Gynecologic Oncology

Sobecki visits Trinity Health to present Grand Rounds and share expertise

Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, visited Trinity Health in Ann Arbor, Michigan on November 7, 2024 as an invited Grand Rounds speaker. She presented the lecture "What We Don't Talk About When We Don't Talk About Sex and Cancer." Following the lecture, Sobecki spent the day meeting with members of the Trinity Health ob-gyn depa... more

Betancourt Ponce presents poster at European Association for Cancer Research meeting

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 brought her research to an international event in October! Betancourt Ponce attended the European Association for Cancer Research Cancer Metabolism Conference in Bilbao, Spain, where she brought th... more

Hartenbach helps introduce Integrated Specialty Care for Women on WMTV-15 News

As services in the new Eastpark Medical Center open up, leaders from across the UW School of Medicine and Public Health have shared updates about the clinic with local media. Ellen Hartenbach, MD, chair of the Department of Ob-Gyn, joined WMTV-15 News to talk about Integrated Specialty Care for Women, located at Eastpark Medical Center. In UW Eastpark Medical Center offering... more

Sobecki presents at International Gynecologic Cancer Society Annual Global Meeting

Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, was the co-author on an e-poster and presented during the 2024 International Gynecologic Cancer Society Annual Global Meeting. The Conference took place in Dublin, Ireland from October 16-18, 2024.Sobecki presented during the Nursing Symposium, with a presentation entitled, “Survivorship & Sexu... more

Hartenbach and Heisler discuss launch of Integrated Specialty Care for Women services at Eastpark Medical Center

Ellen Hartenbach, MD, chair of the UW Department of Ob-Gyn, and Christine Heisler, MD, MS, associate professor and director of the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, are sharing more information about the UW Health Integrated Specialty Care for Women (ISCW) launch at Eastpark Medical Center with local media. In the UW Health news article “Integrated... more

Presentations abound at 2024 HAGO annual meeting

Congratulations to the UW Department of Ob-Gyn faculty, fellows, and residents who shared research at the 2024 Heartland Association of Gynecologic Oncology Annual Meeting! The meeting was held September 27-28, 2024 in Milwaukee. Several people shared their research during Paper Sessions throughout the event: Ob-Gyn Resident Rusha Bajpai, MD, PGY-3, presented “Gynecology O... more

You’re invited to OncLive Cancer State of the Science Summit on December 5, 2024

In partnership with OncLive, the UW Carbone Cancer Center is hosting a State of the Science Summit on Thursday, Dec. 5 at the Embassy Suites in downtown Madison. State of the Science Summit™ (SOSS) events are in-person meetings where health care professionals can network with their colleagues while learning about the latest advances in cancer care. This FREE event is designe... more

Spencer presents on rural health at National Governors Association meeting

Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and rural residency track director, spoke with the National Governors Association in September about the maternal healthcare workforce in the United States.Spencer was one of three panelists on a Maternal-Child Health panel convened to discuss increasing the maternal health workforce in the cou... more

Welcome incoming Gynecologic Oncology fellow Beth Farabee, MD

The Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship team is excited to announce that Beth Farabee, MD, will join the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship next year. Farabee will arrive in August 2025.Farabee attended medical school at the East Tennessee State University College of Medicine, followed by ob-gyn residency at the University of Louisville. She comes highly recommended by gynecologic ... more

Wallace co-chairs UW Health Robotics Steering Committee

Congratulations to Sumer Wallace, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology! Wallace became co-chair of the UW Hospital and Clinics Robotic Steering Committee in January, beginning a two-year term in the role. In this role, Wallace helps oversee robotic surgery programs across UW Hospital and UnityPoint Health-Meriter Hospital, making sure programs ... more

Wagar is lead author on new article in Gynecologic Oncology

Matthew Wagar, MD, Gynecologic Oncology Fellow, is the lead author for a new article published in Gynecologic Oncology. Co-authors include Aaditi Naik, MD; Ran Catherine Zhang, MD, MPH; Amy Godecker, PhD, MS; Ellen M. Hartenbach, MD; Janelle N. Sobecki, MD; and Sumer K. Wallace, MD.In “Incidence of postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with vulvar carcinoma underg... more

Sobecki appointed inaugural Ginny Wolfe Faculty Fellow of Ovarian Cancer Research

Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, is the first-ever Department of Ob-Gyn Ginny Wolfe Faculty Fellow of Ovarian Cancer Research! Sobecki’s faculty fellowship began on July 1, 2024.This new faculty fellowship is intended to advance ovarian cancer research at the University of Wisconsin. Since joining the Department of Ob-Gyn facu... more

Barroilhet and Patankar receive Wisconsin Partnership Program grant for ovarian cancer research

Congratulations to Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, who is co-investigator on a Collaborative Health Sciences Program grant from the Wisconsin Partnership Program for a study to investigate ways to use immunotherapy for ovarian cancer treatment. Jenny Gumperz, PhD, professor in the UW School of Medicine and Public Health Department o... more

Rose invited to give Skip Granai Memorial Lecture at Women & Infants Hospital

Stephen Rose, MD, professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, was invited to give the annual Dr. Skip Granai Memorial Lecture at Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island. Rose traveled to Providence in June to give the lecture “Humor in Medicine” on June 20, 2024. The Dr. Skip Granai Memorial Lecture was established in honor of Dr. Granai, the founding director of ... more

Wagar publishes review in International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer

Matthew Wagar, MD, fellow in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, recently co-authored a new review published in the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer. In “Cervical cancer: a new era,” Wagar and co-authors sought to better understand recent developments in how cervical cancer is treated and dealt with.“While ambitious global initiatives seek to eliminate cervica... more

Rose presents Grand Rounds lecture at University of New Mexico

Stephen Rose, MD, professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, presented Grand Rounds to the University of New Mexico School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology on August 2, 2024!Rose presented “A Revised Markov Model Evaluating Oophorectomy at the Time of Hysterectomy for Benign Indication: Age 65 Years Revisited”. The Grand Rounds presentation is base... more

Hartenbach discusses clinical trials in story with SpectrumNews

Ellen Hartenbach, MD, chair of the UW Department of Ob-Gyn, joined SpectrumNews for a recent story about clinical trials at UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center and the support it provided to a patient when her uterine cancer returned in her right hip.In “Madison woman finds hope after recurrent uterine cancer,” Hartenbach talked about one of the clinical trials patient Judi Tr... more

Spencer invited to ACGME Review Committee for Ob-Gyn

Congratulations to Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and director of the Gynecologic Oncology fellowship! Spencer was invited to join the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Review Committee for Obstetrics and Gynecology​. He will begin a six-year term in academic year 2025-26.Members of the Review Comm... more

Jacques, Wagar publish article in Wisconsin Medical Journal

Laura Jacques, MD, associate professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, and gynecologic oncology fellow Matthew Wagar, MD, recently co-authored an article in the Wisconsin Medical Journal. Co-authors include Bridget Kelly, MD, John Soehl, Janine Rhoades, MD, Elise S, Cowley, BS, Peter G. Pryde, Abigail Cutler, MD, and David Eschenbach.In “Peripartum Uterine... more

Spencer discusses clinical trials during Uterine Cancer Awareness Month

Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, joined CBS 58 for a recent story about one patient and her experience with a clinical trial at the UW Health Carbone Cancer Center.In “’An extension on life:’ Madison survivor shares clinical trial experience during Uterine Cancer Awareness Month,” patient Judi Trampf described her journey wit... more

Montemorano shares what’s next after Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship

After three years of intense fellowship training in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Lauren Montemorano, MD, is preparing to graduate. Montemorano shares what’s next after fellowship, the important lessons she will carry forward, and what she will miss about Madison.Where will you be going and what will you be doing after UW Ob-Gyn?I am headed to... more

Congratulations to winners of the 2024 UW Department of Ob-Gyn awards!

On June 13, 2024, 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, including both service in the Department of Ob-Gyn and at the University of Wisconsin or UW Health overall. Service years at UW/UW Health in parentheses:... more

Spencer to become UW Health ADIO

Please help us congratulate Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, on a very exciting career development! Spencer has accepted an offer to become the UW Health Associate Designated Institutional Official (ADIO), Graduate Medical Education (GME). Dr. Spencer will take on this new .25FTE role on July 1, 2024.As ADIO, Spencer will hel... more

Kushner elected to Vice Chair of UW-Madison Biological Sciences committee

Congratulations to David Kushner, MD, professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology! Kushner was elected to serves as the 2024-25 Vice Chair of the UW–Madison Biological Sciences Division Committee, beginning July 1. After a year as vice chair, Kushner will become Chair of the committee for the 2025-26 academic year. The Biological Sciences Divisional Committee, the exec... more

Sobecki, Zhang talk about mentorship in cancer care with OncLive

Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, and Catherine Zhang, MD, MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, spoke with OncLive about the importance of women in leadership positions and mentorship within the field of oncology.In “UW Health Experts Underscore Value of Continuous Mentorship to Champion Women in On... more

Zhang, Sobecki talk about barriers to equitable cancer care with OncLive

Catherine Zhang, MD, MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, and Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, joined OncLive to discuss the barriers and limitations within oncologic care and equitable treatment.In “Action is Key to Continue to Break Down Barriers for Equitable Cancer Care,” Zhang and Sobecki note... more

Sobecki discusses WISH Clinic with news outlets during Women’s Health Week

The US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Women’s Health celebrated National Women’s Health Week May 12-18, 2024. In honor of that week, Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, discussed the UW Health Women’s Integrative Sexual Health Clinic with local news. In the interviews, Sobecki talked about how common sexual sid... more

Barroilhet graduates from ELAM program

Huge congratulations to Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, who recently graduated from the 2023-2024 Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership Academic Medicine (ELAM) Program!Offered by the Drexel University College of Medicine, the ELAM Program is a year-long, part-time fellowship designed for women faculty in schools of medicine, de... more

Posters and presentations at 2024 Society of Gynecologic Oncology Conference

Members of the UW Department of Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology brought exciting research to the 2024 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 16-18, 2024 in San Diego: Poster Session I: Clinical and molecular determinants of response to maintenance o... more

Barroilhet to join panel at UW Carbone Cancer Center 50th Anniversary Open House, April 7

UW Carbone is partnering with UW’s Science Expeditions to highlight the cutting-edge cancer research being done here in Madison, raise awareness of new cancer trends and prevention, and encourage kids to dream of careers in science with hands-on activities and lab tours. Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, will join a panel of experts d... more

Spencer presents at AAMC Group on Resident Affairs conference

Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, presented at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Group on Resident Affairs Professional Development Conference in Arlington, VA in early April 2024. Spencer presented a project that analyzed resident and fellow evaluation systems across all UW Health GME programs; the project r... more

Montemorano published in Gynecologic Oncology

Lauren Montemorano, MD, gynecologic oncology fellow, co-authored a new article published in Gynecology Oncology. Co-authors include Zoey Shultz, Alma Farooque, MD, PGY-1, Meredith Hyun, MS, Richard J. Chappell, PhD, Ellen Hartenbach, MD, and Jessica Lang.In “TP53 mutations and the association with platinum resistance in high grade serous ovarian carcinoma,” Montemorano and c... more

Rose invited to join editorial board of Gynecologic Oncology

Stephen Rose, MD, professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, was invited to join the editorial board of the journal Gynecologic Oncology! Rose was invited by the journal’s editor in chief in recognition of his 13 years of service on the board of the journal Gynecologic Oncology Reports. Gynecologic Oncology is an international journal devoted to the publication of c... 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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