Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology

Sharp and Hope After Loss Clinic featured in On Wisconsin magazine

Kristen Sharp, MD, clinical associate professor and Resident Continuity Clinic Director in the Division of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology and her UW Health Hope After Loss Clinic were featured in a recent On Wisconsin article.The Hope After Loss Clinic gives follow-up care, preconception counseling, and prenatal and obstetric care for families who have suf... more

Hanks publishes blog about global health trip

Laura Hanks, MD, clinical assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology, shared her experiences traveling to Gambia on the UW School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Surgery’s Global Surgery website. Hanks was a visiting lecturer at the Edward Francis Teaching Hospital in March of 2024.In “In My Own Words: Dr. Hanks’ trip... more

Welcome Abigail Nelezen, MD, MS, MHA, to Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn

Abigail Nelezen, MD, MS, MHA, has accepted an offer to join the UW Department of Ob-Gyn as an assistant professor (CT) in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, starting September 1, 2024.A native of northeastern Wisconsin, Nelezen earned her undergraduate degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, after which she completed a Master of Science in biological scie... more

Cutler discusses ob-gyn training and abortion restrictions on WNYC Science Daily

Abigail Cutler, MD, MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, joined Science Friday for a recent podcast episode focussing on the post-Dobbs landscape across the U.S. and its implications for physicians and abortion access.In “Abortion-Restrictive States Leave Ob-Gyns With Tough Choices,” Cutler talked about how abortion restrictions have af... more

Fajardo publishes in Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Olga Fajardo, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, co-authored a new article published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. In “Impact of trainees involvement on surgical outcomes of abdominal and laparoscopic myomectomy”, Fajardo and co-authors explored the impact of trainee involvement on surgical outcomes for laparoscopic myo... more

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

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists calls the 12 weeks after giving birth the Fourth Trimester. In this series, the Women’s Healthcast will air episodes about physical recovery, postpartum mental health, birth control after pregnancy, and more. Ryan McDonald, MD, clinical professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, joined the Women’s Hea... more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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