Education

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
Gynecologic Oncology Reproductive Sciences Education Fellowship Patankar Research Team Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program Lisa Barroilhet Manish Patankar Shannon Rush

M4s get ready for residency with UW Ob-Gyn intern prep course

In late April 2022, six UW SMPH medical students who matched into ob-gyn residency programs participated in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn’s intern prep course! The course, organized by Laura Jacques, MD, Janet Short, Amanda Wildenberg, Alison Klein, and Jody Silva, helped the students strengthen some basic surgical and medical skills before they start their intern year.Faculty... more
Education Laura Jacques Jody Silva Amanda Wildenberg

UW Ob-Gyn residents represent department at Student National Medical Association conference

UW Ob-Gyn residents India Anderson-Carter, MD, PGY-2, Ushma Patel, MD, PGY-4, and Awa Sanneh, MD, PGY-2 attended the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) Annual Medical Education Conference in Orlando to represent the UW Ob-Gyn residency in April!The SNMA is an organization that supports current and future underrepresented minority medical students. The Annual Medical... more
Education Residency Diversity Equity Inclusion India Anderson-Carter Ushma Patel Awa Sanneh

Gyorfi featured in WCRGME Day in the Life of a Rural Resident video

The Wisconsin Collaborative for Rural GME recently launched a new “Day in the Life of a Rural Resident” video series. The first video features UW Ob-Gyn rural resident Kaley Gyorfi, MD, PGY-2 on a rural rotation at Western Wisconsin Health in Baldwin, Wisconsin!In the video, Gyorfi walks us through a typical day at a rural hospital site, including arriving at the hospital ar... more
Education Residency Kaley Gyorfi

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
Gynecologic Oncology Education Research Ryan Spencer

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
Gynecologic Oncology Education Publication Research Residency Ahmed Al-Niaimi Connor Wang Matthew Wagar David Kushner Amy Godecker

Grand Rounds: Poehlmann presents “Stress Response and Coping in the Field of OB/GYN”

On March 24, UW Ob-Gyn resident John Poehlmann, MD, PGY-4 presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Stress Response and Coping in the Field of OB/GYN”.In the lecture, Poehlmann outlined clinical situations that can prompt stress for patients and providers, recognized common coping strategies used in stressful situations, defined cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and discussed ho... more
Education Residency Grand Rounds John Poehlmann

Grand Rounds: Patel presents “The Global Burden of Surgical Disease”

On March 10, 2022, UW Ob-Gyn resident Ushma Patel, MD, PGY-4 presented the Grand Rounds lecture “The Global Burden of Surgical Disease”.In the lecture, Patel defined the concept of global surgery, explained the evolution of global surgery, identified strategies to alleviate the global surgical burden, and more.Watch the whole lecture here!
Education Residency Grand Rounds Ushma Patel

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 Divisio... more
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Gynecologic Oncology Education Research Residency Ahmed Al-Niaimi Dobie Giles Rachel Mojdehbakhsh

Welcome UW Ob-Gyn Resident Class of 2026!

Happy Match Day! We are thrilled to introduce the newly-matched UW Ob-Gyn Resident Class of 2026! Please help us welcome the incoming class of UW Ob-Gyn interns, who will join us in July 2022:Kaitlyn Anderholm (Rural Track Resident) – University of Minnesota Medical SchoolShilpika Bajpai – University of Kansas School of MedicineKharmen Bharucha – University of Minnesota Medi... more
Education Residency

UW Ob-Gyn prepares posters, presentations for SASGOG Annual Meeting

The Society of Academic Specialists in General Obstetrics and Gynecology Annual Meeting, coming up in May 2022, will include exciting presentations and posters from faculty and residents in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn! Some of the great work that will be featured at the conference:Presentation:UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn Director Makeba Williams, MD,... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Research Education Residency Heidi Brown Emily Buttigieg Bridget Kelly Matthew Wagar Makeba Williams Katherine Sampene

Patel recaps research on AUGS social media

After publication of the new article “Updated Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence in Women” in the journal Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, UW Ob-Gyn resident (and incoming FPMRS fellow) Ushma Patel, MD, PGY-4 summarized the study’s findings in a video highlighted on the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS)’s social media.In the video, Patel outlined the stu... more
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Education Publication Research Residency Fellowship Ushma Patel

Wetterhahn, Bosse present at AIUM Conference

Huge congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn resident Madeline Wetterhahn, MD, PGY-3 and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellow Brad Bosse, MD, who shared research at the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine’s 2022 Annual Integrative Ultrasound Meeting!Wetterhahn and Bosse both presented during Obstetric Ultrasound Scientific Sessions at the conference, which was held March 12-16, 2022... more
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Education Research Residency Fellowship Madeline Wetterhahn Bradley Bosse

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
Gynecologic Oncology Education Research Residency Fellowship Ahmed Al-Niaimi Lisa Barroilhet Kathryn Dryer Maya Gross Ellen Hartenbach David Kushner Joanne Rash Stephen Rose Shannon Rush Janelle Sobecki Sumer Wallace Connor Wang Catherine Zhang

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
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Gynecologic Oncology Education Research Residency Ryan McDonald Ryan Spencer Laura Jacques Daniel Pellicer John Poehlmann Amy Godecker Kaley Gyorfi Heidi Brown Katharina Stewart

Short retiring from role as Medical Student Coordinator

After many years of dedicated service as the UW Ob-Gyn Medical Student Coordinator, Janet Short is retiring on March 4, 2022. Please join us in thanking her for her immeasurable contributions to the UW Ob-Gyn education team! Janet has been an essential part of the Ob-Gyn clerkship experience for countless medical students over the years. Her support, encouragement, and overa... more
Education Janet Short

UW Ob-Gyn residency accepted into PDPQ Educators Network

An exciting update from the UW Ob-Gyn Residency:Our residency program was accepted into the exclusive Program Director Patient Safety and Quality (PDPQ) Educators Network partnered with the ACGME and Project ECHO.The aim of the PDPQ Educators Network is to implement a national learning network for Program Directors (PDs) and associate Program Directors (APDs) to assist their... more
Education Residency Kathleen Antony

Spivak earns WMAA Outstanding Resident Teaching Award

Huge congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn resident Talya Spivak, MD, PGY-3! Spivak earned the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association’s 2022 Outstanding Resident Teaching Award.She was voted best resident teacher by UW-Madison’s fourth-year medical students. The WMAA Distinguished Faculty and Resident Clinical Science Teaching Awards are given to the most exceptional teachers from acro... more
Education Residency Talya Spivak

Poehlmann and Antony published in AJOG-MFM

A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology-Maternal-Fetal Medicine examines the link between maternal anxiety and pain following C-section delivery.In “The impact of preexisting maternal anxiety on pain and opioid use following cesarean delivery: a retrospective cohort study”, UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine faculty Katie Antony,... more
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Education Publication Research Residency Kathleen Antony John Poehlmann

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
Gynecologic Oncology Education Research Fellowship Shannon Rush Stephen Rose

Patel and Brown discuss underdiagnosis and undertreatment of incontinence with UrologyTimes

After publication of their new article “Updated Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence in Women” in the journal Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, authors Heidi Brown, MD, MAS (Division of FMPRS) and Ushma Patel, MD (PGY-4 resident and soon-to-be FPMRS fellow) spoke with Urology Times about the study.In the latest video interview, Patel and Brown discuss the strong... more
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Education Publication Research Residency Fellowship Heidi Brown Ushma Patel

Grand Rounds: Tran presents “From Correctional Care to Correct Care: Reproductive Health in Incarcerated Patients”

On February 10, 2022, UW Ob-Gyn resident Vienna Tran, MD, PGY-4 presented the Grand Rounds lecture “From Correctional Care to Correct Care: Reproductive Health in Incarcerated Patients.”In the lecture, Tran examined the history and legal status of health access for person experiencing incarceration; described the barriers to access for patients seeking reproductive healthcar... more
Education Residency Grand Rounds Diversity Equity Inclusion Vienna Tran

UW Ob-Gyn brings posters, presentations to 2022 SMFM Annual Pregnancy Meeting

Though the meeting was virtual this year, the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine brought an impressive raft of research to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s 42nd Annual Pregnancy Meeting! Read about some of the incredible posters and presentations they shared at the conference:Risk calculator for hypertension related postpartum readmission - Jinxin Tao, Yo... more
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Education Research Residency Fellowship Diversity Equity Inclusion Jacquelyn Adams Kathleen Antony Erin Bailey Bradley Bosse Kara Hoppe J. Igor Iruretagoyena Jennifer Jacobson Alexa Lowry Jenna Racine Janine Rhoades Madeline Wetterhahn

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
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Gynecologic Oncology Education Publication Residency Research Lisa Barroilhet Amy Godecker Makeba Williams Matthew Wagar

Brown and Patel on current state of urinary incontinence for women in Urology Times

After publication of their new article “Updated Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence in Women” in the journal Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, authors Heidi Brown, MD, MAS (Division of FMPRS) and Ushma Patel, MD (PGY-4 resident and soon-to-be FPMRS fellow) spoke with Urology Times about the study. In the interview, Brown and Patel shared the motivation behind t... more
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Education Publication Research Residency Fellowship Heidi Brown Ushma Patel

Patel, Brown, Giles publish in FPMRS journal

A new study published in the journal Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery provides updated estimates for how many women in the U.S. experience or are at risk for urinary incontinence.“Updated Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence in Women”, by Division of FPMRS faculty Heidi Brown, MD, Dobie Giles, MD, and resident and soon-to-be FPMRS fellow Ushma Patel, MD, PGY-4... more
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Education Publication Research Residency Fellowship Heidi Brown Dobie Giles Ushma Patel

Wagar nominated for AOA Society

Congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn resident Matt Wagar, MD, PGY-4, who was recently nominated by a UW SMPH medical student to be inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society!Nominees to the society exemplify the ideals of the AOA: recognizing educational achievement, honoring gifted teaching, encouraging leadership development, supporting the ideals of humanism, and p... more
Education Residency Matthew Wagar

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
Gynecologic Oncology Education Fellowship Ryan Spencer

Grand Rounds: Pellicer presents “Climate Change and the Future of Medicine”

​On February 3, 2022, UW Ob-Gyn resident Daniel Pellicer, MD, PGY-4 presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Climate Change and the Future of Medicine.”In the lecture, Pellicer explained how climate change impacts health and health disparities; discussed how climate change affects healthcare delivery; predicted how climate change may force changes in clinical practice; and illust... more
Education Residency Grand Rounds Daniel Pellicer

Grand Rounds: Wagar presents “Ask not what I can do for you, but what you can do for Salpingectomy: Access to Risk Reducing Gynecologic Surgery”

On January 27, 2022, UW Ob-Gyn resident Matt Wagar, MD, PGY-4 presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Ask not what I can do for you, but what you can do for Salpingectomy: Access to Risk Reducing Gynecologic Surgery.”In the lecture, Wagar examined the epidemiologic evidence and biologic theories for risk reducing gynecologic surgery; discussed current recommendations for risk re... more
Residency Education Grand Rounds Matthew Wagar

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
Gynecologic Oncology Education Publication Research Fellowship Lauren Montemorano

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
Gynecologic Oncology Education Publication Research Residency Matthew Wagar Rachel Mojdehbakhsh Lisa Barroilhet Laurel Rice Amy Godecker

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
Gynecologic Oncology Education Fellowship Lauren Montemorano

Poehlmann matches to Brown University for MFM fellowship

Please help us congratulate UW Ob-Gyn resident John Poehlmann, MD, PGY-4! After finishing residency with us next summer, Poehlmann will be off to Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship at Brown University/Women and Infants Hospital in Rhode Island.Poehlmann’s skill and commitment to maternal-fetal medicine have been apparent throughout residency. In 2020, he received the Society... more
Education Residency John Poehlmann

Congratulations to Women’s Health Symposium poster award winners Mojdehbakhsh and Bailey!

On October 14, 2021, the UW Department of Ob-Gyn hosted the annual Women’s Health and Health Equity Research Lecture and Symposium​. This year’s virtual event included the keynote presentation “Health Equity and Quality of Care: The Case of Maternal Mortality and Morbidity” by Elizabeth Howell, MD, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Perelman School of ... more
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Education Residency Fellowship Diversity Equity Inclusion Erin Bailey Rachel Mojdehbakhsh

Welcome incoming MFM fellow Scott Infusino, MD

The Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine is thrilled to introduce the incoming 2022 Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellow. Please help us welcome Scott Infusino, MD!Infusino received his MD from Quinnipiac University. He is currently completing his ob-gyn residency at the University of Maryland. We look forward to welcoming him to Madison in July 2022.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Education Fellowship

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
Gynecologic Oncology Education Residency Fellowship Matthew Wagar

Patel matches into FPMRS fellowship at University of Wisconsin

We’re so thrilled to announce that Ushma Patel, MD, PGY-4 will stick around after finishing residency to be the second Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery fellow! Patel received her MD from Loyola University and has been completing her ob-gyn residency with us at the University of Wisconsin. The FPMRS team is impressed with her dedication to the field and fierc... more
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Education Residency Fellowship Ushma Patel

Grand Rounds: Ward presents “Traumatic Birth Experience and Perinatal PTSD”

On August 26, 2021, UW Ob-Gyn resident Jordan Ward, MD, PGY-4 presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Traumatic Birth Experience and Perinatal PTSD.” In the lecture, Ward defined traumatic birth and perinatal PTSD, identified risk factors, described long-term consequences from the experience, and proposed strategies to prevent traumatic birth experiences. Watch the whole lecture... more
Education Residency Grand Rounds Jordan Ward

Green’s course “Race in American Obstetrics and Gynecology” approved for medical school curriculum

Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, will teach a new course to students in the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. “Race in American Obstetrics and Gynecology” will mainly be offered to M3s.Green’s innovative course sounds incredible:“Opportunity for medical students to survey the history of race in American obstetrics an... more
Reproductive and Population Health Education Diversity Equity Inclusion Tiffany Green

Wetterhahn and Spencer discuss rural residency with TMJ4 in Milwaukee

Access to ob-gyn health care in rural Wisconsin has trended downward over the last couple decades. In this interview with WTMJ-TV Milwaukee, UW Ob-Gyn Residency Program Director Ryan Spencer, MD discusses the motivation behind creating the first rural ob-gyn residency training track in the country.In “UW Health hopes to curb rural Wisconsin’s OBGYN shortage”, UW Ob-Gyn rural... more
Education Residency Madeline Wetterhahn Ryan Spencer

Wagar published in Journal of Nursing Education and Practice

UW Ob-Gyn resident Matt Wagar, MD, PGY-4 is the lead author on a quality improvement study published in the Journal of Nursing Education and Practice!Accurate maternal blood pressure measurements are important for diagnosing hypertension problems, making treatment plans, and more. “Obtaining an accurate maternal blood pressure: A quality improvement initiative to improve nur... more
Education Publication Research Residency Matthew Wagar

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
Gynecologic Oncology Maternal-Fetal Medicine Reproductive and Population Health Education Research Residency Fellowship Events Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Jenny Higgins Jennifer Jacobson Laura Jacques Ushma Patel Daniel Pellicer John Poehlmann Shannon Rush Vienna Tran Matthew Wagar Jordan Ward

Grand Rounds: Lowry presents “The History of Paid Family Leave”

On December 9, 2021, UW Ob-Gyn resident Alexa Lowry, MD, PGY-4 presented the Grand Rounds lecture “The History of Paid Family Leave.”In the lecture, Lowry defined maternity, paternity, and parental leave; compared parental leave policies in the United States to countries around the world; evaluated the benefits of parental leave; and explained the current state of paid paren... more
Education Residency Grand Rounds Diversity Equity Inclusion Alexa Lowry

Spencer appointed as central hub leader for THCGME grant

UW Ob-Gyn Residency Program Director Ryan Spencer, MD, has been appointed as the Central Hub Leader for the Teaching Health Center Technical Assistance Center. In this role, he will oversee the development of new residency programs in Teaching Health Centers funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in the ... more
Education Residency Ryan Spencer

Mojdehbakhsh’s abstract selected for presentation at SGS Conference

​Huge congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn resident Rachel Mojdehbakhsh, MD, PGY-3! Mojdehbakhsh’s abstract “Efficacy and Safety of Institution-Wide Restrictive Blood Transfusion Protocol in Gynecologic Surgical Patients” was selected for an oral poster presentation at the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons’ upcoming annual meeting.Mojdehbakhsh will present during the SGS 48th Annual S... more
Education Residency Rachel Mojdehbakhsh

Rural residency (and first graduate) featured on Minneapolis news

In June 2021, Laura McDowell, MD became the first graduate of the first rural ob-gyn residency program in the country when she finished her residency training in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn. Following graduation, McDowell moved to Willmar, Minnesota to join a general ob-gyn practice.Her experience as a rural ob-gyn physician is highlighted in this story from KSTP in Minneapo... more
Education Residency Ryan Spencer

Grand Rounds: Rhoades presents “Virtual interviewing in medical education: what have we learned and is it here to stay?”

On November 4, 2021, Janine Rhoades, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Virtual interviewing in medical education: what have we learned and is it here to stay?”.In the presentation, Rhoades identified advantages, limitations, and areas for improvement in the virtual interview process, discussed best practices for virt... more
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Education Grand Rounds Janine Rhoades

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
Education Residency Gynecologic Oncology Ryan Spencer

UW-Madison Department of Ob-Gyn thanks rural training partners on National Rural Health Day

As the state of Wisconsin celebrates National Rural Health Day on November 18, 2021, the University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology would like to thank the physicians and partners across Wisconsin who are training future ob-gyn physicians in rural practice.The UW–Madison Department of Ob-Gyn created the first rural ob-gyn residency training track... more
Education Residency Alexa Lowry Jackie Luthardt Ryan Spencer Madeline Wetterhahn

Rural ob-gyn disparities and UW Ob-Gyn Rural Residency featured in Appleton Post Crescent

An in-depth article in the Appleton Post Crescent examines the gaps in rural ob-gyn care in Wisconsin, outlines why the UW Department of Ob-Gyn created the first rural residency training track in the country, and demonstrates how innovations in Wisconsin are rippling out throughout the Midwest - in the form of a rural ob-gyn residency at the University of Iowa. The article ... more
Education Residency Diversity Equity Inclusion

Antony and residency grad Meyer published in Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine

Katie Antony, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and Melissa Meyer, MD, 2021 UW Ob-Gyn residency graduate, co-authored a new article in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine. In “A standardized post-cesarean analgesia regimen reduces postpartum opioid use”, Antony and Meyer evaluated a standardized protocol of pain medications after C-sect... more
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Residency Education Publication Kathleen Antony

Patel and Heisler author article in Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America

Christine Heisler, MD, MS, of the UW Ob-Gyn Divison of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery and resident Ushma Patel, MD PGY-4 co-authored an article in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. In “Urinary tract injury during gynecologic surgery: prevention, recognition and management”, Patel and Heisler review important anatomy involved ... more
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Education Ushma Patel Christine Heisler

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
Residency Education Research Gynecologic Oncology Matthew Wagar

Brown, Williams edit book on older women’s health

What happens when two world-class experts on menopause and pelvic floor disorders work together? They literally write the book on older women’s health concerns. Heidi Brown, MD, MAS, of our Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, and Makeba Williams, MD, Director of our Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, edited the book “Challenges in Older W... more
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Publication Residency Education Heidi Brown Makeba Williams Laura Bozzuto

HDRS postdoc Tran Smith receives AHEAD grant

Congratulations to Health Disparities Research Scholar Bikki Tran Smith, PhD, who earned a 2021 Advancing Health Equity and Diversity (AHEAD) Pilot Program grant from the UW Institute for Clinical and Translational Research! Tran Smith received the AHEAD grant for the project “In Our Own Voice: The Narrative Experiences of Latina Immigrants in Navigating Access to Healthcare... more
Health Disparities Research Scholars Reproductive and Population Health Education Bikki Tran Smith

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
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Education Kristen Sharp Sumer Wallace Ruth Yemane Jennifer Karnowski Shannon Rush Ahmed Al-Niaimi Heidi Brown Kristina Warner Amy Williamson Madeline Wetterhahn Matthew Wagar Ushma Patel Lauren Montemorano Erin Bailey

What’s next for the UW Ob-Gyn Resident Class of 2021

The UW Ob-Gyn resident class of 2021 will graduate on June 24, 2021. Please join us in congratulating them on four exceptional years of training, and wishing them all the best as they depart for the next stages of their careers!​ EMILY BUTTIGIEG, MD Where will you be going and what will you be doing after UW Ob-Gyn? I am staying on as faculty with UW for a year while my fian... more
Residency Education Emily Buttigieg

Rivas’ resident research published in Contraception

Before graduating from the UW Ob-Gyn residency in 2020, Kali Rivas, MD focused her resident research project on whether resident physicians in Wisconsin are trained in immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). Her study is now published in Contraception! Amy Godecker, PhD, Heidi Brown, MD, MAS, and Nicholas Schmuhl, PhD, co-authored the article. In t... more
Research Publication Residency Education Heidi Brown Amy Godecker

McDowell makes history as first rural ob-gyn residency grad in country

Later this month, UW Ob-Gyn resident Laura McDowell, MD, PGY-4 will make medical history when she becomes the first graduate from the first rural ob-gyn residency training program in the country. Numerous news outlets in the area have covered McDowell’s accomplishment. Watch or read about this momentous UW Ob-Gyn residency occasion: Caring for Rural Women: UW doctor comple... more
Residency Education

McDowell to present on rural health at UW Wednesday Nite @ the Lab

UW Ob-Gyn resident Laura McDowell, MD, PGY-4 will present the lecture “Rural Medical Training: The Stats, The Need, The Future” for UW–Madison Science Outreach’s Wednesday Nite @ the Lab series on Wednesday, June 9 at 7:00pm. Wednesday Nite @ the Lab is a free outreach event designed to share university research and developments with the public. This Wisconsin Idea project ... more
Outreach Residency Education

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
Gynecologic Oncology Education Residency Ryan Spencer

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
Research Grand Rounds Education Gynecologic Oncology Maternal-Fetal Medicine Reproductive Sciences Fellowship Janelle Sobecki Derek Boeldt Kathleen Antony

Grand Rounds: Laura McDowell presents “Rural Medical Training: The Stats, The Need, The Future”

UW Ob-Gyn resident Laura McDowell, MD, PGY-4 will be the first person to graduate from the UW Ob-Gyn Rural Residency Training Program, the first program in the nation to offer specific training for rural women's health. On April 29, 2021, McDowell presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Rural Medical Training: The Stats, The Need, The Future”. In the lecture, McDowell outlined ... more
Residency Education Grand Rounds

Rhoades authors two publications on virtual fellowship recruitment

UW Ob-Gyn Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist and associate MFM fellowship director Janine Rhoades, MD, co-authored two articles in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Maternal-Fetal Medicine about the virtual fellowship recruitment season of 2020. The two articles examined the 2020 MFM match process from candidates’ and program directors’ perspectives. “Mate... more
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Education Fellowship Research Publication Janine Rhoades

Grand Rounds: Huang presents “Caring for our Hmong Patients: Intersection of Culture and Western Medicine”

Wisconsin has the third-largest Hmong population in the United States. For her Grand Rounds lecture, UW Ob-Gyn resident Dandi Huang, MD, PGY-4 presented “Caring for our Hmong Patients: Intersection of Culture and Western Medicine”. In her presentation, Huang shared some history of Hmong migration to the U.S., discussed unique aspects of Hmong culture in relation to health, ... more
Education Residency Grand Rounds Diversity Equity Inclusion Dandi Huang

Stewart published in FASEB BioAdvances

Kathy Stewart, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, co-authored a new publication in the journal FASEB BioAdvances about adapting medical school instruction to meet educational needs and maintain safety during a public health emergency. In the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, Stewart is the Director of Core Clinical Curriculum and Phase 2 Direct... more
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Education Publication Katharina Stewart

Wang presents oral abstract at SGO 2021 virtual conference

During the 2021 Society of Gynecologic Oncology Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer, UW Ob-Gyn resident Connor Wang, MD, PGY-2 presented an oral abstract! Wang presented the abstract “Cancer lethality: An important burden metric to consider for the allocation of clinical trial research funding from all sources” during a session on Sunday, March 21: “GYN cancers have significa... more
Residency Education Connor Wang

Match Day 2021: Welcome the UW Ob-Gyn resident class of 2025

Another successful Match Day is in the books! It is our great pleasure to introduce the UW Ob-Gyn resident class of 2025. These amazing future ob-gyns will join us in Wisconsin this summer – please help us welcome them to our department! John Gravelle University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine Jackie Luthardt Rural Track Michigan State University Coll... more
Residency Education

Patel published in International Journal of Surgery Case Reports

A case study by UW Ob-Gyn resident (and future UW Ob-Gyn Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery fellow) Ushma Patel, MD, PGY-3 was published in the International Journal of Surgery Case Reports. Christine Heisler, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of FPMRS co-authored the case study. “Enterocele manifesting as recurrent anterior rectal prolapse: A case report” outlin... more
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Publication Residency Education Ushma Patel

Racine published in Wisconsin Medical Journal

A new study published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal by UW Ob-Gyn maternal-fetal medicine fellow Jenna Racine, MD sought to survey birthing centers in Wisconsin to better understand barriers to disclosing their level of maternal care. The article was co-authored by UW-Madison Prevention Research Center Deputy Director Kate Gillespie, DNP, Cynthie Wautlet, MD, of the UW Ob-... more
Fellowship Education Research Publication Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Jenna Racine Kathleen Antony Kate Gillespie

Wagar published in Green Journal

In a new publication in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, UW Ob-Gyn resident Matt Wagar, MD, PGY-3 compared operative outcomes of postpartum tubal ligation and bilateral salpingectomy. Co-authors on the article include UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists Director Makeba Williams, MD, and Amy Godecker, PhD. The retrospective study “Postpartum Salpingectomy Compar... more
Residency Education Research Publication Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Matthew Wagar Makeba Williams Amy Godecker

Poehlmann and Tran selected as 2021-22 chief residents

Our congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn residents John Poehlmann, MD and Vienna Tran, MD! Currently in their third year of residency, Poehlmann and Tran have been selected to serve as Administrative Chief Residents in the coming year. Poehlmann and Tran will take the reins from PGY-4 residents Ramsey Larson, MD and Stephanie Peace, MD. After a transition period starting March 1, t... more
Residency Education Vienna Tran John Poehlmann

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
Residency Education Gynecologic Oncology Publication Stephen Rose Megan Peterson Ryan Spencer Laurel Rice Rachel Mojdehbakhsh

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
Gynecologic Oncology Education Research Residency Fellowship Diversity Equity Inclusion

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
Ehrenthal Research Team Reproductive and Population Health Residency Education Gynecologic Oncology Grand Rounds Deborah Ehrenthal Emily Buttigieg Lisa Barroilhet

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
Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Education Research Publication Janelle Sobecki

Grand Rounds: Meyer presents “Navigating the Pandemic: COVID-19 on Labor and Delivery”

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 drastically affected health care provision this year. At UW Ob-Gyn Grand Rounds on December 17, 2020, UW Ob-Gyn resident Melissa Meyer, MD, PGY-4 discussed some of the ways care changed in the lecture “Navigating the Pandemic: COVID-19 on Labor and Delivery​”. In her lecture, Meyer provided an overview of COVID and pregnancy, discussed changes ... more
Education Residency Grand Rounds

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
Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Publication Education Janelle Sobecki

Grand Rounds: Larson presents “Waste within the Healthcare System: How Your Actions Impact Patients, Providers, and the Planet”

On December 3, 2020, UW Ob-Gyn resident Ramsey Larson, MD, PGY-4 presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Waste within the Healthcare System: How Your Actions Impact Patients, Providers, and the Planet”. In her presentation, Larson shared trends in health care spending and utilization in the U.S. and throughout the world; identified areas of waste in the U.S. health care system;... more
Education Residency Grand Rounds

Grand Rounds: Buttigieg presents “From Schoolhouse Rock to Modern Day Politics: Applying Childhood Lessons to Practical Advocacy Strategies in Women’s Health”

On November 12, 2020, UW Ob-Gyn resident Emily Buttigieg, MD, PGY-4 presented the Grand Rounds lecture “From Schoolhouse Rock to Modern Day Politics: Applying Childhood Lessons to Practical Advocacy Strategies in Women’s Health​.” In the presentation, Buttigieg provided essential background for anyone interested in incorporating advocacy into their work. She outlined the pr... more
Grand Rounds Education Residency Emily Buttigieg

Patel selected as 2022 FPMRS fellow!

The UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, and FPMRS Fellowship Director Christine Heisler, MD, are thrilled to announce that Ushma Patel, MD will join us as our second FPMRS fellow in July 2022! Patel is currently a PGY-3 resident in our department. Patel attended Marquette University for her undergraduate degree, and earned her MS from th... more
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Residency Fellowship Education Ushma Patel

Wagar to bring poster to 2021 virtual APGO/CREOG meeting

UW Ob-Gyn resident Matt Wagar, MD, PGY-3 will bring the poster “Degree of Agreement Between Resident and Faculty Procedural Assessments Using MyTIPreport” to the 2021 APGO/CREOG virtual meeting in March. Wagar's poster is just one of many reasons to consider registering for the conference. Congratulations, Dr. Wagar!
Residency Education Research Matthew Wagar

Grand Rounds: Peace presents “From Ebola to Covid-19: Lessons on Obstetric Care During a Global Pandemic”

Can lessons from the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak be applied to maternal health care in COVID-19? UW Ob-Gyn resident Stephanie Peace, MD, PGY-4 discussed in a recent UW Ob-Gyn Grand Rounds lecture. In the presentation “From Ebola to COVID-19: Lessons on Obstetric Care During a Global Pandemic”, Peace used the two case studies to examine obstetric care and maternal health in a g... more
Education Grand Rounds Residency

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
Gynecologic Oncology Education Fellowship Janelle Sobecki

Rural Residency earns DHS rural health care grant

Incredible news out of the UW Ob-Gyn Rural Residency track! The program was awarded a Wisconsin Department of Health Services Grant for Rural GME Training. Residency Program Director Ryan Spencer, MD, will serve as PI on the grant. The DHS grants are intended to “increase access and enhance quality care in rural Wisconsin” by supporting education and training to help ru... more
Education Residency Ellen Hartenbach Jody Silva Ryan Spencer

Huang matches to Cedars-Sinai Gyn Onc fellowship!

Fellowship Match Day brought some very exciting news – UW Ob-Gyn resident Dandi Huang, MD, PGY-4, matched into the gynecologic oncology fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles! Huang was a highly sought-after candidate on the fellowship trail, and Cedars-Sinai is lucky to have her. Congratulations, Dr. Huang, we’re so excited and proud! ... more
Education Residency Dandi Huang

Welcome incoming MFM fellow Erin Bailey

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship Team is happy to announce that Erin Bailey, MD has matched as our July 2021 incoming MFM fellow!Bailey received her MD from the University of Wisconsin SMPH. She is currently completing her ob-gyn residency at Washington University in St. Louis. Our selection committee was very impressed with her dedication to the health of mothers and... more
Education Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship Erin Bailey

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
Gynecologic Oncology Education Fellowship Lauren Montemorano

Spencer, Silva, McDowell serve on CREOG rural training panel

On September 23, 2020, members of the UW Ob-Gyn residency team led the panel discussion “Increasing the Rural OB/GYN Pipeline: a Pathway for Rural Track Training”, presented by the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology!Residency program director Ryan Spencer, MD, program manager Jody Silva, M.Ed, and resident Laura McDowell, MD, PGY-4 presented to over 4... more
Education Residency Ryan McDonald Ryan Spencer Jody Silva

Residency alum Harrison publishes on occupational HPV exposure in Green Journal

UW Ob-Gyn residency grad (class of 2018) and current MD Anderson fellow in gynecologic oncology Ross Harrison, MD, authored an article in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology!In “Occupational Exposure to Human Papillomavirus and Vaccination for Health Care Workers,” Harrison offers commentary on the risks associated with workplace exposure to HPV, especially in surgical smo... more
Residency Education Publication

First FPMRS fellow announced! Welcome Dr. Kristina Warner

The Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship Team is pleased to announce that Kristina Warner, MD has matched as our July 2021 incoming fellow. This is exciting news as she will be the first fellow to begin training in our newly accredited fellowship program. Warner graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Biology, earned her medical ... more
Fellowship Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Education

Rural residency highlighted in CMS report

Congratulations to the UW Ob-Gyn Rural Residency team! Our first-in-the-nation rural ob-gyn training program was prominently featured in a recent “Improving Access to Maternal Health Care in Rural Communities” issue brief from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service.In addition to being included in a section on programs expanding training of maternal health providers i... more
Residency Education