What's New

The most visible innovation for patients of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science is structural: the move back into the renovated Kravis Women and Children's Center in the Klingenstein Pavilion. The post-partum floor (K8) now houses the family-centered, state-of-the-art Jo Carole and Ronald S. Lauder Center for Maternity Care, and transformation of the gynecology floor (K4) is complete, as well.

From a technology standpoint, the Department has advanced in two major ways. One is the addition of three-dimensional ultrasound, which provides far more detailed information on fetal development than traditional ultrasound imaging. The other is the growing range of minimally invasive gynecological procedures. "We can fix many more problems than we used to be able to," says Michael L. Brodman, M.D., Professor and Chair of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, "so we now perform far fewer hysterectomies. We have become a leader in uterine preservation, and that is obviously immensely important to our patients, especially those of child-bearing age."

As a sign of expanding services, the Department has hired seven new faculty members since July: Linus Chuang, M.D., who specializes in gynecological oncology; Adam Flisser, M.D., in urogynecology; Elissa Gretz, M.D., in gynecology and menopause; Rebecca Amaru, M.D., Anna Barbieri, M.D., and Amy Huang, M.D., who have opened an obstetrics/gynecology practice; and Francesco Callipari, M.D., who is also Director of Obstetrics/Gynecology at North General Hospital. In addition, the Department is starting a private midwife service in Faculty Practice Associates.

Prevention is high on the list of the Department's research priorities. Rhoda Sperling, M.D., Vice Chairman of Clinical Research in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, is leading major clinical trials of vaccines designed to protect against sexually transmitted diseases. One, a four-year Phase III trial, involves human papillomavirus (HPV), the infection that causes cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. Another—a new, multi-center Phase III safety and efficacy trial funded by the National Institutes of Health—targets genital herpes. Major clinical trials are also underway in the treatment of ovarian cancer.

The Maternal Fetal Division, renowned for its leadership in treating women with high-risk pregnancies, is participating in an 11-center study, sponsored by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, to assess the accuracy of noninvasive screening methods for Down syndrome, as compared to the traditional, invasive methods and to diagnosis at birth. The Division is led by Keith Eddleman, M.D., Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science and Associate Professor of Human Genetics.

Led by Associate Clinical Professor Alan Copperman, M.D., the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology is conducting research on factors that interfere with fertility, environmental exposures and aging being prime examples. Basic scientific investigations are also underway to decipher the genetic mechanisms in embryos prior to implantation.

"Essentially," Dr. Brodman concludes, "our work centers on keeping mothers healthy and helping them bring strong, healthy new lives into the world."