​The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology has a deep foundation of setting the standard for education, research, clinical care, and advocacy. We began our academic mission of training excellent ob-gyn 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, and more. UW–Madison-trained physicians and researchers work across the world as committed partners in promoting health.

​Building on more than 90 years of experience in this space, I believe this department is more prepared than ever to advance our mission of improving the quality of life for women in Wisconsin and beyond through education, research, clinical care, and advocacy. We do so in an environment of collaboration, humility, integrity, and respect.

My vision is a department that meets the needs of today’s learners, patients, and employees while working towards educational, research, and clinical innovations that will address future challenges:

We provide a comprehensive educational experience, motivating our medical students, graduate students, residents, and fellows to be lifelong learners. We strive for an environment that supports every trainee through their time here and appreciates every individual for their unique experience and perspective.

We achieve outstanding basic, clinical, and translational research through departmental collaboration, integration, and support. Our ever-expanding research portfolio addresses today’s most pressing issues, including Wisconsin’s widening disparities in health outcomes, through a health equity lens.

We embody patient-centered care, service, and advocacy for reproductive health beyond existing structures and boundaries. The Department affirms the autonomy and dignity of every patient we serve and places the needs of our patients at the forefront of all we do, making sure they receive the best possible medical advice and care.

We recruit, develop, and retain departmental members to promote individual and collective success. The people of the UW Department of Ob-Gyn are what sets us apart. We work tirelessly to build a welcoming, inclusive community of faculty, researchers, nurses, advanced practice providers, trainees, and staff. This includes efforts to support individual and departmental wellbeing, a focus on anti-racism in every pillar of our mission, and intentional investment in career advancement for members of the department.

I am grateful to lead such a comprehensive, creative, caring department as we begin the next phase of our work to ensure all patients have what they need to live happier and healthier lives.

Ellen Hartenbach, MD
Ben Miller Peckham, MD, PhD Chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology