Gynecologic Oncology

Spencer talks about rural obstetrics closures with Insight

Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, joined Insight for a recent story about the current state of rural labor and delivery departments in Wisconsin.In “Changing direction: More rural hospitals ending labor and delivery services,” Spencer discussed the variety of reasons why labor and delivery services in more rural parts of the s... more
Gynecologic Oncology Ryan Spencer

Gelissen selected as IJGC Editorial Fellow

Congratulations to Julia Gelissen, MD, fellow in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, who was selected as an editorial fellow for the International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer! As an editorial fellow, Gelissen will learn about journal operations, work on projects with international colleagues, and learn and share the latest findings in gynecologic oncology through the IJG... more
Gynecologic Oncology Education Fellowship

Department of Ob-Gyn brings research and leadership to 2025 UW Carbone Cancer Research Retreat

The UW Carbone Cancer Center hosted their annual Research Retreat on April 10, 2025. Members of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology’s Division of Gynecologic Oncology and Division of Reproductive Sciences shared research and provided leadership for the event. Some of their exciting accomplishments:Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologi... more
Gynecologic Oncology Reproductive Sciences Research Lisa Barroilhet Janelle Sobecki Manish Patankar Irene Ong

Wagar talks about immunotherapy and endometrial cancer with OncLive

Matthew Wagar, MD, a gynecologic oncology fellow in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn’s Division of Gynecologic Oncology, spoke with OncLive for a recent story about treatment for endometrial cancer.In “Immunotherapy Continues to Redefine Treatment Considerations in Advanced/Recurrent Endometrial Cancer,” Wagar talked about how recent advancements in treatment options like immunot... more
Gynecologic Oncology Education Fellowship Matthew Wagar

Bajpai, Rose publish article in Gynecologic Oncology Reports

UW Department of Ob-Gyn resident Rusha Bajpai, MD, PGY-3, and Stephen Rose, MD, professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, co-authored a new study in Gynecologic Oncology Reports. Co-authors include Tammy Mundale, Natalia Gontarczyk Uczkowski, and Amy Godecker, PhD, MS.In “Adnexal mass referral patterns in Gynecologic Oncology,” Bajpai, Rose, and co-authors sought to... more
Gynecologic Oncology Publication Research Residency Education Stephen Rose

Research and leadership at the 2025 SGO Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer

The Society of Gynecologic Oncology hosted the 2025 Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer in Seattle March 14-17, 2025. Faculty, fellows, and residents from the UW Department of Ob-Gyn attended the conference, helped shape the agenda, and shared their latest research. Just some of their exciting accomplishments: Focused Forum presentation:Ultrasonography based measurements of end... more
Gynecologic Oncology Education Residency Fellowship Matthew Wagar Rachel Mojdehbakhsh

Huffman receives 2025 UW Health Physician Excellence Rising Star Clinical Educational Award

The UW Department of Ob-Gyn congratulates Laura Huffman, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, for receiving the 2025 UW Health Physician Excellence Rising Star Clinical Educator Award!This award recognizes an outstanding educator working with residents, medical students, as well as other interdisciplinary team members, patients and families. Recip... more
Gynecologic Oncology

Wagar discusses LEAP trial findings with OncLive

Matthew Wagar, MD, fellow in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, spoke with OncLive for a recent story about the phase 3 LEAP-001 trial and what it means for treating patients with advanced endometrial cancer.In “Dr. Wagar on Lenvatinib Plus Pembrolizumab vs. Chemo in First-Line Advanced Endometrial Cancer,” Wagar explained how a mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) population... more
Gynecologic Oncology Research Education Fellowship Matthew Wagar

Spencer supports gynecologic cancer research with SGO in Washington

In February, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) organized a women’s health research roundtable and congressional outreach event in Washington, D.C. in support of gynecologic cancer research funding. Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, attended the event as part of his role as chair of the SGO Health, Policy, & Socioeconom... more
Gynecologic Oncology Advocacy Ryan Spencer

Spencer promoted to Professor (CHS)

Please join us in congratulating Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology! The UW School of Medicine and Public Health Clinician Teacher Track Faculty Appointments and Promotions Committee endorsed the Department of Ob-Gyn’s recommendation that Spencer be promoted to the rank of Professor (CHS), starting June 29, 2025.Spencer received his MD in 2007 with... more
Gynecologic Oncology Ryan Spencer

Welcome Caitlin Cullen, PA, to the Division of Gynecologic Oncology

Caitlin Cullen, PA, joined the UW Department of Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology as a physician assistant on January 6, 2025! Cullen earned a master of science in physician assistant studies from the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Connecticut. She joins the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology after six years in the Department of Emergency Medicine.Cullen ... more
Gynecologic Oncology

Spencer to present on rural ob-gyn training at University Roundtable on February 26

Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, is the featured speaker for an upcoming University Roundtable event! Spencer will present Investing in the Future: the Potential of Rural Training for OB-GYNs on February 26, 2025 at Varsity Hall in Union South.University Roundtable events share interesting programs and scholarship with member... more
Gynecologic Oncology Education Residency Ryan Spencer

UW Department of Ob-Gyn stands out at 2025 APGO Faculty Development Seminar

Trainees and faculty in the UW Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology brought an impressive array of presentations to the 2025 Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO) Faculty Development Seminar, held in Honolulu January 12-14, 2025. The APGO Faculty Development Seminar provides practical and timely ideas for medical education and curricula that can be... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Gynecologic Oncology Education Residency Fellowship Laura Jacques Molly Lepic Matthew Wagar

Watch now: Voices from a Cancer Clinical Trial, featuring Ellen Hartenbach

On December 10, 2024, the UW School of Medicine and Public Health Clinical Trials Institute hosted the virtual webinar Voices from a Cancer Clinical Trial, focused on patient and researcher perspectives on clinical trials and the impact of clinical research participation on the future of health care in Wisconsin and beyond. Ellen Hartenbach, MD, joined the webinar to share t... more
Gynecologic Oncology Outreach Ellen Hartenbach

Rose appears on inaugural episode of GYOEDU podcast

Stephen Rose, MD, professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, was the guest expert on the first episode of the GYOEDU podcast! Rose joined podcast host Shitanshu Uppal, MDDS, MS, a graduate from the UW Department of Ob-Gyn’s Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship and professor of gynecologic oncology at the University of Michigan, for the conversation.In the interview, Rose ... more
Gynecologic Oncology Stephen Rose

Sobecki visits Trinity Health to present Grand Rounds and share expertise

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

Betancourt Ponce presents poster at European Association for Cancer Research meeting

Congratulations to Mayra Betancourt Ponce, UW School of Medicine and Public Health MD/PhD student and trainee in the labs of Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, and Manish Patankar, PhD, who brought her research to an international event in October! Betancourt Ponce attended the European Association for Cancer Research Cancer Metabolism Conference in Bilbao, Spain, where she brought th... more
Gynecologic Oncology Research Education Patankar Research Team

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

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

Sobecki presents at International Gynecologic Cancer Society Annual Global Meeting

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

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

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

Presentations abound at 2024 HAGO annual meeting

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

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

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

Spencer presents on rural health at National Governors Association meeting

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

Welcome incoming Gynecologic Oncology fellow Beth Farabee, MD

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

Wallace co-chairs UW Health Robotics Steering Committee

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

Wagar is lead author on new article in Gynecologic Oncology

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

Sobecki appointed inaugural Ginny Wolfe Faculty Fellow of Ovarian Cancer Research

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

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

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

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

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

Wagar publishes review in International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer

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

Rose presents Grand Rounds lecture at University of New Mexico

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

Hartenbach discusses clinical trials in story with SpectrumNews

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

Spencer invited to ACGME Review Committee for Ob-Gyn

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

Jacques, Wagar publish article in Wisconsin Medical Journal

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

Spencer discusses clinical trials during Uterine Cancer Awareness Month

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

Montemorano shares what’s next after Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship

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

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

On June 13, 2024, the UW Department of Ob-Gyn held its annual awards ceremony, recognizing educational, research and administrative accomplishments throughout the year.The ceremony started by celebrating service milestones, including both service in the Department of Ob-Gyn and at the University of Wisconsin or UW Health overall. Service years at UW/UW Health in parentheses:... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Maternal-Fetal Medicine Gynecologic Oncology Reproductive Sciences Education Residency Fellowship

Spencer to become UW Health ADIO

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

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

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

Sobecki, Zhang talk about mentorship in cancer care with OncLive

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

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

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

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

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

Barroilhet graduates from ELAM program

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