Our formal Resident Research Program was established in 2003 and is currently led by Dr. Anuja Dokras.  The research program at Penn enhances the educational experience by providing residents with research opportunities and development of skills, exposure to a career in academic medicine, and a one-on-one relationship with a faculty mentor. Residents receive an introduction to basic clinical research skills during the protected Resident Education Series and are guided along a four-year timeline toward completion of a study and presentation at the Department’s Annual Resident Research Day.  Residents may apply for research funding through a dedicated Education Fund. 

Anuja Dokras, MD, PhD

Anuja Dokras, MD, PhD
Director of Resident Research
Director, Penn Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Center
Medical Director, Reproductive Surgical Facility
Director, Penn Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Program
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Program

During orientation, the incoming interns will be introduced to the concept of the research project and its importance. An overview of the program and a timeline will be described. Examples of current research projects from each division will be briefly discussed. During orientation, the incoming interns will take the required IRB course necessary for the involvement in patient research. The Resident Research Program unfolds along the following timeline:

  • In January/February of intern year, the specifics of the research timetable will be discussed and a list of potential research mentors will be reviewed. 
  • By September of the second year, each resident must identify a research mentor and submit their research proposal.
  • By May of the second year, a research progress report must be submitted.
  • By December of the third year, another progress report is due. At this time, the anticipated target is to have preliminary data analysis completed, and ideally there will be sufficient results to allow for submission to a national meeting. 
  • In May of the fourth year, projects are presented at the department's annual Resident Research Day. 

To learn more, please see

Excellence in Resident Research Awards

2024 - Anne Kim, MD
Lack of Adequate Counseling About Pregnancy Complications in Patients with PCOS

2023 - Margaret Rush, MD
Postoperative Epidural Anesthesia Use in Gynecological Surgery: Worth the Pain?

2022 - Abigail Garbarino, MD
The Postpartum Polaroid Project: A Mixed-Methods Study Evaluating Resident Use of Polaroid Photos as an Intervention for Mindful Interaction with Patients on Labor and Delivery 

2020 - Jessica Peterson, MD
Severe Preterm Preeclampsia: An Examination of Outcomes by Race

2019 - Jennifer McCoy, MD
Effects of Obesity on Maternal and Neonatal Penicillin Levels in Women with Group B Streptococcus

2018 - Said Saab, MD
Compliance with ACOG Prophylactic Surgical Antibiotic Guidelines and Risk of Postoperative Infection Among Patients Undergoing Hysterectomy

2017 - Rebecca Hamm, MD
Institution of a Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) Bundle at an Academic Center does not Immediately Reduce Maternal Morbidity

2016 - Robert Dood, MD
Risk Factors for Surgical Treatment Delay in Women with Endometrial Cancer

2015 - Lori Cory, MD
Factors Influencing Acceptability of the HPV Vaccine Among Urban Women

2014 - Nyia Noel, MD, MPH
Risks factors for Hospital Readmission for Patients Undergoing Benign Gynecologic Surgery

2013 - Amanda Rohn, MD
Are Chorioamnionitis and Labor Dystocia Unintended Consequences of an Oxytocin Protocol?

2012 - Samantha Weed, MD
Examining the Correlation Between Placental and Serum Placenta Growth Factor in Preeclampsia

2011 - Wendy Benalt, MD
Single Umbilical Artery: Fetal and Neonatal Outcomes

2010 - Georgia McCann, MD
Clinical Predictors of Bevacizumab-Induced Gastrointestinal Perforation

Resident Research Committee

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