Ob-Gyn Department News

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology began its academic mission of training excellent women's health physicians in 1929. Since then, hundreds of distinguished graduates have pursued successful careers as general ob-gyns, cancer specialists, surgeons, experts in high-risk pregnancy conditions, and more. UW-Madison-trained physicians and researchers work across the world as committed partners in women's health. 

It’s a Match! Meet the UW Department of Ob-Gyn Resident Class of 2030!

We are thrilled to introduce the incoming UW Department of Ob-Gyn Resident Class of 2030, who matched into our residency on March 20, 2026. Please help us welcome these future ob-gyns to our department!Erica Deming – Case Western Reserve UniversityEmily Fortman – Ohio State UniversityMichael Kaden-Hoffmann – University of WashingtonLumnie Lika – Drexel UniversityJohnny Malic... more

Sharp receives UW Health 2026 Clinical Educator Physician Excellence Award

Congratulations to Kristen Sharp, MD, professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn! Sharp was selected to receive a 2026 UW Health Clinical Educator Physician Excellence Award. Sharp will be celebrated on May 20, 2026 at the UW Health Physician Excellence Awards ceremony. The Clinical Educator Physician Excellence Award recognizes an outstanding educator who t... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Kristen Sharp

Cutler presents on panel at UW interfaith bioethics conference

In February 2026, the Center for Interfaith Dialogue and the Islamic STEM Association at the University of Wisconsin-Madison hosted Faith, Justice and Pluralistic Futures, the UW’s first interfaith bioethics conference. The event brought more than 200 people together to discuss bioethical questions at the complex intersections of faith, ethics, and medicine. During the conf... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Abigail Cutler

Bhagavath, Patankar discuss endometriosis with Badger Herald

Bala Bhagavath, MD, professor and director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and Manish Patankar, PhD, professor in the Division of Reproductive Sciences, spoke with the Badger Herald about endometriosis in honor of Endometriosis Awareness Month. In “During endometriosis awareness month, experts detail disease, current research”, Bhagavath and Pa... more
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Reproductive Sciences Research Manish Patankar Bala Bhagavath

Hoppe co-authors new study in AJOG Global Reports

Kara Hoppe, DO, PhD, professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Vice Chair for Clinical Research, recently co-authored a new study published in AJOG Global Reports. Co-authors include Srishti Gupta, BS; Megan Knutson Sinaise, MS; and Jennifer Zaborek, MS.In “A comparative analysis of blood pressure categorization using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitori... more
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Publication Research Kara Hoppe

Study by Division of Gynecologic Oncology members selected for ACOG Roy M. Pitkin Award

A study authored by Matt Wagar, MD, former Gynecologic Oncology fellow, and Rachel Mojdehbakhsh, MD, current Gynecologic Oncology fellow, have recently been selected for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Roy M. Pitkin Award! Division of Gynecologic Oncology Director Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, and UW Department of Ob-Gyn Data Management and Statisti... more
Gynecologic Oncology Publication Research Education Fellowship Rachel Mojdehbakhsh Lisa Barroilhet Amy Godecker

Grand Rounds: Bajpai presents Carcinogens in the workplace: Increased cancer risk for healthcare workers

On February 26, 2026, UW Department of Ob-Gyn resident Rusha Bajpai, MD, PGY-4, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Carcinogens in the workplace: Increased cancer risk for healthcare workers”. In the lecture, Bajpai examined how carcinogens affect our bodies on a molecular and cellular level; outlined which cancers are more and less common in healthcare workers; and discusse... more
Education Residency Grand Rounds

Luellwitz co-authors publication in Biological Research for Nursing

Ryan Luellwitz, DO, clinical associate professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, recently co-authored a publication in Biological Research for Nursing. Co-authors include Katelyn Desorcy-Sherer, PhD, RN; Kerry McNamara, BSN; Eliot Stanton, PhD; and Ibrahim Zuniga-Chaves, PhD. In “Early Insights Into Maternal Antidepressant Use and the Human Infant Gut Micr... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Publication Research Ryan Luellwitz

UW Department of Ob-Gyn at ACOG Congressional Leadership Conference 2026

Faculty and residents from the UW Department of Ob-Gyn attended the Congressional Leadership Conference, hosted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Washington, D.C., March 8-10, 2026. The theme of this year’s event was Ob-Gyns in Action: Transforming Expertise into Influence, highlighting the ways ob-gyn experts can have a role in shaping health pol... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Education Residency Amy Domeyer-Klenske Ben Pickus Abigail Nelezen Carley Zeal

Celebrating trainees on Thank A Resident Day 2026

The last Friday of every February is Thank a Resident Day, a day led by the Gold Humanism Honor Society to show gratitude for the integral role physician trainees have in our health care team.Training residents and fellows is one of the most important functions as a clinical department in the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. We are so grateful to have each of the 29 ... more
Education Residency Fellowship

Barroilhet presents at 2026 SGO Winter Meeting

Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, presented at the 2026 Society of Gynecologic Oncology Winter Meeting, held in Olympic Valley, CA January 29-31, 2026.Barroilhet presented “Homologous Recombinant Proficient Ovarian Cancer” at the event, which celebrated 30 years of sharing innovation and discovery in gynecologic oncology this year. Cu... more
Gynecologic Oncology Research Fellowship Lisa Barroilhet

Berube in Barroilhet, Virumbrales-Muñoz Labs receives SMPH Collaborate Travel Award

Michael Berube, DVM, PhD, postdoctoral research associate in the Barroilhet and Virumbrales-Muñoz Labs, received a travel award at the 2026 SMPH Collaborate poster session! The February 6, 2026 SMPH Collaborate event was focused on postdoctoral research and accomplishments. This is the second year in a row that a postdoctoral researcher from the Department of Ob-Gyn received... more
Gynecologic Oncology Research Virumbrales-Muñoz Research Team Lisa Barroilhet Maria Virumbrales-Munoz

CORE and REAL researchers contribute chapters to When Roe Fell

Researchers and staff from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology contributed chapters to a new book published by Rutgers Press in late 2025 that explores the consequences of overturning Roe v. Wade.When Roe Fell includes scholarship about how the Dobbs decision impacted who could access abortion care, how physicians navigated a changing legal landscape, and more. Resea... more
Reproductive and Population Health Collaborative for Reproductive Equity

Residents celebrate 2026 ACOG Resident Wellbeing Week

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG) partner each year to raise awareness of and celebrate the critical importance of physician wellness during Resident Wellbeing Week. This year, UW Department of Ob-Gyn residents celebrated the week with dedicated events February 1-6, 2026.T... more
Education Residency

Naik selected to join Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society

UW Department of Ob-Gyn resident Aaditi Naik, MD, PGY-4, has recently been selected for induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society! Naik was selected for induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society as a member of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. Alpha Omega Alpha is a medical honor society that recognizes individuals for their excelle... more
Education Residency

Barroilhet elected to SGO Board of Directors

Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, associate professor and director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, was recently elected to the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) Board of Directors. She will serve as a member-at-large. Barroilhet’s term will begin during the SGO Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer in April 2026.SGO’s mission is to accelerate innovative, high-quality, equitab... more
Gynecologic Oncology Lisa Barroilhet

Giles presents keynote at 2026 Mayo Clinic OB-GYN Clinical and Surgical Updates meeting

Dobie Giles, MD, MS, MBA, professor in the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Surgery, delivered a keynote address at the 2026 Mayo Clinic OB-GYN Clinical and Surgical Updates meeting. The meeting was held in Kamuela, HI, from February 5-8, 2026. Giles presented the keynote lecture “Work Related Neuromuscular Injuries: How to Successfully Pivot in Your Career.” The... more
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Dobie Giles

Ahrendt, Badger selected as ACOG Junior Fellow Section Vice Chairs

UW Department of Ob-Gyn residents Taylor Badger, MD, PGY-2, and Hannah Ahrendt, MD, PGY-1, are the newly elected ACOG Junior Fellow Section Vice Chairs! As Section Vice Chairs, they are also members of the District VI Junior Fellow District Advisory Council. The Junior Fellow Section vice chair/chair position is a two-year term beginning on May 3, 2026, and ending at the con... more
Education Residency

Anderson-Carter, Barroilhet join American Medical Student Association reproductive health panel

India Anderson-Carter, MD, Department of Ob-Gyn Director of Social Impact and Belonging and assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, and Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, associate professor and director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, recently joined a reproductive health panel with the UW School of Medicine and Public Health chapter of the Ame... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Gynecologic Oncology Outreach Social Impact and Belonging Lisa Barroilhet India Anderson-Carter

Grand Rounds: Research Team presents “From Concept to Completion: Navigating a Research Project in Ob-Gyn”

On February 5, 2026, the Department of Ob-Gyn Research Team presented the Grand Rounds lecture “From Concept to Completion: Navigating a Research Project in Ob-Gyn”. The Research Team includes Kara Hoppe, DO, PhD; Jaison Hampson, MD, MBBBS, MPH; Todd Forsythe, BS; Paul Hoppe, MS; Lydia Rosennabum, DrHSc; Elizabeth Albert, MA; Grace Jensen, MA; and Amy Godecker, PhD, MS.In th... more
Research

Spencer co-authors article about residency program trends in Green Journal

Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, recently co-authored an article published in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Co-authors include Anchal Dhawan, BS; Natalia Gontarczyk Uczkowski, MPH; Amy Godecker, PhD, MS; and Emily Morris Hawes, PharmD.In “Trends in Comparative Growth in Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Programs Over the Past 20 Years (20... more
Gynecologic Oncology Education Publication Research Ryan Spencer

Department of Ob-Gyn brings presentations, leadership to 2026 CREOG/APGO Annual Meeting

Members of the UW Department of Ob-Gyn presented at the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG) & Association of Professors of Gynecology & Obstetrics (APGO) Annual Meeting, hosted from February 18-21, 2026, in Seattle, WA. The theme for this year’s meeting was ‘Igniting Ob-Gyn Education with Intention, Imagination, and Integrity’. Our department’s... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Gynecologic Oncology Education Research Residency Laura Jacques Ellen Hartenbach Bridget Kelly Abigail Cutler Sumer Wallace Katherine Sampene Ryan Spencer Caroline Cox

Grand Rounds: Catherino presents Resident Scholars Day keynote Uterine Fibroids: Novel Therapies, Future Advances

On February 12, 2026, William Catherino, MD, PhD, professor and vice-chair of research at the Uniformed Services University Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, and Laurel W. Rice visiting professor, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Uterine Fibroids: Novel Therapies, Future Advances”.In the lecture, Catherino described current surgical interventions for uteri... more
Podcast Grand Rounds

Green and REAL researchers co-author article in Social Science and Medicine

Tiffany Green, PhD, associate professor in the Departments of Population Health Sciences and Ob-Gyn, recently co-authored an article published in Social Science and Medicine with fellow researchers in the Reproductive Equity Action Lab (REAL). Co-authors include Lindsay Cannon; Meaghan Bethea; and Laura Swan, PhD, LCSW. In “‘It should have been my decision’: A mixed methods ... more
Reproductive and Population Health Research Publication Tiffany Green

Grand Rounds: Vakili presents Neurophysiology of Chronic Pelvic Pain

On January 29, 2026, Babak Vakili, MD, professor in the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery and the Medical Director of Integrated Specialty Care for Women, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Neurophysiology of Chronic Pelvic Pain”.In the lecture, Vakili described different characteristics of somatic pain and visceral pain; discussed neural pathways ... more
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Grand Rounds Babak Vakili

Olenska selected to attend Pathways in Reproductive Medicine conference

UW Department of Ob-Gyn resident Yuliia Olenska, MD, PGY-2, was recently selected to attend the Reproductive Medicine Associates’ Pathways in Reproductive Medicine conference, to be held March 13-14, 2026 in Bernards, New Jersey. The conference is designed for ob-gyn residents who have an interest in subspecialty training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI). ... more
Education Residency

Department of Ob-Gyn brings research to SMFM 2026 Pregnancy Meeting

The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine hosted the 2026 Pregnancy Meeting in Las Vegas February 8-13. Faculty, trainees, and staff in the department brought an impressive slate of research to the event. Learn more about their posters: The relationship between agentry during antepartum hospitalization and postpartum depression or anxiety symptoms – John Soehl, MD Adopting Tec... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Jacqueline Powell Erin Bailey Jacquelyn Askins Kara Hoppe Janine Rhoades

Hanks is first guest on Birth with Babylist podcast

Laura Hanks, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, recently joined the Birth with Babylist podcast as their first guest. Birth with Babylist aims to inform listeners about the birth process by sharing real stories and expert insights.In “Own Your Birth Experience”, Hanks and fellow guest Victoria Dean, CPM, LM, walk through what birth act... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Laura Hanks

Residency program announces 2026-27 chief residents

The UW Department of Ob-Gyn residency program is pleased to announce the residents selected for leadership positions for the 2026-27 academic year. These residents will move into their leadership roles on May 1, 2026, following a training and onboarding process with the current chief residents.Administrative Chiefs:Raiven Owusu, MD, and Nicolette Codispoti, MD, MS, MPH, will... more
Education Residency

Kushner reappointed as John M. and Jeanne C. Flesch Professor in Gynecologic Oncology

Congratulations to David Kushner, MD, professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology! Kushner was reappointed for a five-year term as the John M. and Jeanne C. Flesch Professor in Gynecologic Oncology. Jeanne and John Flesch established this professorship to provide financial support for an outstanding faculty member in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology who conducts re... more
Gynecologic Oncology David Kushner

Spencer in top 10 percent of Green Journal reviewers in 2025

Congratulations to Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, who ranked in the top 10 percent of reviewers for the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2025! The top 10 percent of reviewers were identified based on the number and quality of reviews completed in 2025, as well as the time spent on completing them.Serving as a peer reviewer requir... more
Gynecologic Oncology Ryan Spencer

Virumbrales-Muñoz receives Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research Fall Research Competition award

Congratulations to María Virumbrales-Muñoz, PhD, assistant professor in the Division of Reproductive Sciences! Virumbrales-Muñoz received a Fall Research Competition award from the UW–Madison Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research! The $66,000 award will support the project Immune-endothelial interactions in preeclampsia-associated vascular dysfunction. The award period ... more
Reproductive Sciences Research Maria Virumbrales-Munoz

ASOG Family Planning, CORE faculty publish article in SSM-Health Systems

Researchers from the UW Department of Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn and the UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity (CORE) recently published an article in SSM – Health Systems. Authors include Laura Jacques, MD; Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH; Corinne Hale; Eliza Bennett, MD; and Abigail Cutler, MD, MPH.In “How U.S. healthcare institutions’ actions, or inactio... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Reproductive and Population Health Publication Research Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Laura Jacques Eliza Bennett Jenny Higgins Abigail Cutler

Healthy Women Community Talk: Zhang presents Know Your Risk: Cervical Cancer

Catherine Zhang, MD, MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, presented a Healthy Women Community Talk on January 15, 2026. January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, so the talk, titled “Know Your Risk: Cervical Cancer”, delves into the history of cervical cancer, as well as risks and prevention. Healthy Women Community Talks provide an opportunity... more
Gynecologic Oncology Community Outreach Events Catherine Zhang

Higgins co-authors article in Contraception

Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH, professor and director of the Division of Reproductive and Population Health and the Collaborative for Reproductive Equity, recently co-authored an article published in Contraception. Additional authors include Laura Swan, PhD, LCSW; Jane Seymour, PhD, MPH; Allison Hung, MPH; and Megan Kavanaugh. In “Reasons for contraceptive and LARC non-use: How pr... more
Reproductive and Population Health Publication Research Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Jenny Higgins

Adams promoted to Associate Professor (CHS)

Huge congratulations to Jacquelyn Adams, MD, MS, of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine! The UW School of Medicine and Public Health CHS Promotion Committee unanimously voted to approve Adams’ promotion to Associate Professor (CHS), effective June 28, 2026. Adams joined the UW Department of Ob-Gyn as faculty in 2020, following MFM fellowship training at our department. S... more
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Jacquelyn Adams

Department of Ob-Gyn presentations at 2026 APGO Faculty Development Seminar

Members of the UW-Madison Department of Ob-Gyn presented at the Association of Professors of Gynecology & Obstetrics (APGO) Martin L. Stone, MD, Faculty Development Seminar (FDS). The seminar was held January 10-13, 2026, on Amelia Island, Florida. Their impressive presentations include:Workshop – Mitigating Cohort Effects: Group Advising for More Equitable Residency Signali... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Education Residency Kristina Kaljo Amy Domeyer-Klenske Laura Jacques

Beninati promoted to Associate Professor (CHS)

Huge congratulations to Michael Beninati, MD, of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine! The UW School of Medicine and Public Health CHS Promotion Committee unanimously voted to approve Beninati’s promotion to Associate Professor (CHS), effective June 28, 2026. Beninati joined the UW Department of Ob-Gyn in 2019 and has served as the interim director of the UW Health Fetal ... more
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Michael Beninati

Grand Rounds: Wilkes presents Addressing Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: Improving Quality of Life in Midlife and Beyond

On January 8, 2026, Margaret Wilkes, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Addressing Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: Improving Quality of Life in Midlife and Beyond”.In the lecture, Wilkes described the impact of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) on sexual, urinary, and ov... more
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Margaret Wilkes

Kelly promoted to Associate Professor (CHS)

Huge congratulations to Bridget Kelly, MD, of the Division of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology! The UW School of Medicine and Public Health CHS Promotion Committee unanimously voted to approve Kelly's promotion to Associate Professor (CHS), effective June 28, 2026. Kelly joined the UW Department of Ob-Gyn in 2019 and since then has become the UW Ob-Gyn Resid... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Bridget Kelly

Zhang talks with the Cap Times about cervical cancer rates and screening

Catherine Zhang, MD, MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, spoke with the Cap Times about cervical cancer rates and screening. Despite having a proven vaccine, cervical cancer rates are on the rise among U.S. women aged 30-44, raising questions about the reasons behind the rise.In "Cervical cancer is up in one group. This doctor wants to talk abou... more
Gynecologic Oncology Catherine Zhang

Cox promoted to Associate Professor (CHS)

Congratulations to Caroline Cox, MD, of the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery! The UW School of Medicine and Public Health CHS Promotion Committee unanimously voted to approve Cox’s promotion to Associate Professor (CHS), effective June 28, 2026. Cox joined the UW Department of Ob-Gyn in 2023 following completion of ob-gyn residency with our departm... more
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Caroline Cox

Grand Rounds: Mojdehbakhsh presents What’s the Deal with Endometrial Cancer?

On November 20, 2025, UW Department of Ob-Gyn Gynecologic Oncology Fellow Rachel Mojdehbakhsh, MD, MS, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “What’s the Deal with Endometrial Cancer?”. In the lecture, Mojdehbakhsh discussed how endometrial cancer is affecting people today; examined reasons why endometrial cancer is a rising issue; and reviewed areas in which ob-gyns are making ... more
Gynecologic Oncology Education Fellowship Rachel Mojdehbakhsh

Sampene talks about new ACS cervical cancer screening guidelines with Beckers Oncology

Katherine Sampene, MD, clinical professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, was recently featured in an article by Beckers Oncology highlighting the American Cancer Society’s new cervical cancer screening guidelines. The update includes recommendations for self-collection and provides clearer guidance on when to discontinue screening safely.When asked whethe... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Katherine Sampene

Women’s Healthcast: Weight and Wellness, Part 2, featuring Kate Sample, MD

Over the last few months, the Women’s Healthcast has focused on how aging can affect our health. For the last two episodes in the Health and Aging series, we consider the impact of aging on metabolism – including societal implications. In Weight and Wellness, Part 1, Kate Sample, MD, associate professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, joined the Women's He... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Podcast Kate Sample

Cooney receives ICTR Translational Basic and Clinical Research Pilot Award

Laura Cooney, MD, associate professor in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, was recently awarded the ICTR Translational Basic and Clinical Research Pilot Award. The project Functional and Structural Impacts of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) on Brain Health, which is in collaboration with Co-PI Bill Schrage, PhD, of the UW-Madison Department of Kine... more
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Research Laura Cooney

Green to collaborate with Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness on WPP grant

Tiffany Green, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Reproductive and Population Health and the Department of Population Health Sciences, will collaborate with the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness on a Community Impact Grant from the Wisconsin Partnership Program!The project, Accelerating Birth Equity in Wisconsin Through a Community-based Doula Workforce, seeks t... more
Reproductive and Population Health Research Tiffany Green

Barroilhet to collaborate on WPP new investigator grant

Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, associate professor and director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, will be collaborating on a New Investigator Grant from the Wisconsin Partnership Program! Barroilhet will work with principal investigator Daniel Matson, MD, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and fellow collaborator Pam Kreeger, Ph... more
Gynecologic Oncology Research Lisa Barroilhet

Green receives 2026 UW–Madison Distinguished Teaching Award

Huge congratulations to Tiffany Green, PhD, associate professor in the Division of REproductive and Population Health, who was selected to receive a 2026 UW–Madison Distinguished Teaching Award! Green earned the Chancellor’s Inclusive Excellence Teaching Award; she will be honored at a ceremony on April 15, 2026. The Chancellor’s Inclusive Excellence Teaching Award celebrate... more
Reproductive and Population Health Education Tiffany Green

Pickus selected to inaugural GLMA LGBTQ+ Health Equity & Advocacy Leadership (HEAL) Fellowship

Congratulations to Ben Pickus, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology! Pickus was selected to join the inaugural LGBTQ+ Health Equity and Advocacy Leadership (HEAL) Fellowship, convened by GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality.The HEAL Fellowship is a two-year program supporting early-career LGBTQ+ and BIPO... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Advocacy Ben Pickus

Neal receives WPP Postdoctoral Grant Award

The Wisconsin Partnership Program recently announced 17 recipients of Postdoctoral Grant Program Awards. Two researchers in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn received awards, which provide career development grants to enhance and expand postdoctoral research, education and professional development at SMPH. Grants are up to $20,000 each over one year.Melissa Neal, PhD, MPH, is a po... more
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research

Kim receives WPP Postdoctoral Grant Award

The Wisconsin Partnership Program recently announced 17 recipients of Postdoctoral Grant Program Awards. Two researchers in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn received awards, which provide career development grants to enhance and expand postdoctoral research, education and professional development at SMPH. Grants are up to $20,000 each over one year.Taehyun Kim, PhD, postdoctoral ... more
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Research Collaborative for Reproductive Equity

Hoppe receives grant to connect Meriter and UW SMPH maternal-child health data

Kara Hoppe, DO, PhD, professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Vice Chair for Clinical Research, received a grant from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Office of Social Health Sciences and Programs to support the project Data Link for Healthy Families! Hoppe will be the principal investigator for the project, working in collabor... more
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Kara Hoppe

Gelissen passes ob-gyn boards!

Congratulations to Julia Gelissen, MD, second-year gynecologic oncology fellow in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn! Gelissen passed American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology board exams and is now officially board-certified in Ob-Gyn. Taking time out of busy and intense fellowship to complete the boards is always extra impressive. Incredible work, Dr. Gelissen!
Gynecologic Oncology Education Fellowship

REAL Lab resource shared with clinicians nationwide by Power to Decide

Members of the Reproductive Equity Action Lab (REAL), which is led by Tiffany Green, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Reproductive and Population Health, developed a resource to provide more background about trans and gender diverse health care which has been disseminated to clinicians around the country through Power to Decide! “Trans & Gender Diverse Health 101:... more
Reproductive and Population Health Tiffany Green

Cutler shares thoughts on abortion legislation with Cap Times

Abigail Cutler, MD, MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, spoke with the Cap Times about legislative proposals with the potential to impact reproductive healthcare in Wisconsin. The article “Madison doctor says abortion control proposals are meant to scare” shares overviews of a few different items of legislation that aim to regulate, re... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Abigail Cutler

Faculty, residents and fellows bring research to 2025 AAGL Global Congress on MIGS

The AAGL hosted the 54th Global Congress on MIGS November 8-11, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Congratulations to the UW Department of Ob-Gyn faculty, residents, and fellows who co-authored videos and abstracts presented at the conference: Video Session – Endometriosis: Hatching from the Myometrium: Unusual Excision of an Endometrioma – UW Department of Ob-Gyn reside... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Gynecologic Oncology Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Residency Fellowship Education Olga Fajardo Bala Bhagavath

Virumbrales-Muñoz selected for BIRCWH program

Congratulations to María Virumbrales-Muñoz, PhD, MS, assistant professor in the Division of Reproductive Sciences, who is one of just three scholars selected for the 2025-27 cohort of the UW Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH) program! Virumbrales-Muñoz began the two-year appointment on November 1, 2025. The BIRCWH award will support Virumb... more
Reproductive Sciences Research Virumbrales-Muñoz Research Team Maria Virumbrales-Munoz

Bhagavath talks about IVF legislation with Cap Times

Bala Bhagavath, MD, professor and director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, was recently featured in an article by The Cap Times discussing a potential bill that would require insurance plans to cover fertility treatments, including IVF.In “IVF cost $15k for her first pregnancy. A new bill could make it free.”, Bhagavath described his experience... more
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Advocacy Bala Bhagavath

Grand Rounds: Anderholm presents “Ob-Gyns as Public Health Providers”

On December 4, 2025, UW Department of Ob-Gyn rural track resident Kaitlyn Anderholm, MD, PGY-4, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Ob-Gyns as Public Health Providers”.In the lecture, Anderholm discussed ob-gyns as advocates for patients and for public health as a whole; the implementation of public health within the ob-gyn sphere; and examples of successes.Watch the whole l... more
Education Residency Grand Rounds

Women's Healthcast: Health and Aging: Weight and Wellness, Part 1, featuring Kate Sample, MD

Over the last few months, the Women’s Healthcast has focused on how aging can affect our health. For the last final episodes in the Health and Aging series, we consider the impact of aging on metabolism – including societal implications. Kate Sample, MD, associate professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, joined the Women’s Healthcast to share her insight... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Podcast Kate Sample

Jacques receives APGO Humanism in Teaching Award

Congratulations to Laura Jacques, MD, associate professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn! Jacques was selected as a 2025 recipient of the Humanism in Teaching Award from the Association of Professors in Gynecology and Obstetrics. The APGO Humanism in Teaching Award honors ob-gyn educators from APGO member departments who are outstanding role models in the... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Education Laura Jacques

Bhagavath discusses fertility coverage with Wisconsin Today on WPR

Bala Bhagavath, MD, professor and director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, joined Wisconsin Public Radio’s Wisconsin Today to discuss fertility coverage amidst bills circulating in the Wisconsin state legislature to reduce the cost of IVF treatment. In “Wisconsin lawmakers discuss competing bills to reduce IVF costs”, Bhagavath discussed covera... more
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Bala Bhagavath

Wendland receives 2025 SMPH GWIMS/BIRCWH Women’s Health Research Mentorship Award

Congratulations to Claire Wendland, MD, PhD, professor in the Division of Reproductive and Population Health and the University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Anthropology, who was selected to receive the 2025 UW School of Medicine and Public Health Group on Women in Medicine and Science (GWIMS)/Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRWCH) Women... more
Reproductive and Population Health Claire Wendland

Women’s Healthcast: Health and Aging: Protect Your Pelvic Floor, featuring Maureen Sheetz, APNP

For the last few months, the Women’s Healthcast has been taking a look at health and aging, covering everything from perimenopause to sex to heart health. In the second-to-last episode of the Health and Aging series, the focus is on an all-important but sometimes under-appreciated group of muscles in the body: the pelvic floor.This complex basket of muscles and connective ti... more
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Podcast

Cooney joins WORT to clarify fertility myths

Laura Cooney, MD, associate professor in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, recently joined WORT FM to discuss a new pseudo-medical treatment called restorative reproductive medicine. Pro-choice advocates are warning about the rise of a new pseudo-medical treatment called restorative reproductive medicine. They see it as a back door way to push an an... more
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Laura Cooney

Shapiro Summer Research students present Ob-Gyn-mentored projects at 2025 Research Forum

Students participating in the 2025 Shapiro Summer Research Program presented their work at the Annual Medical Student Research Forum on November 24, 2025. Students and their impressive presentations include: Alyssa Solberg, mentored by Kara Hoppe, DO, PhD: Trends in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Highlight Persistent Racial and Rural-Urban Disparities: A Statewide Analy... more
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Reproductive Sciences Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Bala Bhagavath Laura Cooney Aleksandar Stanic-Kostic Manish Patankar Katie O'Brien Kara Hoppe

Stanic-Kostic to become director of the Division of Reproductive Sciences and Vice Chair for Basic and Translational Research

Aleks Stanic-Kostic, MD, PhD, will become Director of the Division of Reproductive Sciences and Vice Chair of Basic and Translational Research, effective January 1, 2026. He will take on these roles when Manish Patankar, PhD, steps down from these two roles to become the Senior Director of SMPH Shared Resources. Dr. Patankar has served as Director of the Division of Reproduc... more
Reproductive Sciences Research Aleksandar Stanic-Kostic

Pennycuff to become Grand Rounds program director

Jon Pennycuff, MD, MSPH, assistant professor in the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, will be the next UW Department of Ob-Gyn Grand Rounds program director. He will take on this role following the departure of Laura Bozzuto, MD, MS, who served as the Grand Rounds program director since 2020. Please help us thank Dr. Bozzuto for many years of excel... more
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Grand Rounds Jon Pennycuff

Ong receives Meriter Foundation grant

Congratulations to Irene Ong, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Reproductive Sciences, who received a 2026 Research and Education grant from the UnityPoint Health Meriter Foundation! Ong received a one-year grant for $99,997 to support a project aimed at predicting high-risk term and postpartum preeclampsia using UW Health and UnityPoint Health-Meriter Hospital ele... more
Reproductive Sciences Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Ong Research Team Irene Ong Kara Hoppe

Patankar receives grant from Meriter Foundation for endometriosis research

Congratulations to Manish Patankar, PhD, director of the Division of Reproductive Sciences, who received a 2026 Research and Education grant from the UnityPoint Health Meriter Foundation! The grant will fund the project “Targeting metabolic vulnerabilities: a non-hormonal approach for the treatment of the chronic reproductive disorder, endometriosis.” Patankar and the resear... more
Reproductive Sciences Research Patankar Research Team Virumbrales-Muñoz Research Team Manish Patankar

Department of Ob-Gyn brings research to 2025 Society of Family Planning annual meeting

The Society of Family Planning hosted their annual meeting in Pittsburgh October 25-27, 2025. Faculty and researchers in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology brought their research to the event. Just a few of their exciting accomplishments: PRESENTATIONS: Brakes and accelerators to abortion access post-Dobbs: Where can we best intervene? – Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH, dir... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Reproductive and Population Health Research Collaborative for Reproductive Equity Jenny Higgins Abigail Cutler

Trainees in the Stanic Lab present at Upper Midwest Summit for Reproductive Science

Trainees in the Stanic Lab brought their research to the Upper Midwest Summit for Reproductive Science last month! The summit was held at Prentice Women's Hospital in Chicago October 13-14, 2025. The summit brings together trainees, junior and senior faculty, and other research staff and scientists from institutions across the upper Midwest region to foster the exchange of k... more
Reproductive Sciences Research Stanic-Kostic Research Team

Bennett passes Complex Family Planning senior candidate exam

Congratulations to Eliza Bennett, MD, professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn! Bennett passed the Complex Family Planning senior candidate exam in October 2025. She is now American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology-certified in the subspecialty of Complex Family Planning. Incredible work, Dr. Bennett!
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Eliza Bennett

Welcome Bailey Pfander, PA, to Division of Gynecologic Oncology

Bailey Pfander, PA, joined the Division of Gynecologic Oncology on November 17, 2025. Bailey will work as an inpatient PA, providing collaborative care to gynecologic oncology patients. Please help us welcome Bailey to the department! What was your professional background before joining the UW Department of Ob-Gyn? Before joining the gynecologic oncology team as a physician ... more
Gynecologic Oncology

Kushner and Codispoti co-author a study featured on cover of International Journal of Gynecologic Pathology

David Kushner, MD, professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, and Nicolette Codispoti, MD, MS, MPH, PGY-3 resident, recently co-authored a study featured on the cover of the International Journal of Gynecologic Pathology. Additional authors include Jin Xu, MD, MS; Lauren Montemorano, MD; Elizabeth Sadowski, MD; and Paul Weisman, MD. In “A Case of CDKN2C/CIC Null Epit... more
Gynecologic Oncology Education Publication Research Residency David Kushner

Grand Rounds: Zeal presents “It's About Who We Are, Not When We Had Our Abortions: All Trimester Abortion Care”

On November 6, 2025, Carley Zeal, MD, MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “It’s About Who We Are, Not When We Had Our Abortions: All Trimester Abortion Care”. In the lecture, Zeal defined later abortion care; described procedure processes and barriers to abortion care; and discussed strategies for per... more
Academic Specialists In Obstetrics and Gynecology Grand Rounds Carley Zeal

Women’s Healthcast: Health and Aging: Heart Health, featuring Anupama Joseph, MD

Cardiovascular disease – things like heart disease and high blood pressure – can have huge impacts on our overall health. For women in particular, life events like pregnancy and menopause can raise our risk of cardiovascular disease. Anupama Joseph, MD, assistant professor of cardiovascular medicine at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Medicine, joine... more
Podcast

Hoppe and STAC team publish in Contemporary Clinical Trials

Kara Hoppe, DO, PhD, professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and members of the Staying Healthy After Childbirth (STAC) program team recently published an article in Contemporary Clinical Trials. STAC is a program developed by Hoppe that helps new moms with high blood pressure safely monitor and treat their high blood pressure from the comfort of their home wit... more
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Staying Healthy After Childbirth Kara Hoppe

Spencer presents at AAMC Learn Serve Lead conference

Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and director of the Rural Residency Track, participated in an educational panel at the Annual Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Learn, Serve, Lead Meeting from November 1-5, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. Fellow panelists included Lori Rodefeld, Deputy Director of Rural GME Technical Assistan... more
Education Ryan Spencer

Pennycuff joins the WInnovations podcast to talk about pelvic organ prolapse

Jon Pennycuff, MD, MSPH, assistant professor in the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, recently joined the UW School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Urology’s WInnovations podcast to talk about pelvic organ prolapse. In “Pelvic Organ Prolapse: State of the Art”, Pennycuff, fellow guest Frank Lin, MD, MS, and host Kyle Richards, MD, explo... more
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Jon Pennycuff

Wendland, Higgins to mentor ICTR community-engaged research project

Claire Wendland, MD, PhD, professor in the Division of Reproductive and Population Health and the UW-Madison Department of Anthropology, and Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH, director of the Division of Reproductive and Population Health, will mentor Brittanni Wright, PhD, MDiv, MPH, to develop an UW Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) community-engaged research ... more
Reproductive and Population Health Research Jenny Higgins Claire Wendland

Integrated Specialty Care for Women program showcased in Brava Magazine

UW Health’s Integrated Specialty Care for Women (ISCW) was recently showcased in Brava Magazine. The multidisciplinary clinical program, which opened its doors in November 2024, brings together physicians, advanced practice providers, and other clinicians from obstetrics and gynecology, urology, colorectal surgery, gastroenterology, behavioral health, and physical therapy to... more
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery

Celebrating rural ob-gyn partners and residents on National Rural Health Day 2025

November 20, 2025 is National Rural Health Day, which celebrates the dedication and accomplishments of rural healthcare providers and acknowledges the unique healthcare needs and challenges in rural parts of our country. The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology would like to thank the physicians and partners acr... more
Education Residency