Sharp discusses importance of education in pregnancy loss and Hope After Loss Clinic's memorial services

Early pregnancy loss is very common; about one in four pregnancies will end in loss. While medical care for early pregnancy loss is well-established, there has historically been less of a focus on the mental and emotional aspects of pregnancy loss. The UW Health Hope After Loss Clinic offers a warm and supportive atmosphere for those who have experienced pregnancy loss at any stage of pregnancy, at any point in time in the past. The clinic’s unique model offers both medical and emotional care for individuals affected by loss. 

The clinic also provides care for individuals who are pregnant after a prior pregnancy loss and those who wish to be pregnant after experiencing loss.

“What we really just try to do is provide individualized, supportive care, because each family that’s experienced a loss may have a very similar loss situation as someone else, but their needs are totally different,” said Kristen Sharp, MD, professor in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn and co-founder of the Hope After Loss Clinic alongside health psychologist Julianne Zweifel, PhD. “We see a wide range of folks who have been touched by loss. It can be people who have had early miscarriage, it can be people who have had upwards of full-term stillbirths, or even people who have lost babies after birth.” 

In addition to Drs. Sharp and Zweifel, the clinic recently welcomed Hannah Copp, CNM, a certified nurse midwife, to the team. Her experience and approach have been exceedingly valuable to patient care in the clinic. 

Residents in the UW Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology also have the opportunity to train in the Hope After Loss Clinic. Training at the clinic provides a different perspective on the medical aspect of pregnancy loss. 

“I can speak to my training, I got really no training in the grief and bereavement aspects of the loss, so I think having that exposure, seeing people at different parts of their journey, and also knowing ‘How can we best support people while they’re on that journey?’ is a really valuable piece of education that I hope [the residents] carry forward in their careers,” said Sharp. 

In addition to their services, the Hope After Loss Clinic hosts a memorial service for patients who wish to honor their loss. This year will be the clinic’s fifth year hosting the memorial service. 

The memorial service was created to honor the losses of families who have had an early pregnancy loss – a loss under 20 weeks of gestation – at UW Health or Meriter. “For folks who experience early pregnancy loss, there’s not a whole lot of options to memorialize that pregnancy, to bury that pregnancy, if that’s what they desire, or even know that that’s an option,” Sharp said. “You have certainly folks who have a much later loss who get presented with those options, but there just wasn’t really anything available for early losses, and I think there’s just something so powerful in recognizing that loss, honoring that loss, which also helps give support and validation to that family who lost that baby.” 

The memorial is completely free of charge for the families, and a service occurs along with the burial, which includes the presence of a chaplain from UW Health American Family Children’s Hospital, as well as music. 

The Hope After Loss memorial service is hosted annually on the first Wednesday of October, in honor of Pregnancy, and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Learn more about the Hope After Loss Clinic and its services here.

**by Ob-Gyn Communications Intern Melis Baskaya

Sharp discusses pregnancy loss support with Cap Times

Kristen Sharp, MD, clinical professor the Division of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology, spoke with the Cap Times for a recent story about the work the Bereaved Parents of Madison does for families who lose infants around the community.

In “For 50 years, Madison group has helped parents grieve infant loss,” Sharp talked about her own loss experience, starting the UW Health Hope After Loss Clinic, and how the Bereaved Parents of Madison works to fill the gaps in support for families dealing with pregnancy loss.

““They have been doing this work for so long — much before any of this was really widely recognized — so I think it would just be a huge loss for our community if they weren't existing or never existed in the first place,” Sharp said.”

You can read the full article here.

**by Ob-Gyn Communications Intern Paige Stevenson

Sharp and Hope After Loss Clinic featured in On Wisconsin magazine

The Hope After Loss Clinic gives follow-up care, preconception counseling, and prenatal and obstetric care for families who have suffered prior pregnancy losses.

“Our goal at the Hope after Loss Clinic is to provide personalized care to each family and focus not only on their medical needs but also on their emotional needs,” said Sharp.

In “Healing from Infant Loss,” Sharp and the Hope After Loss Clinic caught the attention of a local family who, after experiencing a stillbirth, created the Joan M. Gilles Memorial Fund. This is a permanent endowment to assist the UW Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and their various pursuits to help families after infant loss or stillbirth.

Read the whole article here.

**by Ob-Gyn Communications Intern Paige Stevenson

Sharp promoted to Clinical Professor

Please join us in congratulating Kristen Sharp, MD, of the Division of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology! The UW School of Medicine and Public Health Clinician Teacher Track Appointments and Promotions Committee endorsed the recommendation that Sharp be promoted to the rank of Clinical Professor, effective June 30, 2024. 

After completing her residency at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Sharp joined the UW Department of Ob-Gyn in 2012 and was promoted to Clinical Associate Professor in 2018. Since joining the faculty, Sharp served as the director of UW Health Hope After Loss Clinic as well as the medical director of the Ob-Gyn Resident Physician Clinic. Sharp also received the department’s Kimberly J. Miller-Thoreson Compassionate Colleague Award and CREOG Faculty Award in 2021. 

Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Dr. Sharp!

**by Ob-Gyn Communications Intern Paige Stevenson

Local family hosts fundraiser for Hope after Loss clinic

In early October, during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a local family hosted the fundraiser Cheers to Hope at Octopi Brewing in Waunakee to support the Hope After Loss Clinic!

Kristen Sharp, MD, associate professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn and founder of the Hope After Loss Clinic, and Julianne Zweifel, PhD, clinical assistant professor and psychologist in the Hope After Loss Clinic, were on hand to give short remarks at the fundraiser. Cheers to Hope raised $3,200 for the clinic.

The Hope After Loss Clinic offers a supportive atmosphere for those who have experienced pregnancy loss, working with people who have recently experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss, or are pregnant or considering pregnancy after a prior loss. The family that hosted the fundraiser also established the Joan M. Gilles Memorial Fund in the department.

Sharp gives keynote speech at 3rd annual Butterfly Ball

On Saturday, February 26, Kristen Sharp, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn gave the keynote address at the 3rd annual Butterfly Ball, an event that raises awareness and provides hope and healing to families that have experienced pregnancy or infant loss.

Hosted by the Alana Rose Foundation, the event included a virtual program, silent auction, and an original song written specifically for families who have experienced loss.

Dr. Sharp is a longtime supporter of the Butterfly Ball. You can learn more about the event here.

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 as interim director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility during a transition time.

Jeff Rodzak, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, is also retiring. Rodzak will continue to see patients at the VA Hospital.

Cynthie Wautlet, MD, of the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, is headed to Colorado for a fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Congratulations, Dr. Wautlet!

We also have the great joy of welcoming new arrivals: 

Kristina Warner, MD will join us in July as the first-ever Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery fellow. Dr. Warner graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Biology, earned her medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, and is currently completing her Ob-Gyn residency at Northwestern University. 

Erin Bailey, MD will join the Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship program. Dr. Bailey received her M.D. from the University of Wisconsin. She is currently completing her Ob-Gyn residency at Washington University. 

Lauren Montemorano, MD is the incoming Gynecologic Oncology fellow. Dr. Montemorano earned her medical degree from the University of Virginia and is completing her Ob-Gyn residency at The Ohio State University.

Guadalupe Aguilera, PhD is a new postdoctoral fellow joining the Health Disparities Research Scholars program. Aguilera is finishing her PhD at the University of Utah in the Department of Sociology and will join the HDRS program in September 2021.

And of course, we are thrilled to welcome the Ob-Gyn residency intern class!

MEDICAL STUDENT AWARDS

DR. SAMUEL G. PERLSON SCHOLARSHIP – Erin Nacev, MD (Oregon Health & Science University); Steven Hesse, MD (University of Minnesota)

This award goes out to one or more fourth year medical students planning to pursue a career in Ob-Gyn who have demonstrated outstanding abilities as a scholar and outstanding humanistic qualities.

T.A. LEONARD AWARD – Nicholas Schreiter

The T.A. Leonard Award is given to one or more medical students in recognition of exemplary performance on their third year Ob/Gyn rotation. 

MEDICAL STUDENT EDUCATOR AWARD FOR RESIDENT TEACHING – Ramsey Larson, MD

This award is given to a UW-Madison, Obstetrics and Gynecology resident, selected by 3rd and 4th year medical students, who exhibits a high interest in teaching, actively involves students in patient care, teaches at an appropriate level, is respectful, approachable, honest, and is a great role model. 

RESIDENCY AWARDS

 CHIEF RESIDENT RECOGNITION – Ramsey Larson, MD; Stephanie Peace, MD

For service as the administrative chief resident, academic year 2020-2021

UW HEALTH INTERDISCIPLINARY GLOBAL HEALTH TRACK RECOGNITION – Stephanie Peace, MD

Given to a graduating resident upon the completion of the Global Health Track.

UW HEALTH RURAL TRAINING TRACK RECOGNITION – Laura McDowell, MD

Given to a graduating resident upon the completion of the Rural Training Track. 

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF GYNECOLOGIC LAPAROSCOPISTS (AAGL) AWARD – Ramsey Larson, MD

Given to a graduating resident with special excellence in endoscopic procedures.

SOCIETY OF LAPAROENDOSCOPIC SURGEONS (SLS) AWARD – Matt Wagar, MD

Awarded to a PGY3, outstanding laparoendoscopic resident.

RESIDENT CREOG AWARD – Ramsey Larson, MD

Awarded for the highest exam score on the annual CREOG In-Training Examination

BEN M. PECKHAM AWARD – Stephanie Peace, MD

Awarded to a senior residents for excellence in the teaching and clinical practice of Ob-Gyn, as voted by the residents.

SOCIETY OF GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY (SGO) AWARD – Matt Wagar, MD

Awarded to a PGY3 who best exemplifies the qualities of the mission and vision of SGO.

SOCIETY FOR ACADEMIC SPECIALISTS IN GENERAL OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY (SASGOG) AWARD – Emily Buttigieg, MD

Awarded to a PGY4 who has distinguished themselves academically and demonstrates an interest in a career as an Academic Specialist.

AMERICAN UROGYNECOLOGIC SOCIETY (AUGS) AWARD – Ushma Patel, MD

Awarded to a PGY3 resident demonstrating excellence in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, as chosen by the FPMRS faculty.

SOCIETY FOR MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE (SMFM) AWARD – Madeline Wetterhahn, MD, MPH

Awarded to the PGY2 resident who best exemplifies the qualities of the vision of our society to improve pregnancy and perinatal outcomes.

RESEARCH AWARDS

DOUGLAS W. LAUBE BEST TRAINEE PAPER AWARD – Jessica Vazquez, PhD

For the best peer reviewed paper by a graduate student dissertator or medical fellow.

ROLAND K. MEYER GRADUATE TRAINEE AWARD – Amanda Mauro

Awarded to the graduate student dissertator showing the most scientific productivity and scholarly activity.

CHESTER B. MARTIN GRADUATE TRAINING PROGRAM MENTORSHIP AWARD – María Virumbrales Muñoz, PhD

Awarded to faculty or staff that has had the most impact on graduate student degree-related training.

PHILLIP R. HAMILTON III, MD RESIDENT RESEARCH AWARD – Ramsey Larson, MD

Awarded to the senior residents demonstrating the best effort in research.             

DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE AWARD

OBGYN SUPPORT STAFF EXCELLENCE AWARD – Amy Williamson, MPP

In recognition of outstanding staff who routinely and regularly exemplify the mission of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology through excellent performance and customer service.

RESIDENT FACULTY AWARDS

JOHN M. ANDERSON, MD MEMORIAL AWARD – Heidi Brown, MD

For demonstrating the traits of Dr. Anderson: patience, integrity and compassion in the care of women. 

KIMBERLEY J. MILLER-THORESON COMPASSIONATE COLLEAGUE AWARD – Kristen Sharp, MD

For demonstrating the traits of Dr. Miller-Thoreson showing respect, compassion, dedication and unending support towards their colleagues and trainees.

DOLORES A. BUCHLER AWARD – Jennifer Karnowski, MD

For excellence in instruction at the senior resident level.

KARL A. RUDAT AWARD – Ahmed Al-Niaimi, MD

For excellence in surgical teaching at the senior resident level.

FACULTY RECOGNITION AWARDS

OUTSTANDING FELLOW EDUCATOR – Shannon Rush, MD

Given to one fellow in either Gynecologic Oncology or Maternal-Fetal Medicine for excellence in resident education.

ST. MARY’S ADJUNCT FACULTY EDUCATOR AWARD – Ryan Luellwitz, DO

Selected by the residents for excellence in resident education.

MERITER ADJUNCT FACULTY EDUCATOR AWARD – Mary Stoffel, MD (Madison Women’s Health)

Selected by the residents for excellence in resident education. 

SOCIETY FOR ACADEMIC SPECIALISTS IN GENERAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY (SASGOG) AWARD – Jennifer Karnowski, MD

National faculty award for dedication and commitment to the ideals of being an academic generalist.

SABINE DROSTE AWARD – Ruth Yemane, MD

The Sabine Droste Award is selected by the junior residents for a faculty member who demonstrates excellence in instruction at the junior resident level.

ELLEN HARTENBACH AWARD – Sumer Wallace, MD

Selected by the residents and given annually to the faculty member who has made the greatest contribution in simulation education.

CREOG FACULTY AWARD – Kristen Sharp, MD

National faculty award for excellence in resident education.