Read the latest news about the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
21st Annual Resident Research Day & John Rock Lecture
On Friday, May 10th, the Department of OBGYN hosted the 21st Annual Resident Research Day & John Rock Lecture. This yearly event serves as a platform for the HUP OBGYN chief residents to present their ongoing research projects and discuss their findings. This is a much-anticipated occasion where we honor the hard work of our residents and recognize the contributions they are making in the field.
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Erica E. Marsh, MD, MSCI, FACOG served as the 2024 John Rock Lecturer and delivered her lecture entitled Uterine Fibroids: A Journey of Patients, Pearls, and Promise, which examined the meaning of equity in the infertility space and challenged us to reimagine patient-center care through a lens of inclusion.
Dr. Erica E. Marsh is a renowned researcher and community advocate. She is the Chief of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan Medical School, holds the University Diversity and Social Transformation Professorship at the University of Michigan, is the S. Jan Behrman Collegiate of Reproductive Medicine at the Medical School, serves as the Associate Director of the Michigan Institute of Clinical and Health Research, and is the founder and director of Health and Reproductive Disparities (onWHARD!).
Honoring Excellence in Nursing
We are pleased to announce Christina Ward, RN as the winner of this year’s Louisa Tatonetti Borio Award for Nursing Excellence in Ambulatory Women’s Health Care. This departmental award recognizes a nurse who consistently demonstrates compassion, integrity, a positive attitude and teamwork. Please join us in congratulating Christina. Her positive attitude and commitment to excellence in patient care is inspiring and we are so grateful for all that she does.
We also had the opportunity at the award celebration to highlight the achievements of all 14 nominees. While we can only select one winner, every nomination is a testament to the incredible work happening within the OBGYN Department.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
The OBGYN Department celebrated the extraordinary achievements of Dr. Deborah Driscoll and Dr. Jerome Strauss along with two newly OBGYN endowed chair appointees; Dr. Anuja Dokras and Dr. Fiona Simpkins.
The Founder's Professorship in Women's Health was established to honor legacy of Dr. Deborah A. Driscoll, the first woman chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Driscoll is the Luigi Mastroianni, Jr. Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Vice Dean for Professional Services at the Perelman School of Medicine. She also serves as the Chief Physician Executive for Penn Medicine Medical Group and Senior Vice President of the Clinical Practices of the University of Pennsylvania. Her accomplishments are history making, including becoming the first woman President of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
To acknowledge Dr. Jerome Strauss, a luminary in the field of reproductive medicine, The Jerome F. Strauss, III, PhD, Assistant Professorship of Obstetrics and Gynecology was named in his honor. He served as the founding Director of the Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health during his 30 years at Penn and is an Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Perelman School of Medicine.
Dr. Anuja Dokras was the inaugural recipient of the Founder's Professorship in Women's Health. This esteemed professorship symbolizes our commitment to excellence in women's healthcare and acknowledges the outstanding contributions of Dr. Deborah A. Driscoll. It is a deserving honor for Dr. Dokras as an internationally recognized leader in the field of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and the Director of the Women's Health Center for Clinical Innovation, the first of its kind in the country.
Dr. Fiona Simpkins was recognized as the current chair of The Hilarie L. Morgan and Michell L. Morgan President's Distinguished Professorship in Women's Health. Her research regarding ovarian cancer aligns with the mission of the Morgan Professorship, to improve health outcomes for women for generations to come.
Empowering Black Maternal Health
Black women face a stark reality: They are four times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. At Penn Medicine, we are working to reduce health disparities for new and expectant mothers through a number of programs and initiatives. Join Dr. Elizabeth A. Howell, Dr. Abike James and others as they discuss various initiatives aimed at ensuring every mother receives quality care. Discover insights and actionable steps toward creating a more equitable healthcare system for black mothers and their families. Watch the video now and join the conversation for positive change in maternal health, Advancing Maternal Health Equity.
This video is part of a new documentary entitled "American Delivery" chronicling glimmers of hope amid the maternal health crisis. Learn more at www.AmericanDelivery.film.
Penn Ovarian Cancer Researcher Recognized with Innovation Award
Ronny Drapkin, MD, PhD, Director of the Penn Ovarian Cancer Research Center, was honored with the Gynecologic Oncology Innovation Award at the 2024 Society for Gynecologic Oncology Annual meeting on Women's Cancer. Established in 2011, this award honors exceptionally creative thinkers who significantly impacted the understanding of and/or approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of gynecologic cancer. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Drapkin on receiving this well-deserved award!
Philadelphia Heart Ball Honors Heart Safe Motherhood
The American Heart Association (AHA), the largest voluntary health organization fighting cardiovascular disease, announces co-founders of Heart Safe Motherhood Sindhu Srinivas, MD, MSCE and Adi Hirshberg, MD, to be recognized as the 2024 Edward S. Cooper Award Honorees at the 2024 Philadelphia Heart Ball on March 23rd. By overcoming in-person barriers to care, the Heart Safe Motherhood program has reduced disparities in care as well as lowered readmission rates for new mothers. Learn more by reading the AHA press release on their online Newsroom.
The Edward S. Cooper Award, named in honor of Dr. Edward S. Cooper, recognizes individuals from the Greater Philadelphia Area who exemplify the work of Dr. Cooper and the mission of the American Heart Association. Dr. Cooper is a world-renowned physician and a pioneer in hypertension and stroke, and the first African American to serve as national president of the American Heart Association. View the AHA video to learn more about Dr. Cooper and the mark he has made in Philadelphia and beyond.
Penn OBGYN Ranked No. 4 in Research Funding
Exciting news! We are thrilled to announce that our OBGYN department has been ranked 4th in NIH funding! This remarkable achievement reflects our commitment to groundbreaking research and innovation in women’s health. A huge thank you to our dedicated team of researchers, clinicians, and staff for their hard work and dedication. Together, we are advancing the field of obstetrics and gynecology to improve the lives of women everywhere.
Marisa Bartolomei named new director of Center for Women's Health and Reproductive Medicine
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Marisa S. Bartolomei, PhD, Perelman Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology, as the new Director of the Center for Women's Health and Reproductive Medicine (formerly known as the Center Research on Reproduction and Women's Health) at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM).
Dr. Bartolomei has made instrumental discoveries in advancing epigenetic control of genomic imprinting, which continue to propel the field, in particular for healthy pregnancy and fetal development. Her leadership as co-director of the Epigenetics Institute has been invaluable to our research and training community. Recently awarded the 2024 March of Dimes Richard B. Johnston, Jr, MD prize, which "honors an outstanding scientist who has advanced the science that underlies our understanding of pregnancy, birth and prenatal development," Dr. Bartolomei is a leader in female-based and biased diseases. Read more about Dr. Bartolomei here.
In addition to her numerous accolades, Dr. Bartolomei is a revered mentor, one of our strongest advocates for and role model of women in science, and her imprint on our campus is evident through her involved leadership of initiatives such as the PSOM Portrait Review Committee. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Bartolomei on this new leadership role and thanking her for continued service and contributions to our scientific community.
Fertility Preservation in the Spotlight
Such an exciting moment for the OBGYN Department as Dr. Clarisa Gracia was joined by Madeleine Duey Low for an on-court took spotlight at the Sixers game on February 22nd. Madeleine was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. At 26 years old, Madeleine needed a full hysterectomy and decided to pursue fertility preservation so she could try to have children one day. Six years after her initial diagnosis, Madeleine and her husband returned to Dr. Gracia to transfer an embryo to their surrogate and now have an 11-moth-old baby boy named Bryce. Dr. Gracia’s commitment to women’s health shines brightly on and off the court.
Partnering with a Community Artist to Inspire Wellbeing
Thanks to a generous donation by The Center for Emerging Visual Art's (CFEVA) Board Chair Maida R. Milone, we were able to create a curated art experience for patients as well as our staff in the Helen O. Dickens Clinic for Women. We were honored to be able to partner with local artist, Chelsey Luster, a West Philadelphia resident whose artwork is beautiful and reflective of the patient population we serve.
Dr. Sarah Kim Named Chief of Gynecologic Oncology
Congratulations to Sarah H. Kim, MD, MSCE who was recently named Division Chief of the Gynecologic Oncology Division in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Penn Medicine.
Dr. Kim served as the Interim Chief and previously as the Associate Chief of Clinical Operation for the Division of Gyn Oncology. She is also the Fellowship Program Director and Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Perelman School of Medicine. In addition, she serves as the Medical Director of Cancer Services for Pennsylvania Hospital and collaborates with Abramson Cancer Center leadership in promoting “cancer system” efforts across UPHS.
Originally from New York City, Dr. Kim received her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from Binghamton University and earned her medical degree from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse NY. She completed her residency and fellowship training in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She earned her master’s degree in clinical epidemiology from the Perelman School of Medicine. Dr. Kim has been an active member in the Society of Gynecologic Oncology in Clinical Practice, Fellowship Directors Network, and Coding and Reimbursement subcommittee.
We are thrilled to have enlisted a leader poised to enhance excellence in gyn oncology through clinical, education, research, and a commitment to fostering innovation. With a passion for advancing cancer care, she brings a dedicated commitment to driving progress in this critical area.
Advancing Equity in Healthcare and Medicine
The Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Penn was proud to support the attendance of six physicians in training at the 2023 Black Doctors Winter Gala sponsored by the Medical Society of Eastern Pennsylvania. This event is a celebration of Black Medicine in Philadelphia while raising money for programs that support community education and a more diverse physician workforce.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Congratulations to Dr. Harish Sehdev on being elected as a member of the Academy of Master Clinicians. The Academy recognizes and celebrates exceptional clinicians who consistently exemplify the highest standards of patient care, humanism, professionalism and commitment to leadership at Penn Medicine. Membership to the Academy is the highest clinical honor given to a Penn physician, and all of us in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology are so proud to have Dr. Sehdev receive this prestigious and well-deserved honor.
Highlighting our Commitment to Improve Maternal Health
To reverse the nationwide trend of serious harm and death before, during, and after childbirth for Black and other parents from marginalized groups, Penn Medicine is taking bold action to improve maternal health and eliminate racial disparities. Read more in the latest issue of the Penn Medicine magazine here.
Delivering on DEI
In the March Strong Issue of Philadelphia Magazine, Dr. Abike James and Dr. Adi Hirshberg discuss our team's commitment to removing barriers to care for individuals to improve diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and how the efforts are paving the way to eliminate racial disparities in Maternal Care at Penn Medicine. Read full March Strong article here.
National Academy of Medicine Elects Five New Penn Faculty Members
Congratulations to Dr. Kurt Barnhart on his selection to the National Academy of Medicine along with Drs. Christopher B. Forrest, Susan L. Furth, Desmond Upton Patton and Robert H. Vonderheide, who are among the 100 new members elected as part of an impressive group of healthcare thought leaders, clinicians, and researchers. This is considered one of the highest honors in the field of health and medicine in the United States.
More than 90 Penn and CHOP faculty have been named to the academy since it was established in 1970. Read more about each newly elected member from Penn here.
Penn Medicine Establishes Maternal Health Implementation Science Hub from $19 Million NIH Grant
As part of its new Maternal Health Research Centers of Excellence initiative, NIH has granted $19 million to Penn Medicine for the creation of an implementation science hub. The hub will work along with NIH-funded centers of excellence research centers that examine methods to reduce pregnancy-related complications and deaths and promote maternal health equity. Meghan Lane-Fall, MD, MSHP and Rebecca Hamm, MD, MSCE, both in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, lead the team. Link here for the full article.
Three Penn Teams Awarded for Maternal Health Equity Initiatives
As a national leader in obstetrical care, Penn Medicine is taking steps to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce racial and ethnic disparities with a multi-pronged approach that encompasses research, clinical care, and community engagement. Three Penn Medicine groups involved in these efforts have been recognized for their work. Read full article here
John J. Mikuta MD Endowed Lectureship in Gynecologic Oncology
The 2023 Mikuta Lecture was given on May 11th by Dr. Kemi M. Doll, a gynecologic oncologist, health services researcher, and Associate Professor at the University of Washington, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology with academic appointments in both the School of Medicine and School of Public Health. Her lecture entitled A Race-Conscious Approach to Investigation and Intervention of Endometrial Cancer Inequity focused on the use of theoretical frameworks of racial health inequity to organize and execute a research program designed to improve survival of Black women with endometrial cancer in the U.S. using quantitative, qualitative, and community engaged work.
The John J. Mikuta MD Endowed Lectureship in Gynecologic Oncology was established in 2015 by Dr. Mikuta and his wife, Margaret. Dr. Mikuta was the Franklin Payne Professor Emeritus and served for 30 years as the Chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology. He was highly regarded by his former patients, trainees, colleagues and staff for his compassion, empathy, and integrity. He is considered one of the founding fathers of the subspecialty of gynecologic oncology and was active in women and gynecologic malignancies. Dr. Mikuta helped shape the careers of many gynecologic oncologists and influenced Penn medical students as one of the faculty in the Professionalism and Humanism course.
Conquer Cancer Grant Awarded to Gyn Oncology Fellow
The American Society of Clinical Oncology Conquer Cancer Young Investigator Award is a grant rewarded to promising investigators to encourage and promote quality research in clinical oncology. Dr. Anna Jo Smith is one of the recipients for 2023. The grant will fund the research for an ovarian cancer diagnosis project.
Two OBGYN Residents Inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society
Drs. Efe Cudjoe and Madison Sharp have been inducted by their peers into the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS), PSOM Chapter. The organization recognizes individuals who exemplify humanistic patient care and who can serve as role models, mentors, and leaders in medicine. GHHS emphasizes empathy in patient care and seeks to improve patient well-being through professional development and community outreach programs. According to Dr. Catherine Salva, Residency Director, "This is a testament not only to Efe and Maddy, but also to the highest caliber of all of our residents, our high-quality learning environment, and the compassionate care that you all provide in the department".
Spotlight On: Dr. Anuja Dokras
Guided by her adventurous spirit, Anuja Dokras, MD, MHCI, PhD has embraced career shifts and opportunities over the years. Her work now spans a multitude of responsibilities, including treating patients, overseeing translational research, advising trainees and colleagues, and directing two centers at Penn Medicine.
One of those centers is the Women's Health Center for Clinical Innovation (WHCCI), created in 2021 to support a growing array of initiatives advancing care for women.
Read her full story and visit the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology's Women's Health Center for Clinical Innovation.
New Center to Advance Maternal Health Equity
Rising rates of maternal mortality and associated racial disparities across the US reflect a national crisis.
To help address those disparities, we are proud to announce the launch of the March of Dimes Research Center for Advancing Maternal Health Equity, based at Penn and led by our very own Elizabeth A. Howell, MD, MPP, chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
The Center will be on the forefront of scientific research and technology development to combat racial disparities, increase access to high-quality care and promote early interventions to save lives during pregnancy, delivery and beyond.
Learn more about the March of Dimes Research Center for Advancing Maternal Health Equity.
How we are Addressing Black Maternal Mortality
The Penn Medicine team goal effort led by Obstetrics and Gynecology Chair Dr. Elizabeth A. Howell was featured in a Health Affairs piece entitled "Raising the Stakes to Advance Equity in Black Maternal Health." Learn more about what we are doing to eliminate structural racism and our education, clinical and research efforts
2024 Departmental Awards & Honors
- Dr. Jourdin Batchelor received the Sharon Youcha Compassionate Patient Care Award for excellent patient care with compassion, empathy and respect, and listens and treats the patient as a whole person.
- Dr. Efe Cudjoe received the Robert R. Rascoe, MD Award for Excellence in Ambulatory Patient Care. This award recognizes a chief resident who has demonstrated compassionate care and concern for our patients. The recipient was selected by the attendings and nursing staff in the Helen O. Dickens Center for Women's Health.
- Dr. Catherine Jennings - Midwife's Intern Award
- Dr. Jeremy Applebaum - Midwife's Golden Mitt Award
- Dr. Anne Kim - Resident Research Award for Excellence in Research
2024 Teaching Awards
- Dr. Leigh Ann Humphries - Fellow Teaching Award for Excellence in Resident Education
- Dr. Jeremy Applebaum - Resident Teaching Award for Excellence in Medical Student Education
- Dr. Danielle Burkland - Faculty Award for Excellence in Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Melvina Parks - Collaborative Award for Resident Teaching Excellence
- Dr. Holly Cummings - APGO Excellence in Teaching Award
- Dr. Emilie Stylli - Resident Educator Development Award
- Dr. Nia Bhadra-Heintz - CREOG National Faculty Award for Excellence in Resident Education
New Faculty
- Dr. Dimitrios Nasioudis joined the Gynecologic Oncology Division in June 2024
- Dr. Stephanie Jean will join the Gynecologic Oncology Division in July 2024
- Dr. Katherine Hwang will join the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Division in August 2024
- Dr. Arina Chesnokova will join the Academic Specialist Division in September 2024
- Dr. LaShauna McIntosh will join the Academic Specialist Division in September 2024
- Dr. Adrienne Werth will join the Urogynecology Division in September 2024