in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, and how pregnancy care and delivery has changed because of the pandemic. UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Director Igor Iruetagoyena, MD spoke with reporters about what pregnancy care and delivery look like for families now: “Dr. Igor ... more

Patankar publication featured on front page of journal Analyst

A study co-authored by UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences Director Manish Patankar, PhD was featured on the front page of the journal Analyst! Patankar and co-authors took on the study outlined in “Affinity-free enrichment and mass spectrometry analysis of the ovarian cancer biomarker CA125 (MUC16) from patient-derived ascites” to expand ovarian cancer diagnostic t... more

Gyn Onc fellowship grad Lees published in Gynecologic Oncology

An article by UW Ob-Gyn Gynecologic Oncology fellowship graduate Brittany Lees, MD was published in the journal Gynecologic Oncology! “A population-based study of causes of death after endometrial cancer according to major risk factors” uses data from a population-based study by UW-Madison researchers that followed 745 women with a diagnosis of invasive endometrial cancer. ... more

Antony’s OBLido study published in AJOG MFM

A study by Katie Antony, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, was published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Maternal-Fetal Medicine! Jackie Adams, MD, of the MFM Division, and Laura Jacques, MD, of the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, co-authored the study. “Lidocaine patches for postcesarean pain control in obese women... more

Register now for the 2021 Wisconsin Contraceptive Care Summit

There's still time to register for the 2021 Wisconsin Contraceptive Care Summit, coming up March 5, 2021. Join an inclusive group of practitioners and community experts to learn the latest in person-centered and equitable access to contraceptive care. The Summit will feature keynotes on reproductive justice and person-centered contraceptive care, as well as virtual training... more

Abbott published in Fertility and Sterility

David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, co-authored an article published in the journal Fertility and Sterility. “Accelerated subcutaneous abdominal stem cell adipogenesis predicts insulin sensitivity in normal-weight women with polycystic ovary syndrome” sought to examine “whether subcutaneous abdominal adipose stem cell differentiation into ... more

Health Disparities Research Scholars recruiting new scholar

The Health Disparities Research Scholars program, a postdoctoral training program in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, currently has an opening for a postdoctoral trainee. The goals of the Health Disparities Research Scholars (HDRS) Training Program are to foster training opportunities for the next generation of investigators within health dispar... more

UW Ob-Gyn posters and presentations coming up at SGO Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer

The agenda for the virtual Society of Gynecologic Oncology’s 2021 Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer, coming up in March, is available, and UW Ob-Gyn faculty and trainees will have an extensive presence at the conference. We're proud of the broad variety of research our team will bring to the event! “Cannabidiol: Assessing Activity in Ovarian and Endometrial Carcinoma Cell Li... more

Abbott contributes to rhesus macaque genome study in Science

David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, was part of a study published in Science that generated whole-genome sequence data for more than 800 rhesus macaques. The study, “Sequence diversity analyses of an improved rhesus macaque genome enhance its biomedical utility”, provides a high-quality genome for one of the most widely used nonhuman prima... more

COVID vaccine selfies – we love to see it!

COVID vaccines are rolling out for health care professionals, and vaccine selfies are rolling in! Two vaxxies were even featured in a CNN story about vaccine selfies – watch the video to see UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists Director Makeba Williams, MD and Jackie Adams, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine in the story!

Grand Rounds: Badger Bytes on opioids and women’s health

On Thursday, January 7, a multidisciplinary group presented Badger Bytes Grand Rounds lectures as part of the presentation “The Multiple Dimensions of Opioid Use for Women’s Health.” The session was moderated by UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health Director Deborah Ehrenthal, MD, MPH. Erin Nacev, MD/MPH student in the UW SMPH started off with “Prenatal O... more

Sobecki published in Gynecologic Oncology Reports

UW Ob-Gyn Gynecologic Oncology fellow (and soon-to-be Division of Gynecologic Oncology faculty member) Janelle Sobecki, MD published a new case report in Gynecologic Oncology Reports. UW Ob-Gyn resident Kathryn Dryer, MD, PGY-2, and Ryan Spencer, MD co-authored the article. “BRCA-2 (+) high-grade serous fallopian tube cancer diagnosed as an isolated breast mass by mammograp... more

Green included on list of 1,000 inspiring Black scientists

Congratulations to Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health! Green was included in a list of “1,000 inspiring Black scientists in America”, published by Cell Press. Green, who has a joint appointment with the UW-Madison Department of Population Health Sciences, made the list as part of the Rising Stars category. With her focus on m... more

Brown joins ICTR Dissemination & Implementation program faculty

Congratulations to Heidi Brown, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery! Brown was appointed to join the UW-Madison Institute for Clinical and Translational Research Dissemination & Implementation Launchpad program faculty. As part of the program faculty, Brown will head up a pilot grant program to help investigators incorporate pr... more

Mark your calendars for two Resident Research Days

Please join the UW Department of Ob-Gyn for two excellent celebrations of resident research! The first Resident Research Day, on February 25, 2021, will be led by the keynote presentation “Everyday Scholarship” from Linda Brubaker, MD, MS, FACOG. Dr. Brubaker is a clinical professor in the University of California San Diego Department of Ob-Gyn. After Dr. Brubaker’s keynot... more

Women’s Healthcast: Iruretagoyena talks “Pregnancy, Vaccines and COVID-19”

Our understanding of how COVID-19 and pregnancy interact has evolved quite a bit over the course of 2020. On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Director Igor Iruretagoyena, MD discusses COVID and pregnancy – whether pregnant people are at higher risk of severe illness with COVID, if pregnant people are eligible for vaccinati... more

Jacobson publishes on severe COVID infection in pregnancy in Case Reports in Women’s Health

A new article by Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellow Jennifer Jacobson, MD outlines treatment of a severe COVID-19 infection in a pregnant patient, offering insight into care for other such patients in the future. “Use of dexamethasone, remdesivir, convalescent plasma and prone positioning in the treatment of severe COVID-19 infection in pregnancy: A case report” is online now, ... more

Williams talks vaginal atrophy prevention with Health Central

UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn Director Makeba Williams, MD spoke with Health Central for an article on preventing and lessening vaginal atrophy with menopause. In the article, Williams shares tips like talking about atrophy with health care providers (and bringing it up with patients) before it becomes a concern, being thoughtful about garment choice,... more

Gaston, Hoppe, Spencer earn UW Health Excellence Awards

Three faculty from the UW Department of Ob-Gyn were honored at the UW Health Physician Excellence Awards ceremony on December 7, 2020. The virtual ceremony recognized recipients of 17 excellence awards across the health system. Recipients in our department: Luther Gaston, MD, of the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, received the UW Health Physician Excellence Risi... more

Save the Dates: Resident Research Days and Department Research Day 2021

Save the dates for three Department of Ob-Gyn research events coming up in 2021: February 25, 2021 - Resident Research DayMarch 25, 2021 - Resident Research Day May 13, 2021 - Department Research Day Learn more about keynote speakers and other presentations scheduled for each day, and join us for these virtual events in February, March and May! more

Registration open for the 2021 Wisconsin Contraceptive Care Summit

Registration is now open for the 2021 Wisconsin Contraceptive Care Summit, coming up March 5, 2021. Join a diverse group of practitioners and stakeholders to learn the latest in person-centered and equitable access to contraceptive care. This activity is intended for individuals working in health care, public health, community, policy, research, advocacy, and educational s... more

Grand Rounds: Meyer presents “Navigating the Pandemic: COVID-19 on Labor and Delivery”

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 drastically affected health care provision this year. At UW Ob-Gyn Grand Rounds on December 17, 2020, UW Ob-Gyn resident Melissa Meyer, MD, PGY-4 discussed some of the ways care changed in the lecture “Navigating the Pandemic: COVID-19 on Labor and Delivery​”. In her lecture, Meyer provided an overview of COVID and pregnancy, discussed changes ... more

Bhagavath edits Textbook of Assisted Reproduction

Pick up a copy of the newly released Textbook of Assisted Reproduction, and you’ll find a familiar name on the cover. UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Director Bala Bhagavath, MD edited the book, which covers all aspects of assisted reproduction. Take a look at the book here – congratulations, Dr. Bhagavath!

Golos research offers new way to study HIV therapies

New research from Ted Golos, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, may provide an important animal model to study HIV therapies that could apply to humans. The study “Genome editing of CCR5 by CRISPR-Cas9 in Mauritian cynomolgus macaque embryos”, published in Scientific Reports, outlines the research team’s methods for editing the DNA in cynomolgus macaqu... more

Al-Niaimi to present at Society of Gynecologic Oncology surgical webinar

On January 21, 2021, Ahmed Al-Niaimi, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, will present in the webinar “Bowel Resection in Gynecologic Cancer: From Fundamentals to Mastery.” The webinar is offered by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology. In the session, which is aimed at surgeons, Al-Niaimi and his co-presenter will review technical specifications for surgi... more

Sobecki published in Gynecologic Oncology

UW Ob-Gyn fellow (and soon to be faculty) in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology Janelle Sobecki, MD published an article in the journal Gynecologic Oncology. In the article “Bone health and osteoporosis screening in gynecologic cancer survivors”, Sobecki and co-authors Ellen Hartenbach, MD and Laurel Rice, MD review available data of bone health in women with gynecologic ... more

Higgins, Schmuhl, Wautlet, Rice publish in American Journal of Public Health

Findings from a UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity study on how doctors view access to abortion has been published in the December issue of the American Journal of Public Health. In the research-based editorial “The Importance of Physician Concern and Expertise in Increasing Abortion Health Care Access in Local Contexts”, Jenny Higgins, PhD, Nicholas Schmuhl, PhD, Cynt... more

Sampene promoted to Clinical Associate Professor

Our sincere congratulations to Katherine Sampene, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn! The SMPH Clinician Teacher Track Appointments and Promotions Committee endorsed Sampene’s promotion to the rank of Clinical Associate Professor, effective July 2021. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!

Grand Rounds: Larson presents “Waste within the Healthcare System: How Your Actions Impact Patients, Providers, and the Planet”

On December 3, 2020, UW Ob-Gyn resident Ramsey Larson, MD, PGY-4 presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Waste within the Healthcare System: How Your Actions Impact Patients, Providers, and the Planet”. In her presentation, Larson shared trends in health care spending and utilization in the U.S. and throughout the world; identified areas of waste in the U.S. health care system;... more

Grand Rounds: Buttigieg presents “From Schoolhouse Rock to Modern Day Politics: Applying Childhood Lessons to Practical Advocacy Strategies in Women’s Health”

On November 12, 2020, UW Ob-Gyn resident Emily Buttigieg, MD, PGY-4 presented the Grand Rounds lecture “From Schoolhouse Rock to Modern Day Politics: Applying Childhood Lessons to Practical Advocacy Strategies in Women’s Health​.” In the presentation, Buttigieg provided essential background for anyone interested in incorporating advocacy into their work. She outlined the pr... more

Patankar grad student Alharbi published in Scientific Reports

Research led by Yousef Alharbi, PhD, former graduate student in the lab of Division of Reproductive Sciences Director Manish Patankar, PhD, has been published in Scientific Reports! “Oxidative stress induced by the anti-cancer agents, plumbagin, and atovaquone, inhibits ion transport through Na+/K+-ATPase” was written in collaboration with Patankar, Bikash Pattnaik, PhD, of... more

Heisler published in AJOG; response from Dee Fenner

An article published by Christine Heisler, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology garnered a responding editorial from legend in the field Dee Fenner, MD (ob-gyn department chair at the University of Michigan). Heisler’ article “Has a critical mass of women resulted in gender eq... more

Patel selected as 2022 FPMRS fellow!

The UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, and FPMRS Fellowship Director Christine Heisler, MD, are thrilled to announce that Ushma Patel, MD will join us as our second FPMRS fellow in July 2022! Patel is currently a PGY-3 resident in our department. Patel attended Marquette University for her undergraduate degree, and earned her MS from th... more

Wagar to bring poster to 2021 virtual APGO/CREOG meeting

UW Ob-Gyn resident Matt Wagar, MD, PGY-3 will bring the poster “Degree of Agreement Between Resident and Faculty Procedural Assessments Using MyTIPreport” to the 2021 APGO/CREOG virtual meeting in March. Wagar's poster is just one of many reasons to consider registering for the conference. Congratulations, Dr. Wagar!

Grand Rounds: Stowe presents “Perinatal Mental Illness – an Early Adverse Life Event”

On November 5, 2020, Zachary Stowe, MD, of the UW SMPH Department of Psychiatry presented the lecture “Perinatal Mental Illness – an Early Adverse Life Event” at UW Ob-Gyn Grand Rounds. In his lecture, Stowe described the impact of maternal anxiety, stress, depression and early adverse life events on health outcomes. He also explained the potential confounds of illness and ... more

Grand Rounds: Addressing Microaggressions in Health Care

As part of our department’s efforts around diversity, equity and inclusion, we invited UW Health Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Shiva Bidar, MA, and UW Health Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Coordinator Naomi Tahakashi, MSW, LCSW to present the training “Addressing Microaggressions in Health Care.” In their presentation, Bidar and Takahashi reviewed... more

Women’s Healthcast: Sergeant talks PT, pessaries, and more

In honor of Bladder Health Month, Angie Sergeant, NP, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, joined the Women's Healthcast to talk about common pelvic floor questions. In the episode, Sergeant discussed risk factors for pelvic floor disorders, pelvic floor physical therapy and other interventions, and what visits to the UW Health Wome... more

Department gearing up for exciting SMFM conference

The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s Annual Pregnancy Meeting is coming up in January 2021, and the UW Department of Ob-Gyn is ready to impress! Residents Melissa Meyer, MD, PGY-4, Matt Wagar, MD, PGY-3, and Stephanie Peace, MD, PGY-4 all have accepted posters at the conference. John Poehlmann, MD, PGY-3 will present an oral abstract. Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellows Br... more

Grand Rounds: Peace presents “From Ebola to Covid-19: Lessons on Obstetric Care During a Global Pandemic”

Can lessons from the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak be applied to maternal health care in COVID-19? UW Ob-Gyn resident Stephanie Peace, MD, PGY-4 discussed in a recent UW Ob-Gyn Grand Rounds lecture. In the presentation “From Ebola to COVID-19: Lessons on Obstetric Care During a Global Pandemic”, Peace used the two case studies to examine obstetric care and maternal health in a g... more

Save the Date: Wisconsin Contraceptive Care Summit, coming March 5, 2021

The UW Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology invites you to attend the second statewide Wisconsin Contraceptive Care Summit in 2021. The 2021 summit will be a virtual event. The 2021 Wisconsin Contraceptive Care Summit will be held from 8:00am - 4:00pm on March 5, 2021. Join a diverse group of practitioners and stakeholders to learn about the latest evidence-based strateg... more

Green gives McMaster University Labelle Lecture

Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, delivered the McMaster University Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis Labelle Lecture on November 11, 2020! In the lecture “Saving Black Women and Babies: Leveraging Data and Community Engagement to Achieve Health Equity”, Green provided an overview of maternal and child health ... more

Welcome Sobecki to Gyn Onc faculty!

Happy news out of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology! When Janelle Sobecki, MD, current third-year fellow in gynecologic oncology, finishes her fellowship in 2021, she will join our faculty. Sobecki received her master’s degree in Medical Science from Boston University, her Doctor of Medicine from Wayne State University and completed her Ob-Gyn Residency at Nort... more

Iruretagoyena discusses pregnancy during pandemic on WKOW

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many have questions about whether to try for pregnancy and what risks or complications the pandemic may pose for pregnant people. On Thursday, November 19, UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Director Igor Iruretagoyena, MD spoke with WKOW-27 News in Madison about pregnancy in the time of COVID. In the segment, he discusses whet... more

Women’s Healthcast: Brown discusses strengthening health literacy

Health literacy – how well we can find, understand, and apply information to help us make health decisions – affects many areas of our lives. On the Women’s Healthcast, Heidi Brown, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, talked about where to find accurate health information, resources for building health literacy skills, and ho... more

Rural Residency earns DHS rural health care grant

Incredible news out of the UW Ob-Gyn Rural Residency track! The program was awarded a Wisconsin Department of Health Services Grant for Rural GME Training. Residency Program Director Ryan Spencer, MD, will serve as PI on the grant. The DHS grants are intended to “increase access and enhance quality care in rural Wisconsin” by supporting education and training to help ru... more

Mind Over Matter program eligible for Title III-D funding

The Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder program, brought to Wisconsin and studied by Heidi Brown, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, is approved for inclusion in the list of Title III-D-eligible programs! Community agencies across the country can apply for funding from the U.S. Administration for Community Livin... more

Hoppe’s telehealth blood pressure study published in AJOG

Kara Hoppe, DO, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, published results from her telehealth postpartum hypertension management study in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology! “Telehealth with remote blood pressure monitoring compared with standard care for postpartum hypertension” compares outcomes for patients who participated in the telehealth w... more

Senderowicz earns PRC grant

UW Ob-Gyn Health Disparities Research Scholar Leigh Senderowicz, ScD, MPH, earned a grant from the UW-Madison Prevention Research Center for the project “Understanding Structural Barriers To Contraceptive Autonomy Among Low-Income Black African Women In The Global South: An Exploratory Study.” The grants support research regarding maternal and child health, and health equity... more

Wautlet matches into UC Denver MFM fellowship!

We’re so proud to announce that Cynthie Wautlet, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, matched into the University of Colorado Denver Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship! We’re also rather sad that she’ll be leaving Madison for Colorado next summer. Wautlet’s extensive experience as an excellent physician will make her an asset to the University of... more

Gaston earns UW Health Rising Star Clinical Educator award!

Luther Gaston, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, earned the UW Health Physician Excellence Rising Star – Clinical Educator Award! Huge congratulations on this incredible achievement, Dr. Gaston! The Physician Excellence Clinical Educator award recognizes outstanding educators, with significant emphasis on teaching residents and medical student... more

Higgins discusses CORE research on Wide Awake in Wisconsin podcast

On the final episode of Wide Awake in Wisconsin, a podcast from the Wisconsin Alliance for Women’s Health, UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Director Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH appeared to discuss UW CORE research on policy impacts! In the interview, Higgins talks about ongoing CORE research, and how CORE projects help inform policy decisions and development in Wisconsi... more

Spencer earns UW Health Rising Star Leadership award!

Congratulations to Ryan Spencer, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology! Spencer earned the 2020 UW Health Physician Excellence Rising Star – Leadership Award! Spencer and other awardees will be honored in a virtual ceremony coming up December 7, 2020. Congratulations, Dr. Spencer, on this well-deserved achievement!

Ehrenthal published in Pediatrics

UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health and UW-Madison Prevention Research Center Director Deborah Ehrenthal, MD, MPH, published a new study in the journal Pediatrics. “Infant Mortality in Rural and Nonrural Counties in the United States”, co-authored by Hsiang-Hui Daphne Kuo and Russell S. Kirby, uses a social-ecological framework to explain infant mortali... more

Hoppe earns UW Health Rising Star Clinical Practice award!

Huge congratulations to Kara Hoppe, DO, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine! Hoppe was selected to receive the 2020 UW Health Physician Excellence Rising Star Clinical Practice Award. The Clinical Practice Rising Star award honors outstanding clinicians who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to safety and quality patient-and-family centered care. Hoppe... more

Women’s Healthcast: Green discusses economic policy and health

Economic policy has a significant effect on our individual health. And policies are not always equitable. Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, joined the Women's Healthcast to discuss ways systems and structures affect health: how health and economic security are cyclically linked, how COVID-19 has highlighted many structural ... more

Jacques publishes in Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey

In a new publication in Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey, Laura Jacques, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn reviews available evidence to compile best practices for diagnosis and treatment of genital lichen planus. “Diagnosis and Management of Vulvovaginal Lichen Planus” provides guidance for health care professionals to differentiate betwee... more

Bozzuto publishes executive summary of Early-Onset Breast Cancer Evidence Review Conference, commentary

In 2018, Laura Bozzuto, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, was invited to join the ACOG Breast Cancer Evidence Review Panel to review the current evidence on how best to educate women’s healthcare providers about early onset breast cancer, publish a literature review, and serve as content experts in the development of scripts for provider educat... more

FPMRS division presents “Break Free from Pelvic Floor Disorders” talk on November 17

The next UW Ob-Gyn Healthy Women Community Talk is coming up November 17, 2020 from 7-8pm! Presented by Heidi Brown, MD, of the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Lisa Jones, MD, of the UW SMPH Department of Medicine, and Frank Lin, MD, of the UW SMPH Department of Urology, “Break Free from Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Disorders” will answer que... more

Green writes about health disparities and election platforms in Medical News Today

Health care and reproductive health are important issues for many voters heading into the 2020 presidential election. In Medical News Today, Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, evaluates policy platforms in terms of how they might affect maternal and infant health disparities. “What will the US election mean for Black-white d... more

Huang matches to Cedars-Sinai Gyn Onc fellowship!

Fellowship Match Day brought some very exciting news – UW Ob-Gyn resident Dandi Huang, MD, PGY-4, matched into the gynecologic oncology fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles! Huang was a highly sought-after candidate on the fellowship trail, and Cedars-Sinai is lucky to have her. Congratulations, Dr. Huang, we’re so excited and proud! ... more

Welcome incoming MFM fellow Erin Bailey

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship Team is happy to announce that Erin Bailey, MD has matched as our July 2021 incoming MFM fellow!Bailey received her MD from the University of Wisconsin SMPH. She is currently completing her ob-gyn residency at Washington University in St. Louis. Our selection committee was very impressed with her dedication to the health of mothers and... more

Welcome incoming Gyn Onc fellow Lauren Montemorano

The Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Team is happy to announce that Lauren Montemorano, MD will join us in July 2021 as our newest gynecologic oncology fellow!Montemorano earned her medical degree from the University of Virginia and is completing her Ob Gyn residency at The Ohio State University. She will come to the fellowship program with a strong research background. As st... more

FPMRS Division brings posters, presentations to virtual AUGS meeting

The UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery shared research and new developments at the annual American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) Meeting October 8-10, 2020! Since the meeting was held virtually (instead of in Vancouver), attendees joined from the wonderful offices within Meriter Hospital. Our group presented three oral presentations and ... more

UW gets shout-out at NSQIP for low surgical site infections!

​Huge congratulations to our surgical teams – UW was recognized at the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program meeting as having the lowest surgical site infections! Ahmed Al-Niaimi, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, was at the meeting and reports several universities have asked to learn more about our SSI bundles. Ver... more

Brown publishes Clinical Experts article in Green Journal

Heidi Brown, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, authored a Clinical Experts Series article on the management of fecal incontinence in Obstetrics and Gynecology!In "Management of Fecal Incontinence", Brown and co-authors provide an overview of the evaluation and management of fecal incontinence for ob-gyn practices: “Fewer than... more

2020 Women’s Health and Health Equity Research Lecture & Symposium poster awards

On October 8, nearly 170 people tuned in for the virtual UW Women’s Health and Health Equity Research Lecture and Symposium for amazing presentations: Erica Marsh, MD, of the University of Michigan, presented the keynote lecture “Ministration without Representation: The Essential Roles of Inclusion and Voice in Creating Health Equity.” We also learned about substance use pol... more

Abbott published in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism

In collaboration with ob-gyn groups from Norway, David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, published an article in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism!“Sustained Maternal Hyperandrogenism During PCOS Pregnancy Reduced by Metformin in Non-obese Women Carrying a Male Fetus” looks at the ability of metformin, a well-known PCOS therape... more

Patankar co-authors publication in Analytical Chemistry

A recent publication by UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences Director Manish Patankar, PhD was selected as an Editor’s Choice article in the journal Analytical Chemistry!“On-Tissue Derivatization with Girard’s Reagent P Enhances N-Glycan Signals for Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Sections in MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging”, coauthored with the lab of Lingjun... more

Abbott authors invited reflection in Fertility Sterility

David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, published an Invited Reflection in Fertility Sterility!“Midgestation origins of androgenic and estrogenic pathophysiology in three major women’s health disorders” is a response to an article in the same issue that sought to demonstrate associations between some physiological measurements and the incidence... more

Heisler authors paper, earns Best Diversity Paper Award

Huge congratulations to Christine Heisler, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery! Heisler authored a paper in a recent edition of the American Journal of Surgery – the paper was presented at the 2020 Association of Women Surgeons Annual Conference, where it won the Best Diversity Paper award!“Leading from Behind: Paucity of gender... more

Williams shares important mammogram info with InStyle

UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn Director Makeba Williams, MD spoke with InStyle about important breast health updates in September.In “Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Mammogram”, Williams helps demystify recommendations for when people should start seeking mammograms (and why opinions differ between some professional organizations), how to ... more

Green co-chairs Black Maternal and Child Health Alliance of Dane County

Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health and UW-Madison Department of Population Health Sciences, was recently announced as co-chair of the Black Maternal and Child Health Alliance of Dane County. Congratulations, Dr. Green!The group will focus on improving rates of low birth weight and infant mortality for Black babies in Dane Coun... more

Spencer, Silva, McDowell serve on CREOG rural training panel

On September 23, 2020, members of the UW Ob-Gyn residency team led the panel discussion “Increasing the Rural OB/GYN Pipeline: a Pathway for Rural Track Training”, presented by the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology!Residency program director Ryan Spencer, MD, program manager Jody Silva, M.Ed, and resident Laura McDowell, MD, PGY-4 presented to over 4... more

Higgins published in Contraception

UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Director Jenny Higgins, PhD published the article “Beyond Safety and Efficacy: Sexuality-Related Priorities and Their Associations with Contraceptive Method Selection” in Contraception!In the study, Higgins and colleagues assessed contraceptive preferences in people selecting new methods, and gauged whether (and to what degree) sexual... more

Abbott appears on PCOS advocacy panel

On September 26, 2020, David Abbott, PhD of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, appeared on a panel as part of PCOS Awareness Symposium 2020! Abbott joined the panel “PCOS Legislative Advocacy: How You Can Make a Difference.”Abbott provided a research expert contribution to individual patient advocacy visits with congressional representatives or senators to lobb... more

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 Dir... more

Residency alum Harrison publishes on occupational HPV exposure in Green Journal

UW Ob-Gyn residency grad (class of 2018) and current MD Anderson fellow in gynecologic oncology Ross Harrison, MD, authored an article in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology!In “Occupational Exposure to Human Papillomavirus and Vaccination for Health Care Workers,” Harrison offers commentary on the risks associated with workplace exposure to HPV, especially in surgical smo... more

Women’s Healthcast: Spencer discusses Endometrial Cancer

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Ryan Spencer, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, joins us to talk about endometrial cancer, the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States.In the episode, Spencer covers risk factors for endometrial cancer, what diagnosis and treatment look like, and ways ... more

Brown, Schmuhl published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

Heidi Brown, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, and Nicholas Schmuhl, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, published the article “After the Randomized Trial: Implementation of Community‐Based Continence Promotion in the Real World” in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society!The study gat... more

Green publishes op-ed on implicit bias trainings in Scientific American

Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, co-authored an editorial in Scientific American on the difference between intent and impact of implicit bias training.In “The Problem with Implicit Bias Training”, Green argues that, though implicit bias training is often a go-to option for organizations working to address racism, we lack th... more

Abbott’s article on PCOS earns Endocrinology homepage feature

Congratulations to David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences! Abbott’s paper “Androgen Receptors in Multiple Organ Systems Provide Molecular Gateways to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?”, published in the journal Endocrinology, earned a front page feature on the journal’s website in August. In the article, Abbott and co-authors offer commentary on a pa... more

Al-Niaimi Publishes In European Journal Of Surgical Oncology

Ahmed Al-Niaimi, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, published “Guidelines for Perioperative Care in Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) with or without hyperthermic IntraPEritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) Society Recommendations — Part I: Preoperative and intraoperative management” in the European Journal of Surgical Oncology... more

Bird publishes in International Journal of Neonatal Screening

Ian Bird, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, co-authored the article “Newborn Screening for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Review of factors affecting screening accuracy” in the International Journal of Neonatal Screening.The article discusses limitations to current screening methods for 21-hydroxylase deficiency, and what that means for screening for ... more

Welcome Camille Ladanyi, MD

Camille Ladanyi, MD, has joined the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn as a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon. Her clinical interests include endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, uterine fibroids, and complex pelvic conditions.Ladanyi attended medical school at the University of Colorado, completed her ob-gyn residency in Portland, ME at the Maine Medic... more

Abbott published in Endocrine Reviews

David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, published the article “Animal Models to Understand the Etiology and Pathophysiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome” in the journal Endocrine Reviews!In the article, Abbott and co-authors discuss the need for further research to help predict polycystic ovary syndrome, and how animal models can help: “More t... more

Welcome Marlane Angle, PhD

On September 8, 2020, Marlane Angle, PhD joins the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility as the Generations Fertility Care lab director. Welcome, Dr. Angle!Angle earned her PhD in Reproductive Physiology from Auburn University. After training in the University of California San Francisco IVF laboratory, she became an IVF laboratory director. She ha... more

Women’s Healthcast: Zapata on racial disparities in preterm birth

Black women have the highest rate of preterm birth in the United States, with approximately 13.8% of babies born preterm, according to the March of Dimes. Jasmine Zapata, MD joins the Women’s Healthcast to talk about what being born prematurely can mean for children’s health outcomes, the significant racial gap in preterm birth rates as well as Black maternal and infant mort... more

Abbott co-edits Current Opinion in Endocrine and Metabolic Research journal issue

David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, co-edited a recent issue of the journal Current Opinion in Endocrine and Metabolic Research focused on polycystic ovary syndrome! Abbott also co-authored the leading editorial in the issue: “Polycystic ovary syndrome inspires clinical consensus and scientific innovation.”The issue includes articles on cli... more

Grand Rounds: Unser presents “Wheelchair Barbie Goes to the Gynecologist”

On July 9, 2020, Cody Unser, MPH joined the UW Deparmtnet of Ob-Gyn to present the Grand Rounds lecture “Wheelchair Barbie Goes to the Gynecologist: A Perspective on the Sexual and Reproductive Health Care of Women with Disabilities.”In her lecture, Unser defined disability and walked through medical and social models of disability; discussed the intersection of sexuality an... more

First FPMRS fellow announced! Welcome Dr. Kristina Warner

The Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship Team is pleased to announce that Kristina Warner, MD has matched as our July 2021 incoming fellow. This is exciting news as she will be the first fellow to begin training in our newly accredited fellowship program. Warner graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Biology, earned her medical ... more

Rural residency highlighted in CMS report

Congratulations to the UW Ob-Gyn Rural Residency team! Our first-in-the-nation rural ob-gyn training program was prominently featured in a recent “Improving Access to Maternal Health Care in Rural Communities” issue brief from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service.In addition to being included in a section on programs expanding training of maternal health providers i... more

Jacques published in journal Contraception

Laura Jacques, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, published an article in a recent edition of the journal Contraception!In “Complication rates of dilation and evacuation and labor induction in second-trimester abortion for fetal indications: A retrospective cohort study”, Jacques compared complication rates of dilation and evacuation (D&E) to mi... more

Barroilhet named first-ever Dolores A. Buchler, MD, Professor in Gynecologic Oncology

A special congratulations to Lisa Barroilhet, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, as she is officially appointed the first Dolores A. Buchler, MD Professor of Gynecologic Oncology. It is only once or twice a lifetime that you come across a doctor like Dolores “Dee” Buchler. Dee joined the University of Wisconsin in 1969 after finishing her residency at Uni... more

Women’s Healthcast: Rhoades discusses preterm birth

Preterm birth is fairly common, with one in eight women going into labor prior to 37 weeks of gestation, which qualifies as preterm. On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Janine Rhoades, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, talks about what causes preterm labor, what options are available to slow or stop labor, and what people can do to reduce their... more

Williams, Brown are collaborators on UW ICTR D&I Research pilot award

Huge congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn Director Makeba Williams, MD, and Heidi Brown, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery! Williams and Brown will be collaborators on a new Dissemination and Implementation Research pilot award from the UW-Madison Institute for Clinical and Translational Rese... more

Carr reaches 30 years of service!

We would like to extend our sincere congratulations and deep gratitude to Carol Carr, CNM, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn! Carr recently passed an important career milestone – 30 years of sharing expertise and caring for patients as a certified nurse midwife with UW Health!ASOG Division Director Makeba Williams, MD, has this to say of Carr: “She ... more

Golos earns UW ICTR Translational Basic and Clinical pilot award

Ted Golos, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, received a Translational Basic and Clinical pilot award from the UW-Madison Institute for Clinical and Translational Research! Katie Antony, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, is a collaborator on the grant.“Nonhuman Primate Placental Therapy” will build on information learned from the... more