Read the latest news about the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Building Healthier Futures through Community Engagement
On September 25, the Penn Medicine Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, together with Women’s Health Nursing, participated in the annual Community Baby Shower at Union Yards.
Sponsored by Penn Medicine, and the Philadelphia Union in partnership with the March of Dimes, the event welcomed birthing people and their families from the Chester community to Subaru Park for a day of resources, education, and celebration.
The OBGYN and nursing teams provided a wide range of support, including educational resources, belly mapping, infant CPR instruction, safe sleep and lactation information, as well as an interactive educational game of Jeopardy. We are proud to recognize the contributions of Dr. Abike James, Aviana Franklin, Candice Segree, and nursing colleagues Kelly McNulty, Bonnie Ohnishi, Maria Disciullo, and Susan Ashley Savage, along with additional volunteers who helped make the day possible.
Generous contributions through the March of Dimes Registry Wish List also ensured that families were able to receive gifts during the event.
The Community Baby Shower reflects Penn Medicine’s ongoing commitment to partnership, community engagement, and advancing health outcomes for families across our region.
Video-Based Surgical Coaching Program Launches at HUP
On September 2, the Department of OBGYN introduced a video-based surgical coaching program at HUP. This innovative initiative - part of our FY26 Strategic Plan - will transform how we support surgical skill development for our residents through real-time video review, structured coaching, and validated assessment tools like GOALS and GEARS.
This innovative program reflects Penn Medicine's ongoing commitment to advancing medical education and promoting surgical excellence.
Penn Medicine OBGYN Faculty Contributes to Groundbreaking Research on Prenatal Therapy for HLHS
Lauren Anton, PhD, Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Penn Medicine, is part of a multidisciplinary team awarded a $660,000 grant from Additional Ventures’ Single Ventricle Research Fund to investigate how progesterone therapy may improve outcomes for fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). The project, led by J. William Gaynor, MD, at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, builds on prior findings that progesterone treatment during pregnancy may significantly lower the risk of infant mortality in HLHS.
Dr. Anton will contribute to metabolomic, transcriptomic, and genetic analyses of placental and fetal samples to help uncover the mechanisms driving response to progesterone therapy. The research aims to pave the way for precision prenatal treatments that improve survival and health outcomes for babies with congenital heart disease.
Read the full CHOP press release
New Advanced GYN Oncology Surgical Training Course
As part of the OBGYN Department's Strategic Plan and its newly established Center for Complex GYN Surgical Excellence, Dr. Nawar Latif will lead the inaugural Advanced Surgical Course in Gynecologic Oncology at Penn Medicine this October.
This innovative, CME-accredited course is one of only two of its kind offered nationwide. Designed for experienced OBGYN surgeons looking to elevate their skills, the course offers:
- Hands-on cadaver-based training focused on advanced radical pelvic procedures and high-yield gynecologic oncology surgeries
- Individualized instruction and real-time feedback from expert preceptors during intensive surgical sessions
- Six months of post-course personalized mentorship, providing continued guidance and support from Penn’s distinguished surgical faculty
The course is an unparalleled opportunity to advance clinical expertise, refine complex surgical techniques, and engage with nationally recognized leaders in gynecologic oncology.
Read more and register today.
Congratulations to Dr. Harvie on her Appointment as Division Chief
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We are pleased to announce the appointment of Heidi S. Harvie, MD, MBA, MSCE as Chief of the Division of Urogynecology & Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, effective July 1.
A Penn-trained physician and Wharton graduate, Dr. Harvie brings deep expertise in clinical care, research, and health economics. She has served as Director of Urogynecology at Pennsylvania Hospital, and currently co-leads the Identifying High-Value Health Care Working Group at the Leonard Davis Institute. She also serves as Principal Investigator for the NICHD-sponsored Pelvic Floor Disorders Network.
Her recent publications include a first-author article in JAMA and co-authored research in International Urogynecology Journal, Urogynecology, and Fertility and Sterility.
We thank Dr. Lily Arya for her exceptional leadership for many years and are pleased to share that she will now serve as Residency Research Director. Special thanks to Dr. Courtney Schreiber and the search committee for leading this successful process.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Harvie on this well-deserved appointment!
Celebrating a Milestone in Uterine Transplant Care
Penn Medicine recently hosted a moving Mother's Day brunch for the women who became mothers through its groundbreaking uterine transplant research trial (UNTIL) - a moment of joy, connection, and hope. Read the full story here.
We're proud to share that the UNTIL trial at Penn has concluded its research phase and is now transitioning into a clinical program, offering uterine transplantation as a standard medical service. This marks an exciting step forward in expanding access to care for patients with uterine factor infertility. Learn more about the Uterine Transplant Program.
If you're a healthy woman and interested in helping someone experience pregnancy, apply to be evaluated and learn more about becoming a uterus donor here.
A special congratulations to Kathleen E. O'Neill, MD, MTR and Nawar Latif, MD, MPH, MSCE from our Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. As co-investigators they played a leading role in this effort and continue to collaborate closely with the Penn Transplant Institute to support this extraordinary work.
22nd Annual Resident Research Day & John Rock Lecture
On Friday, May 9th, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology held its Annual Resident Research Day & John Rock Lecture. This yearly event provides a platform for the HUP OBGYN chief residents to showcase their ongoing research projects and share key findings. This is a much-anticipated occasion where we honor the hard work of our residents and recognize the contributions they are making to advancing the field of women's health.
This year, we were honored to welcome Sandra E. Brooks, MD, MBA, FACS, FACOG, CEO of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), as the distinguished John Rock Lecturer. Dr. Brooks delivered an inspiring talk titled ACOG Update: Focused on Our Mission, offering valuable insights into national advocacy, strategic priorities, and the future of women's health. We extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Brooks for sharing her expertise and leadership and for her ongoing commitment to the field of obstetrics and gynecology.
Honoring Excellence in Nursing
Maria Endert, MSN, RNC-OB, FACCE 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 Maria. Her leadership to the nursing team, dedication to the success of the Dickens Center 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 8 nominees: Mary Bane (POGA), Jill Cristiano (GYN ONC), Amanda Emge (GYN ONC), Jaeke Lyn McDonald (Radnor), Bethany Pritchard (MFM), Nicole Sullivan (GYN), and Courtney Walsh (CFP). While we can only select one winner, every nomination is a testament to the incredible work happening within the OBGYN Department.
Penn OBGYN Ranked No. 2 in Research Funding
We are thrilled to announce that our OBGYN department has been ranked #2 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.
Department Celebrates New Inductees into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
Drs. Florencia Polite, Abike James, and Divya Shah have been inducted into the prestigious 2025 Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society. This esteemed recognition honors their outstanding contributions to medical education, leadership, professionalism, and service. Congratulations to these exceptional individuals for their dedication to excellence in the medical field!
Four OBGYNs Recognized with A Penn Pearl
Four members of the OBGYN Department have been honored with a prestigious Penn Pearl Award. Congratulations to Drs. Holly Cummings, Jordan Stone, Karampreet Kaur, and Nayla Laban!
The Penn Pearl Award is a special recognition given to residents, fellows, and faculty who have demonstrated exceptional support and mentorship throughout the clinical training of Penn medical students. This award is particularly meaningful as it is nominated and voted on by the students themselves.
The Department extends its heartfelt congratulations to these outstanding individuals who embody excellence and dedication in clinical education!
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Congratulations to Dr. Sarah Kim, Chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, on being selected to join 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 clinician honor a Penn physician can receive, and all of us in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology are so proud to have Dr. Kim awarded this prestigious and well-earned honor.
Ringing the Bell for PCOS
On January 3rd, Dr. Anuja Dokras, along with members of the PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association, rang The Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange to raise awareness for polycystic ovary syndrome.
The PCOS Challenge is the nonprofit organization leading in advocacy, treatment and support for those with polycystic ovary syndrome, the most common hormone disorder in women.
Dr. Sindhu Srinivas Appointed Executive Director of HUP Cedar Avenue
Sindhu Srinivas, MD, MSCE, has been appointed Executive Director of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) Cedar Avenue. In this role, Dr. Srinivas will oversee all HUP-based hospital services at the Cedar campus, working closely with the HUP Executive Team to enhance care delivery, improve health outcomes, and promote health equity.
Dr. Srinivas brings to the table: a stellar track record in patient care, groundbreaking research, pioneering work in establishing quality benchmarks for OBGYN outpatient care, and innovative strategies that have moved the needle on reducing maternal health risks. Since her arrival to the Cedar leadership circle earlier this year, Dr. Srinivas has already left an indelible mark. Her introduction of a comprehensive trauma-informed care program for the HUP Cedar staff showcases her forward-thinking approach.
We congratulate Dr. Srinivas on her new position and look forward to her continued leadership at HUP Cedar Avenue.
Two OBGYN Faculty Honored with Penn Medicine Awards of Excellence
Abike T. James, MD, MPH, Vice Chair for Academic Excellence and Community Engagement in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology and Courtney A. Schreiber, MD, MPH, Chief of the Division of Family Planning and Stuart and Emily B.H. Mudd Professor in Human Behavior and Reproduction were recently honored with Penn Medicine Awards of Excellence.
Dr. James was selected as the 2024 recipient of the Duncan Van Dusen Professionalism Award for Faculty. This award acknowledges a faculty member whose respectful approach, integrity, self-awareness, and personal accountability are exemplary of the campaign for the ongoing elevation of the culture of Penn and for the promotion of exceptional patient care experiences.
Dr. Courtney A. Schreiber was selected as this year's recipient of the Luigi Mastroianni, Jr. Clinical Innovator Award. This award acknowledges physicians who have made significant contributions toward the invention and development of new techniques, approaches, procedures or devices that change medical practice and are of major benefit to patient care.
The Penn Medicine Awards of Excellence were established in 1996 and are a series of highly competitive awards celebrating Penn's commitment to excellence in scholarship, teaching, innovation, service, leadership, professionalism and patient care. Learn more here.
Celebrating Excellence: OBGYN Team Shines at Penn Medicine Experience Week
We’re proud to announce that several members of our OBGYN Department have been honored with Advocacy Awards during Penn Medicine Experience (PMX) Week. These awards recognize employees who exemplify the PMX Standards: Compassion, Presence, Empowerment, Collaboration, Accountability, and Cultural Humility.
Our 2024 PMX Advocacy Award Winners:
- Provider Awards: Lakeisha Mulugeta-Gordon, MD and Amy M. Lodise, MSN,CRN (Gyn Onc)
- TEAM Award: Hannah Gross-Eskin and Sequita Jackson (Dickens Social Work Team)
- Practice Award: Uduak Andy, MD, Stephanie Haly, MSN, CRNP, Sara Altman, Lisa Chiddick-Roberts, Toni Flicker and Tanira Marshall-Barnes (Urogynecology at Valley Forge)
John J. Mikuta, MD Endowed Lectureship in Gynecologic Oncology
The 2024 John J. Mikuta Lecture took place in September at the Widener Lecture Hall at the Penn Museum.
Dr. Dineo Khabele, a physician-scientist with extensive clinical and translational research expertise in gynecologic oncology and Chair of the Department of OBGYN at Washington University School of Medicine, was the guest speaker.
Dr. Khabele's lecture entitled A Surgeon-Scientist's Perspective on Ovarian Cancer Care and Research summarized advances in ovarian cancer care and research and provided a personal perspective as a gynecologic oncologist, surgeon-scientist, and administrator in an academic medical center.
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.
Addressing Maternal Death Disparities with Text Messaging
Heart Safe Motherhood, the text-based program created by Dr. Sindhu Srinivas and Dr. Adi Hirshberg, allows postpartum patients to monitor their blood pressure at home. The program has nearly eliminated the rate at which postpartum patients are readmitted for blood pressure complications within a week of giving birth, reducing admissions from 5% down to 1%. The Penn Medicine program has yielded impressive results and closed a racial disparity gap in care. Heart Safe Motherhood has been recognized nationally and by the American Heart Association and American Hospital Association among others. And now it is also being used by other hospitals in the Philadelphia area.
You can read the full article about Heart Safe Motherhood in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
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 Maternal Health
At Penn Medicine, we are working to improve maternal health and 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 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.
2025 Departmental Awards & Honors
- Dr. Catherine Jennings 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. Karampreet Kaur 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. Rebekah Russell - Midwife's Intern Award
- Dr. Annie Apple - Midwife's Golden Mitt Award
- Dr. Kira Bromwich - Resident Research Award for Excellence in Research
2025 Teaching Awards
- Dr. Jordan Stone - Fellow Teaching Award for Excellence in Resident Education
- Dr. Karampreet Kaur - Resident Teaching Award for Excellence in Medical Student Education
- Dr. Kirstin Leitner - Faculty Award for Excellence in Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Lisa Fromenko - Collaborative Award for Resident Teaching Excellence
- Dr. Sarah Gutman - APGO Excellence in Teaching Award
- Dr. Khaila Ramey-Collier - Resident Educator Development Award
- Dr. Laura Smith- CREOG National Faculty Award for Excellence in Resident Education