Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH

Gynecologic Oncology

 Faculty and residents attend 2023 ACOG Congressional Leadership Conference

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

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

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

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

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

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
 Zhang, Wagar publish in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Zhang, Wagar publish in Obstetrics and Gynecology

UW Ob-Gyn gynecologic oncology fellows Catherine Zhang, MD, MPH and Matt Wagar, MD, published a new Procedures and Instruments piece in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Co-authors on the article include Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, and David Kushner, MD, professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology.In “Fluorescein Mapping ... more
 Rose invited to present Grand Rounds to Weill Cornell Department of Ob-Gyn

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

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

Wagar discusses ERAS on SGO podcast

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

Rash, Peterson, Sobecki, Kushner publish in Supportive Care in Cancer

​The UW Women’s Integrative Sexual Health (WISH) Clinic team of Joanne Rash, PA, Megan Peterson, DNP, Janelle Sobecki, MD, and David Kushner, MD published a new article in the journal Supportive Care in Cancer.In “Patient reported improvement in sexual health outcomes following care in a sexual health clinic for women with cancer", Rash and co-authors aimed to determine the ... more
 Wallace promoted to Associate Professor (CHS)

Wallace promoted to Associate Professor (CHS)

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

Wang publishes study on digital cervicography in Gynecologic Oncology Reports

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

Residency alum Carballo publishes in Scientific Reports

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

Spencer discusses rural GME opportunities with ACGME blog

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

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

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

Sobecki presents Carbone Cancer Center Grand Rounds

Janelle Sobecki, MD, MA, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, presented a Grand rounds lecture to the UW Carbone Cancer Center on January 11, 2023.In the presentation "What We Don't Talk About When We Don't Talk About Sex & Cancer", Sobecki provided attendees with an overview of sexual health and cancer as well as strategies to improve screening for ... more
 Save the date: Department Research Day, May 4, 2023

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

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

Mojdehbakhsh published in Gynecologic Oncology Reports

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

Sobecki appointed medical director of UW Health WISH Program

Janelle Sobecki, MD, MA, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, recently stepped into the role of medical director for the UW Health Women’s Integrative Sexual Health (WISH) Program. Congratulations, Dr. Sobecki!The WISH Program provides clinical consultation, resources, education, emotional support and appropriate referrals related to sexual health con... more
 Wallace and Sampene to co-lead department’s Quality and Safety program

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
 Zhang to join Division of Gynecologic Oncology faculty

Zhang to join Division of Gynecologic Oncology faculty

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

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

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

Barroilhet earns GWIMS Impact Award

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

Barroilhet presents keynote speech at Middleton Society event

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

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

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

Huffman presents at HAGO conference

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

Betancourt Ponce presents poster at SACNAS Conference

Congratulations to Mayra Betancourt Ponce, UW School of Medicine and Public Health MD/PhD student, who recently presented a poster at the SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico!Betancourt Ponce presented the poster “Characterizing T cell exhaustion in ovarian cancer ascites” during the three-day conference in late October. In addition to being ... more
 Tamkus presents at 2022 HAGO meeting

Tamkus presents at 2022 HAGO meeting

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

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

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

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

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

Kushner to become Vice Chair of Faculty Development, Education and Wellness

David Kushner, MD, Professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, has accepted the appointment of Vice Chair of Faculty Development, Education and Wellness. This appointment will be effective November 1, 2022!As Vice Chair of Faculty Development, Education and Wellness, Kushner will be integrally involved with the department’s faculty mentoring program, recruitment, facu... more
 Kushner published in Gynecologic Oncology

Kushner published in Gynecologic Oncology

Dave Kushner, MD, professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, is senior author on a new publication in the journal Gynecologic Oncology.In “SGO and the elephant that is still in the room: Wellness, burnout and gynecologic oncology”, Kushner and co-authors analyzes survey responses from physician and advanced practice provider members of the Society of Gyneco... more
 Wang published in AJOG

Wang published in AJOG

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

Final Sparkle of Hope Gala draws dedicated crowd for cancer research

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

Wagar discusses ERAS on SGO on the Go podcast

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

Welcome incoming Gynecologic Oncology fellow Rachel Mojdehbakhsh!

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

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!

Congratulations to UW Health APP Excellence award nominees!

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

Spencer presents at AMGO meeting in Chicago

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

Barroilhet joins WPR to talk about impacts of Wisconsin abortion laws

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

SHAWL Study featured in World Conference on Lung Cancer media event

The Sexual Health Assessment in Women with Lung Cancer (SHAWL) study, co-authored by David Kushner, MD, professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, was featured in a media event during the 2022 World Conference on Lung Cancer in August!The SHAWL study overall found that 77% of participants experienced moderate to severe sexual dysfunction. During a media con... more
 Mojdehbakhsh publishes in Gynecologic Oncology Reports

Mojdehbakhsh publishes in Gynecologic Oncology Reports

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

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

Cancer treatment may result in a variety of physical and emotional side effects. Sometimes, these side effects might change our ability to have or enjoy sex. For some, it may be challenging to discuss these issues with a medical provider.Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, and physician assistant Lori Seabourne will present free,... more
 Rose and patient featured in 2022 Sparkle of Hope grateful patient story

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

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

Spencer presents at RRPD/THCPD conference

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

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

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

Rose’s patient profiled by UW Carbone Cancer Center

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

Kushner published in International Journal of Obesity

Professor David Kushner, MD, of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, is a co-author on a new study published in the International Journal of Obesity. In "Obesity and "obesity-related" cancers: Are there body mass index cut-points?", Kushner and co-authors used a retrospective cohort study to look for statistically significant associations between rising body mass index (BMI... more
 Al-Niaimi publishes in Annals of Surgical Oncology

Al-Niaimi publishes in Annals of Surgical Oncology

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

Wang publishes in Gynecologic Oncology

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

Wagar published in Reproductive Medicine

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

Zhang earns Humanism in Medicine Award

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

Wang published in Gynecologic Oncology Reports

UW Ob-Gyn resident Connor Wang, MD is lead author on a new article published in Gynecologic Oncology Reports! Wang’s mentor on this project (and senior author on the publication) is UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gyencologic Oncology Director Steve Rose, MD.“Adaptive and maladaptive humor styles are closely associated with burnout and professional fulfillment in members of the Societ... more
 Congratulations to winners of UW Ob-Gyn 2022 department awards!

Congratulations to winners of UW Ob-Gyn 2022 department awards!

On June 23, 2022, the UW Department of Ob-Gyn held its annual awards ceremony, recognizing educational, research and administrative accomplishments throughout the year.The ceremony started by acknowledging a few momentous departures. Many people retired from the department this academic year, including:Carol Carr, CNM (Midwife in the ASOG Division)Janet Short (Medical Studen... more
 Hartenbach named new Chair of UW Department of Ob-Gyn

Hartenbach named new Chair of UW Department of Ob-Gyn

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

Mayer joins UW Health Employee Advisory Council

Anne Mayer, PA, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, is one of the newest members of the UW Health Employee Advisory Council!Mayer was selected from a strong pool of applicants across the organization. Successful applicants to the council received endorsement from their manager and director, have a history of strong performance within the organization, embody t... more
 Zhang’s SGO presentation included in SGO Select package

Zhang’s SGO presentation included in SGO Select package

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

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

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

Sobecki earns GOG Foundation New Investigator Award

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

2022 Department Research Day

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

Barroilhet and Patankar publish in Cancers

A new study co-authored by Lisa Barroilhet, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology and Division of Reproductive Sciences Director Manish Patankar, PhD was published in the journal Cancers!“Atovaquone: An Inhibitor of Oxidative Phosphorylation as Studied in Gynecologic Cancers” outlines the Barroilhet and Patankar Labs’ research of the FDA-approved antimalarial... more
 UW Ob-Gyn research and presentations at 2022 ACOG Annual Meeting

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

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

Montemorano presenting at UW Resident and Fellow Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Symposium

On Thursday, May 26, UW Ob-Gyn gynecologic oncology fellow Lauren Montemorano, MD will present at the UW Resident and Fellow Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Symposium!Montemorano will present “Code status documentation for admitted gynecologic oncology patients”, a project mentored by David Kushner, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology.Incredible work... more
 Grand Rounds: Badger Bytes presentations on UW Ob-Gyn and Sexual Health Research

Grand Rounds: Badger Bytes presentations on UW Ob-Gyn and Sexual Health Research

On May 12, 2022, several presenters shared updates on sexual health research and resources in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn during the Badger Bytes Grand Rounds presentation “UW Ob-Gyn and Sexual Health Research”.The six presentations were:Sex Therapy: Understanding Its Utility in Improving Patient Outcomes (presented by Madelyn Esposito-Smith, LPC)Choosing the Right Vaginal M... more

Barroilhet/Patankar Labs celebrate graduates

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

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

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

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

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

Al-Niaimi promoted to Professor (CHS)

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

Sobecki earns grant for osteoporosis screening project

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

UW SMPH Shapiro research student Hailey Milakovich presents at SGO conference

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

Wang published in Gynecologic Oncology Reports

Congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn resident Connor Wang, MD, PGY-3, who is lead author on a new publication in Gynecologic Oncology Reports!In the article “When we open and close: postoperative outcomes after aborted primary cytoreduction for ovarian cancer”, Wang and co-authors Matt Wagar, MD, PGY-4, Amy Godecker, PhD, Ahmed Al-Niaimi, MD, and David Kushner, MD aimed to expand av... more
 Spencer nominated for Dean’s Excellence in Medical Student Mentorship Award

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

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

Welcome Laura Huffman, MD!

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

Sobecki published in International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer

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

Mojdehbahksh gives oral presentation at SGS conference

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

Al-Niaimi to present at SGS conference

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

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

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

UW Ob-Gyn presentations at 2022 Society of Gynecologic Oncology conference

Members of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, fellows and residents prepared an impressive slate of posters and presentations for the 2022 Society of Gynecologic Oncology Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer! Take a look at just some of the research brought to the hybrid conference, as well as the variety of service and leadership roles held by members of our depart... more
 Al-Niaimi brings poster to SGO Winter Meeting

Al-Niaimi brings poster to SGO Winter Meeting

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

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

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

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

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

Wagar published in Journal of Ob-Gyn Hospital Medicine

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

Spencer steps into Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Director role

As of February 1, 2022, Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, is the new director of the UW Ob-Gyn Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship! Spencer takes over for Division of Gynecologic Oncology Director Stephen Rose, MD, who has led the fellowship since 2011.Spencer has served as Associate Fellowship Director since 2017 and has been invaluable in supporting our fellows and the program in that tim... more
 Montemorano authors research letter in Green Journal

Montemorano authors research letter in Green Journal

UW Ob-Gyn gynecologic oncology fellow Lauren Montemorano, MD is lead author on a research letter in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology!“Blood Loss With Inhaled Anesthetic During First-Trimester Spontaneous Abortion Evacuation” is a single-institution retrospective study comparing estimated blood loss during surgery by anesthesia type. The study found:“Inhaled anesthetic i... more
 Wagar published in Gynecologic Oncology

Wagar published in Gynecologic Oncology

A new article in the journal Gynecologic Oncology by UW Ob-Gyn resident Matt Wagar, MD, PGY-4 examines whether enrollments in clinical trials for PARP inhibitors reflects the racial and ethnic diversity of people who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer.“Racial and ethnic enrollment disparities in clinical trials of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors for gynecologic cancers... more
 Montemorano and Betancourt Ponce selected to UW Carbone Cancer Center Trainee Society

Montemorano and Betancourt Ponce selected to UW Carbone Cancer Center Trainee Society

Huge congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn gynecologic oncology fellow Lauren Montemorano, MD and UW SMPH MD/PhD student Mayra Betancourt Ponce, who were both invited to join the UW Carbone Cancer Center Trainee Society! Betancourt Ponce is a student in Lisa Barroilhet, MD’s lab.The UWCCC Heidi Dvinge and Patti Keely Trainee Society connects cancer research trainees to funding opport... more
 Barroilhet joins ICTR Graduate Program in Clinical Investigation admissions committee

Barroilhet joins ICTR Graduate Program in Clinical Investigation admissions committee

Lisa Barroilhet, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, was recently invited to join the UW-Madison Institute for Clinical and Translational Research’s admissions and recruiting subcommittee for the Graduate Program in Clinical Investigation! Her three-year term began on January 1, 2022.The admissions and recruiting subcommittee makes final, program-level dec... more
 Peterson and Rash present at national SGO Allied Health Professionals Meeting

Peterson and Rash present at national SGO Allied Health Professionals Meeting

The Society of Gynecologic Oncology hosted the SGO Allied Health Professionals Meeting in October, and two members of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology presented at the conference!On October 9, Megan Peterson, NP presented the session “Sexual Health”, focused on sexual health issues that gynecologic oncology patients encounter as a result of treatment and some c... more
 Wagar matches into Gynecologic Oncology fellowship at University of Wisconsin

Wagar matches into Gynecologic Oncology fellowship at University of Wisconsin

The UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology is excited to announce that Matthew Wagar, MD, PGY-4, matched as our 2022 Gynecologic Oncology fellow! Wagar earned his MD at the University of Minnesota, and is currently completing ob-gyn residency in our department. The Gyn Onc team was impressed with his passion for medical education and commitment to providing excellent pat... more
 Hartenbach talks clinical trials in Sparkle of Hope grateful patient story

Hartenbach talks clinical trials in Sparkle of Hope grateful patient story

Every year in the lead-up to Sparkle of Hope, Channel 3000 films and airs an inspiring story about a patient who has worked with the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology as part of their gynecologic cancer journey. This year, in “Sparkle of Hope: Fighting cancer during the pandemic”, Cindy Mikula shared her story of endometrial cancer recurrence and enrollment on a cl... more
 Grand Rounds: Al-Niaimi presents “Quality Metrics And Outcomes: Past, Present And Future”

Grand Rounds: Al-Niaimi presents “Quality Metrics And Outcomes: Past, Present And Future”

Ahmed Al-Niaimi, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, presented the UW Ob-Gyn Grand Rounds lecture “Quality Metrics And Outcomes: Past, Present And Future” on September 16, 2021.In the lecture, Al-Niaimi explained current measures of post-operative outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality; assessed how past and ongoing QI programs can improve outcomes; ... more
 Wallace steps up as Gynecologic Oncology Director of Clinical Informatics

Wallace steps up as Gynecologic Oncology Director of Clinical Informatics

Our congratulations to Sumer Wallace, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology! Wallace recently accepted the role of Director of Clinical Informatics for the division.Wallace has led the division’s initiative to improve Healthlink documentation of staging for patients, as well as driving the use of Notewriter to improve data collection through Healthlink. She i... more

Save the Dates: UW Ob-Gyn 2022 Research Events

Save the dates for three UW Department of Ob-Gyn research events in 2022:February 24, 2022 - Resident Research DayFeaturing a keynote presentation by Lisa Hollier, MD, MPH, professor of ob-gyn at Baylor College of Medicine and former president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Resident research presentations by PGY-4 residents John Poehlmann, MD, an... more

Rose talks about gynecologic oncology as a practice on Specialty Stories podcast

On a recent episode of Specialty Stories, a podcast aimed at helping premed and medical students choose a future career, UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology Director Steve Rose, MD discussed what brought him to gynecologic oncology and what the subspecialty is like today.During the conversation, Rose talked about key interests and traits that can lead to success in gy... more

Rose discusses genetic testing for cancer with OncLive

In a recent installment of OncLiveTV, UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology Director Steve Rose, MD discussed the importance of genetic testing in ovarian cancer. In the video, Rose mentioned the importance of genetic testing in setting a treatment path for some ovarian cancers:“The importance of the testing, for sure, has to do with the use of PARP inhibitors, specific... more

Grand Rounds: Rice presents “The Nuances of Career Development”

On November 11, 2021, Laurel Rice, MD, Ben Miller Peckham, MD, PhD, Chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “The Nuances of Career Development”. In the presentation, Rice shared perspectives for navigating career development in academic medicine through the power of articulating one's interests and passion, identifying and being open to pursuin... more

Wallace nominated for UW Health Rising Star Award

Congratulations to Sumer Wallace, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology! Wallace was nominated for the highly competitive UW Health Physician Excellence Rising Star Award.Rising Star nominees are physicians on an upward career trajectory who “demonstrate exceptional patient and family centered care with a commitment to quality and patient safety.”Wallace was ... more

Wallace published in Gynecologic Oncology

A new article in the journal Gynecologic Oncology by Sumer Wallace, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, uses multicenter data to assess outcomes for endometrial cancer patients with low-volume metastasis in sentinel lymph nodes.“Oncologic outcomes of endometrial cancer in patients with low-volume metastasis in the sentinel lymph nodes: An international mul... more

Barroilhet discusses patient education with Health Professional Radio

On a recent episode of Health Professional Radio, Lisa Barroilhet, MD of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, discussed the launch of the Foundation for Women’s Cancer #MoveTheMessage campaign.In the interview, Barroilhet talked about the need for greater awareness of gynecologic cancers, the importance of having accessible, inclusive education materials readily a... more

Spencer appointed as hub lead for HRSA Rural Residency Program Development Center

UW Ob-Gyn Residency Program Director Ryan Spencer, MD, has been appointed to be the Central Hub Lead for the Rural Residency Program Development Technical Assistance Center (RRPD-TAC). The RRPD-TAC is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).The grant provides $4.6 million of total funding over four years.... more

Women’s Healthcast: Cervical Cancer Prevention, Detection, Treatment

Cervical cancer is the third most common type of gynecologic cancer in the United States. On this replay episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Sumer Wallace, MD talks about what causes cervical cancer, how it’s treated, and why the HPV vaccine and regular screenings are important tools to help prevent cervical cancer. Wallace is an assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division ... more

Rose selected as medical director for UW Health Regional Oncology Services

Congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn Gynecologic Oncology Division Director Steve Rose, MD! Rose was recently appointed to the role of Medical Director for Regional Oncology Services at UW Health. In that role, Rose will be the physician leader for UW Health’s regional cancer program. Responsibilities include providing clinical and professional direction for the program; building r... more
 Wagar published in Gynecologic Oncology

Wagar published in Gynecologic Oncology

UW Ob-Gyn resident Matt Wagar, MD, PGY-4 published an article in a recent edition of Gynecologic Oncology! In “Postoperative venous thromboembolism in gynecologic oncology patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery: Does modality matter?”, Wagar and co-authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent gynecologic cancer surgery at UW between 2... more
 Spencer, Rice published in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Spencer, Rice published in Obstetrics and Gynecology

A new study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology compares operative times in the American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Project with physician-reported operative times from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to assess for the impact on RVUs. “Discrepancies Created by Surgeon Self-Reported Operative Time and the Effects on Procedura... more
 Women’s Healthcast: Paplomata talks about clinical trials

Women’s Healthcast: Paplomata talks about clinical trials

Elisavet Paplomata, MD came to the UW School of Medicine and Public Health and UW Carbone Cancer Center in 2020 to expand cancer clinical trials, including bringing more trials for gynecologic cancer patients to the UW. She joined the Women’s Healthcast to talk about why researchers do trials, why people might choose to enroll in them, safety precautions in place for trial p... more
 Congratulations to winners of 2021 UW Ob-Gyn department awards!

Congratulations to winners of 2021 UW Ob-Gyn department awards!

On June 24, 2021, the UW Department of Ob-Gyn held its annual awards ceremony, recognizing educational, research and administrative accomplishments throughout the year. The ceremony started by acknowledging a few momentous departures: Klaus Diem, MD is retiring after many years of service in the department. Diem is a past director of the Division of Gynecology, and served a... more
 Spencer’s gynecologic cancer research funding disparity mentioned in NIH hearing

Spencer’s gynecologic cancer research funding disparity mentioned in NIH hearing

Ryan Spencer, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, has studied differences in funding for gynecologic cancer research compared to other cancer types for several years. His work led to the publication of the study “Disparities in the allocation of research funding to gynecologic cancers by Funding to Lethality scores” in Gynecologic Oncology in 2018. In a N... more
 Sobecki earns BIRCWH award

Sobecki earns BIRCWH award

Huge congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn gynecologic oncology fellow and soon to be member of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology faculty Janelle Sobecki, MD! Sobecki was recently awarded a spot in the UW Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH) program, which will support her continuing her work on osteoporosis in gynecologic cancer patients. This g... more
 Women’s Healthcast: Hartenbach discusses second opinions

Women’s Healthcast: Hartenbach discusses second opinions

Seeking a second opinion is fairly common, especially when facing a challenging diagnosis or intense treatment. On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Ellen Hartenbach, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, discusses why people ask for second opinions, what happens after a second opinion is given, and how to approach the conversation with your own health... more
 Wallace passes gyn onc oral boards

Wallace passes gyn onc oral boards

Please join us in our sincere congratulations to Sumer Wallace, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology! Wallace passed the gynecologic oncology oral board examination in April. Though it was a strange and challenging time to prepare for the exam, we had no doubt Dr. Wallace would be successful!
 Spencer presents on rural health at ACOG annual meeting

Spencer presents on rural health at ACOG annual meeting

At the virtual 2021 ACOG Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting, UW Ob-Gyn Residency Program Director Ryan Spencer, MD joined a panel of experts to discuss rural health. During the clinical seminar, Spencer discussed the importance of supporting pipelines to bring ob-gyns to rural areas, and of building clinical partnerships between rural and urban practices to facilitate l... more
 Grand Rounds: Department Research Day

Grand Rounds: Department Research Day

On May 13, 2021, the UW Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology hosted Department Research Day, featuring exceptional presentations on fundamental, clinical, and quality improvement research. Recorded presentations from Department Research Day are available now. To start the morning, Kimberly Gregory, MD, MPH of Cedars-Sinai Obstetrics and Gynecology Department presented th... more
 Barroilhet promoted to Associate Professor (tenure track)

Barroilhet promoted to Associate Professor (tenure track)

Our congratulations to Lisa Barroilhet, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology! Barroilhet has been promoted to Associate Professor (Tenure Track). The promotion and track transfer will be effective July 1, 2021. Previously, Barroilhet was an associate professor (CHS track). Since joining the department in 2012, Barroilhet has earned a distinguished reputatio... more
 Save the date for the 2021 Sparkle of Hope gala!

Save the date for the 2021 Sparkle of Hope gala!

You’re invited to join us on Friday, September 24 for a unique celebration of those whose lives have been touched by gynecologic cancers and a community dedicated to a cure. The Sparkle of Hope gala is a collaboration between the UW Department of OB-GYN Division of Gynecologic Oncology and the Carbone Cancer Center. This fabulous gala raises awareness and funds for women’s... more
 Al-Niaimi featured in story about cancer treatment in a pandemic

Al-Niaimi featured in story about cancer treatment in a pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the face of health care last year, including care for gynecologic cancer patients. Shortly after the pandemic began, Ahmed Al-Niaimi, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, helped a patient with stage 4 ovarian cancer. UW Health produced a video story about the experience - watch the video here! WISC-TV in Madison also picked ... more
 Spencer promoted to Associate Professor (CHS)

Spencer promoted to Associate Professor (CHS)

Ryan Spencer, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, was promoted to Associate Professor (CHS) by the School of Medicine and Public Health CHS Faculty Appointments and Promotions Committee, effective July 1, 2021. Spencer joined the UW Department of Ob-Gyn in 2012 as a gynecologic oncology fellow. After finishing his fellowship, Spencer joined the Division o... more
 WISH Clinic team publishes article in Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology

WISH Clinic team publishes article in Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology

A new article co-authored by Joanne Rash, PA-C, Megan Peterson, DNP, Janelle Sobecki, MD, and David Kushner, MD was published in the Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology! “Development, Implementation, and Patient Perspectives of the Women’s Integrative Sexual Health Program: A Program Designed to Address the Sexual Side Effects of Cancer Treatment” outlines the ... more
 Mojdehbakhsh published in Gynecologic Oncology Reports

Mojdehbakhsh published in Gynecologic Oncology Reports

A quality improvement study by lead author Rachel Mojdehbakhsh, MD, PGY-2, was published in Gynecologic Oncology Reports. Co-authors include Stephen Rose, MD, Megan Peterson, DNP, Laurel Rice, MD, and Ryan Spencer, MD, all of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic that began in early 2020, industry organizations like the National C... more
 Gyn Onc fellowship grad Lees published in Gynecologic Oncology

Gyn Onc fellowship grad Lees published in Gynecologic Oncology

An article by UW Ob-Gyn Gynecologic Oncology fellowship graduate Brittany Lees, MD was published in the journal Gynecologic Oncology! “A population-based study of causes of death after endometrial cancer according to major risk factors” uses data from a population-based study by UW-Madison researchers that followed 745 women with a diagnosis of invasive endometrial cancer. ... more

UW Ob-Gyn posters and presentations coming up at SGO Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer

The agenda for the virtual Society of Gynecologic Oncology’s 2021 Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer, coming up in March, is available, and UW Ob-Gyn faculty and trainees will have an extensive presence at the conference. We're proud of the broad variety of research our team will bring to the event! “Cannabidiol: Assessing Activity in Ovarian and Endometrial Carcinoma Cell Li... more
 Grand Rounds: Badger Bytes on opioids and women’s health

Grand Rounds: Badger Bytes on opioids and women’s health

On Thursday, January 7, a multidisciplinary group presented Badger Bytes Grand Rounds lectures as part of the presentation “The Multiple Dimensions of Opioid Use for Women’s Health.” The session was moderated by UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health Director Deborah Ehrenthal, MD, MPH. Erin Nacev, MD/MPH student in the UW SMPH started off with “Prenatal O... more
 Sobecki published in Gynecologic Oncology Reports

Sobecki published in Gynecologic Oncology Reports

UW Ob-Gyn Gynecologic Oncology fellow (and soon-to-be Division of Gynecologic Oncology faculty member) Janelle Sobecki, MD published a new case report in Gynecologic Oncology Reports. UW Ob-Gyn resident Kathryn Dryer, MD, PGY-2, and Ryan Spencer, MD co-authored the article. “BRCA-2 (+) high-grade serous fallopian tube cancer diagnosed as an isolated breast mass by mammograp... more
 Gaston, Hoppe, Spencer earn UW Health Excellence Awards

Gaston, Hoppe, Spencer earn UW Health Excellence Awards

Three faculty from the UW Department of Ob-Gyn were honored at the UW Health Physician Excellence Awards ceremony on December 7, 2020. The virtual ceremony recognized recipients of 17 excellence awards across the health system. Recipients in our department: Luther Gaston, MD, of the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, received the UW Health Physician Excellence Risi... more
 Al-Niaimi to present at Society of Gynecologic Oncology surgical webinar

Al-Niaimi to present at Society of Gynecologic Oncology surgical webinar

On January 21, 2021, Ahmed Al-Niaimi, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, will present in the webinar “Bowel Resection in Gynecologic Cancer: From Fundamentals to Mastery.” The webinar is offered by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology. In the session, which is aimed at surgeons, Al-Niaimi and his co-presenter will review technical specifications for surgi... more
 Sobecki published in Gynecologic Oncology

Sobecki published in Gynecologic Oncology

UW Ob-Gyn fellow (and soon to be faculty) in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology Janelle Sobecki, MD published an article in the journal Gynecologic Oncology. In the article “Bone health and osteoporosis screening in gynecologic cancer survivors”, Sobecki and co-authors Ellen Hartenbach, MD and Laurel Rice, MD review available data of bone health in women with gynecologic ... more
 Welcome Sobecki to Gyn Onc faculty!

Welcome Sobecki to Gyn Onc faculty!

Happy news out of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology! When Janelle Sobecki, MD, current third-year fellow in gynecologic oncology, finishes her fellowship in 2021, she will join our faculty. Sobecki received her master’s degree in Medical Science from Boston University, her Doctor of Medicine from Wayne State University and completed her Ob-Gyn Residency at Nort... more
 Spencer earns UW Health Rising Star Leadership award!

Spencer earns UW Health Rising Star Leadership award!

Congratulations to Ryan Spencer, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology! Spencer earned the 2020 UW Health Physician Excellence Rising Star – Leadership Award! Spencer and other awardees will be honored in a virtual ceremony coming up December 7, 2020. Congratulations, Dr. Spencer, on this well-deserved achievement!
 Welcome incoming Gyn Onc fellow Lauren Montemorano

Welcome incoming Gyn Onc fellow Lauren Montemorano

The Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Team is happy to announce that Lauren Montemorano, MD will join us in July 2021 as our newest gynecologic oncology fellow!Montemorano earned her medical degree from the University of Virginia and is completing her Ob Gyn residency at The Ohio State University. She will come to the fellowship program with a strong research background. As st... more
 First HAGO Conference was a great success!

First HAGO Conference was a great success!

On September 10-11, the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology hosted the first-ever Heartland Association of Gynecologic Oncology (HAGO) meeting. More than 70 gynecologic oncology professionals tuned in for the virtual conference, which included two keynote presentations and 21 research abstract presentations.HAGO was founded in 2020 by UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gyn Onc Dir... more
 Women’s Healthcast: Spencer discusses Endometrial Cancer

Women’s Healthcast: Spencer discusses Endometrial Cancer

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Ryan Spencer, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, joins us to talk about endometrial cancer, the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States.In the episode, Spencer covers risk factors for endometrial cancer, what diagnosis and treatment look like, and ways ... more
 Al-Niaimi Publishes In European Journal Of Surgical Oncology

Al-Niaimi Publishes In European Journal Of Surgical Oncology

Ahmed Al-Niaimi, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, published “Guidelines for Perioperative Care in Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) with or without hyperthermic IntraPEritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) Society Recommendations — Part I: Preoperative and intraoperative management” in the European Journal of Surgical Oncology... more
 Barroilhet named first-ever Dolores A. Buchler, MD, Professor in Gynecologic Oncology

Barroilhet named first-ever Dolores A. Buchler, MD, Professor in Gynecologic Oncology

A special congratulations to Lisa Barroilhet, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, as she is officially appointed the first Dolores A. Buchler, MD Professor of Gynecologic Oncology. It is only once or twice a lifetime that you come across a doctor like Dolores “Dee” Buchler. Dee joined the University of Wisconsin in 1969 after finishing her residency at Uni... more