Education

Grand Rounds: Spivak presents “Sexpertise: A Review of Sexual Health Education Around the World”
On September 29, 2022, UW Ob-Gyn resident Talya Spivak, MD, PGY-4 presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Sexpertise: A Review of Sexual Health Education Around the World”.In the lecture, Spivak defined comprehensive sexual health education, gave an overview of the history of sexual health education in the United States, compared the current state of sexual health in the U.S. to...
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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...
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Dryer, Gross, Wang match into Gynecologic Oncology fellowships!
Please join us in congratulating the PGY-4 residents who matched into Gynecologic Oncology fellowships!Kathryn Dryer, MD, matched into the University of Virginia Gynecologic Oncology fellowship in Charlottesville, VA. Maya Gross, MD, MPH, matched with the University of Washington Gynecologic Oncology fellowship in Seattle, WA.Connor Wang, MD, matched into the Northwestern Un...
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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 ...
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Welcome incoming MFM Fellow Jacqueline Powell!
The UW Ob-Gyn Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship program is thrilled to welcome incoming Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellow Jacqueline Powell, MD, to the department! Powell will arrive in August 2023.Powell attended medical school at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and is currently completing ob-gyn residency at Oregon Health & Science University. We can’t wait to welcome Dr. ...
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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...
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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 ...
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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, ...
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Cutler to take over as Ryan Residency Program director
Later this year, Abigail Cutler, MD, MPH, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, will become director of the Ryan Residency Program. She will take over from Associate Professor Eliza Bennett, MD, who has led the program since 2010.The Ryan Residency Program “works directly with ob-gyn residency programs to integrate training in abort...
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Wang published in Menopause
UW Ob-Gyn resident Connor Wang, MD, PGY-4 is the lead author on a new study published in Menopause!In “Barriers to surgical menopause counseling in gynecologic cancers: a quantitative and qualitative study of patients and providers”, Wang and co-authors used a mix of chart review and surveys to better understand experiences with menopause counseling and care:“Younger age at ...
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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 ...
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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...
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Welcome incoming FPMRS fellow Kelley Stewart!
The Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship is excited to announce that Kelley Stewart, MD, has matched as our August 2023 incoming FPMRS Fellow!Stewart received her MD from the University of New Mexico and is currently completing her ob-gyn residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. She comes highly recommended by our FPMRS collea...
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Celebrate the UW Ob-Gyn Education Team on GME Professionals Day
National Graduate Medical Education (GME) Professionals Day, the third Friday in August every year, is an opportunity to recognize the work of professionals at all levels of graduate medical education. Everyone in the incredible UW Ob-Gyn Education Office works tirelessly to make sure that our residency and fellowships run smoothly, are successful, and recruit stellar learne...
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Rhoades published in AJOG MFM
UW Ob-Gyn Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship Director Janine Rhoades, MD, has published a new article in AJOG-MFM!In “Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship program director perspective on virtual interviews following matriculation of the first virtual interview class”, Rhoades and co-authors compared program directors’ experiences with fellows who interviewed virtually to their...
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Rhoades becomes Director of MFM Fellowship
UW Ob-Gyn Assistant Professor Janine Rhoades, MD became the director of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship on July 1, 2022! Rhoades takes over the fellowship director role from Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Director Igor Iruretagoyena, MD. Iruretagoyena will be the associate fellowship director for a transition period.Rhoades served as associate director of the fel...
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Gravelle nominated to Gold Humanism Honor Society
Huge congratulations to UW Ob-Gyn resident John Gravelle, MD, PGY-2! Gravelle was nominated to join the Gold Humanism Honor Society by UW School of Medicine and Public Health medical students. Every year, the newest medical student members of the Honor Society from the UW SMPH nominate two faculty members and one resident from the entire medical school to the society. Gravel...
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Gynecologic Oncology
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Reproductive Sciences
Education
Residency
Fellowship
Research
Connor Wang
Maya Gross
Matthew Wagar
Ushma Patel
Talya Spivak
Jordan Ward
Kaley Gyorfi
Megan Peterson
Christy Lincicum
Chad Craighill
Lisa Scott
Ariel Sorenson
Patrice Grzebielski
Luther Gaston
Ian Bird

Goodbye Resident Class of 2022!
The UW Ob-Gyn Resident Class of 2022 is about to embark on the next stages of their careers! Please join us in congratulating these incredible physicians on everything they have accomplished over the last four years, and wishing them the best as they head out into the world as ob-gyns!Alexa Lowry, MD:Where will you be going and what will you be doing after UW Ob-Gyn? General...
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UW Ob-Gyn expertise highlighted at AUGS/IUGA Scientific Meeting
The UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery was incredibly productive at the combined American Urogynecologic Society/International Urogynecologic Association (AUGS/IUGA) meeting in Austin, Texas June 14-18, 2022! This scientific meeting of the two organizations takes place every five years. Learn about the research, presentations, and leader...
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Jacobson reflects on training time, shares what’s next after MFM fellowship
After three years of intense fellowship training in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Jennifer Jacobson, MD is moving on to the next stage of her career! Jacobson 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 b...
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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...
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Patel earns FPMRS Journal 2022 Media Impact Award
UW Ob-Gyn resident and soon-to-be Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery fellow Ushma Patel, MD received the 2022 Media Impact Award from the journal FPMRS for the article “Updated Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence in Women: 2015-2018 National Population-Based Survey Data"!The article was published online in February 2022 and appeared in the April 2022 issue of F...
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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...
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Gross, Mojdehbakhsh, Wang selected as 2022-23 residency chiefs
Huge congratulations to soon-to-be PGY-4 residents Maya Gross, MD, Rachel Mojdehbakhsh, MD, and Connor Wang, MD, who were elected to serve as chief residents for the 2022-23 academic year!Gross was selected to serve as Education Chief, while Mojdehbakhsh and Wang are Administrative Chiefs. They take over from graduating residents John Poehlmann, MD and Vienna Tran, MD.Congra...
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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...
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Division of FPMRS brings presentations to AUGS/IUGA 2022 conference
Faculty and fellows in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery will bring research and presentations to the American Urogynecologic Society and International Urogynecological Association 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting in Austin, TX, June 15-16! Read more about some of the exciting developments they will share at the meeting:Oral abstract: ...
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Gross earns 2nd place oral abstract at SASGOG conference
UW Ob-Gyn resident Maya Gross, MD, PGY-3 presented the abstract “Operationalizing Aspirin to Reduce Preeclampsia Risk and Related Morbidity and Mortality” during the Society of Academic Specialists in General Obstetrics and Gynecology Annual Meeting in San Diego on May 5, 2022.Gross earned the 2nd Place Oral Abstract award at the conference for her presentation. Congratulati...
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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...
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Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Gynecologic Oncology
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Education
Research
Residency
Fellowship
Diversity Equity Inclusion
Jacquelyn Adams
Kathleen Antony
Amy Godecker
Maya Gross
Christine Heisler
Jennifer Jacobson
Jennifer Janik
John Poehlmann
Stephen Rose
Shannon Rush
Katherine Sampene
Matthew Wagar
Makeba Williams

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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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!

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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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 ...
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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.

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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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....
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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, ...
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