Division of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Many members of the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn stand together on a staircase outside the UW-Madison Arboretum visitor center.
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In keeping with the legacy of UW, our mission as Academic Specialists is:

  • Use our expertise to educate and inspire the next generation of OB/GYNs
  • Be regional and national leaders in the provision of evidence-based obstetric, gynecologic and office care
  • Foster a diverse division with focused interests to advance the expertise of our group as a whole for the benefit of our patients and community

We are committed to collaboration, inclusivity, and excellence in the areas of clinical care, research and education.

Our board-certified obstetrician/gynecologists practice at several sites around the Madison area. We offer comprehensive obstetrical services, including general and high-risk obstetrics; pre-conception counseling and screening; contraceptive management (birth control); infertility evaluation and treatment; and obstetric consultative services.

Our physicians perform gynecologic surgery at both Meriter Hospital and the Madison Surgery Center. We are skilled in a wide variety of surgical procedures, including minimally invasive procedures, laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomies, hysteroscopy, endometriosis surgery, tubal ligation, and more.

We practice at Meriter Hospital, the highest-volume birthing center in Wisconsin, where we deliver more than 3,000 babies a year. At Meriter, we provide in-house coverage in support of the residency program, and also support our Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine by providing obstetrical care for its patients. We are responsible for accepting most patients referred from outlying hospitals and for providing care to most of the unassigned patients who may be present. We serve as consultants to Family Practice physicians from several different practices, and have a collaborative practice with the UW Hospitals and Clinics Certified Nurse Midwife program.

Our primary mission is to provide excellent clinical care, but we are also devoted to the education and training of medical students and residents. We teach not only on labor and delivery and in the operating room, but in our clinics and the classroom as well. We are proud to be involved with the training of the next generation of physicians.

Grand Rounds: Shapiro Summer Research students present research projects

On August 20, 2026, students in the Shapiro Summer Research Program presented their summer research projects in obstetrics and gynecology. The 10 students shared their research methods, findings, and preliminary results across a variety of topics, including reproductive health, maternal health, urogynecology, infertility, rur... more

Cutler publishes study in Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health

Abigail Cutler, MD, MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology, co-authored a new article published in Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health. Co-authors include Corinne M. Hale; Laura Jacques, MD; Eliza Bennett, MD; and Jenny A. Higgins, PhD, MPH.In “‘Are We Allowed ... more

Women’s Healthcast: Postpartum Mental Health, featuring Ryan McDonald, MD

In the late summer of 2026, postpartum mental health has received increased attention in the news. The Women’s Healthcast re-shared a conversation about common postpartum mental health concerns, including postpartum depression and anxiety.Ryan McDonald, MD, clinical professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn,... more

Jacques publishes values clarification study in JAMA Network Open

Laura Jacques, MD, associate professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, is the first author on a new study published in JAMA Network Open. Co-authors include Elise Cowley, MD, PhD; Laurie Lapp, MD, MPH; Jacquelyn Askins, BA; and Anna Altshuler, MD, MPH.In “Experiences of Perinatal Personnel with Values Clari... more

Zhang, Jacques publish article in Wisconsin Medical Journal

Laura Jacques, MD, associate professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, and Ran Catherine Zhang, MD, MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, co-authored a new article published in Wisconsin Medical Journal. Co-authors include Madelyn Frey, MPH; Laurie Lapp, MD, MPH; and Lena Swander... more
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