Annual Report - Brown University

DEPARTMENT OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY 

Annual Report for Academic Year 2009–2010 

Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University 

THIS REPORT ENCOMPASSES THE PERIOD 

FROM JULY 1, 2009 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2010. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

From the Chair pages 2–3 

Hospital-Based Faculty pages 4–5 

Community-Based Faculty page 6 

Residents page 7 

Ambulatory Care pages 8–19 

Gynecologic Oncology pages 21–49 

Maternal Fetal Medicine pages 50–65 

Medical Education pages 66–73 

Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility pages 74–84 

Research in Women’s Health pages 85–105 

Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery pages 106–118 

Emergency Ob/Gyn pages 119–122 

Nurse Midwifery pages 123–131 

Grand Rounds pages 132–133 

Publication Credits: 

Produced by the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology 

Chris Fruggiero, MS, Director of Administrative Operations 

Designer: Kristen O’Grady, Inkwell Communications 

(InkwellCommunications.com) 

Principal Photography: Al Weems (alweemsphoto.com) 

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE DEPARTMENT 

OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY 

Joanna M. Cain, MD 

Chace/Joukowsky Professor and Chair 

Obstetrician & Gynecologist-in-Chief, 

Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island 

(401) 274-1122, ext. 1575 

Kathleen C. Bowling, MD, Vice Chair 

(401) 274-1122 ext. 1575 

Gary Frishman, MD, Residency Program Director 

(401) 274-1122, ext. 1845 

Chris Fruggiero, MS 

Director, Administrative Operations 

(401) 274-1122, ext. 1577 

B. Star Hampton, MD, Clerkship Program Director 

(401) 274-1122, ext. 1805 

Pablo Rodriguez, MD 

Associate Chair, Community Relationships 

(401) 274-1122 ext. 1575

2 

NOTE FROM THE CHAIR 

I grew up in the pioneering tradition of Western Universities—large, land-grant 

based that have as their mission advancing the welfare of the citizens of the 

state. It is interesting to now live in the smallest state and be part of a very 

special but also private University—Brown—and perhaps an even more special 

institution, a true Women & Infants hospital. Yet, even though private, the mis- 

sion of the Alpert School of Medicine and that of WIH is focused on the welfare 

of the citizens of the state of RI and southern New England in often more ways 

than those Universities dedicated to their state, but also ways that transcend 

these borders to touch lives throughout the world in as robust a calling to serve 

as formed the Western Universities. 

The ESCHUCHE grant—a grant to provide a “curriculum” in health literacy 

through the vehicle of Latino Public Radio will not only provide guidance and 

education for women and families in RI, but also provide a template for the 

entire nation. The work done in MFM to understand H1N1, prematurity, or Ma- 

ternal Fetal Medicine Units Network based research helps the large volume of 

women served here—and also far beyond. The development of the Center for 

Biomarkers and Emerging Technology in Women’s Cancers along with the in- 

creasing prominence of the Women’s Cancers’ group as Gynecologic Oncology 

Group (GOG) leaders again touches women in the region and far beyond. The 

research in Reproductive Endocrinology may provide options for women with 

D e p a r t m e n t o f O b s t e t r i c s & G y n e c o l o g y

cancer to keep their fertility, an option that never existed. Clearly every division 

of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is providing care and research 

that will improve the lives of women and girls—you only have to read a little 

about each to understand that. 

Keeping focus on the spiraling benefits of research and education for women 

and for the future at a time of great turmoil and competition for scarce re- 

sources in medicine will be the true task we face if we are to continue to meet 

the great calling to serve that has founded the Department , Women & Infants, 

and Brown. This will be the task that the generations now and in the future will 

have to face with creativity and fortitude. In some ways, we are forging a path 

in a new wilderness as broad and uncharted as the western migration and with 

as many pitfalls and potential threats. But the vistas and new territories that 

will open to us are unimaginable and beautiful beyond words, and the oppor- 

tunities to meet our calling in the new world of health care reform even more 

critical than ever. Forward ho! 

Joanna M. Cain, MD 

Chace/Joukowsky Professor and Chair 

Obstetrician & Gynecologist-in-Chief, 

Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 3

ADMINISTRATIVE ROLES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT 

Kathleen C. Bowling, MD 

Vice Chairperson, 

Department of Ob/Gyn 

4 


Associate Chair, 

Community Relationships 

PROFESSOR 

Eli Adashi, MD 

John E. Buster, MD 

Joanna Cain, MD 

Stephen R. Carr, MD (7/1/2010) 

Sandra A. Carson, MD 

Donald R. Coustan, MD 

Susan Cu-Uvin, MD 

(joint appt w/Internal Medicine) 

Gary Frishman, MD 

Cornelius O. Granai, MD 

Deborah Myers, MD 

Dwight Rouse, MD 

Patrick J. Sweeney, MD, PhD 

Katharine Wenstrom, MD 

PROFESSOR (JOINT APPT) 

Francois I. Luks, MD 

(with Surgery & Pediatrics) 

Karen Rosene-Montella, MD 

(with Internal Medicine) 

Raymond O. Powrie, MD 


CLINICAL PROFESSOR 

Diane Angelini, EdD, CNM (7/1/2010) 

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR 

Paul DiSilvestro, MD 

Richard Moore, MD 

Maureen Phipps, MD 

Charles Rardin, MD (7/1/2010) 

James O’Brien, MD 

Medical Director, 

Inpatient Obstetrics 

DEPARTMENT OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 

HOSPITAL-BASED FACULTY JULY 1, 2009 – JUNE 30, 2010 

BROWN APPOINTMENTS 


(CLINICAL) 

Robert Berry, MD (Pending) 

Robert Legare, MD 


(JOINT APPT) 

Don Dizon, MD (7/1/2010) 


Lucia Larson, MD 



(RESEARCH) 

Cynthia Rosengard, PhD 

CLINICAL ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR 

Andrew Blazar, MD 

Donna LaFontaine, MD (7/1/10) 

Carol Wheeler, MD 

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR 

Rebecca Allen, MD 

Brenna Anderson, MD 

Christina Bandera, MD 

Laurent Brard, MD 

Ed Chien, MD 

Sarah Fox, MD 

Vinita Goyal, MD 

Brittany Star Hampton, MD 

Kristen Matteson, MD 

Carolyn McCourt, MD 

Barbara O’Brien, MD 

Gary Wharton, MD 

Medical Director, 

Surgical Services 



HOSPITAL-BASED FACULTY JULY 1, 2009 – JUNE 30, 2010 



(CONTINUED) 

Kelly Pagidas, MD 

Jared C. Robins, MD 

Katina Robison, MD 

Ashley Stuckey, MD (8/1/10) 

Vivian Sung, MD 

Trevor Tejada-Berges, MD 


(CLINICAL) 

Amy Gottlieb, MD 

Tanya Dailey, MD 

David Edmonson, MD (7/1/2010) 

Robin Gray-Puleo, MD 

Amy Snyder, MD 


(JOINT APPT) 

Margaret Miller, MD 


CLINICAL ASSISTANT PROFESSOR 

Balasubramanian Bhagavath, MD 

Cassandra Carberry, MD 

Matthew Esposito, MD 

Alfredo Gil, MD 

Elisabeth Howard, PhD, CNM 

Linda A. Hunter, EdD, CNM 

James J. O’Brien, MD 

Michael J. Paglia, MD 

Martha Pizzarello, MD 

Beth Plante, MD 

Brenda Roy, MD, PhD 

Jeannine Witmyer, PhD 


(JOINT) 

Jennifer S. Gass, MD (with Surgery) 

SENIOR TEACHING ASSOCIATE 

Anne Cooper, RPN, MS 

Edie McConaughey, MSN, CNM 

Linda Moulton, RNP, MS (10/1/2010) 

Patricia O’Connell, RNC 

Janet Singer, MSN, CNM (10/1/2010) 

Linda Steinhardt, MS, CNM 

Ann Stulik, NP (10/1/2010) 

TEACHING ASSOCIATE 

Erin Dobson, RNP 

Julie Slocum Daley, RN 

INSTRUCTOR (CLINICAL) 

Moune Jabre-Raughley, MD 

Roxanne Vrees, MD 

Emily White, MD 

CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR 

Bachir Sakr, MD 

Joanna Schwartz, PhD 

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR 

Aine Clements, MD 

Agatha Critchfield, MD 

Beth Cronin, MD 

Jennifer Kang, MD 

Nicole Korbly, MD 

Katherine Melzer, MD 

Laura Richio, MD 

TEACHING FELLOW 

Julie Johnson, MD 

Nada Kawar, MD 

Shannon MacLaughlan, MD 

Peter Klatsky, MD 

Katrin Kristijandoittir, MD 

Sonali Pandya, MD 

Matthew Rogalski, MD 

Nicole Sprawka, MD 

Roman Starikov 

Ashley Stuckey, MD 

Wendy Vitek, MD 

Blair Washington, MD 

Kyle Wohlrab, MD 

RESEARCH FELLOWS 

Stephan Krotz, MD 

FELLOWS GRADUATED 6/30/2010 

Julie Johnson, MD 

Ashley Stuckey, MD 


RESEARCH ASSOCIATE 

Amy S. Cooper, CRN, MSN, RNC 

Christina Raker, ScD 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 5


COMMUNITY-BASED JULY 1, 2009 – JUNE 30, 2010 


6 


Jennifer G. Clarke, MD 

Melissa Clarke, MD 

CLINICAL ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR 

Kathleen Bowling, MD 

Terrence Cahill, MD 

Wayne Clairborne, MD 

Steven Falkenberry, MD 

Kathleen Fitzgerald, MD 

Tawfik Hawwa, MD 

Nabil Khoury, MD (7/1/10) 

John Lathrop, MD (Emeritus) 

Henry Magendantz, MD 

Samir Moubayed, MD (Emeritus) 

Frank Pensa, MD 


Reza Shah-Hosseini (Emeritus) 

Marguerite Vigliani, MD 

Robert Williams, MD 


M. David Beitle, MD 

John Bert, MD 

Lisa Boyle, MD 

Debra Brendel, MD 

Cheryl Brodsky, MD 

Fred A. Brosco, MD 

David Carcieri, MD 

Colleen Cavanaugh, MD 

Kue Chung Choi, MD 

Mauro Colavita, MD 

Jeannine Connolly, MD 

Joseph DeMartino, MD 

Mary C. DeRosa, MD 

John DiOrio, MD 

Lisa Domagalski, MD 

Renee R. Eger, MD 

Harris Galkin, MD 

Michele Gange, MD 

Howard Hall, MD (Emeritus) 

Cynthia Hanna, MD 

David Harrington, MD 

Jennifer Hosmer, MD 

Michelle L. Hughes, MD 

Marc Jaffe, MD 

AnnMarie Jurczak, MD 

Erica Klein, MD 

Stacey Lievense, MD 

Beth Marcaccio, MD 

Karen McGoldrick, MD 

Kathryn D. McGowan, MD 

Carroll Medeiros, MD 

John Murphy, MD (Emeritus) 

Laura Nevel, MD 

J. Douglas Nisbet, II, MD 

Maria O’Toole, MD 

Michael Pepi, MD 

Adrienne Perry, MD 

Marilyn Powers, DO 

Donald Ramos, MD 

Rebecca Randall, MD 

Robert Salk, DO 

Mark Scott, MD 

Jane Sharp, MD 

Santina Siena, MD 

Meera Simeos, MD 

Serena Sposato, MD 

Marshall Taylor, MD (Emeritus) 

Jacqueline Tetreault, MD 

Benjamin Vogel, MD 

W. Scott Walker, MD 


Doreen Wiggins, MD 

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR (CLINICAL) 

Robert Cohen, DO 

CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR 

Jennifer Boyle, MD 

Constance Brennan, MD 

Christine Brousseau, MD 

Dilek Cermik, MD 

Michael Coppa, MD (2/1/10) 

Rebecca Crichton, MD 

Suzanne Dambek, MD 

Kathryn Davis, MD 

Paula DeYoung, MD 

Beata DiZoglio, MD 

Debra Goldman, MD 

Anne Murray, MD 

Adelaide Nardone, MD 

Gretchen Paranya, MD 

Jessica Salak, MD (1/1/10) 

Alejandra Turmero, MD 

Anne Wold, MD 

INSTRUCTOR (ADJUNCT) 

Ali, M. F. Moustafa (7/1/2010) 


BROWN UNIVERSITY/WOMEN & INFANTS HOSPITAL 

OF RHODE ISLAND 

OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY RESIDENTS 

PGY-1 (2008-2012) MEDICAL SCHOOL 

Catherine Albright Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons 

Kathaleen (Gravel) Barker University of Connecticut School of Medicine 

Lindsay Clark Brown Medical School 

Luu Doan University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine 

Terri Febbraro Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Yeshiva University 

Karen Gibbins Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine 

Kavita Mishra University of California, San Francisco SOM 

Dario Roque University of Florida School of Medicine 


Elizabeth (Carlisle) Cappelletti Northwestern University 

Jacquia Fenderson University of Rochester School of Medicine 

Melanie Greenman Duke University School of Medicine 

Megan McCoin University of Texas Medical School- San Antonio 

Jeannine Miranne Albany Medical College 

Kristina Mori Tufts University School of Medicine 

J. Pablo Orezzoli University of Buenos Aires School of Medicine 


Archabald, Karen Yale University School of Medicine 

Baker, Julie State University of New York - Buffalo 

Carey, Molly University of Pennsylvania 

Holman, Laura University of Illinois 

Jackson, Amanda Medical University of South Carolina 

Kassis, Nadine Medical University of Ohio 

McDonnold, Mollie Baylor College of Medicine 

McMahon (Reynolds), Megan University of Massachusetts 


Clements, Aine Brown Medical School 

Critchfield, Agatha University of Kentucky College of Medicine 

Cronin, Beth University of Vermont College of Medicine 

Kang, Jennifer University of Rochester School of Medicine 

Korbly, Nicole University of Massachusetts Medical School 

Melzer, Katherine State University of New York–Buffalo, School of Medicine 

Sacco, Laura University of Massachusetts Medical School 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 7

A m b u l a t o r y C a r e 

MISSION 

8 

DIVISION OF AMBULATORY CARE 

The Division of Ambulatory Care in the Women’s Primary Care Center (WPCC) is dedicated 

to the following goals: 

1. To provide high quality, comprehensive outpatient services to all women. We offer women’s 

Primary Care, Prenatal Care, and Gynecologic Care. In addition, specialty services are 

offered in the following areas: Colposcopy, Vulvar Disorders, Chronic Pelvic Pain, complete 

Family Planning, Urogynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology, Pediatric Gynecology, 

Substance Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Nutritional Counseling, Social Service, 

Ultrasound, and Fetal Evaluation. 

2. To educate medical students, residents, and other health profession students in women’s 

primary care, with emphasis on the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow–up of 

problems in the ambulatory setting. 

3. To conduct research in areas related to women’s primary care and reproductive health issues. 

4. To serve as a tertiary outpatient center for patients referred by other primary care providers 

for specialized assessment and treatment of substance abuse in pregnancy, cervical dysplasia, 

benign vulvar conditions, pediatric gynecology, urogynecology, reproductive endocrinology, 

contraception in women with complex medical problems, and chronic pelvic pain. 

FACULTY 

Patrick J. Sweeney, MD, PhD, Division Director 

BS: Loyola University 

MD: St. Louis University 

Residency: Temple University 

MPH: University of California, Berkeley 

PhD: University of Mississippi 

Dr. Sweeney is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Director of 

the Division of Ambulatory Care with overall responsibility for the administra- 

tion of the WPCC. He joined the faculty in 1987 after having served for nine years as the Assistant 

Director of Ambulatory Care for the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. Early in 1995, Dr. 

Sweeney was appointed Associate Chair for the Department of Ob/Gyn, representing the depart- 

ment at academic functions when the chair is not available. In addition, he is an Associate Dean of 

Medicine for Continuing Medical Education for the Brown Medical School. Dr. Sweeney is an ac- 

tive member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, having been appointed 

to several national committees in addition to serving two terms as Treasurer of District I. He is a 

reviewer for Obstetrics and Gynecology and serves as an Editorial Board Member for Medicine 

and Health - Rhode Island. On April 30, 2010, Dr. Sweeney stepped down to assume the role of 

Designated Institutional Official and CME Director at Women & Infants Hospital. 


Robert E. Berry, Jr, MD, Incoming Division Director 

BA: Williams College 

MD: University of Virginia School of Medicine 

Residency: Tufts University Affiliated Hospitals 

Dr. Berry is a Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and 

the new Director of the Division of Ambulatory Care effective May 1, 2010, 

with overall responsibility for the administration of the WPCC. He joined the 

faculty in 2010 after having been at the University of Massachusetts Medical 

School and UMass Memorial hospitals for ten years. He served there as the residency program 

director among other capacities. He began his career at Tufts New England Medical Center 

where he was a member of the Generalist Division and he served as the clerkship director. His 

professional interests include medical education, technology and patient care, and medical 

professionalism. 

Rebecca H. Allen, MD, MPH 

BA: Wesleyan University 

MD: College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University 

MPH: Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University 

Residency: Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Massachusetts General Hospital, 

Harvard University 

Fellowship: Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard University 

Dr. Allen is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Director of Family Plan- 

ning for the Women’s Primary Care Center. After completing a fellowship in Family Planning, 

she joined the Division of Ambulatory Care in 2007. Dr Allen directs the Department’s Repro- 

ductive Health Rotation and the Core Curriculum series in General Gynecology. Since joining 

the division her roles have included supervising medical students, residents and nurse prac- 

titioners in the WPCC, including the Colposcopy Clinic and Contraception Consult Clinic. She 

also coordinates the Rhode Island Hospital Internal Medicine Residency Program Subspecialty 

Rotation in Gynecology at the WPCC. 

Sarah D. Fox, MD 

BS: Brown University 

MD: Robert Wood Johnson Medical School 

(University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ) 

Residency: Allegheny University/Allegheny General Hospital 

Fellowship: St. George’s Hospital, University of London 

Dr. Fox is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. After completing a fellowship 

in Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Reconstruction, she was in private practice in Rhode Island 

and a community-based faculty member at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island for 4 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 9 

A m b u l a t o r y C a r e


years. Since joining the division, her roles have included supervising medical students, resi- 

dents and nurse practitioners in the Women’s Primary Care Center. She is director of the Col- 

poscopy Clinic and also directs a multidisciplinary Virtual Chronic Pelvic Pain clinic with spe- 

cialists from Anesthesia, Physiatry, Behavioral Health, Gastroenterology, and Physical Therapy. 

In 2004, she received a Kenneth J. Ryan Training Grant in Abortion and Family Planning from 

the Kenneth J. Ryan Program and established a family planning curriculum. 

10 

Amy S. Gottlieb, MD 

AB: Harvard University 

MD: University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine 

General Internal Medicine Residency: Brown University/RI Hospital 

Dr. Gottlieb is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology 

(Clinical) and the Director of Primary Care Curricula and Consultation in the Women’s Primary 

Care Center. Dr. Gottlieb directs the Department’s Ambulatory Care Medicine Rotation and the 

Core Curriculum Series in Primary Care Internal Medicine. She also precepts medical students, 

residents, and nurse practitioners in the Women’s Primary Care Center and conducts a consul- 

tative Internal Medicine clinic. In addition to curriculum development, Dr. Gottlieb’s academic 

pursuits include educating health care professionals about violence against women and men- 

toring women in medicine. To this end, she is the Chairperson of the Women & Infants Hos- 

pital Domestic Violence Task Force, an appointed member of Brown Medical School’s Office 

of Women in Medicine and Science Advisory Board and its Medical Committee on Academic 

Standing, and is Co-Director of MomDocFamily, a nationwide mentoring organization of physi- 

cians who are mothers. 

Vinita Goyal, MD 

BA: University of Washington 

MD: University of Washington School of Medicine 

Residency: University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio 

MPH: University of North Carolina 

Fellowship: University of North Carolina 

Dr. Goyal is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology for the Women’s Primary 

Care Center. After completing a fellowship in Women’s Health Research, she joined the Divi- 

sion of Ambulatory Care in 2009. Since joining the division her roles have included supervising 

medical students, residents and nurse practitioners in the WPCC, including the Colposcopy 

Clinic and Contraception Consult Clinic. She also directs the Gynecologic Consult Clinic at the 

WPCC. 


NURSE PRACTITIONERS 

Anne Stulik, MSN, WHCNP 

BSN: University of RI 

MSN: State University of New York at Buffalo 

Anne Stulik joined the department in 1986 after working for three years as an Ob/ 

Gyn nurse practitioner for Health Care Plan of Western New York. Previously, she 

spent two years as an American Peace Corps volunteer working in women’s health. She com- 

pleted her Master’s degree from SUNY Buffalo in 1983 and is certified through the NCC as a 

Woman’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner. She has a special interest in adolescents and follows 

pregnant teenagers in the WPCC’s adolescent prenatal clinic. Teaching responsibilities include 

Brown medical students, for which she received a Brown University Medical School Excellence 

in Teaching award. 

Patricia O’Connell, MS, WHCNP 

BSN: Seattle University 

MS: Boston College 

Patricia O’Connell joined the department in 1987 after completing her Masters 

program in Women’s Health at Boston College. She is certified as a Women’s 

Health Care Nurse Practitioner and as a Nurse Colposcopist. In addition to general obstetric 

and gynecologic care, her interests include colposcopy and caring for adolescents. Patricia 

teaches Brown Medical students, and is a Clinical Preceptor for both the University of Rhode 

Island and Boston College’s Nurse Practitioner programs. Patricia is a member of the American 

Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology and the Association of Reproductive Health 

Professionals. 

Linda Moulton, MSN, FNP 

BA: Brown University 

BSN: Newport Hospital School of Nursing 

MSN: University of RI 

Linda Moulton has been a primary care nurse practitioner at the WPCC since 

1992. She graduated from Brown in 1971 and went on to teach German, mathematics and 

ancient history at St. George’s School in Newport, RI and the Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, 

PA. After completing her nursing degree in 1983, she worked for four years as a staff nurse at 

the Providence VNA. In 1989, she graduated as a family nurse practitioner from URI. She was 

certified in colposcopy in 1993 by The University of Pennsylvania and Planned Parenthood of 

Southeastern Pennsylvania and also has an interest in dermatology. Linda has received numer- 

ous excellence in teaching awards since 1992 in her role as a Clinical Instructor for Brown med- 

ical students. Linda speaks Spanish and German and is a member of the ASCCP and NPRH. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 11 



12 

Erin Dobson, MSN, FNP 

BSN: New York University 


After graduating from NYU in 1981, Erin Dobson worked as a staff nurse for ten 

years in labor and delivery, surgery and drug and alcohol rehabilitation prior to 

obtaining her master’s degree in 1992. She is certified as a family nurse practitioner and joined 

the staff at the WPCC in 1992. In addition to her teaching of Brown medical students, Erin is a 

clinical preceptor for the University of Rhode Island Nurse Practitioner program. Erin earned 

the Dean’s teaching excellence award last year and has received numerous excellence in teach- 

ing awards since 1992. 

Paulette Corey, MSN, FNP 

BSN: University of RI 


After working in a community health center for three years as well as working in 

research at Memorial Hospital with the Women’s Health Initiative, Paulette joined 

the department of obstetrics and gynecology in 1995. She has a special interest in STDs and 

pregnancy prevention, and while employed at WIH has worked in the Division of Research 

performing women’s health research. In the WPCC, Paulette is involved with teaching medical 

students and has precepted nurse practitioner students in the past. She is now involved in the 

Vulvar Specialty Clinic with a specialty in patients with recurrent vaginitis. 

Ann Biderman Cooper, RNP, MS 

BS: Skidmore College 

MSN: University of California, San Francisco 

After a number of years working as Nurse practitioner in an OB/GYN practice, 

Ann Cooper returned to Women & Infants in 2002 to work with OB Medicine as 

a Research nurse and since 2004 at the WPCC as a Nurse practitioner. Following college and a 

stint in Boston, Ann worked in San Francisco and completed a Master’s/NP program at UCSF. 

She then worked at San Francisco General Hospital as an NP/Research nurse in GYN Infectious 

Disease. After moving home to RI in 1979, Ann worked at the Women & Infants Ambulatory 

Care Center on Maude Street until 1985. During this time she also served as a Captain in the 

US Army Reserves. She is certified as a Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner, speaks Span- 

ish, and has a special interest in adolescent and refugee health. 


Ann Holdredge, CNM, FNP 

RN: St. Joseph’s Hospital 

BSN: Salve Regina University 

FNP: Northeastern University 

MSN/CNM: University of RI 

Ann Holdredge returned to the department in 2008 after working as a nurse midwife in a 

private Ob/Gyn practice in Rhode Island as well as the Indian Health Services in Gallup, New 

Mexico. She has precepted both Brown and Yale medical students as well as nurse practitioner 

and nurse midwife students from the Universities of RI, Vermont and New Mexico. She has an 

interest in cultural aspects in women’s health care. 

CLINICAL ACTIVITY: THE WOMEN’S PRIMARY CARE CENTER 

The Division of Ambulatory Care conducts a variety of general and specialized outpatient ses- 

sions at the Women’s Primary Care Center (WPCC). The WPCC’s volume for 2009 fiscal year 

was 33,879 patient encounters. The types of sessions and the times they are held are outlined 

in Table 1. Our clinical services include prenatal and postpartum care, family planning, general 

gynecology, pre-operative consultation, and primary/preventive health care services such as 

immunizations, age-appropriate health screening and annual examinations. Specialty clinics 

in colposcopy, vulvar disorders, chronic pelvic pain, contraception for women with complex 

medical problems, and early pregnancy termination are also offered. Supervision for clinical 

sessions is provided by members of the division as well as by hospital-based and community- 

based faculty from the departments of Ob/Gyn and Internal Medicine. Dr. Gottlieb, our general 

internist, also conducts regular medicine consultation clinics. Faculty from the subspecialty 

of Maternal-Fetal Medicine attends the Diabetic and High Risk prenatal sessions (designated 

“GDM” and “MFM” respectively, in Table 1). 

Table 1. Ob/Gyn Ambulatory Care Division Outpatient Schedule 

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 

AM 

PM 

• WPCC 

• Internal 

Medicine 

Consult Clinic 

• Colposcopy 

Test Results 

• MFM 

• WPCC 

• Early Options 

Clinic 

• WPCC 

• Contraception 


• MFM 

• Therapeutic 

Abortion Clinic 

• Vulvar 

• WPCC 

• Chronic Pelvic 

Pain 

• MFM 

• Internal 

Medicine 


• WPCC 

• Adolescent 

Prenatal Clinic 

• Yellow Chart 

Clinic (MFM) 

• WPCC 

• Gyn Consult 

Clinic 

• Gyn Specialty 

Clinic 


• WPCC 

• Depo Provera 

• MFM 

• LEEP 

• OR (OR LEEPS, 

colpo and 

vulvar cases) 

• WPCC 


• Pelvic Pain 

• Depo Provera 

• Internal 

Medicine 


• WPCC 

• WPCC 

• Pediatric 

Gyn Clinic 

• Urogyn 

• REI 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 13 



The second and third year fellows in the fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Recon- 

structive Surgery offer urogynecology services at the WPCC twice monthly which provides 

the fellows with more independent clinical care, decision making, and practice management. 

Case review is provided by the Division of Urogynecology faculty. Fellows from the Division 

of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility see patients at the WPCC and address problems 

such as infertility, PCOS, menorrhagia, menopausal issues and other endocrine disorders. They 

are supervised by the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility faculty. The majority of the 

patients receiving sub-specialty care are referred by other WPCC providers but our services 

are open to all referring providers. A separate session in pediatric and adolescent gynecology 

meets weekly and is staffed by faculty from REI and from the community-based practices. 

The WPCC is located at 2 Dudley Street on the fifth floor of the Medical Office Center (MOC). 

Located one block from the hospital, the MOC is connected to the main hospital building by 

a bridge and passageways through Rhode Island Hospital. Our facility includes 18 general 

examination rooms and 4 special procedure rooms. One of the rooms is equipped with a ceil- 

ing lift to allow safe transfer of patients who need this accommodation. There are eight consult 

rooms, a conference room, and offices for nurse practitioners, social workers, and family plan- 

ning counselors. Nutritionists are located directly across the hall, and a satellite lab provides 

phlebotomy services directly adjacent to the WPCC. The academic offices of the Division of 

Ambulatory Care are onsite, allowing faculty immediate access to the clinical area. The WPCC 

also has on-site formal ultrasound, staffed by the Department of Radiology, and a fetal evalua- 

tion unit. 

The WPCC attempts to maintain provider continuity as much as possible. First established 

fourteen years ago, the concept of continuity has markedly improved both patient and provider 

satisfaction. In the last years, provider continuity occurred during 90% or more of all prenatal 

visits. In an attempt to be more responsive to the primary care needs of our patients, we insti- 

tuted “walk-in” sessions in the WPCC ten years ago. These appointment slots are reserved for 

patients with urgent (but not emergent) complaints for which they would otherwise have to go 

to an emergency room. 

WPCC nurses staff a ‘nurse line,’ a telephone line to our patients and the community to answer 

clinical questions and triage patients’ medical complaints. In the past year, we registered over 

10,290 calls. In addition, our Family Planning counselors handled over 5,000 phone calls from 

patients requesting information on contraceptive services. 

PEDIATRIC AND ADOLESCENT GYNECOLOGY CLINIC 

The pediatric and adolescent gynecology clinic began in July of 2006 to serve the needs of the 

girls in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts with gynecologic issues and concerns. 

The other focus of the clinic is to provide an educational experience for the Women & Infants 

Hospital of Rhode Island obstetrics and gynecology residents. The clinic initially met twice a 

month on Friday afternoons, but now meets every Friday afternoon. Attending staff include 

14 


Dr. Carol Wheeler (director), Dr. Jackie Tetreault, Dr. Carroll Medeiros, Dr. Suzanne Dambek and 

Dr. Evelyne Caron. 

Patients have been seen in the clinic as young as infants to as old as 16 years, although in 

general the upper age limit is 14 years. The goal has been to focus on the younger child who is 

not sexually active. Older girls seeking routine gynecologic care or contraception are referred 

to the WPCC or private gynecologists. Several surgical procedures have been done on patients 

seen in the clinic, although the bulk of the patients are primarily office based. Follow up care is 

provided for girls seen in both the Women & Infants Emergency Room and Hasbro Children’s 

Hospital Emergency Room. Problems commonly encountered include pediatric vulvovaginitis, 

lichen sclerosis, labial adhesions, pelvic pain, dysfunctional bleeding, dysmenorrhea, congeni- 

tal anomalies, ovarian cysts, and amenorrhea. The referring providers have received communi- 

cation by letter after every visit. Feedback from the patients has been positive and the residents 

have found it to be a valuable educational experience. 

RESEARCH ACTIVITY: THE WOMEN’S PRIMARY CARE CENTER 

The WPCC is a recruitment site for multiple clinical research studies for faculty and resident re- 

search projects. The types of studies conducted range from the Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit’s 

Network trials to research in postpartum depression and maternal antidepressant use from the 

Center for Women’s Behavioral Health. Research is conducted by most of the divisions of the 

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is often performed in concert with the Division 

of Research. In addition, the faculty of the Division has conducted studies ranging from mind- 

fulness meditation for women with chronic pelvic pain to interventions for pain control during 

intrauterine device insertion, and screening for intimate partner violence. 

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES 

Faculty members in the Division of Ambulatory Care actively participate in the education of 

medical students, nurse practitioner students, residents and faculty. As there continues to be 

an increasing emphasis on outpatient treatment, future health care professionals need to be 

prepared to deal with this trend. 

All Ob/Gyn physician faculty members serve as faculty preceptors for medical students during 

the 3rd year Ob/Gyn clerkship (BioMed 490) and most participate as lecturers during the clerk- 

ship on a variety of topics. In terms of resident education, all faculty members participate in the 

gynecology noon conferences, as preceptors, and all give lectures as part of core curriculum. 

Other faculty teaching assignments and educational activities include: 

Allen, RH 

Director and Faculty Lecturer, Core Curriculum Series in General Gynecology, Obstetrics and 

Gynecology Residency, Alpert Medical School, Brown University 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 15 



Faculty Preceptor, Rhode Island Hospital Internal Medicine Residency Program Subspecialty 

Rotation in Gynecology, Alpert Medical School, Brown University 

Co-Director for Women’s Reproductive Health, Freedom and Rights Scholarly Concentration, 

Alpert Medical School, Brown University 

Faculty Mentor: Resident Colposcopy/Vulvar/Gynecology Conference; Obstetrics and Gynecol- 

ogy Residency, Alpert Medical School, Brown University 

Director, Ryan Program for Resident Education in Family Planning, Obstetrics and Gynecology 

Residency, Alpert Medical School, Brown University 

Resident Research Advisor, Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency, Alpert Medical School, 

Brown University 

Resident Physician Advisor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alpert Medical School, 


Fox, SD 

Faculty Mentor, Coordinator: Resident Physician Weekly Colposcopy/Vulvar/Gynecology Con- 

ference, Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency, Alpert Medical School, Brown University 

Medical Student Mentor, Office of Community Health, Alpert Medical School, Brown University 

Adjunct Assistant Professor in Gender Studies: GNSS0900C – Reproductive Health: Science 

and Politics, Freshman Seminar, Brown University 

Director, Colposcopy Clinic and Resident Colposcopy Rotation, Obstetrics and Gynecology 


Faculty Lecturer, Core Curriculum Series in General Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology 

Residency, Albert Medical School, Brown University 

Gottlieb AS 

Director and Faculty Preceptor, Ambulatory Care Rotation, Obstetrics and Gynecology 


Director and Faculty Lecturer, Core Curriculum Series in Primary Care Internal Medicine, 

Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency, Alpert Medical School, Brown University 

Faculty Supervisor, Primary Care Noon Conference, Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency, 

Alpert Medical School, Brown University 

16 


Faculty Lecturer, General Internal Medicine Residency, Alpert Medical School, 

Brown University (Rhode Island Hospital) 

Resident Research Advisor, Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency, Alpert Medical School, 


Research Advisor: Scholarly Concentration Project (Medical Education); 

Resident Physician Advisor, Department of Medicine, Alpert Medical School, Brown University 

Medical Student Mentor, Office of Women in Medicine, Alpert Medical School, 


REGIONAL COMMITTEES 

Fox SD 

Lobbying Team Member, Planned Parenthood of RI 

Executive Board of RI National Organization of Women 

Program Coordinator of Healthy Kids RI: The Campaign for Comprehensive Sex Education in RI 

Gottlieb AS 

Chair, Domestic Violence Task Force, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island 

Advisory Board, the Office of Women in Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University 

Advisory Board, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Brown University 

Co-Director, MomDocFamily 

NATIONAL COMMITTEES 

Fox SD 

Board of Directors, International Pelvic Pain Society Chair, Medical Education Committee, Inter- 

national Pelvic Pain Society 

Gottlieb AS 

Invited Member, Women’s Health Task Force, Society of General Internal Medicine 

Allen RH 

Chair, Contraception Special Interest Group, American Society for Reproductive Medicine 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 17 



18 

PUBLICATIONS, ABSTRACTS, & PRESENTATIONS 

RE BERRY, MD 

AWARD 

CREOG National Faculty Award for Excellence in Resident Education from the 

University of Massacusetts. 

POSTER PRESENTATION 

Tassone,G.M., Moore Simas, T.,Berry, R.E. Jr Gestational Weight Gain – How to ‘Institute’ New 

Guidelines. Poster Presentation, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 58th Annual 

Clinical Meeting, San Francisco, CA, 5/2010. 

PUBLICATIONS 

Moore Simas T , Riza L, Pasquale S, Berry Jr R, Manning M, Tasillo D, Fluid Resuscitation and 

Blood Product Replacement in Postpartum Hemorrhage. MedEdPORTAL; 2010. Available from: 

http://services.aamc.org/30/mededportal/servlet/s/segment/mededportal/?subid=7919 

Tasillo D , Moore Simas T, Riza L, Pasquale S, Berry Jr R, Manning M, Pharmacologic Interventions 

in Postpartum Hemorrhage. MedEdPORTAL; 2010. Available from: http://services.aamc. 

org/30/mededportal/servlet/s/segment/mededportal/?subid=8024 

AS GOTTLIEB, MD 

PUBLICATIONS 

Kang JA, Gottlieb AS, Raker CA, Aneja SS, Boardman LA. Interpersonal violence inquiry with 

standardized health prevention screening. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2010;115:1159-65. 

Aneja S, Gottlieb AS, Feller E. Physician intervention for intimate partner violence. Medicine & 

Health/Rhode Island. 2009;92:307-309 

Lechner BE, Gottlieb AS, Taylor LE. Effectively mentoring physician-mothers. (Letter) Academic 

Medicine. 2009;84:1643-1644. 

ABSTRACTS 

Taylor J, MacNamara M, Gottlieb AS. MomDocFamily – providing mentoring and support to 

physician-mothers. Oral presentation at The Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Northeast 

Region Meeting, Rye Brook, New York, November 1, 2009. 

MacNamara, M, Gottlieb AS, Taylor J. MomDocFamily – An innovative strategy for physicianmother 

workforce development and retention. Seminar at The National Area Health Education 

Center (AHEC) Organization 2010 Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada, June 22, 2010. 

INVITED LECTURES, WORKSHOPS, AND PANELS 

Intimate Partner Violence: A Practical Guide for Clinicians: Recognizing & Assisting Female 

Patients Experiencing Partner Abuse” (Speaker). Grand Rounds, Kent Hospital. Warwick, RI. 

February 11, 2010. 

“Intimate Partner Violence: A Practical Guide for Clinicians: Recognizing & Assisting Female 

Patients Experiencing Partner Abuse” (Speaker). Department of Emergency Medicine, Kent 

Hospital. Warwick, RI. May 13, 2010. 

Domestic Violence” (Panel discussant). Physicians for Human Rights, The Warren Alpert 

Medical School of Brown University. Providence, RI. October 28, 2009. 


Mentoring Relationships” (Panel discussant). Careers in Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical 

School of Brown University. Providence, RI. February 5, 2010. 

“Relationships & Medicine” (Panel discussant). Pre-clinical Advising Program, The Warren 

Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Providence, RI. March 3, 2010. 

RH ALLEN, MD 

PUBLICATIONS 

Allen RH, Raker C, Steinauer J, Eastwood KL, Kacmar JE, Boardman LA. Future Abortion ProProvision among United States Graduating Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents, 2004. 

Contraception 2010;81:531-6. 

Allen RH, O’Brien B. Uses of misoprostol in obstetrics and gynecology. Reviews in Obstetrics 

& Gynecology 2009;2:159-168. 

Hachey KJ, Allen RH, Nothnagle M, Boardman LA. Requiring human papilloma virus vaccine 

for immigrant women. Obstetrics and Gynecology 2009;114:1135-9. 


Allen, RH. “Hormonal contraception: Pills, patches, rings and other things” Rhode Island Hospital, 

Endocrine Division Grand Rounds. Providence, RI. March 31, 2010. 

Allen, RH. “Managing Side Effects of Hormonal Contraception” Roundtable Discussion 

American Society for Reproductive Medicine 65 th Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA. October 2009. 

SD FOX, MD 

ABSTRACTS 

Chisolm-Straker M, Weinstein S, Fox SD. Abortion Counseling and Informed Consent: A survey 

of women’s experiences. National Abortion Federation Annual Meeting Philadelphia PA, 

4/26/10 


“Reproductive health and inflammatory bowel disease.” Women & Infants’ Hospital of RI 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Support Group 9/2/09 

“Reducing Pain for Patient and Provider: The initial approach to the chronic pelvic pain 

patient.” International Pelvic Pain Society Annual Meeting, Phoenix, AZ, 10/16/09 

“Surgical Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain” International Pelvic Pain Society Annual 

Meeting, Phoenix AZ, 10/16/09 

“Chronic Pelvic Pain and Reproductive Health.” Brown University Scholarly Concentration in 

Women’s Reproductive Health and Freedom, 11/12/09 

Careers in Women’s Health, Panel Discussion, Brown University MOMS Program, Providence, 

RI, 2/3/10 

“Opioids: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” Luncheon Conference at ACOG Annual Clinical 

Meeting, San Francisco, CA, 5/18/10 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 19 


20 


DIVISION OF GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY 

“THE PROGRAM IN WOMEN’S ONCOLOGY” 

The Program in Women’s Oncology is the state’s largest focused cancer program dedicated to 

women. Since 1989, the Program in Women’s Oncology has evolved from a series of common– 

sense questions. The central and framing question, which continues to drive the Program, is 

“What would you want done for your loved ones under those circumstances?” While each of 

our desires would undoubtedly vary, in the face of a serious health problem such as cancer, 

we would all want for our loved ones the best science–of–medicine (a.k.a. evidence–based 

medicine) but is that all? Surely, we as an Oncology Program must provide the best of medical 

science for the patients and families seeking our care, so let’s consider how that’s done first. 

Though seemingly straight–forward, in truth, providing the best medical recommendations for 

an individual is not easy. “Cancer” is in actuality thousands of different diseases, each with its 

own important, distinctive nuances, treatments, and prognoses. Determining what you have 

and what are the best medical recommendations for your specific cancer, under your individ- 

ual circumstances, is in actuality very important and very difficult to do. The Program in Wom- 

en’s Oncology is dedicated to helping patients understand what they have and what science 

pertains (a.k.a. – “p–values”) and of those, which medical recommendations are best for them. 

It does so through the unique, multi–disciplinary Tumor Board process. 

A core value of the Program, the Tumor Board (i.e. a multidisciplinary, prospective process) 

assures that the best science of medicine is offered to our patients. The Tumor Board’s charge 

is to carefully consider the exact type of malignancy each individual patient has and her overall 

medical circumstances. From that evolves the best medical recommendation for them. Once 

that recommendation has been conveyed to the patient and fully understood, and assuming 

the patient and family concur, the next tumor board question is “Where should that recom- 

mendation be carried out?” 

The Tumor Board process, the research program and treatment protocols, the best science of 

medicine are all extensions of the Program’s answer to the framing question, “What would we 

want done for our loved ones under those circumstances?” But, as important as the best “p– 

values” of medicine is for patients, is that all we would want for our loved ones facing cancer? 

The obvious answer is no, “we would want more”. In addition to the p–values, we want caring, 

hope, and other “human values.” 

Therefore, in the sequence of questions guiding the Program in Women’s Oncology is the con- 

tinuous and always –asked follow–up question, “Can we do more?” Can we do more for the 

patient than providing the best possible best science of medicine? Asking these series of ques- 

tions, each step along the way, brings the Program’s cancer care/caring to very different places 

than would science alone. “P–values,” “H–values”, science, art, and the poetry of life inspire 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 21 

G y n e c o l o g i c O n c o l o g y

G y n e c o l o g i c O n c o l o g y 

the Program in the remarkably diverse work that it does on behalf of cancer patients and their 

families. The Program now has many excellent and comprehensive services/components… 

from MD’s and PhD’s, to surgery, chemotherapy, music, and poetry; all are interpretations of 

what we would want done for our loved ones under those circumstances. In the broadest, 

most philosophic sense, then, the Program is continually challenged by the simultaneously 

unanswerable and introspective question “What matters matter?” 

PROGRAM FACULTY 

22 

Cornelius O. “Skip” Granai III, MD, FACOG, FACS, Division Director 

MS: University of Vermont 

MD: University of Vermont 

Residency: Tufts 

Fellowship: New England Medical Center 

Dr. Granai is a Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology and the Director of the 

Gynecologic Oncology Division, as well as Director of the Gynecologic On- 

cology Fellowship Program. He is also Vice President of Network Development and Women’s 

Cancer at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island. He heads a multidisciplinary team includ- 

ing residents, nine gynecologic oncologists, four gynecologic oncology fellows, one breast 

fellow, oncology nurses, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, social workers, dieticians, 

integrative therapy staff, physical therapists, an administrative team and the multi–disciplinary 

support of many others including medical students from Brown and elsewhere. 

Prior to joining Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island and Brown University, he was on 

the faculty of Tufts and Harvard University and on the staffs of New England Medical Center 

and Massachusetts General Hospital where he served as Director of the Gynecologic Oncol- 

ogy fellowship program. He is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Gynecologic 

Oncology. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Society of Surgical Oncolo- 

gists, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, the New England Association of Gynecologic 

Oncologists, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Granai is the Vice President of 

the Society for Gynecologic Oncology. He is a member of the International Gynecologic Cancer 

Society. Dr. Granai holds the title of Oral Examiner for the American Board of Obstetrics and 

Gynecology, for both Ob–Gyn oral boards and the subspecialty Gyn–Oncology boards. 

Dr. Granai is the founder of the Integrative Care Program at Women & Infants Hospital of 

Rhode Island, which began in 1992. This unique, patient–centered program includes pet thera- 

py, massage, reiki, journal writing, yoga, nutrition/weight–loss counseling, personal life history/ 

writing, music therapy, meditation, hypnotherapy, spa–treatments, acupuncture, art therapy, 

and more. He is also the Founder and President of the International Health Foundation, which 

provides ongoing, direct health care and educational exchanges in which physicians and nurs- 

es from WIH/Brown and the Dominican Republic visit each other to provide teaching, clinically 

demonstrate surgical techniques, and share ideas on treatment approaches. 


Dr. Granai has served as chairman of the Life Enrichment Task Force of the Society of Gyne- 

cologic Oncology. Dr. Granai was honored by being voted “Top Doctor for Women” in the 

Rhode Island Monthly magazine. Dr. Granai was also honored with being elected as one of the 

“Best Doctors in America.” Dr. Granai is a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the 

American Cancer Society. In addition to all of this, Dr. Granai has become an acclaimed, na- 

tional speaker, sought after for his real–life medical/surgical experiences, personal experiences, 

philosophic, humorous, compassionate and always–dynamic presentations. He has been the 

keynote speaker at numerous, national and international conferences and annual meetings. 


BS: Harvard University 

MD: Johns Hopkins University 

Residency: Brigham and Women’s 

Fellowship: University of Pennsylvania 

Dr. Bandera joined the Program in Women’s Oncology in February 2005 and is Board Certified 

in General Obstetrics and Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology by the American Board of 

Obstetrics and Gynecology. She also completed a Fellowship in Robotic Surgery for Gyneco- 

logic Oncology. Dr. Bandera’s clinical interests include the surgical and medical management 

of gynecologic cancers. She has a special interest in providing minimally invasive surgery. She 

has published numerous research articles and chapters regarding gynecologic cancers and 

is currently the Gyn Oncology editor for the international journal Gynecologic and Obstetric 

Investigation. Dr. Bandera lives in Cranston with her husband Dr. Cedric Priebe. 

Laurent Brard, MD, PhD 

MD: University of Pittsburgh 

Residency: Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island 

Fellowship: Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island 

Dr. Brard joined our Program in July, 2002. Born in Nantes (France), raised in 

Montreal (Canada) and Paris (France), Dr. Brard has received numerous degrees: BSc in Chemi- 

cal Engineering from École Supérieure de Chimie Industrielle de Lyon (France), 1987; MSc 

in Organic Chemistry from Université Claude Bernard (France), 1987; PhD in Chemistry from 

Northwestern University, 1991; Post-Doctorate fellowship in Chemistry at Northwestern Uni- 

versity, 1992; Post-Doctorate fellowship in Chemistry at University of Pennsylvania, 1992-1994; 

MD from the University of Pittsburgh, 1998. Dr. Brard is a published clinician-scientist with 

several patents (some through Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island/Brown University). 

Since arriving in Rhode Island, Dr. Brard has continued his academic work with 58 publications, 

and 70 abstracts to date. Following the completion of this fellowship in June 2005, he was 

selected by a national search process to begin his faculty appointment as Assistant Professor 

at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University in the Division of Gynecologic Oncol- 

ogy, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Shortly thereafter, he was selected as one 

of four BIRCWH (Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health) NIH K12 grant 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 23 



scholars. During his BIRCWH scholarship, he also received a NIH/NINDS R21 grant, an OCRF 

Foundation grant and Brown University Seed grants. After completing his BIRCWH scholar- 

ship, he was recently awarded a NIH/NCI R01 five-year grant. He is currently the director of the 

Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory, the basic science lab of the division of Gynecology Oncol- 

ogy. Among his other accomplishments is a continued commitment to education. Dr. Brard 

has received multiple teaching awards from Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island and 

the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University School. Dr. Brard is leaving Women & 

Infants effective June 30, 2010. 

24 

Paul A. DiSilvestro, MD, FACOG, FACS 

BA: Dartmouth College 



Fellowship: University of Oklahoma. 

Dr. DiSilvestro is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at 

Brown University School of Medicine. He joined our Program in September, 2003. Dr. DiSilves- 

tro is Board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology. He has major 

research interest in clinical trials and serves as the Principal Investigator at Women & Infants 

Hospital of Rhode Island for the Gynecologic Oncology Group of the National Cancer Institute. 

Dr. DiSilvestro has recently been appointed co-chairman of the Ovarian Cancer Committee for 

the Gynecologic Oncology Group. He is a member of several professional societies, including 

the Society of Gynecologic Oncology. Dr. DiSilvestro is also the chairman of the Institutional 

Review Board at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island. 

Don S. Dizon, MD 

BA: University of Rochester 

MD: University of Rochester School of Medicine 

Residency: Yale-New Haven 

Fellowship: Cornell University 

Dr. Dizon joined our Program in October, 2003 as Director of Medical Oncology and is an Assis- 

tant Professor of Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology for Brown Medical School; currently 

serves as co-director of the Center for Sexuality, Intimacy and Fertility as well as the Director 

of Integrative Services. He is board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology. He re- 

ceived the American Society of Clinical Oncology Career Development Award in 2002. He was 

elected fellow of the American College of Physicians in 2005. He is a member of the American 

College of Physicians, the American Society of Clinical Oncologists, American Association for 

Cancer Research, Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, The International Gynecologic Cancer 

Society, the Society for Integrative Oncology, the National Consortium of Breast Centers and 

the International Society for Sexuality and Cancer. In 2006, he became Vice President for the 

National Consortium of Breast Centers and will continue as Program Chair for the 2009 Annual 

Meeting. He serves on the Education Committee and as a member of the Speakers’ Bureau for 

the International Gynecologic Cancer Society. 


Carolyn McCourt, MD 

BA: Creighton University 

MD: Creighton University 

Residency: Washington University (MO) 


Dr. McCourt joined the faculty of the Program in Women’s Oncology as Assistant Professor 

in 2008. Dr. McCourt is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has major research 

interest in clinical trials and serves as the Women & Infants’ site Co-Principal Investigator for 

the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG), a clinical and basic science research, non-profit orga- 

nization supported by the National Cancer Institute. She is a member of several professional 

societies, including the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, American College of Surgeons, and 

American Society of Clinical Oncology. 

Richard Moore, MD, FACOG 

MD: University of Alberta 

Residency: Eastern Virginia School of Medicine 

Fellowship: Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island /Brown University 

Dr. Moore is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecol- 

ogy. He is the director of the Center for Biomarkers and Emerging Technologies (CBET) and 

an associate director of the Program in Women’s Oncology. Dr. Moore is board certified in 

Obstetrics and Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology. He is a Fellow of the American Board 

of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American College of Surgeons. He is a member of the 

Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, the New England Association of Gynecologic Oncolo- 

gists and the Society of Surgical Oncologists. Dr. Moore leads the basic science laboratory for 

the Program in Women’s Oncology. His Research interests include the development of novel 

biomarkers for ovarian and endometrial cancers. His research in ovarian cancer has led to 

the clinical development of a novel biomarker (HE4) now used in the management of ovarian 

cancer patients world wide. Dr. Moore was also instrumental in the development of the Risk of 

Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) used for risk assessment for the diagnosis of ovarian 

cancer in women with a pelvic mass. HE4 has recently been cleared by the US FDA for moni- 

toring patients with ovarian cancer. Dr. Moore is also one of the pioneers for the use of sentinel 

lymph node technology in the treatment of patients with vulva cancer. Dr. Moore has authored 

over 30 peer reviewed papers and book chapters. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 25 



26 

Bachir J. Sakr, MD 

MD: Lebanese University 

Residency: Detroit Medical Center 

Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh 

Dr. Sakr is a medical oncologist and joined the staff at the Program in Women’s 

Oncology in early 2007. Dr. Sakr practiced as a primary care provider and hema- 

tology/oncology specialist in Providence for a few years before joining the Program in Wom- 

en’s Oncology. He was born in Lebanon and received his medical degree from The Lebanese 

University. He did clinical rotations in medicine and surgery in Lebanon, before coming to the 

United States for his internship and residency. He also completed a fellowship in hematology 

and oncology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Fluent in Arabic and French, 

Dr. Sakr is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in medical oncology 

and hematology. 

Trevor Tejada–Bergés, MD 

BS/MS: McGill University 

MD: McGill University 

Residency: Royal Victory Hospital, McGill University 


Dr. Tejada–Bergés joined the Program in July 2001 as a Gynecologic Oncology fellow. He 

completed the Gynecologic Oncology fellowship, and then stayed on to continue a Breast Care 

Fellowship. He is now an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology for the Warren 

Alpert School of Medicine at Brown and cares for patients with both gynecologic malignancies 

and breast cancer. He is Board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Gynecologic 

Oncology. His current clinical interests lie in the field of racial disparities in cancer care and 

palliative/end-of-life care. Given his involvement in the field, he was recently invited by the 

National Office of Minority Health to participate in the National Partnership for Action to Elimi- 

nate Health Disparities. In 2009 he received the APGO award for exceptional teaching by the 

medical students at Brown. He was also recently recognized by the American Cancer Society 

with the Sandra C. Labaree Volunteer Values Award. He is a candidate member of the Society 

of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO), where he serves on the Breast Cancer Task Force, and the 

New England Association of Gynecologic Oncologists (NEAGO). He is a member of the Ameri- 

can Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBS) and the American Society of Breast Disease (ASBD). 

Katina Robison, MD, completed her fellowship and joined the faculty at the 

Program in Women’s Oncology as Assistant Professor in July of 2009. She was 

chosen as a Women’s Reproductive Health Research Scholar in March of 2009. 

She completed her BA in Psychology at San Francisco State University in 1996, 

followed by her medical doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh in 2002. She 

completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency training and Gynecologic 


Oncology Fellowship at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island in June 2009. As a WRHR 

scholar, she is actively involved in clinical research, including a study evaluating barriers to 

cervical cancer screening among Southeast Asian women and enrollment will be completed 

at the end of this year in a study determining the prevalence of HPV and genotype distribu- 

tion among Southeast Asian women in Rhode Island. She also continues to be involved in Dr. 

Moore’s prospective sentinel lymph node study in patients with vulvar cancer and has recently 

completed a retrospective study evaluating the long-term use of Doxil in women with 

recurrent Ovarian Cancer. In addition, she is developing a survivorship database among 

women with Gynecologic Malignancies. 

FELLOWSHIP TRAINING 

Sonali V. Pandya, MD, will complete her Breast Fellowship at Women & Infants Hospital in July 

2010. Dr. Pandya completed medical school at Saint George’s University School of Medicine 

in Grenada, West Indies and graduated in 2004 with a Doctorate in Medicine. After graduating, 

she completed a four year residency in General Surgery at Albany Medical Center, Albany NY. 

Dr. Pandya was the recipient of the Intern of the Year Award in 2005. 

Nada Mufid Kawar, MD, is a second year Fellow in the Program in women’s Oncology. Dr. 

Kawar completed medical school at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis 

Missouri and graduated in 2005 with a Doctorate in Medicine. After graduating, she completed 

a four year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of California, San Fran- 

cisco. Dr. Kawar was administrative Chief Resident at University of California, San Francisco, 

from 2008 to 2009. 

Katrin Kristjansdottir, MD, is a third year Fellow in the Program in Women’s Oncology. Dr. 

Kristjansdottir completed medical school at the University of Iceland and graduated in 2001 

with a Candidatus Medicinae degree. After graduating, she completed a one-year internship 

with the University Hospital of Iceland. She then worked as a house officer at the department 

of OB/Gyn at the University of Iceland Hospital for a year before completing her OB/Gyn resi- 

dency at the University of Colorado HSC in 2007. After residency, Katrin worked for a year as 

an attending at Denver Health and Hospital and was part of the teaching faculty at the Univer- 

sity of Colorado HSC during that time. 

Shannon MacLaughlan, MD, is the Senior Fellow in the Program in Women’s Oncology. Dr. 

MacLaughlan completed her BS degree in biology with a minor in religious studies at Stetson 

University in DeLand, Florida in 1998. She received her medical doctorate from the University 

of Florida College in Medicine in 2002, and completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency 

at Greenville Hospital Systems University Medical Center, Greenville, SC in 2006. After gradu- 

ation she worked for a year in the Women & Infants’ Hospital triage unit before joining the 

Program in 2007. Dr. MacLaughlan is currently conducting a pilot study in collaboration with 

The Program in Women’s Oncology Integrative Care Program investigating the use of hypno- 

therapy and gabapentin for therapy-induced hot flashes in breast cancer survivors. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 27 



Ashley Stuckey, MD, completed her combined Gynecologic Oncology and Breast Surgery Fel- 

lowship in June 2010 and will be joining the Program in Women’s Oncology in July 2010. Dr. 

Stuckey received her B.A. in French from Davidson College in 1996. She received her medical 

doctorate in 2001 from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and then completed 

her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency training in June of 2005 at the same institution. She 

completed a Pelvic Surgery fellowship at Lahey Clinic in June of 2006. She was the first fellow to 

complete the new four-year program focusing on additional training in breast health. 

NEW ARRIVALS TO THE DIVISION 

Beth Cronin, MD, will begin her Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship at WIH in July 2010. 

Dr. Cronin completed medical school at the University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burl- 

ington VT and graduated in 2006 with a Doctorate in Medicine. After graduating, she completed 

a four-year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Women and Infants’/Brown University. Dr. 

Cronin was Administrative Chief Resident at Women and Infants’/Brown University, from 2009 

to 2010. Dr. Cronin was the recipient of the Women and Infants Hospital Excellence in Teach- 

ing Awards from 2007 – 2010. She was the recipient of the Professionalism and Humanism in 

Women’s Health Award in 2009 and the David H. Nichols Award for Excellence in Pelvic Surgery 

in 2010. 

Marcia Humphrey Schmidt, MD, will begin her Breast Fellowship at Women & Infants Hospital 

in July 2010. Dr. Humphrey Schmidt completed medical school at Upstate Medical University, 

State University of New York and graduated in 2002 with a Doctorate in Medicine. After graduat- 

ing, she completed a four-year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Winthrop University 

Hospital, and went on to complete a one-year Fellowship in Pelvic Surgery at Emory University 

School of Medicine, followed by a three-year Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship at the University 

of South Florida. 

THE MEDICAL STAFF — BREAST HEALTH CENTER 

28 

Robert D. Legare, MD 

MD: Tufts 

Residency: Yale-New Haven 

Fellowship: Brigham and Women’s 

Dr. Legare is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Clinical) at 

Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island/Brown University. Dr. Legare was an Associate 

Physician at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and an Instructor in 

Medicine at Harvard Medical School, 1996 – 1997. As a medical oncologist/hematologist he is an 

integral part of both the Gyn-Onc Clinic and the Breast Health Center. Dr. Legare is the Director 

of the Breast Health Center and Cancer Risk Assessment and Prevention Program in The Pro- 

gram in Women’s Oncology. He is board certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology and Inter- 

nal Medicine. He is Instructor for small group sessions, Pathophysiology/Hematology (Bio350), 


Brown University School of Medicine. Dr. Legare has received the Dean’s Teaching Excellence 

Award from Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island/Brown University from 2000-2009. He is a 

member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology, Brown 

University Oncology Group and the author of many papers, abstracts and chapters. 

Jennifer S. Gass, MD, FACS 

MD: University of Maryland 

Residency: Temple University Hospital 

Dr. Gass is Chief of Surgery at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Director 

of the Breast Fellowship at the Breast Health Center, as well as Clinical Assistant 

Professor at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University from 1993–present. She is 

Board Certified in general surgery. She is on the staff of Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode 

Island, Rhode Island Hospital, and Miriam Hospital. In 2002–2003 she attended in the Surgical 

Intensive Care Unit at Rhode Island Hospital. She is a member of the American Society of Breast 

Surgeons, Rhode Island Medical Women’s Association, Rhode Island Medical Society, American 

Medical Women’s Association, Association of Women Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, 

American Medical Association, Society of Surgical Oncology, and the New England Surgical So- 

ciety. Under Dr. Gass’s supervision, the Women & Infants’ Breast Fellowship received 5 year cer- 

tification by the Society of Surgical Oncology. She reviews for the annals of Surgical Oncology, 

The Journal of Surgical Oncology, The American Journal of Clinical Oncology, and The Journal 

of the American College of Surgeons. She is the program co-chair for the 2010 National Consor- 

tium of Breast Centers Annual Meeting. She serves on the ethics committee and the board of 

Advocates for the American Society of Breast Surgeons and the Breast Program Directors Chair 

committee for the Society of Surgical Oncology and the program for American Society of Clinical 

Oncologist Breast Meeting. At Women and Infants’ she serves on the CME committee, and the 

GYN Review group. At Brown, she serves on the Medical School Admissions Committee. 

Ekaterini Tsiapali, MD 

MD: National University of Athens 

Residency: East Tennessee State University 


Dr. Tsiapali joined the Program in Women’s Oncology as a General and Breast 

surgeon in September 2007. She is a native of Greece, who started her General 

Surgery training in Greece (receiving her MD from the National University of Athens) and moved 

to the US when she was offered a position as a Research Fellow at East Tennessee State Univer- 

sity. After a year of bench research on Trauma and Sepsis, she proceeded to complete a General 

Surgery Residency. She came to Women and Infants’ in 2006 for her fellowship. Her special inter- 

ests include oncoplastic breast surgery and advanced laparoscopy. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 29 



30 

Doreen L. Wiggins, MD, FACOG, FACS 

BA: University of Rhode Island 

MD: Brown Medical School 



Dr. Wiggins is part of the Breast Health Center team as a Breast Surgeon. She is an Assistant 

Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Brown Medical School. She received a 

Teaching Excellence Award presented by Brown University Medical Students in 1990. She is 

a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In 2000, she completed train- 

ing as a children’s grief counselor at the Dougy Center in Oregon. She has served as the Vice 

President of Friend’s Way and volunteered as a facilitator to help children. Dr. Wiggins received 

a Partner in Philanthropy Award in 2002 by the Rhode Island Association of Fundraising Profes- 

sionals. She is a member of the American Medical Association, the Society of Surgical Oncol- 

ogy, the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the American Society of Breast Disease, the 

American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and former member 

of the Board of Directors of Friend’s Way. Dr. Wiggins was chosen to be one of the 26 cyclists 

in the Tour of Hope, a transcontinental bicycling tour by Lance Armstrong to promote cancer 

research. Dr Wiggins continues her relationship with the Lance Armstrong Foundation as an 

advocate for cancer patients, and was selected to go to Washington, D.C. as part of “Livestrong 

Day” and meet with members of Congress in 2005 and 2006. She also represented the Lance 

Armstrong Foundation for the American Cancer Society “One Voice Against Cancer (OVAC) in 

Washington, DC in June 2008. In July 2006, as a team member she summitted Mt. Shasta (14, 

162 ft) in California for the Breast Cancer Fund to raise awareness regarding the environmen- 

tal causes of breast cancer. Dr. Wiggins is the Co-Director of the Center for Sexuality, Intimacy 

and Fertility through the Program in Women’s Oncology dedicated to helping cancer patients 

improve quality of life and provide a much needed resource. Dr. Wiggins coordinates resident 

teaching in breast service at Brown Medical School and has received excellence in teaching 

awards, 2004 through 2008. She was also a course leader for postgraduate course “Breast 

Cancer and GYN Patient” at the Annual Clinical Meeting of ACOG in May 2008. Dr. Wiggins 

resigned from her position in December 2009 to pursue other opportunities. 

David A. Edmonson, MD, FACS, joined the staff of the Breast Health Center in 

June of 2010. Dr. Edmonson received his B.S. in Biology from Vanderbilt Uni- 

versity in Nashville, TN in 1993. He received his medical degree in 1999 from St. 

Georges University School of Medicine. He completed his general surgery intern- 

ship and residency at Albany Medical Center in Albany, NY, and was Chief Resi- 

dent in 2004. Dr. Edmonson completed his Fellowship in Surgical Oncology of 

the Breast in 2005 at Women and Infants’ Hospital. He is board certified in general surgery. Dr. 

Edmonson is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and is a member of numerous 

professional societies including the American Society of Breast Surgeons. Dr. Edmonson had 

been in private practice in Albany NY prior to returning to Providence. He returns to pursue fur- 

ther interests in teaching and research. His interests include genetically-based breast cancers 

and the prevention and treatment of lymphedema. 


Steven I. Cohen, MD, FACS, joined the staff of the Breast Health Center in 1995. Dr. Cohen is 

a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at Brown University. He received 

his medical degree in 1968 from Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York. He is board 

certified in general surgery. Dr. Cohen is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a 

member of numerous professional societies. 

Arnold H. Herman, MD, FACS, joined the staff of the Breast Health Center in 1995. Dr. Herman 

is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at Brown University. He received 

his medical degree in 1966 from the University of Kansas and completed his surgical residency 

at Boston University. Dr. Herman is board certified in general surgery. He is a fellow of the 

American College of Surgeons and a member of numerous professional societies including the 

American Society of Breast Surgeons. He is a surveyor for the Commission on Cancer of the 

American College of Surgeons. 

R. James Koness, MD, joined the staff of the Breast Health Center in June 2004. Dr. Koness 

received his B.S. in Biology from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts in 1978 and 

his MD from SUNY–Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, New York in 1983. He completed his 

internship and residency in general surgery at Brown University in 1988 and completed his 

fellowship in surgical oncology at Roger Williams Medical Center in 1990. He was an Instructor 

in Surgery at Brown University from 1987–1991 and is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor 

in the Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Brown University. Dr. Koness is 

a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and is a member of the Rhode Island Chapter of 

the American College of Surgeons, New England Surgical Society, Society of Surgical Oncol- 

ogy, American Society of Head and Neck Surgeons, and American Society of Breast Surgeons. 

Gabriela B. Masko, MD, joined the staff of the Breast Health Center in June 2003. She is cur- 

rently Clinical Assistant Professor of Radiation Medicine at Brown University, Division of Biol- 

ogy and Medicine and Clinical Instructor of Radiation Oncology at Tufts University School of 

Medicine. She received her B.A. in 1980 from Yale University and her medical degree in 1984 

from Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Masko is board certified in Radiation Oncology 

and a member of several professional societies. 

Kathy Radie-Keane, MD, joined the staff of the Breast Health Center in December 2005. She is 

currently Clinical Assistant Professor in Radiation Medicine at Brown University, Division of 

Biology and Medicine. She received her B.S., at Emmanuel College, 1980 Boston, MA and her 

medical degree in 1986 at Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Radie-Keane is board certi- 

fied in Radiation Oncology and a member of several professional societies. 

William M. Sikov, MD, joined the staff of the Breast Health Center in July 2003. He is principal 

investigator, CALGB, Rhode Island Hospital and Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at 

Brown University School of Medicine. Dr. Sikov received his A.B. in Russian Studies in 1978 

from Brown University and his medical degree in 1982 from Yale University School of Medi- 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 31 



cine. He completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University Health 

Center, Pittsburgh, PA, in 1985 and a fellowship in Hematology–Oncology at the New England 

Medical Center, Boston, MA, in 1989. Dr. Sikov is board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematol- 

ogy, and Medical Oncology. He is a member of numerous professional societies and has major 

research interests in the treatment of breast cancer. He chairs the Brown University Oncology 

Group (BRUOG) Breast Cancer Committee. 

Rochelle Strenger, MD, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Brown University School 

of Medicine and a Medical Oncologist at the Breast Health Center for over 10 years. She re- 

ceived her BA in Biology from Barnard College in 1972 and MS from Columbia University in 

1978. She received her MD degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 1982 and com- 

pleted her Internal Medicine residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston in 1985. 

She then completed a Research/Clinical fellowship in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at 

the same hospital. Dr. Strenger is board certified in Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine. 

She is a member of numerous societies. Dr. Strenger was the 2009 recipient of the first Adele 

R. Decof Rose award for excellence in patient centered care. She was the recipient of the Amer- 

ican Medical Women’s Association Service Award in 1999 and was named RI Women Physician 

of the year in 2001. Her major interests are in Women’s Health and Breast Oncology. 

Charu Taneja, MD, joined the staff of the Breast Health Center in June 2004. She received her 

M.B., B.S. from Maulana Azad Medical College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India in 1989. 

Dr. Taneja completed her residency in Surgery at L.N.J.P.N. Hospital, Maulana Azad Medical 

College, University of Delhi in 1993, and her residency in Surgery at the University of Medicine 

and Dentistry, New Jersey Medical School in 1999. Dr. Taneja completed her fellowship in Sur- 

gical Oncology at Boston University – Roger Williams Medical Center in 2001. She is currently 

Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery, Boston University Medical Center, 

Boston, Massachusetts and Director of the Breast Health Program at Roger Williams Medical 

Center. Dr. Taneja is board certified by the American Board of Surgery. She is a member of the 

American College of Surgeons, Society of Surgical Oncology, Association of Women Surgeons, 

American Society of Clinical Oncology and Southeastern Surgical Congress. 

David E. Wazer, MD, joined the staff of the Breast Health Center in June 2003. He is currently 

Joint Professor and Chairman at Tufts University School of Medicine and Brown Medical 

School; Radiation Oncologist–in–Chief at Tufts Medical Center, Rhode Island Hospital, and 

Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island; and Chief of Radiation Oncology Services, Lifes- 

pan Healthcare System. Dr. Wazer received his A.B. (Honors) in 1978 from Holy Cross College 

in Worcester, Massachusetts, his Doctor of Medicine degree (Honors) in 1982 from New York 

University School of Medicine, New York, New York, and his Master of Arts honorary degree in 

1999 from Brown University. Dr. Wazer completed his internship in Medicine in 1983 at Roger 

Williams General Hospital, his research fellowship in the Department of Psychiatry Laboratory 

of Dr. John Rotrosen, New York University School of Medicine in 1984, his residency in Radia- 

tion Oncology in 1988 at New England Medical Center/Tufts University, and was chief resident 

in Radiation Oncology from 1987–1988 at New England Medical Center/Tufts University. He is a 

member of numerous societies and has major research interests. 

32 


PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS 

Dr. McCourt had a featured article for the Gynecologic Oncology Group section of the Summer 

2009 issue of Women and Cancer Magazine (Womenandcancermag.com). The article was titled 

Lymphedema and Gynecologic Cancers. 

Courtney Dieterich, OSW-C, received her Oncology Social Work certification. 

Dr. Granai was the keynote speaker at the First Annual Ovarian Cancer Research Fund’s Super Lun- 

cheon, hosted by First Lady Suzanne Carcieri, at the University Club, Providence RI, on September 

9, 2009. 

On October 30, 2009, the Breast Health Center held a BHC Fair “Inside the Breast Health Center, 

a Place for Health, Wellness and Healing.” Speakers included Dr. Gass, who gave a presentation 

titled “New Surgical Options, Including Nipple Sparing Mastectomy and Oncoplastics”; Dr. Legare, 

who gave a presentation titled “A Unique Approach to Care”; Dr. Pandya, whose talk was titled “A 

Fellow’s Perspective on Care, High-Risk, and Screening; and Lauren Solomon, RD, LDN, who gave 

a presentation titled “Nutrition for Breast Health.” Social Work participated, and Integrative Care 

Therapies, Promotional Items, and other information on the Breast Health Center were provided. 

Dr. Gass was an invited guest speaker at the Festival Ballet “Legacy of Loss”. She gave a presenta- 

tion titled “A New Legacy of Knowledge, Choice and Beauty” on October 18 th at the Festival Ballet, 

Providence RI. 

November 13 – 14, 2009, Dr. Granai and Dr. Moore presented at the 3 rd Asia Pacific Congress: Con- 

troversies in Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Infertility, Shangri-La’s Kerry Centre Hotel, Beijing, China. The 

conference was attended by over 500 international physicians, healthcare leaders, and administrators. 

Dr. Granai participated in the following: 

• Invited Speaker: Pelvic mass in pregnancy: When Do We Need to Intervene? 

• Dr. Granai served as Chairperson and as a discussant on the following topic: Hot Contro- 

versies – Expert Opinion on: Cervical Cancer and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): Does Vac- 

cination Mark the End of Cervical Cancer? 

• Dr. Granai was the Keynote Speaker for “VOICES” – Special Entertainment Lecture. 

Dr. Moore participated in the following: 

• Chairperson – Women and Ovarian Cancer: From Conception to Diagnosis “Early Diagnosis 

of Ovarian Cancer Can Improve Prognosis 

• Dr. Moore served as a discussant on the following topic: Hot Controversies – Expert Opinion 

on: Cervical Cancer and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): Does Vaccination Mark the End of 

Cervical Cancer? 

January 12, 2009, Dr. Legare was listed in RI Monthly as one of the Top Docs for Medical Oncology. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 33 



Dr. Granai was selected as one of America’s Top Doctors for Cancer by Castle Connelly, the na- 

tion’s leading source of identifying top doctors for 2009. 

Dr. Granai was accepted as a Fellowship Candidate by the American Gynecological and Obstetri- 

cal Society (AGOS). 

Dr. Brard was appointed as a committee member in Experimental Medicine, Gynecologic Oncol- 

ogy Group – January 2010 

Dr. Paul Disilvestro was named Co-Chairman of the Ovarian Cancer Committee for the Gyneco- 

logic Oncology Group (GOG). 

Dr. Granai was voted “Best Doctor in Rhode Island” (Gynecologic Oncology) by Rhode Island 

Monthly Magazine, May 2010 

On June 29, 2010, Dr. Gass attended the RI American Cancer Society Annual Membership Meeting 

where she will be inducted as the New Secretary Treasurer for the RI American Cancer Society. 

Cain, JM 

K12 HD050108-06 

10/1/08 – 3/31/15 

(Principal Investigator) 

$2,200,000 Grant total 

Women’s Reproductive Health Research 

Career Development Award 

1R01CA136491-01A1 

Brard L (PI) 

6/1/2009- 4/30/2014 

NCI/NIH 

$ 2,753,225 (TC) 

34 

GRANTS 

Development of an Assay for the Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer. 

Ovarian cancer is on of the most lethal cancers affecting women. This is due to the inability to 

detect it while still localized to the ovaries. Early detection would result in a 90% survival rate. LPA, 

a currently controversial biomarker for ovarian cancer diagnosis, is the subject of this application. 

A simple new method for detecting LPA and a fresh approach to validating LPA’s reliability as an 

accurate biomarker would emanate from the proposed studies. Role: PI 

The Integrative Care Program had a prestigious visit from the RI Foundation, which is now considering 

awarding the program a $75,000 grant. Funds would be utilized in part to broaden outreach 

and expand education about the potential benefits of integrating complementary approaches 

into the cancer care continuum. 


5P41RR001395 - Supplemental 

Smith P (PI) 

10/01/09 - 09/30/11 

NIH/NCRR 

BioCurrents Research Center - Mechanisms of Cisplatin Resistance in Ovarian Cancer 

The major goals of this project are to understand the genetic and phenotypic differences between 

primary and metastatic ovarian cancer growths that may affect therapeutic response. We expect 

to genotype each tumor and match the genetic differences to drug response phenotypes including 

probing cisplatin sensitivity relative to the regulation of drug efflux systems. 

Role: Significant Contributor (Brard L) 

RI Research Alliance 2010 Collaborative Research Grants 

Brard L (PI) 

Submitted October 2009 

Genetics of Primary and Metastatic Ovarian Cancer: Towards Personalized Therapies 

NCI/NIH R21CA143667-01A1 

Brard L (PI) 

Submitted November 2009 

Cranberry Extracts for the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer. 

2010- A Phase II Trial of Belinostat and Carboplatin in Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer (GOG 

126-T). Gynecologic Oncology Group, NCI Grant/Contract U10-CA27469. 

2010- A Phase I Trial of Intraperitoneal Bortezomib and Carboplatin in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 

(GOG 9924). Gynecologic Oncology Group, NCI Grant/Contract U10-CA27469. 

2010- National cancer Institute, Grant R21CA137290-01A2. Social Networks 

and Care Planning in Women with Cancer. Amount: $250,000. PI: Melissa A. Clark; Co-PI: Don S. 

Dizon. 

ORIGINAL PUBLICATIONS IN 

PEER-REVIEWED JOURNALS 

Sakr B J, Dizon D S, Legare R, Gamage M, Wood R, Colvin G A, Constantinou M, Kennedy 

T A, Fenton M, Sikov W M; Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, RI; Alpert Medical 

School of Brown University. Frequent pathologic complete responses in aggressive stages II to 

III Breast Cancers with every-4-week Carboplatin and weekly Paclitaxel with or without Trastuzumab: 

A Brown University Oncology Group Study. J Clin Oncol, 2009 Oct 1;27(28):693-700. 

Rizack T, Mega A, Legare R, Castillo J. Management of hematological malignancies during 

pregnancy. Am J Hematol. 2009 Sept 16;84(12):830-841. 

Robison K, MD. Guidance for Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control: LEEP/Cervical Cone. International 

Federation of Gynecology & Obstetrics. October 2009 

Clements A, Robison K, Granai C O, Margaret M M, Wilbur-Scalia J, and Moore R G. A Case 

of Peutz Jeghers Syndrome with Breast Cancer, Bilateral Sex Cord Tumor with Annular Tubules 

and Adenoma Malignum caused by STK11 Gene Mutation. International Journal of Gynecologic 

Oncology . Dec 2009; 19 (9): 1591-4 

McCourt C, Dessi S, Bradley A M, Schwartz J, Brard L, Dizon D S. Is there a taxane-free interval 

that predicts response to taxanes as a later-line treatment of recurrent ovarian or primary 

peritoneal cancer? Int J Gynecol Cancer, 2009; 19: 343-7. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 35 


G yy nn e c o l o g i c O nn cc oo l o g y 

Gray D L, Dicke J M, Dickerson R, McCourt C, Obibo A O. “Reevaluating humeral length for the 

detection of fetal trisomy 21.” J Ultrasound Medicine, 2009; 28:1325-30. 

Hensley M, Sill M, Scribner D, Brown J, DeBernardo R, Hartenbach E, McCourt C K, Bosscher J, 

Gehrig P. “Sunitinib Malate in the treatment of recurrent or persistent uterine leiomyosarcoma: 

A Gynecologic Oncology Group phase II study.” Gynecol Oncol, 2009; 115:460-5. 

Moore R G, McMeekin S D, Brown A K, DiSilvestro P A, Miller C M, Allard J W, Gajewski W, 

Kurman R J, Bast R C, Skates S J.: “A Novel Multiple Marker Bioassay Utilizing HE4 and CA125 

for the Prediction of Ovarian Cancer in Patients with a Pelvic Mass.” Gynecologic Oncology, 

112(1): 40-6, 2009. 

Mathews C, Restivo A, Raker C, Weitzen S, DiSilvestro P A: “Willingness of Gynecologic Cancer 

Patients to Participate in Clinical Trials.” Gynecologic Oncology, 112(1): 161-5, 2009. 

Walker J L, Morrison A, DiSilvestro P A, VonGruenigen V E: “A phase I/II study of extended 

field radiation therapy with concomitant paclitaxel and cisplatin chemotherapy in patients with 

cervical carcinoma metastatic to the para-aortic lymph nodes: A gynecologic oncology group 

study.” Gynecologic Oncology, 112 (1): 78-84, 2009. 

Rardin C R, Moore R G, Ward R M, Myers D L. Recurrent thigh abscess with necrotizing fasciitis 

from a retained transobturator sling segment. Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, 2009, 

16(1), 84-87 

Kuroki L, Stuckey A, Hirway P, Raker C, Bandera C, DiSilvestro P A, Granai C O, Legare 

R D, Sakr B, Dizon D S. “Addressing clinical trials: Can the Multidisciplinary Tumor Board 

improve participation? A study from an academic women’s cancer program”. Article In Press. 

G ynecol Oncol 2009 

Allard J W and Moore R G. The novel biomarker HE4 improves the sensitivity of CA125 alone 

for monitoring and differential diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Clinical Laboratories International, 

2009, 3, 20-21 

Erekson E A, Sung V W, DiSilvestro P A, Myers D L: “Urinary Symptoms and impact on quality 

of life in women following treatment for endometrial cancer.” International Urogynecology 

Journal, 20(2): 159-63, 2009. 

Shah N, Dizon D S. New generation platinum agents for solid tumors. Future Medicine 2009; 

5:33-42. 

Schwartz J, Toste B, Dizon D S. Chemotherapy toxicity in gynecologic cancer patients with a 

body surface area (BSA) > 2m(2). Gynecol Oncol 2009; 114:53-6. 

Dizon D S, Blessing J A, McMeekin D S, Sharma S K, DiSilvestro P A, and Alvarez R D. Ixabepilone 

as a second-line treatment in advanced endometrial cancer: Phase II Results of Gynecologic 

Oncology Group Trial 129-P. J Clin Oncol 2009; 27:3104-08. 

Dizon D S. Quality of life after breast cancer: survivorship and sexuality. The Breast Journal. 

2009; 15:500-4. 

Dizon D S, Perez K, DiSilvestro P A, Taneja C, Ilson D. Stage IV small bowel carcinoma mimicking 

advanced ovarian cancer: case report and review of the literature. American Surgeon 2009; 

75:864-5. 

Sikov W M, Dizon D S, Strenger R, Legare R D, Theall K P, Graves T A, Gass J S, Kennedy 

T A, and Fenton M A. Frequent pathologic complete responses in aggressive stage II-III breast 

cancers with q4week carboplatin and weekly paclitaxel + trastuzumab: a Brown University Oncology 

Group study. J Clin Oncology 2009; 27:4693-700. 

36 


Dizon D S, Schutzer M E, Politi M, Linkletter C, Miller S, Clark M A. Advance Care Planning 

Decisions of Women with Cancer: Provider Recognition and Stability of Choices. J Psychosocial 

Oncology 2009; 27:383-95. 

Bandera C A and Magrina J F. Robotic surgery in gynecologic oncology. Curr Opin 

Obstet and Gynecol 2009,21: 25-30. 

Stuckey A, Dizon D S, Scalia Wilbur J, Kent J, Tejada-Berges T, Gass J, Legare R.; Clinical 

characteristics and choices regarding risk-reducing surgery in BRCA mutation carriers.“ Gynecol 

Obstet Invest. 2010 Jan 21;69(4):270-273 [Epub ahead of print] 

Tung N, Wang Y, Collins L C, Kaplan J, Li H, Gelman R, Comander A H, Gallagher B, Fetten K, 

Krag K, Stoeckert K A, Legare R D, Sgroi D, Ryan P D, Garber J E, Schnitt S J. Estrogen receptor 

positive breast cancers in BRCA1 mutation carriers: clinical risk factors and pathologic 

features.; Breast Cancer Res. 2010 Feb 11;12(1):R12; Breast Cancer Res. 2010 Feb 11;12(1):R12. 

Krotz S P, Robins J C, Ferruccio T M, Moore R G, Steinhoff M M, Morgan J R, Carson S. In vitro 

maturation of oocytes via the pre-fabricated self-assembled artificial human ovary. Journal of 

Assisted Reproductive Genetics, Published online: 8/25/2010 DOI 10.1007/s10815-010-9468-6 

Kuroki L, Stuckey A, Hirway P, Raker C A, Bandera C, DiSilvestro P A, Granai C O, Legare R 

D, Sakr B J,Dizon D S. Addressing clinical trials: can the multidisciplinary tumor board improve 

participation? A study from an academic women’s cancers program. Gynecologic Oncology. 2010; 

116:295-300. 

Penson R, Dizon D S, Cannistra S, Roche M, Krasner C, Berlin S, Horowitz N, DiSilvestro P A, 

Matuonis U, Lee H, King M, Campos S: “Phase II Study of Carboplatin, Paclitaxal, and Bevacizumab 

with Maintenance Bevacizumab as First-Line Chemotherapy for Advanced Mullerian Tumors.” 

Journal of Clinical Oncology, 28(1): 154-59, 2010. 

Fleming G, Sill M, Darcy K, McMeeking D, Thigpen J, Adler L, Berek J, Chapman J, DiSilvestro 

P A, Horowitz I, Fiorica J: “Phase II Trial of Trastuzumab in Women with Advanced or 

Recurrent, HER2-Positive Endometrial Carcinoma: A Gynecologic Oncology Group Study.” 

Gynecologic Oncology, 116(1): 15-20, 2010. 

Moore R G, MacLaughlan S, Bast R C. Current state of biomarker development for clinical application 

in epithelial ovarian cancer. Gynecologic Oncology, 2010, 116, 240-245 

Moore R G, MacLaughlan S. Clinical use of Biomarkers for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Current 

Opinion in Oncology, 2010, 22, 492-497 

Moore R G, Jabre-Raughley M, Brown A K, Robison K M, Miller M C, Allard W J, Kurman R J, 

Bast R C, Skates S J. Comparison of a Novel Multiple Marker Assay Versus the Risk of Malignancy 

Index for the Prediction of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer in Patients with a Pelvic Mass. The American 

Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 203, 3, 228.e1 – 228.e6doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2010.03.043 

Makhija S, Amler L C, Glenn D, Ueland F, Gold M, Dizon D S, Paton V, Birkner M, Lin C Y, Januario 

T, Ng K, Strauss A, Slikowski M, U Matulonis. Clinical Activity of Gemcitabine Plus Pertuzumab 

in Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer, Fallopian Tube, or Primary Peritoneal Cancer: Low MRNA 

expression of the HER2-Coreceptor HER3 May be Predictive of Pertuzumab Activity. J Clin Oncol 

2010; 28:1215-23. 

Stuckey A, Dizon D S, Legare R D, Scalia-Wilbur J, Kent J, Tejada-Berges T, Gass J. 

Clinical characteristics and choices regarding prophylactic surgery in BRCA mutation carriers. 

Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation. 2010; 69:270-73. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 37 


G yy nn e c o l o g i c O nn cc oo l o g y 

Stuckey A, Dizon D S, Scalia-Wilbur J, Kent J, Tejada-Berges T, Gass J, Legare R et al. 

Clinical Characteristics and Choices regarding Risk-reducing Sugery in BRCA Mutation Carriers. 

Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation. 2010;69:270-273. 

38 

BOOKS AND BOOK CHAPTERS 

Cain JM. Principles of Patient Care. Novak’s Gynecology, 15th Edition Berek, J (ed) Lippincott 

Williams & Wilkins, 2010. 

Dizon D S and Krychman M. Sexuality. In: Principles & Practice of Cancer Rehabilitation. M 

Stubblefield, M O’Dell, C Custodio, and T Fitzpatrick, Eds. New York: Demos. 2009. 

Krychman M A, Dizon D S, Amsterdam A, Partridge A. Cancer and Dyspareunia. In: Female 

Sexual Pain Disorders: Evaluation and Management. Goldstein, Pukall, and Goldstein, Eds. 

Towson:Blackwell. In Press, 2009. 

Stuckey A, Dizon D S. Choosing Treatments for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer: The Platinum-Free 

Interval. In Textbook of Gynaecological Oncology. Eds: A Ayhan, M Gultekin, P Dursun. Turkey: 

Gunes Publishing, 2009. 

Dizon D S, Tejada-Bergés T, Steinhoff M M, Sung C J, Koelliker S, Khalil H I, O’Conner B, MacAusland 

S, Taneja C, Legare R D, and Gass J S. Breast Cancer. In: Principles and Practice of 

Gynecologic Oncology, 5 th Edition pp.897-946 RR Barakat, M Markman, ME Randall, EDS.Baltimore: 

Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins 2009. 

Stuckey A, Dizon D S. Choosing treatments for recurrent ovarian cancer: the platinum-free 

interval. The European Society of Gynecologic Oncologists’ Handbook for Fellows in Gynecologic 

Oncology. M. Gultekin, Ed. 2009. 

Questions and Answers About Human Papilloma Virus. Krychman M A, Dizon D S. Sudbury M 

A: Jones and Bartlett, 2010. 

DxRx Gynecologic Cancers. Campos S M, Dizon D S, Sudbury M A: Jones and Bartlett, 2010. 

Questions and Answers About Uterine Cancer. Duska L R, Dizon D S, Sudbury M A: Jones and 

Bartlett, 2010. 

DxRx Cervical Cancer: An approach to preinvasive and invasive malignancies of the cervix. Second 

Edition. Robison K, Dizon D S, Sudbury M A: Jones and Bartlett, 2010. 

OTHER PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS 

Bowling, K, Cain JM. Clinical Educators: How can we meet the expanding need. Women’s 

Healthcare, Training the Next Generation of Women’s Healthcare Physicians. Changing Landscape 

in Academic Obstetrics and Gynecology. William F. Rayburn/Jay Schulkin (eds) Springer, 2010. 

Cain JM, Dickens et al. Bioethics Curriculum in Women’s Reproductive and Sexual Rights. International 

Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), London UK, 2010. 

Lange T S, Stuckey A, Robison K, Kim K K, Singh R K, Raker C A, Bard L. “Effect of a Vitamin 

D3 derivative (B3CD) with postulated anti-cancer activity in an ovarian cancer animal model”. 

Invest New Drugs. 2009 Jul 7. 

Singh R, Lange T S, Kim K K, Brard L. “A coumarin derivative (RKS262) inhibits cell-cycle progression, 

causes pro-apoptotic signaling and cytotoxicity in ovarian cancer cells”. Invest New 

Drugs. 2009 Oct 29. [Epub ahead of print]. 

Kunz M A, Dizon D S. “Sexuality and intimacy following cancer”. US Obstetrics & Gynecology 

2009; 3:21-23. 


Dizon D S and Gass J S. “Perspective: Help or harm: Adjuvant therapies for primary invasive 

disease and the risk of a second contralateral breast cancer”. Am Journal of Hemat and Oncol 

2009; Available at: http://www.ajho.com/Help-or-harm-Adjuvant-therapies-for-primary-invasivedisease-and-the-risk-of-asecond-contralateral-breast-cancer/article/141443/. 

Perez K, Gadgil M, Dizon D S. “Sexual ramifications of medical illness”. Clinics of Obstetrics 

and Gynecology 2009; 52:691-701. 

Lange T S, McCourt C, Singh R K, Kim K K, Singh A P, Luisi B S, Alpturk O, Strongin R, Brard L. 

“Apoptotic and chemotherapeutic properties of Iron(III)-salophene in an ovarian cancer animal 

model”. Drug Design, Development and Therapy:3 17-26 (2009). 

Saulnier Sholler G L, Brard L, Straub J A, Dorf L, Illyene S, Kalkunte S, Bosenberg M, Ashikaga 

N, Nishi R. “Nifurtimox Induces Apoptosis of Neuroblastoma Cells in Vitro and in Vivo”. J Pediatr 

Hematol Oncol. 31(3):187-193 (2009). 

Kawar N, Dizon D S. “Ixabepilone as a second-line treatment in advanced endometrial cancer”. 

Asian-Pacific Journal of Hematology and Oncology 2010. Epub online 2/2010. 

Moore R G, MacLaughlan S D, Bast R C Jr. “Current state of biomarker development for clinical 

application in epithelial ovarian cancer”. Gynecol Oncol. 2010 Feb;116(2):240-5. 

Lange T S, Zou Y, Singh R, Kim K, Kristjansdottir K, Saulnier-Sholler G L, Brard L. “Chemotherapeutic 

Effect of Calcidiol Derivative B3CD in a Neuroblastoma Xenograft Model”. In Press 

Chemical Biology & Drug Design, (April 2010). 

Kim K, Lange T S, Singh R, Brard L. “Lipophilic aroylhydrazone chelator HNTMB and its multiple 

effects in ovarian cancer cells”. BMC Cancer 10:72 (2010). 

Kristjansdottir K, Dizon D S. “HER-Dimerization Inhibitors: Evaluating pertuzumab in women’s 

cancers”. Expert Opinion on Biologic Therapy. 2010; 10:243-50. 

Dizon D S. “Treatment options for advanced endometrial cancer”. Gynecologic Oncology 2010; 

117:373-81. 

OTHER NON-PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS 

Dwork A J, Christensen J R, Larsen K B, Scalia J, Underwood M D, Arango V, Pakkenberg B, 

Lisanby S H. “Unaltered neuronal and glial counts in animal models of magnetic seizure therapy 

and electroconvulsive therapy”, Neuroscience. 2009 Dec 29; 164(4):1557-64. Epub 2009 Sep 25. 

Moore R G, MacLaughlan S D. “A novel approach for the risk assessment of a pelvic mass for 

ovarian cancer”. The Female Patient, September 2009. 

Hachey K Dizon D S. “Personalizing chemotherapy through genetic profiling: will pharmacogenomics 

help improve and extend life for cancer patients?” Personalized Medicine, 2009; 6:481-4. 

Robison K, Dizon D S. “Cervical Cancer RX and DX”. Glasko-Smith-Klein. 2 nd edition 2010 

SCHOLARLY WORK IN OTHER MEDIA 

Dr. Sakr participated in an interview with Channel 10 on the need for patients to enroll in cancer 

research studies on August 3, 2009, Breast Health Center/ Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, 

Rhode Island. 

Dr. McCourt had a featured article for the Gynecologic Oncology Group section of the Summer 

2009 issue of Women and Cancer Magazine (Womenandcancermag.com). The article was titled 

Lymphedema and Gynecologic Cancers. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 39 



Dr. Legare participated in an interview with Channel 10 to discuss the “Hereditary Breast and 

Ovarian Cancer: BRCA Testing and Beyond” Symposium; September 24, 2009. 

Dr. Sakr participated in an interview with Channel 6, discussing the new guideline and 

Recommendation around breast cancer screening on November 7, 2009, Breast Health Center/ 

Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island. 

Dr. Legare was interviewed by the Jewish Voice & Herald for a story on the breast cancer 

screening controversy – November 19, 2009 

Dr. Legare gave a mammography position statement to Brown University, WIH, and Pharmawire 

– December 2009. 

Dr. Sakr interviewed at Channel 10 studios “Special Assignment” on January 7, 2010, discussion 

about new mammogram, screening guidelines, Cranston, Rhode Island. 

Dr. Legare participated in an interview on breast cancer for HEALTH magazine, a national 

publication – January 29, 2010 

Dr. Moore participated in a video education taping for The Institute for Continuing Healthcare 

Education Regarding Ovarian Cancer Screening and Management to Improve Patient Survival, 

Houston TX – February 5, 2010. 

Dr. Legare had a commentary in the March issue of the Brown Medicine Magazine entitled 

“Check Yourself – What to do About Cancer Screening” – March, 2010 

LOCAL/REGIONAL 

40 

ABSTRACTS 

Cronin B, Robison K, Moore R, Dizon D S. Long-term use of Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin 

in recurrent ovarian carcinoma. Oral Presentation at New England Association of Gynecologic 

Oncologist Annual Conference, Cape Cod 2009. 

Fischer A, Kristjansdottir K, MacLaughlan S, Brard L, Brodsky A. Identifying metastatic microRNAs 

in ovarian cancer. Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium at Brown University. February 

5, 2010. 

Malit B, MacLaughlan S, Dizon D S. Cancer patients and complementary and alternative medicine: 

barriers to enrollment in clinical trials. New England Association of Gynecologic Oncologists 

(NEAGO) Annual Meeting, June 12, 2010, Boothbay Harbor, ME. 

Roque D, MacLaughlan S, Tejada-Berges T. Patient death after a core needle biopsy of the 

breast: a case report. New England Association of Gynecologic Oncologists (NEAGO) Annual 

Meeting, June 12, 2010, Boothbay Harbor, ME. 

Pandya S V, Dizon D S, Gass J S, Hansen K, Raker C “ Management of Intraductal Papiloma 

– a clinical dilemma”. New England of Gynecologist Oncology Annual Meeting; June 11, 2010, 

Boothbay Harbor, ME.(Oral Presentation) 

Wu L, Robison K, Eng W, Douangsavanh A, Tejada-Berges T, Clark L, Raker C, S Pinto Granai C 

O, Dizon D S. Cervical Cancer Prevention: Participation and knowledge among Asian American 

women. Oral presentation at the New England Association of Gynecologic Oncologist Annual 

Conference, BoothBay Harbor, ME, June 2010 

Holman L L, Robison K, Lopes V V, Noto R, Steinhoff M, Moore R. A comparison of sentinel 


lymph node identification between lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel lymph node dissection in 

patients with vulvar cancer. Oral presentation at the 30 Annual Meeting NEAGO conference in 

Booth Bay Harbor, ME, June 2010. 

Kawar N M, Kilfoyl K, Raker C, Lomme M, Dizon D S. Class III Beta-Tubulin Expression in Endometrial 

Carcinoma. Oral presentation of the 30 th Annual Meeting of the New England Association 

of Gynecologic Oncologists (NEAGO). June 11-13, 2010, Boothbay Harbor, ME. 

Kawar N M, Tsai K, Dizoglio J, Dizon D S, Tsiapali E S. Reconstruction Trends Among Patients 

Undergoing Mastectomy for Breast Cancer Treatment or Prophylaxis. Oral presentation of the 

30 th Annual Meeting of the New England Association of Gynecologic Oncologists (NEAGO). June 

11-13, 2010, Boothbay Harbor, ME. 

Wu L, Robison K M, Eng W, Douangsavanh A, Tejada-Berges T, Clark L, Raker C, Pinto S, Granai 

C O, Dizon D S. Cervical cancer prevention: participation and knowledge among Asian-American 

women. New England Association of Gynecologic Oncologist (NEAGO) Annual Meeting, June 

13, 2010, Boothbay Harbor, ME. 

Hollman L L, Robison K M, Lopes V V, Steinhoff M, Moore R G. A comparison of sentinel lymph 

node identification between lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel lymph node dissection in patients 

with vulvar cancer. New England Association of Gynecologic Oncologists annual meeting, Booth 

Bay Harbor, Maine, June 11-13, 2010 

Jackson A L, Miller C, Bast R C, Lambert-Messerlian G, Moore R G. Descriptive analysis of HE4 

in healthy women, pregnancy and women with benign gynecologic disorders. 

New England Association of Gynecologic Oncologists annual meeting, Booth Bay Harbor, Maine, 

June 11-13, 2010 

Jackson A L, Miller C, Eklund E, Lambert-Messerlian G, Moore R G. A novel biomarker for the 

management of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. New England Association of Gynecologic 

Oncologists annual meeting, Booth Bay Harbor, Maine, June 11-13, 2010 

Kawar N W, Tsai K, Dizoglio J, Dizon D S, Tsiapali E V. Reconstruction Trends Among Patients 

Undergoing Mastectomy for Breast Cancer Treatment of Prophylaxis….30 th Annual Meeting 

NEAGO conference in Booth Bay Harbor, ME…June 2010 

NATIONAL 

Sakr B J, Dizon D S, Legare R D, Gamage M, Wood R, Colvin G A, Constatinou M, Kennedy T 

A, Fenton M, Sikov W M. Adjuvant therapy after neoadjuvant: Addressing the needs of a highrisk 

group. 2009 Breast Cancer Symposium. San Francisco, CA abstr 358. October 7-10, 2009. 

Sikov W M. Adjuvant therapy after neaodjuvant treatment: Addressing the needs of a high-risk 

group. 2009 Breast Cancer Symposium. San Francisco, CA; abstr 358. October 7-10, 2009. 

Wu L, Dizon D S, Santiago E, Hirway P, Koness R J, Gass J S, Taneja C. The incidence of abnormal 

pathologic findings in women undergoing elective breast reduction. 2009 Breast Cancer 

Symposium. San Francisco, CA; abstr 12. October 7-10, 2009. 

Singh A P, Singh R K, Kim K K, Shah S, Brard L, Vorsa N. LC-MS-MS quantification of cyclophosphamide 

SMSKCNR cells in absence and presence of cranberry proanthocyanidins. Eastern 

Analytical Symposium, November 16-19, 2009, Somerset NJ. 

Kent J, Scalia-Wilbur J, Legare R, Development of a Discussion/Education Group for BRCA 

Mutation Carriers in a High Risk Clinic: An Assessment of Patient Interest, Expectations, and 

Needs. NSGC 28 th Annual Education Conference; Abstract Poster presentation, November 

2009, Atlanta GA 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 41 



Ferlatte C, Scalia-Wilbur J, Kent J, Legare R, Patient Perspectives on an Appropriate Time For 

Cancer Genetic Counseling and BRCA Testing For Women Diagnosed With Breast Cancer. NSCG 

28 th Annual Education Conference; Abstract Platform Presentation, November 2009, Atlanta GA 

Figueredo N, Gass J S, Dizon D S, LaChance J, Reiker C. “Accuracy of office-based ultrasound 

guided needle biopsies performed by dedicated breast surgeons”. Poster, San Antonio Breast 

Symposium. December 13, 2009, San Antonio, TX. 

Scalia-Wilbur J S, Kent J, Legare R, Uterine Papillary Serous Carcinoma in a BRCA2 Non 

Ashkenazi Jewish Founder Mutation Carrier: A Case Study. National Consortium of Breast Cancers 

2009 Conference; Poster Presentation, 2009, Las Vegas NV 

Hachey K, Scalia-Wilbur J, Kent J, Legare R D, BRCA Carrier Status, Phenotype and Medical 

Decision-Making Among Hispanic BRCA Positive Women. National Consortium of Breast Centers 

2009 Conference, Abstract Platform Presentation, 2009, Las Vegas NV 

Sikov W, Dizon D S, Strenger R, Legare R, Theall K, Graves T, Gass J, Kennedy T, Fenton 

M; Frequent Pathologic Complete Responses In Aggressive Stage II-III breast cancers with 

q4week carboplatin and weekly paclitaxel ± trastuzumab: a Brown University Oncology Group 

Study, 2009. 

Olson C, Dizon D S, Stuckey A, MacLauglin S, Sakr B, Brard L, Legare R D. Outcomes for 

Women with Cancer receiving Bevacizumab in an Academic Women’s Oncology Program. SGO 

41 st Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer. San Francisco, CA. March 14-17, 2010. 

Olson C, Dizon D S, Kristjandottir K, Kawar N, Bandera C, Sakr B, Legare R D, DiSilvestro 

P A. Tumor Marker Response in Women Treated with Bevacizumab. SGO 41 st Annual Meeting 

on Women’s Cancer. San Francisco, CA. March 14-17, 2010. 

Stuckey A , Kim K K, Singh R K, Fischer A, Miller D, Hillenmeyer S, Ritz A, Raphael B, Brodsky 

A S, Brard L. Developing an Integrated Genomic Approach to Explore the Antitumor Activity of 

Vitamin D and Derivatives to Treat Ovarian Cancer. 41st Annual Meeting of the Society of Gynecologic 

Oncologists, San Francisco, CA, March 14-17, 2010. 

Horowitz N, Olawaiye A, Growdon W, Borger D, Dizon D S, Brard L, Matulonis U, MacNeill K, 

Roche M, Krasner C. Phase II Trial of Tarceva (erlotinib) in Women with Squamous Cell Carcinoma 

of the Vulva. 41st Annual Meeting of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, San Francisco, CA, 

March 14-17, 2010. 

Holman L L, Robison K, Lopes V V, Noto R, M. Steinhoff, Moore R. A comparison of sentinel 

lymph node identification between lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel lymph node dissection in 

patients with vulvar cancer. Poster presentation at the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists. San 

Francisco, March 2010. 

Robison K, Wu L, Eng W, Douangsavanh A, Tejada-Berges T, Raker C, Pinto S, Dizon D S. 

Cervical Cancer Prevention: Participation and knowledge among Asian American women. Poster 

presentation at American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP). Las Vegas, 

March 2010. 

Chan J K, Kawar N M, Shin J Y, Osann K, Kapp D S, Chen L M. Demographic and Clinical Characteristics 

in Women Diagnosed with Uterine Sarcoma. Poster of the 41 st Annual Meeting on Women’s 

Cancer of The Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO). March 14-17, 2010, San Francisco, CA. 

Stuckey A, Kim K, Singh R, Ritz R, Fischer A, Hillenmeyer S, Raphael B, Brodsky A, Brard L. 

Developing an Integrated Genomic Approach to Explore the Antitumor Activity of Vitamin D and 

Derivatives to Treat Ovarian Cancer. Society of Gynecologic Oncology Annual Meeting. March 

15, 2010, # 396, San Francisco CA 

42 


Dizon D S, Myers J, Doan J, Mitra D, Davis K. The Economic Burden of Ovarian Cancer in a 

United States Managed Care. SGO 41st Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer. San Francisco, 

California. March 14-17, 2010. 

Jackson A L, Mathews C, Raker C, Steinhoff M, Bandera C, Dizon D S. Accuracy of Preoperative 

and Intraoperative Pathology Findings in Low Grade Endometrial Cancer. SGO 41st Annual 

Meeting on Women’s Cancer. San Francisco, California. March 14-17, 2010. 

Horowitz N, Olawaiye A, Growdon W, Borer D, Dizon D S, Brard L, Matulonis U, MacNeill K, 

Roche M, Krasner C. Phase II trial of erlotinib (Tarceva) in women with squamous cell carcinoma 

of the vulva. SGO 41st Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer. San Francisco, California. March 

14-17, 2010. Plenary Presentation. 

Dizon D S, Myers J, Doan J, Mitra D, Davis K. The economic burden of ovarian cancer in a US 

managed care database. SGO 41st Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer. San Francisco, California. 

March 14-17, 2010. 

Pandya S, Dizon D S, Gass J S. Should we excise all breast core-biopsy proven papillary lesions? 

American Society of Breast Surgeons. Las Vegas, NV. April 28-May 2, 2010. 

MacLaughlan S, Fischer A, Kristjansdottir K, Ritz A, Raphael B, Steinhoff M, Brodsky A, Brard 

L. Genetics of Primary and Metastatic Ovarian Cancer. 101st Annual AACR Meeting, Washington, 

DC, April 17- 21, 2010. 

MacLaughlan S D, Fischer A, Kristjansdottir K, Ritz A, Raphael B, Steinhoff M, Brodsky A S, 

Brard L. Genetics of Primary and Metastatic Ovarian Cancer. American Association for Cancer 

Research Annual Meeting; April 17-21, 2010, Washington DC 

Pandya S V, Dizon D S, Gass J S, Hansen K, “Should we excise all breast core-biopsy proven 

papillary lesions?”. Poster, American Society of Breast Surgeons Conference. April 28-May 2, 

2010 Las Vegas, NV. 

Dizon D S, Gass J S, Legare R D, Sakr B J, Rizack T: Is tumor board relevant submitted for 

the 2010 ASCO Annual Meeting, June 4-8-2010 Chicago, IL 

INTERNATIONAL 

Cronin B, Robison K, Moore R, Granai C O, Dizon D S. Long-term use of Pegylated Liposomal 

Doxorubicin in recurrent ovarian carcinoma. Poster presentation at European Society of Gynecologic 

Oncologists. Belgrade, Serbia. October 2009. 

Makhija S, Dizon D S, Walker R A, Amler L, Loecke D, Venturi M, Kaye S. Pertuzumab in low 

HER3 mRNA expressing platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. ESGO 2009 Meeting. October 16, 

2009. Belgrade, Serbia. 

Cronin B, Dizon D S. Long-term use of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in recurrent ovarian 

cancer. ESGO 2009 Meeting. October 16, 2009. Belgrade, Serbia. 

Stuckey A, Schwartz J, Dizon D S. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in recurrent serous carcinoma 

of the uterus. ESGO 2009 Meeting. October 16, 2009. Belgrade, Serbia. 

Cronin B, Robison K, Granai C O, Moore R G, Dizon D S. Stopping at progression or at best 

response: A study of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in women with recurrent gynecologic 

cancer treated at an academic women’s oncology program. European Society of Gynecologic 

Oncologist Annual meeting, Belgrade, Serbia, October 11-14, 2009 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 43 



44 

INVITED PRESENTATIONS (LOCAL/REGIONAL) 

Cain, JM. Moderator: “Moving into the Future: New Dimensions and Strategies for Women’s 

Health Research for the National Institutes of Health.” Providence, RI, 

September 2009 

Cain, JM. “Safety and Quality Agenda for Ob/Gyn.” Sunshine Seminar, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 

February 2010. 

Cain, JM. “Management of Ovarian Cancer.” Sunshine Seminar, San Juan, Puerto Rico, February 

2010. 

Cain, JM. “Cervical Cancer Control: The Challenge and the Hope.” Grand Rounds Presentation: 

Weill Cornell Medical College, Lincoln Hospital, Jamaica Hospital, New York, NY, March 2010. 

Cain, JM. “10 Key Things Every ER Should Know About Women’s Cancers.” Grand Rounds, 

Department of Emergency Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, April 2010. 

Cain, JM. “Mentors, Mentoring, and Career Strategies for all Settings: Community to Academic.” 

ACOG 58th Annual Clinical Meeting, San Francisco, CA, May 2010. 

Cain, JM. “Who Are We Really? The Future of Obstetrics and Gynecology.” 

The 24th Annual Resident & Fellow Research Day & Richard E. Hunter, MD Lecture, UMass Memorial 

Health Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, June 2010. 

Ekaterini Tsiapali, MD - “Breast Surgery and Reconstruction” presented at the Breast Cancer 

Support Group in the Breast Health Center….July 16, 2009 

Richard Moore, MD – “Risk Assessment of a Pelvic Mass for Ovarian Cancer” at Falmouth 

Hospital, July 17, 2009 

Ekaterini Tsiapali, MD - “Surgical Treatment of Breast Cancer (NSABP B04 and B06)” presented 

Breast Educational Rounds to the medical students and fellows…July 17, 2009 

Tina Robison, MD - “Mesenchymal Tumors” presented core lecture to the residents and medical 

students at WIH. July 17, 2009 

Tina Robison, MD - “How to Write an Abstract” presented to the fellows at One Blackstone 

Place. August 7, 2009 

Skip Granai, MD - “Things Could Be Worse, We Could Always Be A Community Hospital” presented 

to Pediatrics Department, WIH; August 12, 2009. 

Skip Granai, MD – Speaker, Network Regional Physician Leaders/Advisors Team Meeting “Strategy 

Development and Marketing, SWOT Analysis” WIH, August 12, 2009. 

Trevor Tejada-Berges, MD - “Why should we care about racial disparities?”- Patient & Advisory 

Council meeting- Aug 13, 2009 

Tina Robison, MD - “Prevalence of HPV and Type Distribution in Southeast Asian Women Residing 

in Rhode Island” presented research proposal to the WRHR committee. August 17, 2009 

Skip Granai, MD - Speaker, Network Regional Physician Leaders/Advisors Team Meeting, Women 

& Infants Hospital, “Organization and Geography.” August 18. 2009. 

Robert Legare, MD – Presented at the “Kick-Off” Breakfast for Making Strides for Breast Cancer 

– August 20, 2009 


Robert Legare, MD – presented “Got Milk – Vitamin D and Breast Cancer” at the Breast Health 

Lecture Series – September 8, 2009 

Skip Granai, MD - Keynote speaker, First Annual Ovarian Cancer Research Fund’s Super Luncheon, 

hosted by First Lady Suzanne Carcieri, at the University Club, Providence, Rhode Island 

(September 9, 2009) 

Trevor Tejada-Berges, MD - Presented Screening and Management of Breast Cancer “OB GYN 

clerkship rotation- Sept 10, 2009 

Tina Robison, MD – “Vulva Carcinoma” presented core lecture to the residents and medical 

students at WIH. Sept. 11, 2009 

Ekaterini Tsiapali, MD – “Oncoplastic Techniques in the Management of Breast Cancer” 

presented to the Fellows at WIH September 11, 2009. 

Jennifer Scalia-Wilbur, MS - “Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer: BRCA Testing 

and Beyond.” Directed, coordinated and lectured at the program’s first symposium, 

Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, RI, September 26, 2009. 

Jennifer Gass, MD - “Surveillance and Surgical Option for Breast Cancer Risk Reduction” 

Speaker at the Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer: BRCA Testing and Beyond, Women & Infants 

Hospital, September 26, 2009. 

Bachir Sakr, MD – “Use of Tamoxifen (B14 and B12)” presented to the Breast/GYN Fellows at 

WIH October 9, 2009. 

Don Dizon, MD - You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling: Sexual Health and Breast Cancer Survivors. 

Breast Cancer Survivors’ Day. October 15, 2009, Greenfield, MA. 

Jennifer Gass, MD - “A New Legacy of Knowledge, Choice and Beauty” Invited speaker: Festival 

Ballet Providence Legacy of Loss in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Festival 

Ballet Providence, Providence, RI, October 18, 2009. 

Trevor Tejada-Berges, MD – Presented ”Why Should We Care About Racial/Ethnic Disparities 

in Health Care?” Woonsocket MOB Annual Community celebration- October 22, 2009 

Jennifer Gass, MD – “Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy” lecture to the Fellows at WIH October 23, 

2009. 

Jennifer Gass, MD - “New Surgical Option, Including Nipple Sparing Mastectomy and Oncoplastics” 

speaker: at Breast Health Center Fair: Inside the Breast Health Center a place for health, 

wellness and healing. Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, RI, October 30, 2009. 

Robert Legare, MD – presented on breast and ovarian disease at the Women & Infants’ 

Symposium on “Tsunami of Genetics”; November 7, 2009 

Jennifer Scalia-Wilbur, MS - “Identifying Patient with Hereditary Colon Cancer: How it Can 

Make a Difference the Tsunami of Genetics in Women’s Health: What you need to know, Rhode 

Island Hospital, Providence, RI November 7, 2009. 

Jennifer Scalia-Wilbur, MS – didactic lecture to the Fellows on Hereditary Colon Cancer; 

November 12, 2009 

Ekaterini Tsiapali, MD - “Screening and Management of Breast Cancer” presented to the medical 

students at the main hospital on the 3 rd floor conference room. November 13, 2009 

Jessica Kent, MS, CGC - “ National Society of Genetic Counselors: AEC 2009 Update Lecture” 

Women & Infants’ Hospital, Providence, RI , November 24, 2009. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 45 



Trevor Tejada-Berges, MD - Presentation on a Core Lecture “Hereditary Breast and Ovarian 

Cancer” Women and Infants hospital of RI- Jan 8, 2010 

AnnMarie Bradley, RN, BSN, OCN, presented to the staff at Butler Hospital on “Ovarian Cancer 

– Progress in Detection, Diagnosis, Staging, and Treatment” – January 13, 2010. 

Ekaterini Tsiapali, MD - “BHC Research/Publication” presented to the Fellows at WIH, January 

18, 2010 

Nada Kawar, MD - Women’s Health Lecture Series: What women should know about Cervix 

Cancer. Women & Infants’ Hospital/Brown University, January 19, 2010. 

Robert Legare, MD – RI Hospital Grand Rounds “Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome” – January 

28, 2010 

Jessica Kent, MS, CGC - “ Hereditary Gynecological Cancer Syndromes” Fellowship Lectures. 

Women & Infants’ Hospital, Providence, RI, February 5, 2010. 

Paul DiSilvestro, MD – presented at the Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium at Brown University 

“Ovarian Cancer Treatment: What Have We Learned, What We Don’t Know.” – February 5, 2010 

Ekaterini Tsiapali, MD - presented “Bowel Repair” at the Core Curriculum lecture at WIH, 

February 26, 2010 

Don Dizon, MD - Ovarian Cancer: Novel Treatments and Current Paradigms. Rhode Island Hospital 

Cancer Center Grand Rounds, Rhode Island Hospital, March 11, 2010. 

Skip Granai, MD - Invited Speaker, Chemotherapy Certification Course, Women & Infants Hospital, 

Providence, RI. April 19 th , 2010. 

Trevor Tejada-Berges, MD - Presented: Breast Talk ”Margin Status and DCIS meta Analysis” 

at the Fellow Meeting- April 23, 2010 

Jessica Kent, MS, CGC - “ Hereditary Colon Cancer Syndromes” Lecturer, Clinical Cancer 

Genetics Medical Elective, Alpert Medical School, Brown University/ Women & Infants’ Hospital, 

Providence, RI, April 29, 2010. 

Richard Moore, MD – presented “A Novel Biomarker for the Management of Women with 

Epithelial Ovarian Cancer” at the American Society of Clinical Lab, Providence RI; May 4, 2010 

Ekaterini Tsiapali, MD – presented “Thyroid and Colon Management: to the Woonsocket area 

community at the WIH MOB May 4, 2010. 

Skip Granai, MD - Keynote speaker at the Oncology Nursing Society Local Chapter, Hasbro 

Children’s Hospital, Providence, RI. “We Can Always Dance.” May 5, 2010. 

AnnMarie Bradley, RN, BSN, OCN – presented Gynecologic Cancers “We Can Always Dance” 

to the Oncology Nursing Society Staff at RIH on May 5, 2010. 

Robert Legare, MD – presented a didactic lecture entitled “Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer 

Syndromes” to the genetics elective students on May 6, 2010. 

Ekaterini Tsiapali, MD – presented at Newport Hospital Grand Rounds “Breast Cancer Screening 

and Risk Reduction” on May 7, 2010. 

Skip Granai, MD - Keynote Speaker, Program in Women’s Oncology’s Integrative Care Open 

House, at South County Common, Wakefield, RI. “If I Were You and You Were Me.” May 8, 2010 

46 


Don Dizon, MD – gave a presentation on Breast Screening and Mammography Controversy 

Debate at the Annual Scientific meeting, Warwick RI; May 13, 2010. 

Trevor Tejada-Berges, MD - Presented: “Brining Robotic Surgery To Women & Infants Hospital”- 

May 13, 2010 

Trevor Tejada-Berges, MD - Core Lecture:”Cervical Caner Diagnosis and Management”- May 

14, 2010 

Christina Bandera, MD – gave a Robotic Surgery Lecture as part of the Curves Lecture Series, 

Attleboro MA; May 14, 2010. 

Robert Legare, MD – Westerly Hospital Grand Rounds, “Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Present 

Treatment/Controversies and Future Directions” Westerly Hospital, Westerly RI, May 20, 2010. 

Don Dizon, MD – RI Hospital Grand Rounds – “Sex and Intimacy in Female Cancer” – May 20, 

2010. 

Trevor Tejada-Berges, MD - OB-GYN Clerkship – “Screening and Management of Breast Cancer” 

May 27, 2010 

Trevor Tejada-Berges, MD – gave a presentation as part of the Curves Lecture Series, Franklin 

MA; May 27, 2010 

Jennifer Gass, MD - “Breast Cancer in the New Millennium” Staff Development Day, Alpert 

School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, June 3, 2010. 

Skip Granai, MD - Invited Speaker, Westerly Hospital, Grand Rounds, “Women’s Cancers: What 

are we thinking?” June 6, 2010. 

Ekaterini Tsiapali, MD - presented Breast Health Center lecture “Breast Cancer Screening and 

the perioperative use of MRI” on June 8, 2010. 

Richard Moore, MD – presented “HE4 Update” to the Fall River physicians in North Dartmouth, 

MA, on June 10, 2010 

AnnMarie Bradley, RN, BSN, OCN – presented “Gynecologic Cancers” to the clinical staff at 

William Backus Hospital in CT on June 24, 2010 

INVITED PRESENTATIONS (NATIONAL) 

Don Dizon, MD - Con: Bevacizumab should be continued indefinitely and utilized with every 

drug regimen for recurrence. GOG Summer Symposium, July 16, 2009, Baltimore, MD. 

Trevor Tejada-Berges, MD - Presentation” What is the OB/GYN to do?”- Florida Obstetrics and 

Gynecologic Society conference, Boca Raton Florida –August 14-15, 2009 

Don Dizon, MD - Ovarian Cancer: State of the Art and Current Controversies. University of Miami 

Sylvester Cancer Center Grand Rounds, September 8, 2009, Miami, FL. 

Skip Granai, MD - Keynote speaker, 8 th Annual Nixon Lectureship, sponsored by The University 

of Kentucky/Norton Healthcare Foundation, held at the Olmsted, Louisville, KY. “We Can Always 

Dance.”(September 21, 2009) 

Skip Granai, MD - Keynote speaker, Bassett Healthcare Interdepartmental, Grand Rounds. Clark 

Education Building, Bassett Campus, Cooperstown, New York, Wednesday, October 7, 2009. “We 

Can Always Dance.” (October, 2009) 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 47 



Don Dizon, MD - Session Co-Chair: Challenges in Survivorship. 2009 ASCO Breast Symposium. 

October 8, 2009, San Francisco, CA. 

Jennifer Scalia-Wilbur, MS – “Hereditary Breast Cancer: Breast Cancer in Younger Women” 

presented at the Breast Cancer in Younger Women Nursing Education Conference, New York, 

NY; November 4-5, 2009. 

Don Dizon, MD - Moving Beyond Standard of Care: Novel Treatments in Gynecologic Malignancies. 

Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium. November 11-13, 2009, New York, NY. 

Skip Granai, MD - Invited Speaker, Fall Society of Gynecologic Oncologists Executive Council 

Meeting in Washington, DC. “Bringing together the best in Women’s Cancer Care.” (November, 

2009) 

Skip Granai, MD - Invited speaker, the Society of Gynecologic Oncologist 41 st Annual Meeting on 

Women’s Cancer, Sunday, March 14 th , Moscone Convention Center, San Francisco, CA. “Incorporating 

Breast Care into Clinical Practice – Developing a Breast Fellowship Training Program, 2010. 

Skip Granai, MD -Invited Speaker, Vice President Report of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists 

Business Meeting, Monday, March 15 th , Moscone Convention Center, San Francisco, CA. 

“SGO Strategic Goal Accomplishments”, 2010. 

Skip Granai, MD - Invited Speaker, introduced the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists’ President, 

David Mutch, MD at the SGO’s Presidential Address Event, Monday, March 15 th , Moscone 

Convention Center, San Francisco, CA. SGO’s Presidential Address, 2010. 

Don Dizon, MD - Current Strategies in the Treatment of Platinum-Resistant Recurrent Ovarian 

Cancer. Clinical Advances in Gynecologic Malignancies. An Industry Satellite Sponsored Symposium 

at the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists Annual Meeting, March 15, 2010. San Francisco, CA. 

Don Dizon, MD - National Consortium of Breast Centers Annual Meeting, March 19-24, 2010, 

Las Vegas, NV. 

1. Session Moderator, Opening Plenary Sessions, March 21, 2010. 

2. Golden Girls: The Approach to Breast Health in Women over 70. March 22, 2010. 

3. Panelist, Approaching Metastatic Breast Cancer. March 23, 2010 

Jennifer Gass, MD - “I want a Bilateral Mastectomy and Urban Unrest: The Breast Center in 

Academia” Speaker: at the National Consortium of Breast Centers 20 th Annual Interdisciplinary 

Breast Center Conference. Los Vegas, NV, March 20-24, 2010. 

Trevor Tejada-Berges, MD - Attended Prep Course for Breast Ultrasound and Stereotactic at 

American Society of Breast Surgeons, Las Vegas, NV April 29, 2010- Has completed prep course 

and has received a certification of completion. 

Richard Moore, MD – presented “A Novel Approach to Pelvic Mass Risk Assessment for Ovarian 

Cancer” at the Resident Research Day at the University of Rochester in NY; May 13, 2010. 

Skip Granai, MD - Invited Speaker, Gynecologic Cancer Foundation’s Ovarian Cancer Survivors 

Course, at NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY. Title: Phenomenal Women: Ovarian Cancer 

Survivorship” May 15, 2010. 

Skip Granai, MD - Keynote Speaker, University of Pennsylvania, Brett Gutsche Lecture. Title: 

“We Can Always Dance.” May 20, 2010. 

Skip Granai, MD - Keynote Speaker at “The Female Patient” Conference: Current Issues in the 

Care of Women – Isla Grand Beach Resort, South Padre Island, Texas. ”We Can Always Dance.” 

June 14, 2010. 

48 


Skip Granai, MD - Keynote Speaker, “The Female Patient” Conference: Current Issues in the 

Care of Women - Isla Grand Beach Resort, South Padre Island, Texas. “Ovarian Masses During 

Pregnancy.” June 15, 2010. 

INVITED PRESENTATIONS (INTERNATIONAL) 

Cain, JM. “Common Cancers Specific to Women: New Developments & Hope.” 

Women Deliver Conference (International), Washington, DC, June 2010. 

Cain, JM. “Can we eliminate cervical cancer globally.” Women Deliver Conference (International), 

Washington, DC June 2010. 

Don Dizon, MD - Ville Marie Oncology Center 15th Anniversary Breast Cancer Conference. 

Breast Cancer: Progress in prevention, detection, and treatment. August 4, 2009, Montreal, Quebec, 

Canada. 

1. Current options in chemoprevention. 2. Progress in hormonal and chemotherapy agents. 

3. You’ve lost that loving feeling: Sexual health and the breast cancer survivor. 

Richard Moore, MD – presentation titled “Tumor Markers in Gynecologic Cancers” at the European 

Society of OB-GYN meeting, Rome Italy. September 9-13, 2009. 

Tina Robison, MD – Poster presentation “Stopping at Progression or at Best Response: A study 

of Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin in Women with Recurrent Gynecologic Cancer Treated at 

an Academic Women’s Oncology Program” at the European Society of Gynecologic Oncology 

meeting, Belgrade, Serbia, October 10-14, 2009 

Richard Moore, MD – presented “Pelvic Mass Risk Assessment” at the European Society of 

Gynecologic Oncology meeting, Belgrade, Serbia, October 11-14, 2009. 

Skip Granai, MD -Invited Speaker: 3 rd Asia Pacific Congress: Controversies in Obstetrics, Gynecology, 

& Infertility, Shangri-La’s Kerry Centre Hotel, Beijing, China. Pelvic mass in pregnancy: 

When do we need to Intervene? (November, 2009) 

Skip Granai, MD - Chairperson/discussant” 3 rd Asia Pacific Congress: Controversies in Obstetrics, 

Gynecology, & Infertility, Shangri-La’s Kerry Centre Hotel, Beijing, China (November, 2009) 

Skip Granai, MD - Hot Controversies – Expert Opinion on: Cervical Cancer and Human Papilloma 

Virus (HPV): Does vaccination mark the end of cervical cancer? Shangri-La’s Kerry Centre 

Hotel, Beijing, China (November, 2009) 

Skip Granai, MD - Keynote Speaker: 3 rd Asia Pacific Congress: Controversies in Obstetrics, Gynecology, 

& Infertility, Shangri-La’s Kerry Centre Hotel, Beijing, China. “Voices” (November, 2009) 

Richard Moore, MD – Chairperson – Women and Ovarian Cancer: From Conception to Diagnosis 

“Early Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer Can Improve Prognosis” at 3 rd Asia Pacific Congress: 

Controversies in Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Infertility, Shangri-La’s Kerry Centre Hotel, Beijing, 

China (November 2009) 

Richard Moore, MD – served as a discussant on “Hot Controveries – Expert Opinion on: Cervical 

Cancer and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): Does Vaccination Mark the End of Cervical Cancer?” 

at 3 rd Asia Pacific Congress: Controversies in Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Infertility, Shangri-La’s 

Kerry Centre Hotel, Beijing, China (November 2009) 

Richard Moore, MD – presented “HE4 in Ovarian Cancer,” Istanbul, Turkey 

Katrin Kristjansdottir, MD - Development of Tumor Markers In Ovarian Cancer. Grand Rounds. 

Landspitali University Hospital, Iceland Department of Ob/Gyn. January 21. 2010 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 49 


M a t e r n a l – F e t a l M e d i c i n e 

50 

DIVISION OF MATERNAL–FETAL MEDICINE 

INTRODUCTION 

The mission of the Division of Maternal–Fetal Medicine is: (1) to provide the highest quality 

consultative and patient care pregnancy–related services to health professionals and patients; 

(2) to develop new knowledge about physiology, mechanisms of disease and clinical practice 

related to pregnancy; (3) to train medical students, residents and fellows to be future leaders in 

health care. 

FACULTY 

Katharine D. Wenstrom, MA, MD, Division Director, joined the staff at Women 

& Infants Hospital of Rhode Island as director of the Division of Maternal-Fetal 

Medicine and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology on July 1, 2009. Dr. Wen- 

strom received both her BA and her MD from Case Western Reserve University 

in Cleveland, Ohio, and an MA in Pathology from Columbia University in New 

York City, New York. She completed her residency training and her fellowship 

in Maternal Fetal Medicine at the University of Illinois in Chicago, followed by a fellowship in 

Medical Genetics at the University of Iowa. Dr. Wenstrom has served as president of the Soci- 

ety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, as a member of the executive board of the American College 

of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and as head of the National Institutes of Health Obstetrics 

and Maternal-Fetal Biology Subcommittee. She has been editor-in-chief for obstetrics of the 

Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey since 2005. Her clinical and research interests include 

genetic screening, fetal diagnosis and therapy, and teratology. 

Brenna L. Anderson, MD, MS joined the faculty in July, 2006 as Assistant Profes- 

sor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She received her BS from the University of RI 

and her MD from Brown University. She completed her Ob/Gyn and MFM train- 

ing at the University of Pittsburgh. She also received a Master’s degree in clinical 

research and completed a fellowship in Reproductive Infectious Diseases and Im- 

munology at the University of Pittsburgh. Her clinical and research interests focus 

on the ante – and intra-partum care of infectious diseases in pregnancy, and she is the chief of 

the Reproductive Infectious Diseases consultative service here at WIH. In 2006, Dr. Anderson 

was selected for the Women’s Reproductive Health Research (WRHR) Career Development 

Program at Brown University, which supported her investigations of the immune system in 

pregnancy. In 2009, she received a K23 Mentored Patient-Oriented Career Development Award 

to study mucosal immunity in the acquisition of HIV . Dr. Anderson has served as the leader of 

the Infectious Disease Special Interest group for the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine, and is 

currently the alternate PI for the NIH MFMU Network. 


Stephen R. Carr, MD joined the faculty in 1988 after completing his Maternal–Fetal 

Medicine fellowship here at WIH, and is currently a Professor of Obstetrics and 

Gynecology. He graduated from Middlebury College and received his MD from the 

University of Hawaii. He completed his residency training at the University of Il- 

linois in Chicago. Dr. Carr’s clinical interests include fetal sonography and invasive 

diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. He is the Director of the Prenatal Diagnosis 

Center and Maternal–Fetal Medicine Diagnostic Imaging at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode 

Island and Co-Director of the Fetal Treatment Program, a co-operative effort of Women & Infants 

Hospital of Rhode Island and Lifespan. His research interests include evaluation and manage- 

ment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Dr. Carr is a Colonel in the Rhode Island Air National 

Guard and is Commander of the 143rd Medical Group, and recently returned from a three-month 

mission in Afghanistan. 

Edward K. S. Chien, MD joined the Division of Maternal–Fetal Medicine in 2004 as 

an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He graduated from the Uni- 

versity of Illinois in Urbana and received his MD from the University of Illinois in 

Chicago. He completed his residency training in 1992 at the University of Michigan 

Medical Center. He completed his Maternal Fetal Medicine fellowship at the Univer- 

sity of Chicago in 1994, and then undertook a 3 year postdoctoral fellowship in the 

laboratory of Graeme I Bell in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, funded 

through the Reproductive Scientist Development Program as the March of Dimes Fellow. Dr. 

Chien joined the faculty at the University of Vermont in 2002, where he served as MFM fellow- 

ship director After joining the MFM division here at WIH in 2004, Dr. Chien became the Maternal 

Fetal Medicine Fellowship director in July of 2005. His research interests focus on understand- 

ing the mechanisms responsible for prematurity, focusing on cervical remodeling and maternal 

physiology. 

Donald R. Coustan, MD joined the faculty as Director of Maternal–Fetal Medicine 

in 1981, was appointed Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1986, and was 

Chairman of the Department from 1991 to 2008. After retiring from this role, he 

kindly agreed to serve as Interim Division Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine from 

March 2008 until July 1, 2009, when Dr. Katharine Wenstrom assumed the posi- 

tion of permanent Division Director. Dr. Coustan continues to be a clinically active 

member of the MFM division, providing antenatal care to women with diabetes. His research 

interests have been focused on the epidemiology of gestational diabetes and its treatment. 

Tanya Dailey, MD joined our division in July 2009 as a clinical Assistant Professor 

of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She received her BS degree in Human Physiology 

from Boston University and completed both medical school and residency at Tufts 

New England Medical Center and University. She did her Maternal Fetal Medicine 

Fellowship here at Women and Infants Hospital, with a thesis on TGF expression 

in the pregnant rat cervix and its role in cervical remodeling. Her research interests 

include pre-term labor and cervical insufficiency. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 51 

M a t e r n a l – F e t a l M e d i c i n e


52 

Matthew Esposito, MD joined our division in early 2010. He received his BA in 

Biology from Williams College and his MD from the University of Rochester. After 

completing his residency at the University of Maryland, he did his Maternal Fetal 

Medicine Fellowship here at Women and Infants Hospital. He was then an As- 

sistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical System, 

where he established himself as an expert in prenatal ultrasound and resident 

and medical student teaching. Dr Esposito’s research interests include aspects of cesarean 

delivery and clinical problems in obstetrics. 

Barbara M. O’Brien, MD joined the faculty in 2007 as Assistant Professor of 

Obstetrics and Gynecology. She received her BA from the College of the Holy 

Cross and her MD from New York Medical College. She received her OB/GYN and 

MFM training at Tufts New England Medical Center. She also completed a Medi- 

cal Genetics Fellowship at Tufts New England Medical Center in 2007. She is the 

Director of Perinatal Genetics and Co-Director of the Prenatal Diagnosis Center 

at Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island. She is also the Associate Director of the Core 

Clerkship in Ob/Gyn and is in charge of the resident rotation in MFM. Her clinical interests 

include fetal sonography, invasive techniques for the diagnosis of chromosomal and genetic 

disorders, and the diagnosis and treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. 

Michael Paglia, MD, PhD joined the faculty in 2005 as a Clinical Assistant Profes- 

sor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He graduated from College of the Holy Cross, 

received his MD from the University of Pennsylvania and his PhD from Johns 

Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with a focus in Health Services Re- 

search. At Hopkins he received a Commonwealth Fund Dissertation Award. He 

completed both his Ob/Gyn and MFM training at Duke University Medical Center. 

In November 2009, Dr. Paglia left WIH to become MFM division director at the Geisinger Medi- 

cal Center in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. However, he has retained his academic appointment 

here and returns several times each month to continue his research, which is focused primarily 

on resident education and patient safety issues. 

FELLOWS 

Julie Johnson, MD received her undergraduate degree from UNC Chapel Hill and her MD from 

Wake Forest University. After completing her residency at the University of South Carolina, she 

came to Women and Infants Hospital for her Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship. Her research 

and clinical interests include fetal cardiac function in growth-restricted pregnancies and mech- 

anisms and abnormalities of labor and delivery. She will be joining the Women & Infants’ MFM 

division in August, 2010. 

Hector Mendez-Figueroa, MD Is the current first year fellow. He received his MD from the Uni- 

versidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras, and completed his residency at Baylor College of 

Medicine. His research interests include premature rupture of the membranes and OTC defi- 

ciency in pregnancy. 


Nicole Sprawka, MD is the third year Maternal Fetal Medicine fellow. She received her under- 

graduate degree from the University of Texas and her MD from the University of Texas South- 

western. She completed her residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. She 

is working with the Department of Laboratory and Pathology to study prenatal screening for 

chromosomal abnormalities. 

Roman Starikov, MD is the current second year fellow. He received his BS from the Univer- 

sity of Texas in Austin and his MD from Texas A and M College of Medicine. He completed his 

internship at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City, and his residency at Baystate Medical 

Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, after which he spent two years as an Assistant Profes- 

sor at Tufts University School of Medicine. He is currently studying the relationship between 

maternal diabetic control and fetal cardiac defects. 

RESEARCH 

Brenna Anderson, MD, MS was selected in 2006 for the Women’s Reproductive Health Re- 

search (WRHR) Career Development Program at Brown University, which supported her inves- 

tigation of the host immune system in pregnancy, and in 2009 received an NIH K23 Mentored 

Patient-Oriented Career Development Award to study mucosal immunity in the acquisition of 

HIV. She was also awarded a Center for AIDS Research Developmental grant to study the effect 

of treatment of trichomoniasis on genital shedding of HIV in South Africa. She is engaged in 

several research studies examining the immune response to HIV infection and other sexually 

transmitted infections, as well as normal vaginal immunology and bacteriology. She has also 

examined the impact of the novel swine-origin influenza A virus on pregnant women. In 2009 

she became the alternate principal investigator for the Maternal–Fetal Medicine Units Network. 

This year the Network approved her multicenter study examining the impact of hyperimmune 

globulin on the prevention of congenital cytomegalovirus, and she will head the CMV study 

subcommittee. 

Edward Chien, MD has focused his research on cervical mechanisms of pre–term birth, ex- 

amining the molecular remodeling response to mechanical stress and strain. Dr. Chien col- 

laborates with bioengineers and investigators at Brown, MIT, the University of Illinois and 

Tufts, evaluating models to understand tissue responses to force. He is examining extracellular 

matrix components, including collagen, elastin, and proteoglycans, that provide structural in- 

tegrity responsible for resisting mechanical forces. Radiofrequency spectral analysis, molecular 

and biochemical techniques are combined to understand how the cervix contributes to suc- 

cessful pregnancy outcomes. His research objectives include developing structure/composition 

function relationships in cervical tissue and examining the effects of pharmacological agents 

known to affect cervical mechanics. Dr. Chien was recently awarded an NIH R03 grant to study 

the effects of force and the hormonal environment on the cervical matrix, and has also been 

awarded an NIH contract to perform part of the Normal Fetal Growth Study. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 53 



Donald R. Coustan, MD serves as the site principal investigator for the Stillbirth Collaborative 

Research Network, which was established to examine the epidemiology, clinical correlates, and 

pathogenesis of stillbirth. The network is engaged in the study of a geographically determined 

racially mixed population–based sample of 500 to 700 stillbirths and an age-matched sample 

of pregnancies productive of liveborn infants. Dr. Coustan also serves as the North American 

Regional Director of the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) study, an 

international observational cohort study of 25,000 gravidas, the results of which are expected 

to change the way gestational diabetes is diagnosed throughout the world. 

Julie Johnson, MD is joining our faculty in August 2010. Her research interests include normal 

and abnormal labor and delivery and treatment of cervical Insufficiency. 

Barbara O’Brien, MD has focused her research on various aspects of fetal diagnosis and 

therapy. One current project involves using proteomic profiling to identify novel biomarkers 

in blood and amniotic fluid from women carrying fetuses with twin-to–twin transfusion syn- 

drome, a project made possible by the number of patients with TTTS referred to the Brown 

Fetal Treatment Program. She hypothesizes that there are novel biomarkers in maternal serum 

and amniotic fluid, both before and after laser ablation treatment for severe TTTS, that may 

both illuminate the etiology and predict the severity of this devastating disorder. Dr. O’Brien 

has established collaborations with Dr. Francois Luks, from the Division of Pediatric Surgery, 

and Dr. Djuro Josic, Director of Proteomics Core, COBRE Center for Cancer Research Devel- 

opment, as well as with colleagues at Yale University in order to accomplish this goal. Dr. 

O’Brien’s other research interests include novel methods to incorporate teaching of medical 

genetics training into resident and fellow training. 

Katharine Wenstrom, MA, MD has concentrated her research on perinatal genetics, includ- 

ing prenatal screening, the role of MTHFR polymorphisms in the development of cardiac and 

neural tube defects, and various aspects of fetal diagnosis and therapy. Her current research 

interests include the relationship between folic acid nutriture and post partum depression, and 

placental damage after CVS as a possible instigator of preeclampsia. 

EDUCATION 

The Division contributes to the education of medical and other students enrolled at Brown 

University. Maternal–Fetal Medicine faculty members have supported many undergraduate 

independent study projects. The Division contributes several lectures and individual advising 

of third year clinical clerkship students. 

Dr. Chien is the Director of the Brown University/Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island 

Fellowship Program in Maternal–Fetal Medicine. During this academic year the Division sup- 

ported three fellows in preparation for academic careers in the subspecialty. Our fellows in 

2009–10 were: Julie Johnson, MD, Nicole Sprawka, MD, and Roman Starikov, MD. Three quar- 

ters of the graduated fellows currently have academic positions. Dr. Johnson completed her 

fellowship at the end of June 2010 and will join our Division at Women and Infants Hospital. 

54 


Our current fellows are involved in interdisciplinary research involving obstetric outcomes, se- 

rum marker screening, preterm labor, and diabetes. The division offers research opportunities 

both at the bench and at the bedside. 

In addition, the Division supports postgraduate education of residents in Obstetrics and Gyne- 

cology. There are 7-week rotations in MFM for PG2 and PG4 residents. Dr. Barbara O’Brien is in 

charge of the resident rotations, and is also Associate Program Director of the Residency. The 

Division’s clinical conferences include a general obstetrics conference, an MFM case confer- 

ence and the Multi–disciplinary Antenatal Diagnosis and Management Conference (MADAM). 

Basic orientation in sonography and in amniocentesis for Ob/Gyn residents is offered, and 

residents also rotate through the Prenatal Diagnosis Center, where they get additional experi- 

ence in prenatal ultrasound. 

Medical student preceptors: 

MFM faculty served as preceptors for 17 medical students during their core clerkship in Obstet- 

rics and Gynecology during 2009-2010 academic year. 

Medical school course leadership and participation: 

Dr. Barbara O’Brien continued to serve as Associate Director of the Core Clerkship in Obstetrics 

and Gynecology this year. 

Dr. Carr is course director for the Maternal–Fetal Medicine Clinical Elective Biomed 491, which 

accommodated eight medical students this year. MFM faculty provided 24 lectures to students 

on the core clerkship over the course of the year. 

Resident and fellow lectures: 

MFM faculty provided nine core curriculum lectures and three grand rounds lectures to resi- 

dents in Obstetrics and Gynecology during the past academic year. In addition, Dr. Brenna 

Anderson is a co-director of the resident research curriculum and regularly participates in lec- 

tures and journal clubs. Twenty fellow lecture series presentations were made by MFM faculty. 

Dr. Carr manages the MADAM conference, held twice monthly. MFM provides a lecture in the 

noon resident lecture series once per month. All faculty participate in the majority of the Divi- 

sion’s resident conferences. 

Perinatal management conference: 

Dr. Chien and all MFM fellows have presented at the Perinatal Management Conference Series 

of the Neonatology department. 

Neonatology core lecture series: September 21-13, 2009 

Dr. Chien continued to participate in the didactic teaching program for the neonatology 

fellowship program. 

Multi–disciplinary antennal diagnosis and management (MADAM) conference: 

The Brown University Program in Fetal Medicine began in 1997. Dr. Carr is one of its co–Direc- 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 55 



tors in addition to Francois Luks, MD, of the Division of Pediatric Surgery at Hasbro Children’s 

Hospital. The Program in Fetal Medicine presents the Multidisciplinary Antenatal Diagnosis 

and Management conference (MADAM) twice monthly. Of the more than 55,000 patient en- 

counters at the Prenatal Diagnosis Center over a five-year span, approximately 1% has been 

referred for consultation with pediatric urology, surgery, cardiology, neurosurgery, genetics, 

orthopedics or neonatology. During the 2009–2010 academic year, more than 150 cases were 

referred to MADAM for consensus recommendations among these represented medical spe- 

cialties. The program continues to develop expertise in antenatal diagnosis and management 

and in fetal interventions. 

The Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH) Scientific Workshop on New Dimensions 

and Strategies for Women’s Health Research, September 2009 

The division of MFM helped to organize and plan this workshop, designed to identify the most 

urgent topics for future research in women’s health. Dr. Wenstrom was an invited speaker. 

The Tsunami of Genetics–Brown Alpert School of Medicine Genetics Course, October 2009 

Dr. Barbara O’Brien organized and directed this freestanding CME course on current issues in 

genetics for practitioners around the state, and Drs Wenstrom and O’Brien contributed lec- 

tures. This course was highly regarded and enthusiastically reviewed. 

CLINICAL ACTIVITY 

Inpatient Care: 

During academic year 2009–2010, the Division managed 834 inpatient admissions to 

Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, of which 371 were emergent maternal transfers. 

Maternal–Fetal Medicine performed 522 deliveries. 

Antenatal Care: 

The Division provided antenatal care to patients with a variety of maternal medical complica- 

tions and fetal complications. This unit is managed by a nursing professional coordinator with 

the help of 2.5 FTE nurses (two of whom are certified diabetes nurse educators) and 2.0 FTE 

clerical staff who coordinated 2,368 patient visits for 463 new obstetrical patients (14% more 

than last year). 

Outpatient Consultation: 

During the past academic year, the Division provided 339 non–Prenatal Diagnosis Center (PDC) 

outpatient consultations, 282 PDC–based consultations, 64 New Bedford office consultations, 

23 Foxboro office consultations, and 9 Norwich consultations for area physicians. The Divi- 

sion’s diabetes nurse educators provide gestational diabetes classes and individual education 

on the use of a home glucose meter and/or the preparation and self–injection of insulin. A total 

of 260 diabetic patients were provided with individual instruction (120% more than last year) 

and 274 patients attended classes. 

56 


The Prenatal Diagnosis Center 

The Prenatal Diagnosis Center (PDC) is managed by Dr. Stephen Carr, the Director of the Prena- 

tal Diagnosis Center and Diagnostic Imaging, and Dr. Barbara O’Brien, the Co-Director. The PDC 

opened in March, 1992 providing an integrated array of antenatal diagnostic services, includ- 

ing: genetic counseling, MFM and clinical genetics consultation, sonographic evaluation of fetal 

functional and anatomic abnormalities, amniocentesis, chorionic villous sampling, biophysical 

fetal assessment, and parental testing for diabetes and genetic disorders. During academic year 

2009-2010, the PDC provided 6,164 imaging procedures, 2,515 antenatal testing visits, 1,009 

genetic counseling visits, 282 MFM consultations, 49 CVS procedures, and 125 amniocenteses. 

The PDC employs seven genetic counselors who provide counseling and integrated evaluation 

of families and pregnancies at risk for genetically related or other perinatal morbidity. The PDC 

is supported by an RN manager, another full–time staff nurse, five administrative coordinators, 

an associate division manager, two financial counselors, a medical assistant and three full time 

equivalent sonographers, a research sonographer plus a senior ultrasound coordinator. 

Off–Campus Consultative and Imaging Services 

MFM provides consultative and imaging support to our outlying communities and providers. 

These services are offered through our off-site offices in New Bedford, MA and Foxboro, MA 

and through contracted service agreements with Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, MA 

and at South County Hospital in Wakefield, RI. In April 2010, a new site was opened in Norwich, 

CT, which currently provides ultrasound and MFM services 1½ days per week. The New Bedford 

office now employs a staff of six sonographers, two secretaries, and an administrative coordina- 

tor. The Division supports regular physician and genetic counselor services at all of these sites. 

During academic year 2009-2010 these off-sites provided a total of 2,409 imaging procedures, 

142 antenatal testing visits, 429 genetic counseling visits, and 96 MFM consultations. 

CLINICAL GENETICS SERVICES 

Barbara O’Brien joined Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island as the MFM Director of Peri- 

natal Clinical Genetics in July 2007, providing oversight of the clinical and educational mission 

of the Division’s genetics program. Katharine Wenstrom, MD the division director of MFM, is 

also a clinical geneticist with a national reputation in prenatal genetics and prenatal diagnosis. 

Office Number of Genetic Counseling Sessions 

Providence 1009 

New Bedford 273 

Foxboro 156 

Charlton Memorial XX 

South County XX 

Norwich 11 

Total 1986 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 57 



ACTIVE RESEARCH SUPPORT 

Anderson BL: Principal Investigator- Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) Developmental Award 

“Effect of trichomonas therapy on genital HIV viral burden among African Women.” Funding 

Agency: Lifespan/Tufts/Brown Center for AIDS Research . Amount: $40,000. Funded: March 1, 

2008-2010. 

Anderson BL: Principal investigator-Grant number 1 K23 HD062340-01. K23 Mentored Patient- 

Oriented Career Development Award: “The role of mucosal immunity in risk of HIV acquisition 

during pregnancy” Funding agency: NIH/NICHD. Funded: August 10, 2009-2013. 

Chien, EK: Principal Investigator- Grant Number: 1 R03 HD062683-01. Project Title: Effects of 

force and hormonal environment on cervical matrix. Award Issue Date: 07/12/2010. 

Chien EK: Co-Investigator – (Barbara McFarlin-PI) 1R21 HD058705-01A2 Biochemical, biome- 

chanical and morphological properties of quantitative ultrasound. NIH R21 Funding period 

9/20/2009-8/31/2011. $300,447-Direct/$433,373-Total. 

Chien EK: Advisor-(Fuson Gundogan-PI). Placental development in fetal alcohol syndrome. 

NIAAA: K08 AA016783-01. Funding Period 4/1/07-3/20/12. 

Chien EK: Advisor-(Beatrice Lechner-PI). The role of Biglycan in reproduction. NICHD: K08 

HD054676-01A2. Funding Period 1/8/2009-12/31/13. $100,000/108,000: 500k/540k. 

Cu-Uvin S: 1R25TW008102 (Cu-Uvin) 8/10/08-7/31/2011 1.2 calendar months NIH/FIC 

$125,000/yr. Interdisciplinary Framework in Global Health at Brown University. 

Cu-Uvin S: 5U01AI066050 (Friedman) 4/1/2006-3/31/2011 1.2 Calendar Months NIH/NIAID 

$18,870. S. japonicum and Birth Outcomes: Randomized Controlled Trial. 

Cu-Uvin S: 2P30AI042853 (C Carpenter) 9/1/1998-6/30/2012 

0.6 Calendar Months. NIH/NIAID $111,526 

Lifespan/Tufts/Brown Center for AIDS Research 

HIV and Women’s Core — Co – Director 

Cu-Uvin S: 1U10AI069472 (Tashima) 12/1/06-11/30/2013 

0.24 Calendar Months NIH/NIAID $435,000 

Adult Therapeutic Clinical Trials Program for HIV/AIDS 

Cu-Uvin S: 200-2002-00610 (Carpenter) 9/27/07-9/28/2011 

0.3 Calendar Months CDC $424,822 

Study to Understand the Natural History of HIV and AIDS in the Era of Effective Therapy (SUN) 

58 


HONORS AND OFFICES 


2008-present: Editorial Advisory Board, The Open Infectious Diseases Journal 

2008: Member, Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, Committee 

on Women’s Health Research 

2009, April: Chair, Special Emphasis Panel Review, ZRG1 AARR-J 40P, Population and 

Behavioral Studies in HIV/AIDS 

2009, June: Review Panel Special Emphasis Panel Review, ZRG1 BBBP-J (58) and ZRG1 

BBBP-L (58) in HIV/AIDS 

2009-2013: Member, NIH/NIAID AIDS Research Review Committee 

Donald R Coustan, MD 

Treasurer, American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society 

Katharine D Wenstrom, MD 

Editor in Chief for Obstetrics, Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey, 2005 to present 

Editorial Board, American Journal of Perinatology, 2001 to present 

Advisory Board for Subspecialty Areas, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 

2002 to present 

PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS 

Wenstrom K, Erickson K, Schulkin J. Are generalist Ob-Gyns satisfied with their MFM 

consultants? A survey. AJOG 2009;201(6):S202. 

Gyamfi, C, Blumenfeld Y, Ramsey P, Foley M, Kilpatrick S, Wenstrom K. The current state of 

MFM fellowships: results from the SMFM fellow survey. AJOG 2009;201(6):S47. 

Archabald K, Friedman A, Raker C, Anderson BL. Impact of trimester on morbidity of acute 

pyelonephritis in pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2009;201:406.e1-4. 

Broughton DE, Beigi RH, Switzer GE, Raker CA, Anderson BL. Obstetric Health Care 

Workers’ Attitudes and Beliefs Regarding Influenza Vaccination in Pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol, 

2009;114(5): 981-987. 

Rodriguez E, Raker CA, Paglia MJ, Anderson BL. Assessment of the need for rapid Group B 

Streptococcus testing during labor and delivery. Am J Perinat, 2010;27(6): 475-9. 

Luks FI, Carr SR, Muratore CS, O’Brien BM, Tracy TF. The pediatric surgeon’s contribution to 

in utero treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Annals of Surgery, 250(3):1-7. 2009 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 59 



Aagaard-Tillery KM, Malone FD, Nyberg DA, Porter TF, Cuckle HS, Fuchs K, Sullivan L, 

Comstock CH, Saade GR, Eddleman K, Gross S, Dugoff L, Craigo SD, Timor-Tritsch IE, Carr 

SR, Wolfe HM, Bianchi DW, D’Alton ME, for the First and Second Trimester Evaluation of Risk 

(FASTER) Research Consortium. Role of Second-Trimester Genetic Sonography After Down 

Syndrome Screening. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 114(6):1189-1196, December 2009. 

Lambert-Messerlian GM, Palomaki GE , Neveux LM, Chien E, Friedman A, Rosene-Montella K, 

Hayes M, Canick JA, Early onset preeclampsia and second trimester serum makers. In press 

Prenatal Diagnosis 29: 2209-17. 2009. 

Chien EK, Jayakrishnan A, Phipps MG, Dailey TL, Raker CA. Racial and ethnic disparity in 

male preterm singleton birth. In Press J Reprod Medicine, June 2010. 

Ji H, Long V, Briody V; Chien EK. Progesterone modulates integrin α2(itga2) and α11 (itga11) in 

the pregnant cervix. Reproductive Sciences, July 2010 In Press. 

Coustan DR, Lowe LP, Metzger BE: The hyperglycemia and adverse pregnancy outcome 

(HAPO) study: can we use the results as a basis for change? Journal of Maternal-Fetal and 

Neonatal Medicine 23:204-209, 2010. 

The HAPO Study Cooperative Research Group (Coustan DR, member of writing group): 

Hyperglycemia and adverse pregnancy outcome (HAPO) study: associations with maternal 

body mass index. British J ObGyn 117:575-584, 2010. 

The HAPO Study Cooperative Research Group (Coustan DR, member of writing group): 

Hyperglycemia and adverse pregnancy outcome (HAPO) study: preeclampsia, Am J Obstet 

Gynecol 202:255e1-7, 2010. 

Coustan DR, Lowe LP, Metzger BE: The Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome 

(HAPO) study: paving the way for new diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus. Am 

J Obstet Gynecol 202:654e1-6, 2010. 

Dudley DJ, Goldenberg R, Conway D, Silver RM, Saade GR, Varner MW, Pinar H, Coustan D, 

Bukowski R, Stoll B, Koch MA, Parker CB, Reddy U for the Stillbirth Research Collaborative 

Network: A new system for determining the causes of stillbirth. Obstetrics and Gynecology 

116:254-260, 2010. 

Coustan DR: Finding and treating gestational diabetes – does it help? Nature Reviews: 

Endocrinology. 6:540-542, 2010. 

Johnson J. Mersilene versus Ethibond suture efficacy and cerclage. Am J Obstet Gynecol 

2009; 201(6):S244. 

Johnson J, Anderson B, Raker C, Wenstrom K. Elective inductions at term and adverse 

neonatal outcomes. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2009; 201(6):S124-5. 

Johnson J, Anderson B, Raker C, Wenstrom K. Timing of delivery with placenta previa: 

maternal and neonatal outcomes. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2009; 201(6):S74. 

Johnson J, Long V, Ji H, Chien E. Strain induces collagen production by cervical stromal 

cells. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2009; 201(6):S74-5. 

O’Brien BM. Prenatal Management of twin pregnancies: From the Perspective of an MFM/ 

Geneticist. The Female Patient, 34(12) December 2009. 

O’Brien BM, Feltovich HM, Carr SR, Luks FI. Feto-Fetal Transfusion Syndrome in 

Monochorionic Quadruplets. Obstet Gynecol 2010; 115 (2) part 2: 470-472. 

60 


O’Brien BM, Wenstrom KD. Down syndrome screening in the First and Second Trimesters of 

Pregnancy. US Obstetrics and Gynecology 2010 vol 4, 58-65. 

Kassis N, Jayakrishnan A, Sprawka N, Cu-Uvin S, Anderson BL. Hepatotoxicity and 

Metabolic Acidosis Manifested as Non-Reassuring Fetal Testing in a Pregnant Woman on 

Antiretroviral Therapy. Obstet Gynecol, 2010;116: 515–7. 

NON PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS 

Coustan DR: Examining the Evidence: Is metformin more effective than glyburide for treating 

gestational diabetes? OBG Management 22:18-21, 2010. 

Coustan DR: Diabetes mellitus. Precis: Obstetrics (4th edition) Washington, DC: American 

College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2010. Pp. 133-138. 


Wenstrom K. Invasive Fetal Testing: Chorionic Villus Sampling and Amniocentesis. 

In: Queenan J, Hobbins, Spong C, eds. Protocols for High-Risk Pregnancies, 5 th edition. 

Philadelphia: Wiley-Blackwell, 2010. 

Wenstrom K. Cardiac Disease. In: Queenan J, Hobbins, Spong C, eds. Protocols for High-Risk 

Pregnancies, 5 th edition. Philadelphia: Wiley-Blackwell, 2010. 

Wenstrom KD: Precis XIV Prenatal Diagnosis of Genetic Disorders. American College of 

Obstetricians, 2010. 

Wenstrom KD: Precis XIV Teratogenic Exposures. American College of Obstetricians, 2010. 

Wenstrom KD: Precis XIV Preconception Counseling. American College of Obstetricians, 

2010. 

Wenstrom KD: Precis XIV Substance Abuse. American College of Obstetricians, 2010. 

INVITED PRESENTATIONS (LOCAL) 

Wenstrom, KD. Grand Rounds: The Fetal Origins of Adult Disease or Why Obstetrics is the 

Most Important Specialty. Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, RI. March 4, 2010. 

Anderson BL. RI Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 6th Annual Teaching Day, Warwick, RI, 

“Diagnosis and Management of HIV-1 in Pregnancy” September 25, 2009 

Anderson BL. Women & Infant’s Hospital Board of Trustees, “Preparedness for pandemic 

influenza at Women & Infant’s Hospital” September 29, 2009 

Anderson BL. Women & Infant’s Hospital Quality Forum, “Case presentation-peripheral line 

infection” December 9, 2009 

Anderson BL. Women & Infant’s Hospital Union H1N1 Preparedness Day, “Preparedness for 

pandemic influenza at Women & Infant’s Hospital” December 10, 2009. 

Chien EK. 14th Annual Neonatology-Pediatric conference, Southcoast Hospitals, Nov 4, 2009, 

Fall River, MA. Title: PROM at the Borders of Viability 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 61 



Chien EK. Medical Student Lectures: March 8, 2010. Title: Physiology of Labor BIOL 3674 

Human Reproduction Growth and Development 

Chien EK. Resident Core Lecture: February 5, 2010. Title: IUGR 

Chien EK. Neonatal Fellows Core lectures: November 5, 2009. Title: IUGR 

Chien EK. MADAM April 16th, 2010. Title: Trisomy 21 and Congenital Heart Disease 

Johnson, J. “Thrombophilia and Pregnancy” Women & Infants’ Grand Rounds, Providence RI 

December 2009 

Johnson J. “Preterm Labor Management and the Use of Magnesium Sulfate for CP 

Prophylaxis” St. Luke’s Hospital Grand Rounds, New Bedford MA, December 2009 

O’Brien BM. MADAM October 2, 2009. Title: Fetal Abdominal cysts 

O’Brien BM. MADAM December 4, 2009. Title: Fetal Patient Round-Up 

O’Brien, BM. MADAM January 15, 2010. Title: Fetal Patient Round-Up 

O’Brien BM. MADAM February 5, 2010. Title: Selective Termination in TTTS 

O’Brien BM. MADAM March 5, 2010- Macrosomia and Overgrowth Syndromes 

O’Brien BM. MADAM March 19, 2010 Title: FDA Fetal Surgery Protocol for Diaphragmatic 

Hernia 

O’Brien BM. MADAM May 7, 2010. Title: Myelomeningocele 

O’Brien BM. MADAM June 4, 2010. Title: Fetal Patient Round-Up 

O’Brien BM. MADAM June 18, 2010. Title: Fetal Patient Round-Up 

O’Brien BM. MADAM August 6, 2010. Title: CCAMs and Other Pulmonary Lesions 

O’Brien BM. MADAM October 1, 2010. Title: Fetal Patient Round-Up 

Sprawka N. Anticoagulation in Pregnancy. Current Concepts: Issues in Perinatal & Neonatal 

Care Conference in Warwick, RI, 2009 

Sprawka N. Postpartum Hemorrhage. Intern Lecture Series 2009 

Sprawka N. Thalassemia. Maternal Fetal Medicine Resident Lecture 2009 

Sprawka N. Elevated Aminotransferases in Pregnancy. Maternal Fetal Medicine Lecture 2009 

Sprawka N. Abdominal Wall Defects. Perinatal Management Conference 2009 

Sprawka N. Amniotic Band Sequence. Multidisciplinary Antenatal Diagnosis and Management 

Conference 2009 

Sprawka N. Sacrococcygeal Teratoma. Multidisciplinary Antenatal Diagnosis and Management 


Sprawka N. Intrauterine Growth Restriction. Perinatal Management Conference 2009 

62 


Sprawka N. Cleft Lip and Palate. Multidisciplinary Antenatal Diagnosis and Management 


Sprawka N. Prenatal Diagnosis of Skeletal Dysplasias. Perinatal Management Conference 

2010 


Wenstrom K. Current Trends and New Direction in Ob/Gyn Seminar: Folic Acid: the Answer to 

Everything. Mount Auburn Hospital, Waltham, MA. November 18, 2009. 

Anderson BL. Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine, Infectious Disease and Inflammation 

Special Interest Group, Leader, 2009-2010. 

Anderson BL. Work-in-progress Seminar, Cervicovaginal fluid from pregnant and nonpregnant 

women and in vitro HIV suppression, Dartmouth Medical Center, Laboratory of 

Charles R. Wira, PhD, January 6, 2010. 

Anderson BL. Invited participant in National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 

Division of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome meeting, “Mucosal Immunity in the Male 

and Female Reproductive Tract”, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, June 30- 

July 2, 2010. 

Coustan DR. Toward New Criteria for Gestational Diabetes. American Gynecologic and 

Obstetrical Society, Chicago, October 2009. 

Coustan DR. Gestational Diabetes Update – 2009. New England Obstetrical and Gynecological 

Society Fall Meeting, Sturbridge MA, November 2009. 

Coustan DR. The independent contribution of BMI to outcomes in the HAPO study. GDM 

Pasadena II: An International Conference on Gestational Diabetes. Pasadena, CA April 2010. 

(Coustan DR, Metzger BE, Lowe LP, Dyer AE); also moderator of session on pharmacologic 

management of GDM. 

Coustan DR. Clinical Seminar: Contemporary Approaches to Diabetes in Pregnancy. 

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 58th Annual Clinical Meeting, San 

Francisco, May 2010. 

Coustan DR. The evolution of perinatal care: a personal perspective. Sloane Academic 

Assembly of graduating residents and fellows, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, June 2010. 

Coustan DR. Developing new criteria for gestational diabetes. Rosen Lecture, Sloane 

Symposium. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University College of 

Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. June 2010. 

Beck NM, Phornphutkul C, O’Brien B, Abuelo DN. A novel heterozygous deletion and insertion 

mutation in COL1A2 in a family with overlapping features of osteogenesis imperfecta and 

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. NSGC AEC, Dallas, TX. October 2010. 


Coustan DR. HAPO Update. 9th World Congress of Perinatal Medicine. Berlin, Germany, 

October 2009. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 63 



Sprawka N. Lambert-Messerlian G, Palomaki G, Eklund E, Canick J. The Effect of Oral 

Antidiabetic Agents on Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels in Diabetic Pregnancies. Oral 

presentation at the biannual meeting for the International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis in 

Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2010. 

64 

ABSTRACT PRESENTATIONS (NATIONAL) 

Wenstrom K, Erickson K, Schulkin J. Are generalist Ob-Gyns satisfied with their MFM 

consultants? A survey. Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Poster Presentation, Chicago IL, 


Gyamfi, C, Blumenfeld Y, Ramsey P, Foley M, Kilpatrick S, Wenstrom K. The current state of 

MFM fellowships: results from the SMFM fellow survey. Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine 

Poster Presentation, Chicago IL, 2010. 

Anderson BL, Hillier SL, Raker C, Fitzsimmons C, Cu-Uvin S. Maternal inflammatory 

mediators are increased as early as the first trimester in low risk pregnancies. Poster 

presentation at the 30th Annual Meeting of the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine, February, 

2010, Chicago, IL. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2009;201(6, Supplement 

1):S231. 

Johnson JM, Anderson BL. Mersilene Versus Ethibond Suture Efficacy and Cerclage. Poster 



1):S244. 

Johnson JM, Anderson BL, Raker C, Wenstrom KD. Timing of delivery with placenta 

previa: maternal and neonatal outcomes. Poster presentation at the 30th Annual Meeting of 

the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine, February, 2010, Chicago, IL. American Journal of 

Obstetrics and Gynecology 2009;201(6, Supplement 1):S74. 

Johnson JM, Anderson BL, Raker C, Wenstrom KD. Elective Inductions at Term and Adverse 

Neonatal Outcomes. Poster presentation at the 30th Annual Meeting of the Society for 

Maternal Fetal Medicine, February, 2010, Chicago, IL. American Journal of Obstetrics and 

Gynecology 2009;201(6, Supplement 1):S124-5. 

Anderson BL, Wira CR, Fitzsimmons C, Ghosh M, Fahey J, Cu-Uvin S. Cervicovaginal fluid 

from pregnant and non-pregnant women suppresses HIV infectivity in an in vitro model. Oral 



1):S43. 

Matteson KA, McMahon M, Sung VW, Anderson BL, Raker CA, Phipps MG. Development and 

evaluation of a formal research curriculum for obstetrics and gynecology residents. Poster 

presentation at the 2010 APGO CREOG Annual Meeting, March, 2010, Orlando, FL. 

Anderson BL for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human 

Development, Maternal Fetal Medicine Units Network. The impact of antibiotic therapy on 

vaginal flora among women with a positive fetal fibronectin. Poster presentation at the 57th 

Annual Meeting of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation, March, 2010, Orlando, FL. 

McDonnold MA, Friedman A, Raker C, Anderson B. Morbidity Associated with Postpartum 

Pyelonephritis as Compared to an Antepartum Population. Poster presentation for the 58th 

annual clinical meeting of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, May, 

2010, San Francisco, CA. 

Anderson BL, Rouse DJ, Fitzsimmons C. Clinical Characteristics of Pregnant Women with 

2009 H1N1 Influenza. Poster presentation at the 37th Annual Meeting for the Infectious Disease 

Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Santa Fe, NM, August, 2010. 


Anderson BL, Firnhaber C, Liu T, Swarts A, Siminaya M, Cu-Uvin S. Self-Collected Vaginal 

Swabs for Trichomoniasis Testing in HIV-infected Women in South Africa. Poster presentation 

at the 37th Annual Meeting for the Infectious Disease Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology, 

Santa Fe, NM, August, 2010. 

Anderson BL, Wira CR, Fitzsimmons C, Ghosh M, Fahey J, Cu-Uvin S. Cervicovaginal Fluid 

from Third Trimester Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women Suppresses HIV Infectivity in an In 

Vitro Model. Poster presentation at the 37th Annual Meeting for the Infectious Disease Society 

for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Santa Fe, NM, August, 2010 

Critchfield A, Ji H, Long V, Chien EK. Changes in cervical elastin concentration in the pregnant 

rat. Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine Annual Meeting 2010. Chicago, IL. Am J Obstet 

Gynecol 201:S74-75:2010. 

Johnson J, Long V, Ji H, Chien EK. Strain induces collagen production by cervical stromal 

cells. Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine Annual Meeting 2010. Chicago, IL. Am J Obstet 

Gynecol 201:S84:2010. 

Ji H, Long V, Chien EK. Mechanical stretch modulates extracellular matrix remodeling 

and MAP kinase pathway activation in rat cervical stromal cells. Society for Gynecologic 

Investigation Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL. March 2010. Reprod Sciences 17(3):74A, 2010. 

Ji H, Briody V, Noh J-H, Chien EK. Integrin α2 is modulated by stretch in rat cervical stromal 

cells. Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine Annual Meeting 2011, San Francisco, CA. (Accepted) 

Yogev Y, Chen R, Hod M, Coustan D, Oats JJN, Metzger B, Lowe L, Dyer AR, Trimble, 

Hadden D, Persson B for the HAPO Study Cooperative Research Group: Associations with 

preeclampsia: lessons from the hyperglycemia and adverse pregnancy outcome (HAPO) study. 

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine 30th Annual Meeting, Chicago, February 2010. 

Johnson J. Mersilene versus Ethibond suture efficacy and cerclage. Society of Maternal-Fetal 

Medicine Poster Presentation, Chicago IL, February 2010. 

Johnson J, Anderson B, Raker C, Wenstrom K. Elective inductions at term and adverse 

neonatal outcomes. Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Poster Presentation, Chicago IL, 


Johnson J, Anderson B, Raker C, Wenstrom K. Timing of delivery with placenta previa: 

maternal and neonatal outcomes. Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Poster Presentation, 

Chicago IL, February 2010. 

Johnson J, Long V, Ji H, Chien E. Strain induces collagen production by cervical stromal 

cells. Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Poster Presentation, Chicago IL, February 2010. 

Sprawka N, Timmins, A, Sangi-Haghpeykar, H, Mathieson, K, Coonrod, D. Troponin I Levels in 

Mild and Severe Preeclampsia. Annual meeting for the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine in 

San Diego, CA, 2009 

Kassis N, Heard A, Sprawka N, Cu-Uvin S, Anderson B. Antiretroviral Induced Hepatotoxicity 

Presenting as Non-Reassuring Fetal Testing. Annual meeting for Infectious Diseases Society for 

Obstetrics and Gynecology Montreal, QC 2009 

Sprawka N, Lambert-Messerlian G, Palomaki G, Canick J. The Effect of Oral Hypoglycemic 

Agents on Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels in Diabetic Pregnancies. Annual meeting 

for the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine in Chicago, IL, 2010. 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 65 


M e d i c a l E d u c a t i o n 

CLERKSHIP PROGRAM 

66 

MEDICAL EDUCATION 

B. Star Hampton, MD, Clerkship Director 

Dr. Hampton, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a member of 

the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, continues her 

role as Director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Core Clerkship for the Alpert 

School of Medicine of Brown University. 

Barbara M. O’Brien, MD, Associate Clerkship Director 

Dr. O’Brien, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a member of 

the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, continues her active role as the Associate 

Director. 

The core clerkship continues to flourish, as evidenced by improved overall evalu- 

ations of the clerkship as well as an increase in numbers of students interested in pursing 

Ob/Gyn residencies. The 2009 match saw eight Alpert Medical Students successfully pursue 

Ob/Gyn residencies, and the coming year has even more interested. 

This year students began to be assigned time on Maternal Fetal Medicine, rotating with that 

service for two mornings during their time on labor and delivery. This afforded students expo- 

sure to patients with high-risk pregnancies, and allowed students to be part of the team for a 

short time. Students felt this was a valuable addition to their learning experience, and stated 

they only wished they had more time with the team. 

Students continue to be taught according to APGO medical student learning objectives. Exist- 

ing lecture content is continuously reviewed and revised based on these learning objectives as 

well as student feedback. Students are encouraged to utilize resources provided by APGO such 

as uWise shelf exam review questions, which are recognized with favorable comments. 

Outpatient community based faculty preceptorships continue to provide students with ad- 

ditional outpatient experience and exposure to physicians in the community. Students spend 

one half day session in their preceptor’s office, gaining valuable exposure to the “daily life” of 

a community-based faculty member. Comments from both students and physicians alike are 

very favorable. 

The RIME method to classify students into one of four categories, namely Reporter, Interpreter, 

Manager, and Educator is still utilized for mid-clerkship review of each student. The clerkship 

directors meet with each student at mid-clerkship to review individual comments and classifi- 

cation, as well as student self assessment and goals. In addition, a “patient passport” is used 

in an effort to review student clinical exposure and experience. Review of students’ clinical 


experience reveals excellent scope and breadth. Dr. Hampton and Dr. O’Brien also meet with 

students at the end of each clerkship to discuss how to improve the experience, and changes 

are made according to student suggestions. 

Outstanding resident and faculty involvement in student teaching continues to be encouraged 

and facilitated. Directors meet with residents during resident business meetings to address any 

student concerns or changes. Residents continue to have an important role in medical student 

orientation, with residents reviewing ward expectations, scrubbing, gowning and gloving, 

instrument recognition, and knot tying. Quality of teaching scores continue to increase as rated 

by the students at the end of the clerkship. 

Students have the option to participate in Dr. Pablo Rodriguez’ Latino radio show, “Nuestro 

Salud.” This unique experience allows students the opportunity to present a case they have 

prepared for their classmates and explain it to a lay, Latino population. This enables the stu- 

dents to improve not only their communication skills but also their health literacy skills. The 

student interest group is also active on the Brown campus. Activities throughout the year 

include “Deliver a Baby Week” as well as application and interview primers for students inter- 

ested in Ob/Gyn. 

OB/GYN RESIDENCY PROGRAM 

Gary Frishman, MD continues in his role as both the Residency 

Program Director and the Associate Division Director in the Divi- 

sion of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Roxanne Vrees, 

MD is the Associate Residency Program Director and continues her 

work in Triage. 

Eight residents graduated from the program with six entering fel- 

lowship programs (two at Women & Infants), one entering private practice and one entering 

the Indian Health Service on the Navajo Nation reservation. 

In 2010, four hundred sixty-four candidates applied to the Brown Ob/Gyn Residency Program. 

We interviewed eighty to fill the eight intern positions for the 2010-2011 academic year. The 

total number of residents in the four-year program is 32. 

We have increased our formalized didactic experiences with scheduled talks every day on 

rounds with both the obstetric and gynecologic services. A new Pediatric Outcomes multi-dis- 

ciplinary conference has been added to the noon conference schedule. The new PGY 1 resi- 

dents receive special dedicated lecture topics in the fall geared towards their needs and level 

of training. 

The program has moved to a new web-based recording system for resident duty hours. 

We are implementing new educational formats including a posted question on the labor floor 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 67 

M e d i c a l E d u c a t i o n


for medical students, residents, and nursing staff to respond to as well as a fetal monitor strip 

review for obstetric rounds. 

We have two new rotations having added a new “swing shift” block with last year’s third-year 

class to facilitate residents’ ability to leave the hospital and stay within duty hours on busy servic- 

es as well as, with this year, a new “float” rotation in the fourth year class which provides them 

the opportunity and ability to rotate in areas in which they feel that they have specific interest or 

feel the need for additional exposure to (examples include the wound clinic at Kent Hospital, hav- 

ing a session at the Women’s Day Hospital, additional ultrasound exposure at the PDC, etc.). 

Under the direction of Dr. Pagidas, we have implemented a new ultrasound curriculum integrat- 

ing Maternal Fetal Medicine, Triage, Reproductive Endocrinology, etc.) with the ultimate goal of 

having residents being able to apply for AIUM certification upon graduation. 

In addition to the annual dinner held for the PGY 2 class with the Fellowship Directors (at which 

time informal discussions are held about the subspecialties and fellowships), we have added a 

dinner with Generalist Faculty to offer complementary information about going into Private Prac- 

tice. 

We had our second annual “mini-boot camp” given by our residents for the graduating Brown 

Medical Students going into Ob/Gyn at any Residency Program around the country. This provides 

our students with a jump start prior to starting internship. Topics reviewed include writing orders, 

performing an endometrial biopsy, rupturing membranes and placing a scalp clip, etc. 

SAPHIER FAMILY LECTURE IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 

Established in 2007 by Carl J. Saphier ‘88 MD’92 to support an annual lecture focused on issues 

related to Women’s Health, including Maternal Fetal Medicine, Reproductive Endocrinology and 

Fertility, Urogynecology, and Women’s Oncology. 

Brown and the World: Engaging HIV-Infected Women 


The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI 

Director, Global Health Initiative, Brown University 

Professor, Ob/Gyn and Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University 

8:30 a.m. Research Paper Presentations 

68 

Ob/Gyn Residents and Fellows 


RESIDENT/FELLOW RESEARCH DAY 

Guest Judge: Susan Cu-Uvin, MD 

The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI 

Director, Global Health Initiative, Brown University 

Professor, Ob/Gyn and Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of 


Judges: Joanna M. Cain, MD, Obstetrician and Gynecologist-in-Chief 

Gary N. Frishman, MD, Residency Program Director 

Moderator: Kristen A. Matteson, MD, MPH 

Presenting Residents 

Karen L. Archabald, MD, Resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Anemia and chorioamnionitis 

at term 

Julie A. Baker, MD, PhD, Resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Association between mater- 

nal-fetal attachment and quitting smoking with pregnancy recognition 

Molly S. Carey, MD, Resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology: An observational study of pain 

with IUD insertion 

Laura L. Holman, MD, Resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology: A comparison of sentinel 

lymph node identification between lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel lymph node dissection 

in patients with vulvar cancer 

Amanda L. Jackson, MD, Resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology: A novel biomarker for the 

management of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer 

Nadine Kassis, MD, Resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Effect of surgical therapy on 

improving physical activity levels in women with stress urinary incontinence 

Mollie A. McDonnold, MD, Resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Neurologic outcomes 

associated with polyhydramnios 

Megan D. McMahon, MD, Resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology: The effect of obesity on peri- 

operative outcomes of laparoscopic hysterectomy 

Presenting Fellows 

Sonali Pandya, MD, Fellow in Breast Health: Should we excise all breast core-biopsy proven 

papillary lesions? 

Ashley Stuckey, MD, Fellow in Gynecologic Oncology: Developing an integrated genomic ap- 

proach to explore the antitumor activity of vitamin D and derivatives to treat ovarian cancer 

Julie M. Johnson, MD, Fellow in Maternal Fetal Medicine: Mersilene versus Ethibond suture 

efficacy and cerclage 

Kyle J. Wohlrab, MD, Fellow in Urogynecology: The association between regional anesthesia 

and acute postoperative urinary retention in women undergoing outpatient midurethral slings. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 69 



FACULTY AND RESIDENT AWARDS 

UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION TEACHING AWARDS 

APGO Excellence-in-Teaching Award 


Top Community-based Faculty Teacher of the Year Awards 




Meera Simoes, MD 

Jackie Tetreault, MD 

Top Hospital-based Faculty Teacher of the Year Awards 


Michael Paglia, MD 


Charles Rardin, MD 


Top Fellow Teacher of the Year Award 


Top Resident Teacher of the Year Award 

Megan McMahon, MD 

Top Specialty Nursing Faculty Teacher of the Year Award 

Ann Holdredge, CNM, NP 

Top Community-based Faculty Excellence-in-Teaching Awards 

Dave Beitle, MD 

Jennifer Boyle, MD 


Paula DeYoung, MD 

Michele Gange, MD 

Fred Hawwa, MD 

70 

Tolga Kokturk, MD 



Meera Simoes, MD 

Jackie Tetreault, MD 

Marguerite Vigliani, MD 

Hospital-based Faculty Excellence-in-Teaching Awards 

Rebecca Allen, MD 



Cassandra Carberry, MD 

Steve Carr, MD 

Donald Coustan, MD 


Sarah Fox, MD 



Star Hampton, MD 

Donna LaFontaine, MD 



Michael Paglia, MD 





D e p a r t m e n t o f O b s t e t r i c s & G y n e c o l o g y 

Trevor Tejada Berges, MD

Specialty Nursing Faculty 

Excellence-in-Teaching Awards 

Diane Angelini, EdD, CNM 

Anne Cooper, RNP 

Paulette Corey, RNP 

Erin Dobson, RNP 


Linda Hunter, EdD, CNM 

Edie McConaughey, CNM 

Linda Moulton, RNP 

Patricia O’Connell , RNP 

Janet Singer, MSN, CNM 

Linda Steinhardt, MS, FNP-C, CNM 

Anne Stulik, RNP 

Resident Excellence-in-Teaching Awards 

Catherine Albright, MD 

Karen Archibald, MD 

Elizabeth Cappelletti, MD 

Molly Carey, MD 


Luu Doan, MD 

Terri Febbraro, MD 

Amanda Jackson, MD 


Nadine Kassis, MD 

Mollie McDonnold, MD 

Megan McCoin, MD 


Jeannine Miranne, MD 

Kavita Mishra, MD 

Katina Mori, MD 

Michaela Onstad, MD 

Pablo Orezzoli, MD 

Dario Roque, MD 

RESIDENT MEDICAL EDUCATION TEACHING AWARDS 

CREOG Excellence-in-Teaching Award 

Donald R. Coustan, MD 

Top Community-based Faculty Teacher of the Year Awards 






Top Hospital-based Faculty Teacher of the Year Awards 


Robyn Gray, DO 




(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 71 



Top Fellow Teacher of the Year Awards 



Top Specialty Nursing Faculty Teacher of the Year Awards 

Elisabeth Howard, CNM 


Community-based Faculty Excellence-in-Teaching Awards 

David Beitle, MD 


Christine Brousseau, MD 


Wayne Clairborne, MD 

Jeannine Connolly, MD 



Joseph DeMartino, MD 


72 

Stephen Falkenberry, MD 




Janet Lefkowitz, MD 

Carol Manning, MD 

Carol Medeiros, MD 


Marilyn Powers, MD 


Hospital-based Faculty Excellence-in-Teaching Awards 

Brenna Anderson, MD 

Bala Bhagavath, MD 


Joanna Cain, MD 




B. Star Hampton, MD 

Donna LaFontaine, MD 


Fellow Excellence-in- 

Teaching Awards 

Nada Kawar, MD 

Peter Klatsky, MD 

Katrin Kristjansdottir, MD 

Blair Washington, MD 



Deborah Myers, MD 





Moune Jabre Raughley, MD 


Trevor Tejada-Berges, MD 


Katharine Wenstrom, MD 

Specialty Nursing Faculty Excellence-in- 

Teaching Awards 

Diane Angelini, EdD, CNM 




Janet Singer, CNM 

Linda Steinhardt, MS, FNP-C, CNM 


RESIDENT AWARDS FROM FACULTY 

David H. Nichols Award for Excellence in Pelvic Surgery 


Excellence in Resident Research Award 

Mollie McDonnold, MD 

The Outstanding Resident Award for Professionalism and Humanism in Women’s Health 

Megan McMahon, MD 

Chief Administrative Resident Awards 

Beth Cronin, MD and Laura Richio, MD 

AAGL Special Resident in Minimally Invasive Gynecology 

Nicole Korbly, MD 

SLS Outstanding Laparoendoscopic Resident Surgeon 

Nadine Kassis, MD 

AWARDS FROM CHIEF RESIDENTS 

The “Life Saver” Award 


Mentorship Award 


Community-based Faculty Awards 



Lisa Domagalski, MD 


Carol Manning, MD 


Hospital-based Faculty Awards 

Bala Bhagavath, MD 


Star Hampton, MD 




Special Recognition Awards 

Wendy Bergren, RN 

Cynthia DiBlasi, RN 

Dita Lubera, RN 

Barbara McCaffrey 

Karen Newberg 

Noemia Norberg, RN 

Sue Pirri 

Ana Santos 

Chrystal Smith 

Pat Vest 

Fellow of Excellence Award 


A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 73 


R e p r o d u c t i v e E n d o c r i n o l o g y & I n f e r t i l i t y 

74 

DIVISION OF REPRODUCTIVE 

ENDROCRINOLOGY AND INFERTILITY 

MISSION: CARING, SHARING, QUERYING 

Caring for patients during their reproductive lifespan, sharing educational aspects to students 

of reproduction, and querying through research aspects of reproductive medicine embodies 

the mission of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. The Center for Repro- 

duction and Infertility is the clinical service of the division encompassing patients with prob- 

lems involving endocrinology of the reproductive system, lactation, and pregnancy; infertility, 

in vitro fertilization [IVF], and surgical repair to restore reproductive function; reproductive 

anomalies; the menopause; pediatric gynecology, and disorders of puberty, ovulatory function, 

hirsutism, and galactorrhea. 

FACULTY 

Sandra Ann Carson, MD, Division Director 

MD: Northwestern University 

Residency: Prentice Women’s Hospital, Northwestern University 

Fellowship: University of Chicago 

Dr. Carson joined the division in 2007 as its director and a Professor of Ob- 

stetrics and Gynecology. She came from Baylor College of Medicine where 

she directed the Programs in Advanced Reproduction. Her research in ecto- 

pic pregnancy, unexplained infertility and polycystic ovarian disease has been supported for 

over 15 years by the National Institutes of Health. She has served as President of the American 

Society of Reproductive Medicine, Vice President of the American College of Obstetricians and 

Gynecologists and Secretary-Treasurer of the Society of Gynecologic Investigation. Currently 

she is Editor-in-Chief of Sexuality, Reproduction and Menopause. She is an Associate Editor of 

The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is the Vice President of the American 

Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is the Chairman of the Reproductive Endocrinology 

and Infertility subspecialty division of the Board. Dr. Carson was appointed as Chair of the 

Reproductive Health Drugs Advisory Committee of the Food and Drug Administration. She 

has served as a consultant to both the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health and 

the President’s Council on Bioethics. She is co-chairman of the Committee to Protect Women 

Who Serve as Oocyte Donors for Stem Cell Research of the California Institute of Regenerative 

Medicine. 


Gary Frishman, MD, Associate Division Director 

MD: Columbia University 

Residency: Pennsylvania Hospital 

Fellowship: University of Connecticut 

Dr. Frishman joined the division in 1991 as Assistant Professor and is now a full Professor. He 

is Associate Division Director. Dr. Frishman also serves as Residency Program Director for the 

Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island/Brown 

University. He is board certified in Ob/Gyn and in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility 

and is a Board Examiner for the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Frishman 

has a major interest and focus on teaching, having won multiple Brown University and Na- 

tional (APGO and CREOG) teaching awards. He has held numerous leadership roles at Brown 

Medical School including writing the Dean’s letter for medical students applying for an Ob/Gyn 

residency and running the second year PathoPhysiology course. He currently lectures at both 

the graduate and undergraduate level. He created and runs two unique LISTSERVs. AcadOb- 

Gyn is a nationwide LISTSERV, with over 800 subscribers, which addresses issues in resident 

and medical student education. AAGL-Endo-Issues, with over 3650 international members 

from over 25 countries, is devoted to topics related to Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Mini- 

mally Invasive Surgery. Dr. Frishman is a Contributing Editor to The Journal of Minimally Inva- 

sive Gynecology and is on the International Editorial Board of The Obstetrician and Gynaecolo- 

gist. He has served twice as Vice President for the New England Fertility Society. Dr. Frishman 

is currently Vice President of the Society for Reproductive Surgeons. 

John E. Buster, MD, Associate Division Director, Tufts Medical Center 

Assistant Fellowship Director 

MD: University of California, Los Angeles 

Residency: Harbor General Hospital, University of California, Los Angeles 

Fellowship: University of California, Los Angeles 

Dr. Buster joined the Division in 2007 as Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He practices 

principally at the Women and Infants’ Center for Reproduction and Infertility site at the Tufts 

Medical Center in Boston. After 30 years as an REI Division Director, Dr. Buster has proven well- 

suited for administrative duties in the Fellowship program. Dr. Buster is best known for having 

led the team of researchers that developed a process for recovering and transplanting embryos 

from female donors to recipients that led to the first donated embryo human pregnancies and 

births in 1984. More uncommon knowledge is that he developed the first direct radioimmu- 

noassay for DHEA-S and uncongugated estriol in pregnancy plasma. He was also among the 

first to describe, to exploit, and to publish extensively on the use of methotrexate for medical 

treatment of ectopic pregnancy. More recently, Dr. Buster conducted studies and published 

extensively on the use of transdermal testosterone to treat women with hypoactive sexual 

desire disorder, an approach with wide acceptance and in use throughout Europe and gaining 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 75 

R e p r o d u c t i v e E n d o c r i n o l o g y & I n f e r t i l i t y


acceptance in the United States. Most recently, Dr. Buster served as lead investigator and first 

author in the pivotal paper describing the first experience with an estradiol spray that deliv- 

ers low doses of estrogen for effective treatment of vasomotor symptoms in post menopausal 

women. This spray was approved by the FDA in 2007, was launched in 2008, and is currently in 

use throughout the United States where it is known as Evamist®. 

76 

Balasubramanian Bhagavath, MD 

Team Leader: Director of Endoscopic Training and Credentialing; 

Associate Director of Third Party Reproduction 

MD: Madras Medical College 

Residency: Medical College of Georgia, Georgia 

Fellowship: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center 

Dr. Bhagavath joined the division in 2007 as Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and 

Gynecology after completing his fellowship in Texas. He is at present the only REI surgeon in 

the Rhode Island region (Rhode Island/southeastern Massachusetts/Eastern Connecticut) who 

performs robot-assisted surgeries. He is actively involved in student and resident education. 

He is the Course Director for OBG-494, an elective in Reproductive Endocrinology for fourth 

year medical students. He has been named an APGO Educational Scholar for 2010 and current- 

ly directs the APGO LISTSERV. As Director of Endoscopic Training and Credentialing, he runs 

the bi-annual endoscopy training course for the OB/Gyn residents. Dr. Bhagavath is a leader 

in the efforts to build a Simulation Center at WIH. His clinical and research interests include 

anomalies of the reproductive tract, premature ovarian failure, fertility preservation and egg 

donation. 


Team Leader: Clinical Outreach 

MD: Tufts University School of Medicine 

Residency: Pennsylvania Hospital, University of Pennsylvania 

Fellowship: Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden 

Dr. Blazar joined the division in 1994 after 30 years in clinical practice. He was the first direc- 

tor of the Infertility Clinic at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island. Dr. Blazar’s research 

focuses on factors affecting IVF outcomes, particularly as related to hormone response and 

hydrosalpinx. His teaching responsibilities include directing an elective course in “Women’s 

Health Issues.” He directs the divisional clinical outreach efforts and oversees feasibility of 

satellite activities and is a Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 



Team Leader: Director of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis 

MD: McGill University School of Medicine 

Residency: McGill University, Montreal, Canada 

Fellowship: McGill University 

Dr. Pagidas joined the division in 1998. Her research interests include ovarian physiology, IVF 

outcomes, recurrent pregnancy loss, reproductive genetics and mechanisms underlying aneu- 

ploidy in embryos. She directs the longitudinal course for 2nd year Brown medical students. Dr. 

Pagidas founded and directs the program in Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) and is 

the Medical Director of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis both at Women and Infants and Tufts 

Medical Center. Dr. Pagidas is an examiner for the endocrinology oral certification examination. 

She is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Brown and Tufts University. 

Beth Plante, MD 

MD: University of Massachusetts Medical School 

Residency: Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, 

Brown University Medical School 

Fellowship: University of North Carolina 

Dr. Plante joined the division in 2010 as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecol- 

ogy after completing a fellowship at the University of North Carolina. She is an avid clinician 

and educator at the Division’s sites in Massachusetts as well as Providence. She is investigating 

alterations in bio-markers during the menstrual cycle. 

Jared Robins, MD 

Team Leader: In Vitro Oocyte Maturation 

MD: State University of New York at Stony Brook 

Residency: Albert Einstein College of Medicine 

Fellowship: University of Cincinnati 

Dr. Robins joined the division in 2007 as an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology 

after a 5-year tenure as a Women’s Reproductive Health Research scholar at the University of 

Cincinnati. Dr. Robins leads the In Vitro Maturation (IVM) Program and the international training 

program in IVM which has trained physicians in this country and also from Asia and Europe. He 

was elected to the Society for Gynecological Investigation in 2010. His investigation is focused 

on the effect of hypoxia on trophoblast interaction and differentiation prior to implantation. In 

addition, he directs the clinical program in in vitro maturation of oocytes and oocyte cryopreser- 

vation for women choosing to preserve their fertility. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 77 



78 

Carol Wheeler, MD 

Team Leader: Third Party Reproduction, Pediatric/Adolescent Gynecology Clinic 

MD: Jefferson Medical College. Residency: Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio 

Fellowship: University of Pennsylvania 

Dr. Wheeler joined the division in 1990 from the faculty at Tulane University, 

New Orleans, Louisiana. After being in private practice for four years, she rejoined the division 

faculty in 2006. Dr. Wheeler is a Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She 

founded the division’s third party reproduction program and is actively involved in student and 

resident education serving as the director of the resident rotation in reproductive endocrinol- 

ogy. Her research interests include menopause in different ethnic groups and she was a co 

investigator on the Women’s Health Initiative, the largest study of menopause in the United 

States. She chairs the Bioethics committee at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island. She 

developed and directs the pediatric/adolescent gynecology clinic in the WPCC. She leads the 

ASRM mentoring program for the Women’s Council. She serves on the Editorial Board of 

Sexuality, Reproduction and Menopause. 

Jeannine Witmyer, PhD, HCLD(ABB) 

IVF Laboratory Director. PhD: Boston College 

Dr. Witmyer is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology as well 

as the Laboratory Director of the In Vitro Maturation Training Program. She joined 

the division in 2007 as IVF Laboratory Director of the embryology labs at both 

Tufts Medical Center and Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island after a 21-year tenure as a 

Laboratory Supervisor at Boston IVF. She has worked in the field of clinical embryology since 

1980 and was part of the clinical team responsible for the first IVF birth in Norfolk, VA. She was 

a member of the Harvard research team deriving 17 new human embryonic stem cell lines in 

2004. Her research interests include sperm nuclear proteins, embryo morphology, oocyte/em- 

bryo culture, and oocyte cryopreservation. 

CARING: 

WOMEN AND INFANTS’ CENTER FOR REPRODUCTION AND INFERTILITY 

The Center for Reproduction and Infertility is the clinical arm of the division which includes the 

in vitro fertilization program, oocyte donation, gestational surrogacy, intracytoplasmic sperm 

injection, fertility cryopreservation, preimplantation genetic diagnosis and management of 

patients referred to the division with reproductive health problems. The division is well known 

to partner with patients’ obstetrician-gynecologists from the local community and the nation to 

provide state-of-the art clinical care in problems requiring subspecialty expertise. The Center 

recently moved to 90 Plain Street in Providence where patient consultations and IVF–related 

procedures are performed. The new Center was designed specifically for the reproductive 

medicine program, highlighting intimacy in couples’ care. In addition, the Tufts Medical Center 

serves as a northern branch of the Center. 


Satellite offices of the Center for Reproduction and Infertility span three states. The Center offers 

monitoring and patient consultation in Woonsocket, East Greenwich, and South Kingstown, 

Rhode Island; Fall River, Foxboro, Melrose, and Swansea, Massachusetts, and in 

Putnam, Connecticut. 

SHARING: 

EDUCATIONAL FUNCTIONS 

The Educational program of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Wom- 

en & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island spans geography and chronology. In 2000, the division de- 

veloped an affiliation with the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology at Tufts Medical School, 

in Boston, Massachusetts. The combined Divisions now provide a regional network of clinical 

care and education in Reproductive Medicine across New England. Beginning with second 

year medical students, the Division participates in Biomed 351 Integrated Pathophysiology and 

Pharmacology course at Alpert Medical School, Brown University. At both Brown and Tufts, the 

division teaches the third and fourth year medical students in the Obstetrics and Gynecology 

core clerkship (Biomed 331A); and Brown fourth year students through our 4th year electives in 

Reproductive Medicine (Biomed 342A) and Reproductive Health (Biomed 496). Division faculty 

serve as preceptors for Brown medical students and residents. All physicians in the Division 

teach medical students and residents, while caring for patients during office hours and in the 

operating room. Dr. Frishman directs the residency in obstetrics and gynecology. The faculty 

consistently are highly rated preceptors and lecturers. 

Peter Klatsky, MD, MPH 

MD: The Mount Sinai School of Medicine—New York, New York 

MPH: Columbia University—New York, NY 

Residency: University of California, San Francisco 

Dr. Klatsky joined the division in July 2008 as a clinical and research fellow. He is currently in- 

vestigating novel, minimally-invasive approaches to evaluate genetic expression in developing 

oocytes and embryos. His clinical research interests include fibroids, predictors of success and 

long term safety outcomes in women using assisted reproduction technologies. During residen- 

cy, he received honors for his endoscopic surgical skills as well as his clinical research on the 

effect of fibroids on reproductive outcomes. He enjoys clinical teaching and mentoring residents 

at a community reproductive endocrinology clinic. In his spare time, he provides volunteer care 

to women at the Rhode Island Free Clinic. 


MD: University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry 

Residency: Magee-Womens Hospital, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center 

Dr. Vitek joined the Division in July 2009 as a clinical and research fellow. Her research interests 

include folliculogenesis, tissue engineering and fertility preservation. She enjoys teaching medi- 

cal students and residents and has received teaching awards during residency and fellowship. 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 79 



QUERYING: 

RESEARCH IN REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 

The division’s research endeavors have long focused around in vitro fertilization, its outcome 

measures and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. The addition of Drs. Carson, Buster and 

Robins have broadened the research focus to include trophoblast culture, oocyte maturation, 

fertility cryopreservation and the effect of reproductive toxicants on oocyte development. 

Programs to initiate clinical research using recombinant growth factors in the stimulation of 

ovarian follicles have begun. New indications for drugs in ovation induction offer patients op- 

portunities to participate in protocols which may enhance otherwise dismal chances of preg- 

nancy. The division’s efforts to stimulate oocyte development in women who have been turned 

away from other programs offer patients with “terminal infertility” a chance to be a parent 

while simultaneously contributing to the forefront of our knowledge of ovarian function. 

Partnerships with basic scientists at the Alpert Medical School have been developed in an effort 

to create a three-dimensional ovarian culture system. This system will explore all aspects of 

oocyte development and the effect of reproductive toxicants. This knowledge will be extended 

to environmental toxins and issues involved in oocyte cryopreservation as well as issues in 

standard oocyte culture at the time of in vitro fertilization 

HIGHLIGHTS 

CARING 

• The Division moved to new offices designed specifically for the reproductive endocrinology 

80 

patient needs. 

• One clinical satellite was added to the division’s clinical outreach network: 

Fall River, Massachusetts. 

• Drs. Buster, Carson and Robins were named to the list of Best Doctors in America. 

SHARING 

• Dr. Carson was appointed Vice President of the American Board of Obstetrics 

and Gynecology. 

• Dr. Carson was appointed Chair of FDA Advisory Committee for Reproductive 

Health Drugs. 

• Dr. Robins leads an international education program for in vitro maturation, hosting and 

training physicians from Asia, Europe and the Middle East. 

QUERYING 

• The Division was awarded a $1 million research contract to investigate a new drug for 

in-vitro fertilization. 

• Dr. Robins was awarded research funding through the Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode 

Island COBRE grant by the NICHD. 


PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS 

Carson SA, Wiggins D. Female Sexual Health and Its Dysfunction. Clinical OB/GYN 

(submitted 2009) 

Legro RS, Schlaff WD, Diamond MP, Coutifaris C, Casson PR, Brzyski RG, Christman GM, Trussell 

JC, Krawetz SA, Snyder PJ, Ohl D, Carson SA, Steinkampf MP, Carr BR, McGovern PG, Cataldo NA, 

Gosman GG, Nestler JE, Myers ER, Santoro N, Eisenberg E, Zhang M, Zhang H. Total testosterone 

assays in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: precision and correlation with hirsutism. J Clin 

Endocrinol Metab (submitted May 2010) 

Klatsky PC, Carson SA, Wessel GM. Detection of oocyte mRNA in starfish polar bodies. Mol Reprod 

Dev. 2010 May;77(5):386. 

Buster JE. Transdermal menopausal hormone therapy: delivery through skin changes the rules. 

Expert Opin. Pharmacother 2010 11(9):1-12. 

Melzer K, Klatsky PC, Krotz S, Robins J, Carson SA. In Vitro Fertilization Protocols in Poor 

Responders: A comparison of outcomes in patients repeating the same protocol versus switching 

protocols. ASRM October 2009 

Wessel GM, Reich A, Klatsky PC. Use of Sea Stars to Study Basic Reproductive Processes. Systems 

Bio in Reprod Med. In press 2010. 

Pagidas K, Carson SA, McGovern PG, Barnhart HX, Myers ER, Legro RS, Diamond MP, Carr BR, 

Schlaff WD, Coutifaris C, Steinkampf MP, Cataldo NA, Nestler JE, Gosman G, Giudice LC. Body 

mass index and intercourse compliance for the National Institute of Child Health and Human 

Development-Reproductive Medicine Network. Fertil Steril. 2009 Jun 19. 

Pagidas K, Carson SA, McGovern PG, Barnhart HX, Myers ER, Legro RS, Diamond MP, Carr BR, 

Schlaff WD, Coutifaris C, Steinkampf MP, Cataldo NA, Nestler JE, Gosman G, Giudice LC. Intercourse 

compliance, ovulation, and treatment success in the National Institute of Child Health and 

Human Development-Reproductive Medicine Network’s Pregnancy in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 

(PPCOS) Trial. for the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development–Reproductive 

Medicine Network. Fertil Steril. 2009 Jun 19 

Plante BJ, Kannan A, Bagchi MK, Yuan L, Young SL. Cyclic regulation of transcription factor C/ 

EBPβ in human endometrium. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2009;7:15. 

Plante BJ, Cooper GS, Baird DD, Steiner AZ. The impact of smoking on antimullerian hormone 

levels in women ages 38-50 years. Menopause (in press). 

Plante BJ, Moldenhauer J, Landy C, Beamon C, Steiner AZ. Maternal Antimullerian Hormone and 

Fetal Aneuploidy. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics (in press). 

Erb TM, Vitek WS, Wakim, ANG. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist or human chorionic 

gonadotropin for final oocyte maturation in an oocyte donor program. Fertil Steril 2010;93(2):374-8 


Carson SA, Wiggins D (eds). Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology: Sexuality and Sexual Dysfunction. 

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009. 

Krotz S, Carson SA. Ectopic Pregnancy. Biennial Review of Infertility, Chapter 5 (in press, 2009) 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 81 



82 


Carson SA. “Unexplained Infertility,” RESOLVE of the Bay State, Providence, RI, June 15, 2009. 

Carson SA. “Moving Into the Future: New Dimensions and Strategies for Women’s Health Research,” 

Co-Chair, Working Group on Adolescent Health, Office of Women’s Health of the National 

Institutes of Health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Conference, 

Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, 

Providence, RI, September 21, 2009. 

Carson SA. “Sexual Issues and Reproductive Options, including Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis 

(PGD),” Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island/American Cancer Society Symposium 

on Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer, Providence, RI, September 26, 2009. 

Carson SA. “Making the Choice of Gonadotropins,” Beth Israel Deaconess/Boston IVF REI Lecture 

Series, Boston, MA, October 13, 2009. 

Carson SA. “An Update on Female Sexual Response,” Endocrine Grand Rounds, Rhode Island 

Hospital, Providence, RI, January 20, 2010. 

Carson SA. “An Update on Female Sexual Response,” Grand Rounds, Memorial Hospital of 

Rhode Island, Pawtucket, RI, January 21, 2010. 

Carson SA. “An Update on Female Sexual Response,” Pelvic Floor Disorders Conference, 

Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, March 13, 2010. 

Carson SA. “An Update on Female Sexual Dysfunction,” Grand Rounds, Massachusetts General 

Hospital, Boston MA, May 6, 2010. 

Carson SA. “Take Down the Heat of Hot Flashes,” Sisterhood meeting, Temple Sinai, Cranston 

RI, June 2, 2010. 


Carson SA. “REI Certification and Maintenance of Certification,” American Society of Reproductive 

Medicine Fellows Retreat, Park City, UT, August 2, 2009. 

Carson SA. “Update on Female Sexual Dysfunction,” Albert Einstein School of Medicine Grand 

Rounds, Bronx, NY, September 15, 2009. 

Carson SA. Clark L, Carson SA, Wheeler CA, Bhagavath B. Poster Presentation: Role Of Routine 

Monitoring Of Hepatic And Renal Function Prior To Methotrexate Treatment For Ectopic Pregnancy. 

American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA, October 

17-21, 2009. 

Carson SA. “Helping Your Patients Avoid Obesity,” Grand Rounds, ChristianaCare Annual Resident 

Symposium, Newark, DE, March 24, 2010. 

Carson SA. “An Update on the Medical Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy,” ChristianaCare Annual 

Resident Symposium, Newark, DE, March 24, 2010. 

Carson SA. “An Update on Female Sexual Dysfunction,” ChristianaCare Annual Resident Symposium, 

Newark, DE, March 24, 2010. 

Carson SA. “The Transformational Impact of the Pill Over 50 Years,” Panelist selected by Today’s 

Woman with Gloria Steinem and Jocelyn Elders, ACOG Annual Clinical Meeting, San Francisco 

CA, May 17, 2010. 

Carson SA. “Female Sexuality and Psychological Well-Being,” Post-Graduate Course, ACOG Annual 

Clinical Meeting, San Francisco CA, May 18, 2010. 



Carson SA. “Helping Your Patient Avoid Obesity,” 60th Mexican Congress of Gynecology and 

Obstetrics, Cancun, Mexico, November 3, 2009. 

Carson SA. “But Doctor, I Really Don’t Eat That Much,” 60th Mexican Congress of Gynecology 

and Obstetrics, Cancun, Mexico, November 3, 2009. 

Carson SA. “An Update on Female Sexual Dysfunction,” 60th Mexican Congress of Gynecology 

and Obstetrics, Cancun, Mexico, November 4, 2009. 

Carson SA. “Cryopreservation of Gametes and Ovaries,” 3rd Asian Pacific Congress on Controversies 

in Obstetrics, Gynecology & Infertility, Beijing, China, November 13, 2009. 

Carson SA. “Preservation of Fertility: Conservative Management of the Artificial Ovary,” 

Keynote Lectures (Women and Ovarian Cancer: From Conception to Diagnosis Capsule), 3rd 

Asian Pacific Congress on Controversies in Obstetrics, Gynecology & Infertility, Beijing, China, 

November 13, 2009. 

Carson SA. “Hot Controversies: Expert Opinions on Controversial Topics,” Panel Discussions, 

3rd Asian Pacific Congress on Controversies in Obstetrics, Gynecology & Infertility, Beijing, 

China, November 13, 2009. 


Herbst S, Pauls R, Millheiser L, Carson SA, Parmer J, Willson C, Stern R, Chen B. Safety and 

efficacy of radiofrequency treatment for vaginal laxity-nonsurgical functional vaginal rejuvenation. 

30th Annual Meeting, American Urogynecologic Society, Hollywood, FL, September 2009. 

Melzer KE, Klatsky PC, Krotz S, Carson SA, Robins JC. In vitro fertilization (IVF) protocols in 

poor responders: a comparison of patients remaining on the same stimulation. 65th Annual Meeting, 

American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Atlanta, GA, September 2009, Abstract #O-189. 

Krotz SP, Carson SA, Tomey C, Witmyer J, Buster JE. Environmental phthalates and bisphenol 

A do not preferentially accumulate in human follicular fluid. 65th Annual Meeting, American 

Society for Reproductive Medicine, Atlanta, GA, September 2009, Abstract #P-183. 

Klatsky PC, Witmyer J, Robins J, Wessel GM, Carson SA. Evidence of oocyte specific gene 

expression from polar body analysis. 65th Annual Meeting, American Society for Reproductive 

Medicine, Atlanta, GA, September 2009, Abstract #P-452. 

Clark L, Carson S, Wheeler C, Bhagavath B. Role of routine monitoring of hepatic and renal 

function prior to single-dose methotrexate treatment for ectopic pregnancy. Accepted for presentation 

at the 65th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, November 

2009, Atlanta, GA 

Blazar A. Poster presentation at ASRM 65th Annual Meeting.” Serum Anti Mullerian Hormone 

(AMH) Concentration Declines During IVF Cycles.” Atlanta, GA. October 2009. 

Blazar A. Oral presentation at ASRM 65th Annual Meeting. “Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) 

Levels at the Onset of IVF Predict Outcome Better Than Patient Age or Prior FSH Levels.” Atlanta, 

GA. October 2009 

Klatsky PC, Witmyer J, Hackett R, Robins JC, Wessel G, Carson SA. Analysis of oocyte 

gene expression in polar bodies. ASRM October 2009. 

Klatsky PC, Witmyer J, Carson SA, Robins J. Routine Extended Culture Identifies Different 

Embryos for Freezing and Does Not Reduce Cryopreservation Rate. ASRM October 2009. 

Balthazar U, Plante BJ, Lessey BA, Wang W, Taylor RN, Bagchi MK, Young SL. “Secretory-phase 

regulation of human endometrial GPR30 expression.” Society of Gynecologic Investigation 57th 

Annual Meeting, Orlando, Florida, March 2010. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 83 



Balthazar U, Plante BJ, Lessey BA, Young SL. “Elevated mid-secretory endometrial GPR30 

expression in women with endometriosis.” Society of Gynecologic Investigation 57th Annual 

Meeting, Orlando, Florida, March 2010. 

Underhill LA, Shaw SK, Robins JC. Cellular growth parameters are altered when embryos are 

cultured under physiologic conditions. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society 

for Reproductive Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 2009. (Oral Abstract). 

Melzer KE, Klatsky PC, S Krotz, Carson SA, Robins JC. In vitro fertilization (ivf) protocols in 

poor responders: a comparison of patients remaining on the same stimulation protocol with those 

that switched protocols. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive 

Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 2009. (Oral Abstract). 

Robins JC, Krueger P, Underhill LA. Oxygen tension affects the proliferation and differentiation 

of trophoblast stem cells by altering the expression of the fibroblast growth factor receptor gene. 

Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Atlanta, 

GA. (Oral Abstract). 

Blazar AS, Krotz SP, Messerlian G, Hackett R, Robins JC. Anti mullerian hormone (amh) 

levels at the onset of ivf predict outcome better than patient age or prior fsh levels. Presented at 

the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 2009. (Oral 

Abstract). 

Blazar AS, Krotz SP, Messerlian G, Hackett R, Robins JC. Anti mullerian hormone (amh) 

levels decline during ivf cycles. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for 

Reproductive Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 2009. (Poster) 

Underhill LA, Robins JC, Witmyer J, Pagidas K. The effect of oxygen tension pre and post 

preimplantation genetic diagnosis biopsy on embryo quality. Presented at the Annual Meeting 

of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 2009. 

Clark L, Carson S, Wheeler C, Bhagavath B. Role of routine monitoring of hepatic and renal 

function prior to single-dose methotrexate treatment for ectopic pregnancy. Presented at the 65th 

Annual Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, November 2009, Atlanta, GA. 

Krotz SP, Carson SA, Tomey J, Witmyer J, Buster JE. (2009) Environmental phthalates and 

bisphenol A do not preferentially accumulate in human follicular fluid. Poster Presentation at 

ASRM in Atlanta, GA, October 2009. 

Underhill LA, Robins JC, Witmyer J, Pagidas K. (2009) The effect of oxygen tension pre and 

post preimplantation genetic diagnosis biopsy on embryo quality. Poster Presentation at ASRM 

in Atlanta, GA, October 2009. 

Klatsky PC, Witmyer J, Robins JC, Wessel GM, Carson SA. (2009) Evidence of oocyte specific 

gene expression from polar body analysis. Poster Presentation at ASRM in Atlanta, GA, October 

2009. 

Legro RS, Schlaff WD, Diamond MP, Coutifaris C, Casson PR, Brzyski RG, Christman GM, Trussell 

JC, Krawetz SA, Snyder PJ, Ohl D, Carson SA, Steinkampf MP, Carr BR, McGovern PG, Cataldo 

NA, Gosman GG, Nestler JE, Myers ER, Santoro N, Eisenberg E, Zhang M, Zhang H. Total Testosterone 

Assays in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Is There a Gold Standard?. ENDO 2010, 92nd 

Annual Meeting & Expo, San Diego CA, June 19-22, Abstract #850038. 

84 

EDITORIALS 

Carson SA. Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause, Editorials 

Respect Repairs Demoralization. Vol. 7, No. 3, August 2009 

Relationship vs. Responsibility. Vol. 7, No. 4, October 2009 

Are All Those Pins Really Necessary? Vol. 8, No. 1, February 2010 


DIVISION OF RESEARCH IN WOMEN’S HEALTH 

MISSION 

The mission of the Division of Research is to improve women’s health through developing in- 

novative research and interdisciplinary collaborations as well as providing research support for 

diverse women’s health investigators. By providing expertise in research methodology, data- 

base management and statistical analysis, the division works towards the goal of developing 

new knowledge and transforming this knowledge into practical information that can be shared 

with health care providers and the community. 

FACULTY 

Maureen G. Phipps, MD, MPH, Division Director and Vice-chair for Research 

BS: Boston College 


MPH: University of Michigan 


Fellowship: Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program, 

University of Michigan 

Dr. Maureen Phipps, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Community Health 

at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, is the Vice-chair for Research and Di- 

vision Director for the Research Division for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. 

Phipps also directs the Brown University/ Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island National 

Center of Excellence in Women’s Health. Dr. Phipps joined the Department of Obstetrics and 

Gynecology in 2001 and has served as Division Director since 2007. Her research and academic 

activities involve collaborations across departments, hospitals and state agencies. Dr. Phipps is 

the principal investigator for several on-going interdisciplinary research projects and collabo- 

rates with investigators locally and nationally. She is an affiliate member of the Brown Univer- 

sity Institute for Community Health Promotion and the Center for AIDS Research. Dr. Phipps 

also participates in numerous community outreach activities and mentors undergraduate, 

graduate, medical students and residents on issues of career development and research. Her 

research areas include adolescent pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, postpartum depression, 

prenatal care, contraception, and outcome disparities in women’s health. 

Dr. Phipps serves on multiple local and national committees. Dr. Phipps chairs the Rhode 

Island Task Force on Preterm Births which is co-sponsored by the Rhode Island Department 

of Health, the March of Dimes and Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island. Dr. Phipps also 

serves on numerous local committees including the RI PRAMS (Pregnancy Risk Assessment 

Monitoring System) Steering Committee, the Brown University Office of Women in Medicine 

Advisory Committee and the Rhode Island March of Dimes Board of Directors. Nationally, Dr. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 85 

R e s e a r c h i n W o m e n ’ s H e a l t h

R e s e a r c h i n W o m e n ’ s H e a l t h 

Phipps serves as Chair of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Committee 

on Underserved Women, Associate Editor for the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 

a member of the National Institutes of Health National Children’s Study Steering Committee, an 

examiner for the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a member of the National 

Board of Medical Examiners Biostatistics and Epidemiology Task Force. 

Dr. Phipps is the Principal Investigator of the NIMH-funded project, Preventing Postpartum De- 

pression in Adolescent Mothers (R34 MH077588), a clinical trial to prevent postpartum depres- 

sion in adolescent mothers. Dr. Phipps is the Co-PI for the NICHD-funded Brown University/ 

Women & Infants Hospital National Children’s Study Center with responsibility for co-directing 

both the Providence County, Rhode Island and Bristol County, Massachusetts sites for this 

national collaborative project with Dr. Stephen Buka. Dr. Phipps is involved, as Co-investigator, 

in Reducing ETS Exposure of Pregnant Women and Newborns (RO1 HL070947) a project to 

develop an innovative intervention (tailored “take-home” videotape) to help pregnant women 

maximize their pregnancy outcome and their new infant’s health through reduction in exposure 

to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and to study the feasibility and efficacy of this interven- 

tion compared with a usual care group. Dr. Phipps is also Co-Investigator in the project Preven- 

tion of Postpartum Weight Retention (R01 DK071667) a clinical trial to evaluate an intervention 

to prevent excess weight gain during pregnancy and weight retention postpartum. In addition, 

Dr. Phipps has experience with Community-Academic Partnership research and is currently the 

PI for the project Improving Health and Science Literacy in a Latino Community (R03 HD05900). 

The overall goal of this project is to increase science and health literacy in the Latino community 

by delivering a science and health curriculum to a Spanish-speaking radio audience. 

Over the past year, Dr. Phipps was honored by membership in the American Gynecological and 

Obstetrical Society (AGOS) as well as with the Rhode Island Health Mothers, Healthy Babies 

2010 Silver Rattle Award. Dr. Phipps was also awarded a Faculty Teacher of the Year Award and 

Excellence-in-Teaching Award for Undergraduate Medical Education; and a Faculty Award from 

the Graduating Chief Residents and an Excellence-in-Teaching Award for Resident Education. 

86 

Kristen A. Matteson, MD, MPH 

BS: The Pennsylvania State University 


MPH: Brown University 

Residency: Baystate Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine 

Dr. Kristen Matteson, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is a member of the 

Division of Research. Dr. Matteson successfully transitioned from the Women’s Reproductive 

Health Research (WRHR) Scholars Program in September 2008 to her own NICHD-funded K23 

mentored career development award, “A Comprehensive Patient Based Outcome Measure for 

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding.” Dr. Matteson started the WRHR Program in January 2006 follow- 

ing training in the Brown/ WIH T32 Research Fellowship in Clinical Trials and Epidemiology 


program. During her fellowship training, Dr. Matteson also earned a Masters in Public Health 

degree through the Brown Program in Public Health. Dr. Matteson presented her research on 

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) at the First International Congress on Abnormal Uterine 

Bleeding held by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists and the Society for 

Endoscopic Gynecologists of Italy, the Annual Congress on Women’s Health, and the Annual 

Clinical Meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Recognizing her 

expertise on AUB, she was invited by the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons Systematic Review 

Group to serve as their clinician-researcher expert on abnormal uterine bleeding and associ- 

ated patient-based outcomes measures. 

Dr. Matteson is an emerging leader in women’s health and research design. She is the co- 

ordinating director for the Resident Research Curriculum and the Women’s Health Fellows 

Workshop in Clinical Research Design. In addition, Dr. Matteson has been rewarded for her 

outstanding teaching skills, most notably being awarded the CREOG (Counsel on Residency 

Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology) Excellence in Teaching Award (National Recogni- 

tion Award) in 2009. Dr. Matteson is sought after as an advisor and mentor for residents and 

medical students for which she has been consistently awarded outstanding teacher of the year 

awards since 2006. With her strong leadership and research skills in women’s health, Dr. Mat- 

teson is committed to continuing mentoring students, residents, fellows and faculty. 

This year, Dr. Matteson was awarded with a Faculty Excellence-in-Teaching Award for Under- 

graduate Medical Education, a Faculty Teacher of the Year Award for Resident Education, a 

Faculty Excellence-in-Teaching Award for Resident Education, a Faculty Award from the Gradu- 

ating Chief Residents, and the first prize poster at the 2010 APGO CREOG Annual Meeting in 

Orlando, Florida. 

Dwight J. Rouse, MD, MSPH joined the Divisions of Maternal-Fetal Medicine 

and Research in September of 2009 as Professor. He graduated from Harvard, 

received his MD from the University of Illinois (Chicago), completed a residency 

at the University of Iowa and a fellowship at the University of Alabama (Birming- 

ham.) From 1994 to 2009 he was a faculty member in the Division of Maternal- 

Fetal Medicine at UAB, where he was promoted to Professor in 2003. Dr. Rouse 

is the Brown/WIH Principal Investigator for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD Maternal Fetal 

Medicine Units (MFMU) Network. His research is focused on clinical obstetrics, particularly 

labor management. Through the MFMU he has led studies on the prevention of prematurity 

in twins, and the prevention of cerebral palsy with magnesium sulfate. He is an author of the 

23rd edition of Williams Obstetrics, and a past member of the editorial board of Obstetrics and 

Gynecology. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 87 



88 

Cynthia Rosengard, PhD, MPH 

BA: University of Vermont 

MA: University of Connecticut 

PhD: University of Connecticut 


Post-doctoral fellowship: University of California, San Francisco 

Dr. Cynthia Rosengard, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Medicine, 

received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Connecticut in 1994. Subse- 

quently, she completed a two-year post-doctoral fellowship in Psychology and Medicine and 

Adolescent Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco and served on the faculty of 

the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology in Palo Alto, California for five years. She joined the 

Research Unit of the Division of General Internal Medicine at Rhode Island Hospital in Sep- 

tember, 2001. In December of 2002, she was awarded a career development award from the 

National Institute of Mental Health entitled “Partner-specific Factors in Adolescent Sexual Be- 

havior.” In September of 2006, she was awarded an independent investigator award from the 

National Institute on Drug Abuse entitled “Partner-specific HIV Risk Reduction for Drug Using 

Incarcerated Adolescents.” Dr. Rosengard serves as Co-Investigator on three additional proj- 

ects with colleagues – all related to adolescent HIV risk behaviors and/or pregnancy. In May of 

2005, Dr. Rosengard completed work on her masters of public health program and received 

her MPH from Brown University. In November of 2008, Dr. Rosengard joined the Division of 

Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Women & Infants Hospital. 

Dr. Rosengard’s adolescent health research focuses on investigations of the influences on 

adolescent sexual decision-making and behavior. Her current research examines the factors 

that influence sexual behavior within different types of sexual partnerships and assesses these 

associations separately for adolescent boys and girls. Her ultimate goal is to develop inter- 

ventions that will decrease the incidence of STDs and unplanned pregnancies in adolescents. 

Through her program of research, she plans to develop sexual risk reduction interventions that 

will include important attitudes, values, and expectancies found to influence partner-specific 

sexual decision-making in adolescents. Future research on a broader range of influential fac- 

tors (i.e., family, peer, community, and culture) and additional emphasis on the development of 

targeted risk prevention interventions (e.g., targeting sexually inexperienced adolescents) are 

a part of her long-term plan of research. 


Jennifer Clarke, MD, MPH 

BA: Cornell University 

MD: Cornell University 


Dr. Jennifer Clarke, Associate Professor of Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, received 

her medical degree from Cornell University and completed her residency in General Inter- 

nal Medicine at Rhode Island Hospital. After residency she completed a two-year fellowship 

in women’s health and has been performing her clinical work at the women’s division of the 

Rhode Island Department of Corrections since 1998. Dr. Clarke’s research has focused on the 

reproductive health needs of incarcerated women. She completed an NIH-funded K23 career 

development award and is the Principal Investigator of project CARE funded by NICHD, a proj- 

ect designed to evaluate the effectiveness of motivational interviewing for family planning for 

women leaving prison. She is also the Principal Investigator of “Project WISE” a NIDA funded 

study to prevent relapse to smoking after release from prison. Dr. Clarke also received a grant 

from the Rhode Island Foundation to evaluate “Prevalence of Obesity and Weight Change 

among Incarcerated Women in RI”. Additionally, Dr. Clarke is a Co-Investigator on a multi- 

center trial of substance abuse treatment for people leaving prison (CJ-DATS). 

Melissa A. Clark, PhD 

BA: Hanover College 

MS: University of Illinois 

PhD: University of Illinois 

Dr. Melissa A. Clark, Associate Professor of Community Health and Obstetrics and Gynecology, 

is a survey methodologist with interests in survey design and data collection methodologies. 

Dr. Clark is the Associate Director for the Center for Population Health and Clinical Epidemiol- 

ogy where she directs primary data collection activities. Her research interests are in women’s 

health issues, and particularly the role that psychosocial factors play in health behaviors 

among middle-aged and older women. A consistent theme in Dr. Clark’s work is to better un- 

derstand the individual, social, and environmental barriers and facilitators to health and well- 

being among individuals who have traditionally experienced disparities in overall health status 

and access to high quality health care. She is the Principal Investigator of a project concerning 

social networks and advance care planning among women with recurrent cancer. She is also 

the Principal Investigator of the data collection cores of two program project grants. In addi- 

tion, she is the Study Director for the Providence County site of the National Children’s Study. 

She recently completed a series of studies about the experiences of unmarried heterosexual 

and sexual minority women with health care. In the past year, Dr. Clark was awarded the 

Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award, Alpert Medical School of Brown University. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 89 



Susan Cu–Uvin, MD 

BS: University of the Philippines 

MD: University of the Philippines 

Ob/Gyn Residency: Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines 

HIV/AIDS Fellowship: The Miriam Hospital, Brown Medical School 

Dr. Susan Cu-Uvin, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Medicine, is the Director of 

the Global Health Initiative at Brown University. She is also the Director of the Women and 

AIDS Core, for the Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) at Brown University. She was the Director 

of the Miriam Immunology Center until 2009. She was the Chair of the Women’s Health Com- 

mittee of the Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Group (AACTG) from 2003-2006. She served on the 

Institute of Medicine’s Committee on Perinatal Transmission of HIV to investigate interventions 

to decrease vertical transmission of HIV within the United States. She currently serves on the 

IOM Committee on Women’s Health Research and Committee on HIV Testing and Care. She 

is a member of the Public Health Service Task Force/Perinatal Antiretroviral Guidelines Work- 

ing Group, Office of AIDS Research Advisory Council, and the NIH advisory committee on HIV 

related research in microbicides and the HPV Working Group, USPHS/IDSA Guidelines for the 

Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections. She recently chaired the NIH advisory 

committee on HIV related research in women and girls. She is also a member of the Global 

Microbicide Project scientific advisory group. She is a member of the Fogarty Executive Com- 

mittee at Brown University and has been a very active mentor for international trainees in 

HIV/AIDS care and research (Philippines, Cambodia, India, Kenya, and Indonesia). She is the 

recipient of the First Annual Ladies’ Home Journal Health Breakthrough Awards, the Constance 

B. Wofsy Women’s Health Investigator Award from the AIDS Clinical Trials Group and voted RI 

Woman Physician of the Year in 2007. 

Dr. Cu-Uvin is the Principal Investigator of an RO1 to assess antiviral therapy and HIV in the 

female genital tract (AI40350), and was Co-Principal Investigaor of an RO3 to assess HIV-1 geni- 

tal tract shedding among Cambodian women (TW6981), and a World AIDS Foundation grant 

to establish a HIV women’s clinic in Cambodia and provide training to Cambodian health care 

professionals for research readiness for future projects related to HIV in women. She is the 

Principal Investigator of a Fogarty supplement to compare conventional Pap smear and visual 

inspection with acetic acid as a cervical cancer screening tool of HIV infected women in West- 

ern Kenya. She is a Co-Investigator of the CDC funded study to understand the natural history 

of HIV and AIDS in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (SUN). She has a K24 Mid- 

Career Investigator Award in Patient Oriented Research. She has been a Co-Investigator and 

participated in multiple sub studies and study groups of the CDC sponsored HIV Epidemiology 

Research Study (HERS), a study on the natural history of HIV in North American women. She 

was a Co-Investigator of the NICHD-sponsored WHS 001 to investigate the impact of menstrual 

cycle and hormonal variations on HIV genital tract shedding. 

90 


David C. Dove, PhD 

BA: University of Miami 

PhD: George Washington University 

Post-doctoral fellowship: Rhode Island Hospital 

Dr. David Dove, a psychologist, received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from George Wash- 

ington University in 2005. Subsequently, he completed a post-doctoral fellowship in Mental 

Health and HIV Prevention at the Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Dr. Dove joined 

the Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in November 2008. His 

post-doctoral research focused on sexual risk reduction among adolescents, including the 

identification of cultural factors and the development of culturally tailored interventions. An ad- 

ditional line of research investigated the clinical needs and sociodemographic characteristics of 

black gay and bisexual men in community-based mental health treatment. Currently, Dr. Dove 

is working with Dr. Rosengard directing a team evaluating a sexual risk reduction intervention 

with at-risk substance-using adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system and conduct- 

ing a web-based longitudinal assessment of alternative school students’ sexual behavior and 

substance use. 

Christina Raker, ScD 

AB: Vassar College 

ScM, ScD: Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health 

Dr. Christina Raker joined the Division of Research as a research statistician in March, 2006. 

Prior to joining the division, she was involved in the design and analysis of case-control and 

longitudinal studies of oncogenic viral infections in community-based populations. In addi- 

tion, she has research experience in virology, immunology, and genetic epidemiology. Her 

current interests include the application of epidemiologic and biostatistical methods in clinical 

research. Dr. Raker is involved in research design and analysis for members of the Department 

of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including faculty, fellows and residents. She lectures in the Fel- 

low’s Course in Clinical Research Design and the Resident Research Curriculum. 

EDUCATIONAL FUNCTIONS 

Medical Students 

Drs. Phipps and Matteson participate in teaching of undergraduate and medical students by 

serving as preceptors for medical students in the Obstetrics and Gynecology core clerkship, 

undergraduate students undertaking an independent study semester course—Reproductive 

Epidemiologic Research, and medical students in the Community Health Clerkship. In addition, 

Drs. Phipps and Matteson provide hands–on clinical instruction to medical students through 

their work in triage, the Women’s Primary Care Center, labor and delivery and the operating 

room. Didactic sessions with the medical students often focus on Cervicitis, Vaginitis and Sexu- 

ally Transmitted Infections. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 91 



Residents 

Drs. Phipps and Matteson provide teaching through clinical work in the triage unit, the Wom- 

en’s Primary Care Center, labor and delivery, and the operating room. Didactic sessions with 

obstetrics and gynecology residents include: Cervicitis, Vaginitis and Sexually Transmitted 

Infections; Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: First Trimester Bleeding; Adolescent Pregnancy; Clini- 

cal Research Design and Methods; Research Ethics; Biostatistics; Study Design; and Evidence– 

Based Medicine. In September 2006, Drs. Matteson, Phipps, Sung and Anderson launched the 

newly developed Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident Research Curriculum. The two-year cur- 

riculum covers research design, database development, analysis, statistics, ethics, and critical 

appraisal of the medical literature, career development and resident research project develop- 

ment. Two sessions per month during core curriculum are dedicated to the resident research 

curriculum. One of these sessions includes a didactic seminar with the following session 

including a journal club review that complements the didactic session. The course is undergo- 

ing evaluation, including pre-course, mid-course and final assessments. 

Dr. Matteson is the coordinating director for the Resident Research Curriculum and the Resi- 

dent Research requirement. She organizes and directs the annual Resident Research Day that 

is coordinated with the annual Departmental Saphire Lecture. The Division of Research sup- 

ports resident research projects throughout the year including research design and develop- 

ment, database development, statistical support, abstract development, as well as oral and 

poster presentation preparation. 

Fellows 

The Women’s Health Fellows Workshop on Clinical Research Design, directed by Dr. Matteson, 

successfully completed its ninth consecutive year. Initiated in 2002, this popular two-week 

course involves clinical fellows from the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Neo- 

natology, Internal Medicine, Pathology, Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine. The curriculum 

includes sessions on study design methodology, data base management, statistics, ethics, 

academic promotion, grant writing and research proposal development. 

Women’s Reproductive Health Research Scholars (WRHR) 

(NIH-funded K12 program) 

The Brown University / Women & Infants Hospital WRHR program was initially funded in 2005 

and was recently awarded an additional 5 years of NIH funding allowing for new scholar ap- 

pointments through 2015. The purpose of the Brown / WIH WRHR program is to train the next 

generation of women’s health translational researchers that have the expertise and research 

skills to develop innovative research in women’s reproductive health from basic science to 

clinical applications relevant to public health. The overarching goal of the Brown / WIH WRHR 

program is to provide a supportive and stimulating research environment that enables well- 

qualified, junior faculty physician-scientists to develop into well-funded leaders in women’s 

reproductive health research with expertise in clinical translational research. The training pro- 

gram involves a tailored research and career development plan that works through intensive 

multidisciplinary mentoring, didactic seminars and practical hands-on research investigation. 

92 


The career objectives for each scholar are focused on: acquiring the necessary knowledge and 

research skills in relevant scientific areas as well as key areas in women’s health and transla- 

tional research; professional development including management and leadership skills; and, 

developing the foundation for an independent research career through an intensive mentored 

research experience. Scholars are expected to actively write grants to the level of R01, or 

program project grants as they transition through and beyond the program and to continue to 

mentor and interact with the program even after independent funding is achieved. 

WRHR Program leadership 

• Joanna Cain, MD, Principal Investigator 

• Maureen G. Phipps, MD, MPH, Program Director 

Current WRHR scholar: 

• Katina Robison, MD Program in Women’s Oncology (March 30, 2009 to present) 

Previous WRHR scholars: 

• Brenna Anderson, MD, MS Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine 

(July 1, 2006 to August 10, 2009) 

• Kristen Matteson, MD, MPH, Division of Research (January 1, 2006 – August 31, 2008) 

• Vivian Sung, MD, MPH Division of Urogynecology (July 1, 2006 – June 15, 2009) 

NATIONAL CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN WOMEN’S HEALTH 

The Brown University National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health has been led by Dr. 

Maureen Phipps since 2003. Brown University and Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island 

were designated as a National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health by the U.S. Department 

of Health and Human Services in October of 2003. The mission of the CoE has been focused 

on improving health and health care for all women by working with academic and community 

partners and collaborating with public and private health care providers throughout the state. 

Although the national program ended in September 2007, the commitment to continue to work 

toward the mission and goals has continued. The CoE was successful because of the dedicated 

network of partners located throughout Rhode Island working on initiatives that include: 

• Enhancing the professional development of women residents, fellows and faculty leading 

to academic promotion and positions of leadership throughout the university; 

• Promoting education, training and advancement of women in nursing and allied health 

professions; 

• Improving the medical curriculum in women’s health throughout the medical school 

residency and post graduate programs, with an emphasis on diversity and cultural issues; 

• Enhancing collaborative efforts of women’s health researchers statewide, regionally 

and nationally; 

• Providing community health education, outreach and health services to diverse groups 

of women; 

• Improving quality and access to care for women of all ages, emphasizing the specific needs 

of underserved and vulnerable populations of women. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 93 



CoE Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award: Established in 2005, the Outstanding Faculty Men- 

tor Award recognizes faculty members throughout the Brown Community who have been 

instrumental in the career development of junior faculty pursuing careers in women’s health 

and leadership. The faculty members are nominated by their mentees and selected by the CoE 

leadership team. 

In 2010, two faculty members received this prestigious award: 

• Caron Zlotnick, PhD, Professor, Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior at the Warren 

94 

Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Director of Research for Women’s 

Behavioral Health at Women & Infants Hospital (October, 2009) 

• Donald R. Coustan, MD, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Warren Alpert 

Medical School of Brown University and Women & Infants Hospital, Division of 

Maternal-Fetal Medicine (March, 2010) 

Innovations in Women’s Health Research Seed Grant: The Center of Excellence Innovations 

in Women’s Health Seed Grant program was established in 2005 to support activities neces- 

sary to advance interdisciplinary projects in women’s health and gender-based research and 

education. The goal of the program is to support high quality projects to help attract external 

funding from federal and foundation sources. The program requires that proposals have a 

realistic potential for future success in attracting external support. Funds should be applied to 

pilot research necessary to advance such proposals. These funds are not intended to supple- 

ment ongoing NIH funded projects, but rather to stimulate new research and interdisciplinary 

collaborations. In consultation with an ad hoc committee of faculty advisors, awards are made 

by the Brown University National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health (CoE). On-going sup- 

port for the program has been received from numerous medical school departments and the 

dean’s office. Since the inception of the program in 2005, fourteen Research Seed Grants and 

two Education Seed Grants have been awarded. 

The 2010 Innovations in Women’s Health Research Seed Grant include: 

Title: A polymorphic variant at survivin 129 is a novel biomarker for breast cancer 

Principal Investigator: Rachel Altura (Pediatrics) 

Brown Collaborators: Carmen Marsit (Pathology), Evgeny Yakirevich (Pathology) 

Title: Susceptibility genes for polycystic ovarian syndrome in Somoan and 

American Somoan women 

Principal Investigator: Geralyn Lambert-Messerlian (Pathology) 

Brown Collaborators: Stephen McGarvey (Community Health) 

Other Collaborators: Ranjan Deka (Cincinnati, Genotyping lab), Margrit Urbanek 

(Northwestern, Medicine) 

Title: Role of sleep and circadian rhythm disruption in postpartum depression 

Principal Investigator: Katherine Sharkey (Medicine) 

Brown Collaborator: Teri Pearlstein (Psychiatry & Human Behavior) 


RESEARCH ACTIVITIES 

The goal of the Division of Research is to develop and support original research which will lead 

to improved patient and community outcomes. The Division of Research works to increase 

grant funding in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, support publication of the 

research activities in the Department, enhance the careers of junior investigators and provide 

support for clinical investigators in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The work of 

the Division of Research is driven by collaboration, education, training and investigator support. 

The backgrounds of the multidisciplinary staff members in the Division of Research include 

nursing, epidemiology, statistics, psychology, database development, business management, 

public health research coordination, and research support. 

The Division of Research in Women’s Health provides the following services to members of the 

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women and Infants: 1) consultation regarding 

epidemiology, methodology, project planning, biostatistics, publishing, and grant applications; 

2) data management and entry; 3) statistical analyses; 4) expertise in project coordination; and 

5) outcomes measurement and research. The George Anderson Outcomes Unit, established in 

1997, is integrated within the Division of Research. The Outcomes Unit focuses its efforts on 

patient–oriented outcomes research in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the 

hospital. The integration of these services maximizes the efficiency of both the Division and the 

Outcomes Unit. By providing essential services for the department and the hospital, the Division 

has encouraged clinical investigation and increased the NIH grant support to the Department of 

Obstetrics and Gynecology. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 95 



96 

GRANTS 

Clarke JG: NIH NICHD “Empowering Women to Make Contraceptive Choices While Incarcerated.” 

(PI: J Clarke) $1,484,579 grant total. 6/1/08-5/31/13. 

Clarke JG: NIH NIDA “Sustaining Tobacco Abstinence after Incarceration.” (PI: J Clarke) 

$908,875 grant total. 8/15/09-7/31/11. 

Clark MA: NIH NCI “Understanding Reversed Race/Ethnic Associations with Cancer Screening 

Tests” (PI: Rakowski) Co-Investigator for project. $125,387 direct costs, 4/07 − present. 

Clark MA: NIH NIA “Older Latina Women. Marital Status and Cancer Screening” (PI: Wasserman) 

Co-Investigator for project. $11,366 direct costs, 3/07 − present. 

Clark MA: NIH NCI “Methods and Measures Core (PI) and Social Contexts and Patterns of 

Young Adult Smoking (Co-I) (PI: Rende) “Renewal of the Transdisciplinary Tobacco Use in Research 

Centers”. (PI: Niaura) (P50-CA04012), $424,535 direct costs, 10/04 − present. 

Clark MA: NIH NIA “Primary Data Collect Core (Core PI), Program Project Grant, “Long-Term 

Care in America” (PI: V Mor) $1,333,093 direct costs, 9/2007− present. 

Clark MA: NIH NICHD “The National Children’s Study—Providence and Bristol County Sites”. 

(PI: S Buka, Co-PI M Phipps), Co-Investigator and Operations Manager for project. $1,495,650 

(Providence) and $424,829 (Bristol) direct costs, 9/07 − present. 

Clark MA: Subcontract to Providence VA “A Computer Adaptive Test to Measure Community 

Reintegration.” (PI: L Resnik) Co-Investigator for project. $102,594 direct costs, 3/08 − present. 

Clark MA: NIH NCI “Classification Tree Analysis to Enhance Targeting for Cancer Screening 

Programs.” (PI: W Rakowski), $103,750 direct costs, 1/10 – present. 

Clark MA: Subcontract (PI for subcontract) “Video-Based HIV Testing for Latinos.” (PI: R Merchant), 

$18,806 direct costs, 3/10 – present. 

Clark MA: NIH NCI “Social Networks and Care Planning for Women with Cancer.” (PI) $116,971 

direct costs, 4/10 - present. 

Cu-Uvin S: NIAID K24 AI066884-05. “Antiviral Therapy and HIV in the Genital Tract of Women.” 

(PI: S Cu-Uvin) $136,653 yr; 8/15/05-6/30/10. 

Cu-Uvin S: NIAID R01 5U01AI6605. “S.japonicum and Birth Outcomes: Randomized Controlled 

Trial.” (PI: A Friedman) Co-Investigator. $18,870 yr; 4/1/06-3/31/11. 

Cu-Uvin S: NIH FIC “Interdisciplinary Framework in Global Health at Brown University.” (PI: S 

Cu-Uvin) $125,000 yr; 8/10/08-7/31/11. 

Cu-Uvin S: NIH NIAID “HIV and Women’s Core.” Lifespan/Tufts/Brown Center for AIDS Research 

(PI: Carpenter) Co-Director, $111,526 yr, 9/1/98-6/30/12. 

Cu-Uvin S: NIH NIAID “Adult Therapeutic Clinical Trials Program for HIV/AIDS.” (PI: Tashima) 

$435,000 yr, 12/1/06-11/30/13. 

Cu-Uvin S: CDC “Study to Understand the Natural History of HIV and AIDS in the Era of Effective 

Therapy (SUN).” (PI: Carpenter) $424,822 yr, 9/27/07-9/28/11. 

Cu-Uvin S: NIH NIAID “Molecular T. Vaginalis Host Interactions in Relevance to Inflammatory 

Sequelae.” (PI: Fichorova) 29,992 yr, 7/1/09-6/30/13. 


Matteson KA: NIH NICHD “Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award 

- A Comprehensive Patient Based Outcome Measure for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding.” (1K23 

HD057957 (Matteson)). PI. $739,932 grant total. 9/1/08-9/31/13. 

Phipps MG: NIH NIDDK “Prevention of Postpartum Weight Retention.” (R01DK071667 (Phelan)). 

Site PI, Co-Investigator for project. $1,369,059 grant total. 9/11/06-08/31/10. 

Phipps MG: NIH NICHD “Improving Health and Science Literacy in a Latino Community (ES- 

CUCHE).” (1R01 3 HD05900-02 (Phipps and Rodriquez)) PI. $56,686 grant total. 9/25/08-8/31/10. 

Phipps MG: NIH NICHD “Brown University/Women and Infants National Children’s Study 

(Providence County, Rhode Island).” (HH SN 267200700032C ( Buka and Phipps)). PI. $5,420,356 

grant total. 9/27/07-9/26/12. 

Phipps MG: NIH NICHD “Brown University/Women and Infants National Children’s Study (Bristol 

County, Massachusetts).” (HH SN 275200800017C (Buka and Phipps)). PI. $4,287,866 grant 

total. 9/30/08-9/29/13. 

Phipps MG: NIH NICHD “Brown University/Women and Infants Women’s Reproductive Health 

Research Career Development.” (2K12 HD0501080-06 Cain)). PD. $2,200,000 Grant total. 

9/27/05-3/31/15. 

Phipps MG: NIEHS “Formative Center for the Evaluation of Environmental Impacts on Fetal 

Development: Tissue Procurement Core.” Site PI. $114,047 (Subcontract) 12/1/09-2/1/12. 

Rouse DJ: ( PI) and Anderson BL (Alternate Principal Investigator) Cooperative Multicenter Maternal 

Fetal Medicine Units Network. NICHD. PHS#5-U10 – HD40500-05. 9/6/05-3/31/10. 


Clarke JG: “Introduction to Research.” Resident Noon Conference. Brown University School 

of Medicine, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, September 2009. 

Clarke JG:“A 25 Year Old Pregnant Incarcerated Women.” OB-Gyn Grand Rounds Beth 

Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, January 2010. 

Clarke JG: Panelist, “The Life of a Clinician Researcher.” Brown University, The Office of 

Women in Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island, February 2010. 

Cu-Uvin S: Special Health Concerns of HIV Infected Women, 6th Annual Teaching Day: 

“Focusing on HIV and Women.” Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, Radisson Hotel, 

Providence, Rhode Island, September 2009. 

Cu-Uvin S: “Brown and the World: Engaging HIV Infected Women.” Saphier Family Lecture 

in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, 

May 2010. 

Cu-Uvin S: “Gender Issues in HIV.” 14 th Annual Meeting, HIV Update, Contemporary Issues 

and Management, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Seaport 

Hotel, Boston, Massachusetts, June 2010. 

Cu-Uvin S: Course Director: “Women, HIV and Rhode Island’s New Testing Law.” Providence 

Hilton Hotel, Providence, Rhode Island, June 2010. 

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A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 97 



Phipps MG: “Understanding Adolescent Pregnancy: Policy, Data and Research.” The 

Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Department of Pediatrics Grand Rounds, 

Providence, Rhode Island, August 2009. 

Phipps MG: “Translational Research in Women’s Health, From Basic Science to Bedside to 

Community.” New Dimensions and Strategies for Women’s Health Research for the National 

Institutes of Health. Office of Research in Women’s Health Strategy Conference and Public 

Hearing. Hosted by Brown University and Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, Rhode 

Island, September 2009. 

Phipps MG: “Rhode Island Task Force on Premature Births: 2009 Progress Report.” 2009 

Rhode Island March of Dimes Prematurity Summit. Providence, Rhode Island, November 2009. 


Cu-Uvin S: “Clinical Parameters Essential to Methodology and Interpretation of Mucosal 

Responses.” Mucosal Immunity in the Male and Female Reproductive Tract and The 

Prevention of HIV Transmission Meeting, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, 

New Hampshire, July 2010. 

Cu-Uvin S: “Vulnerable Populations: Why Can’t We Protect Men and Women from HIV with 

the Knowledge we Have?” Mucosal Immunity in the Male and Female Reproductive Tract and 

The Prevention of HIV Transmission Meeting, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, 

New Hampshire, July 2010. 

Matteson KA: “Hysterectomy Compared to Other Therapies for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. 

Why Should we Care?” Part of the Systematic Review Group panel at the meeting for the 

Society for Gynecologic Surgeons, Tucson, Arizona, April 2010. 

Phipps MG: “Understanding Adolescent Pregnancy: Policy, Data and Research.” University 

of Wisconsin, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Grand Rounds, Madison, Wisconsin, 

August 2009. 

Phipps MG: “The Rhode Island Task Force on Premature Birth.” Symposium on Quality 

Improvement to Prevent Prematurity. Sponsored by March of Dimes, American College of 

Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Nurse- 

Midwives, Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrics and Neonatal Nurses. Arlington, Virginia, 

October 2009. 

Phipps MG: “Adolescent Pregnancy: Policy, Data and Research.” Guest Consultant for 

Resident Graduation Day Albany Medical College, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and 

Reproductive Sciences, Albany, New York, June 2010. 

Rouse DJ. Current Trends and New Direction in Ob/Gyn Seminar: MgSO4 for the Prevention 

of CP. Mount Auburn Hospital, Waltham, MA. November 18, 2009. 

Bates E, Rouse DJ, Chapman V, Mann ML, Carlo W, Tita A. Fetal lung maturity testing before 

39 weeks and neonatal outcomes. Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Poster Presentation, 


Rouse DJ. Spring Postgraduate Course. University of Michigan Department of Obstetrics and 

Gynecology, Detroit, MI. April 2010. 

Rouse DJ. Resident Research Symposium. University of South Carolina School of Medicine, 

Columbia, SC. June 2010. 

Rouse DJ. Sloane Symposium. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia 

University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. June 2010. 

98 



Cu-Uvin S: “HIV and Women.” Presented at the 2010 HIV/AIDS Nursing Symposium, Chennai, 

India, January 2010. 

Matteson KA: “Structuring the Menstrual History.” Part of the Abnormal Uterine Bleedin 

panel at XIX World Congress of FIGO, Cape Town, South Africa, October 2009. 

ABSTRACT PRESENTATIONS (LOCAL) 

Clark MA. Homegrown: Experiences and Reflections on the Challenges and Rewards of Using 

Community-Based Learning. Brown University Swearer Center & Sheridan Center, Providence, 

Rhode Island, 2009. 

van den Berg JJ, Lopez R, Dove DC, Morrow KM, Stein LAR, and Rosengard C. Teenspeak: 

The Language of Inner-city Adolescents’ Sexual Behaviors and Sexual Relationships. Presented 

at the CFAR Social and Behavioral Sciences Research Network National Scientific Meeting, 

Boston, Massachusetts, October 2009. 


Waxman, MJ, Merchant RC, Clark MA, Maher JG, Celada,MT, Beckwith CG, Liu T, Simmons 

EA, and Mayer KH. Will the 2006 CDC HIV testing recommendations reduce stigma and increase 

HIV testing? 2009 CDC National HIV Prevention Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, 2009. 

Merchant RC, Waxman MJ, Clark MA, Maher JC, Celada MT, Beckwith CG, Liu,T, Simmons 

EA, and Mayer KH. Do patients and clinicians have ethical concerns about the 2006 CDC HIV 

testing recommendations? 2009 CDC National HIV Prevention Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, 

2009. 

Sung VW, Williams DA, Rogers RG, Myers DL, Marques F, and Clark MA. Content validity of 

the “PROMIS” framework in women with urinary incontinence. Annual Meeting of the American 

Urogynecologic Society, Hollywood Florida, 2009. 

Rakowski W, and Clark MA. Unwanted sex and partner violence: mammography and pap 

testing in the 2006 BRFSS. Annual meeting of the Society of Behavioral Medicine. Montreal, 

Canada, 2009. 

Politi MC, Clark MA, Ombao H, and Légaré F. The impact of a mismatch between patients’ and 

providers’ reactions to uncertainty on patients’ breast health decisions and decision satisfaction. 

Annual Meeting of the Society for Medical Decision Making, Hollywood, California, 2009. 

Rogers ML, Clark MA,Rakowski W, and Linkletter CD. Racial and ethnic differences in onschedule 

mammography screening: results from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. 

Annual Meeting of the American Association of Public Opinion Research, Chicago, Illinois, 

2010. 

Anderson BL, Cu-Uvin S, Raker C, Hillier SL. Subtle perturbations of genital microflora alter 

immunity among low risk pregnant women. Oral presentation at the 36 th Annual Scientific 

Meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Montreal, Canada, 

August 2009. 

Kassis N, Jayakrishnan A, Sprawka N, Cu-Uvin S, Anderson BL. Hepatotoxicity and metabolic 

acidosis manifested as non-reassuring fetal testing in a pregnant women on antiretroviral 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 99 



therapy. Poster presentation at the 36 th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Infectious Diseases 

Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Montreal, Canada, August 2009. 

Nijhawan A, McManus J, Liu T, Delong A, Chapman S, Rapoza K, Kurpewski J, Caliendo A, 

Cu-Uvin S. The effect of acyclovir on CD4 count and CD4 percent slope in HIV-1/HSV-2 co-infected 

women taking HAART. Annual IDSA Meeting, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 2009. 

McManus J, Nijhawan A, Liu T, Delong A, Chapman S, Rapoza K, Kurpewski J, Caliendo A, 

Cu-Uvin S. The effect of acyclovir on prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in HIV-1/HSV-2 co-infected 

women taking HAART. Annual IDSA Meeting, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 2009. 

Anderson BL, Wira CR, Fitzsimmons C, Ghosh M, Fahey J, Cu-Uvin S. Cervicovaginal fluid 

from pregnant and non-pregnant women suppresses HIV infectivity in an in vitro model. 

Oral presentation at the 30 th Annual Meeting of the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine, 

Chicago, Illinois, February, 2010. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2009;201(6, 

Supplement 1):S43. 

Anderson BL, Hillier SL, Raker C, Fitzsimmons C, Cu-Uvin S. Maternal inflammatory mediators 

are increased as early as the first trimester in low risk pregnancies. Poster presentation at the 

30 th Annual Meeting of the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, February, 

2010. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2009;201(6, Supplement 1):S231. 

van den Berg JJ, Lopez R, Dove DC, Morrow KM, Stein LAR, and Rosengard C. African 

American and Latino/a adolescents’ sexual relationship perceptions and motivations. Presented 

at the Annual Meeting of the American Psychological Association Conference, Toronto, 

Canada, August 2009. 

van den Berg JJ, Lopez R, Dove DC, Morrow KM, Stein LAR, and Rosengard C. Participantidentified 

intervention components and facilitator characteristics for an HIV risk reduction 

program among incarcerated adolescents. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American 

Public Health Association Conference, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 2009. 

Li S, Dove DC, van den Berg JJ, Lopez R, Audet D, Morrow KM, Stein LAR, and Rosengard C. 

Sexual health learning and partner communication about sexually transmitted disease/HIV risk: 

Incarcerated adolescents’ perspectives. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Society for 

Adolescent Medicine, Toronto, Canada, April 2010. 

Critchfield AR, Matteson KA, Lievense S, Raker CR. Intrapartum Group B Streptococcus 

Prophylaxis in patients who report a penicillin allergy: has there been an improvement in 

adherence to the 2002 CDC Guidelines? Oral presentation at the Infectious Disease Society of 

Obstetrics and Gynecology, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, August 2009. 

Carey M, Matteson KA, Masterton D, Raker CR. Misoprostol for non-viable first trimester 

pregnancies – Can patients accurately determine spontaneous miscarriage completion? Oral 

presentation at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, October 

2009. 

Matteson KA, Anderson BL, Sung VW, Raker CA, McMahon M, Phipps MG. Development 

and evaluation of a formal research curriculum for obstetrics and gynecology. Poster 

Presentation at the APGO CREOG Annual Meeting, Orlando, Florida, March 2010. 

Matteson KA, Phipps MG, Peipert JF. Developing a workshop on research design for clinical 

fellows. Poster Presentation at the APGO CREOG Annual Meeting, Orlando, Florida, Awarded 

First Prize, March 2010. 

Phipps MG, Rodriguez P. Improving health and science literacy in a Latino Community. 

National Institutes of Health Partners in Research Investigator Workshop. Bethesda, Maryland, 

October 2009. 

100 


Sung VW, Raker CA, Myers DL, and Clark MA. Ambulatory care for female pelvic floor 

disorders in the United States. Annual Meeting of the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons, New 

Orleans, Louisiana, 2009. 

ABSTRACT PRESENTATIONS (INTERNATIONAL) 

Harwell J, Lim K, DeLong A, Srey P, Thay S, Tharpe L, Ingersoll J, Caliendo A, Cu-Uvin S. 

Changes in plasma (PVL) and genital tract (GTVL) HIV-1 viral loads in Cambodian women 

initiating generic antiretroviral therapy. International Conference on AIDS in Asia and Pacific, 

Bali, Indonesia, August 2009. 

PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS 

Havens JR, Leukefeld C, Oser CB, Staton-Tindall M, Knudsen HK, Mooney J, Duvall J, 

Clarke JG, Frisman L, Surratt H and Inciardi J. An Examination of Protocol Performance and 

Adherence among Criminal Justice Involved Women Prisoners Receiving an HIV Intervention. 

Journal of Experimental Criminology 5(3):245, 2009. 

Stein MD, Caviness CM, Anderson BJ, Hebert M, Clarke JG. A brief alcohol intervention for 

hazardously drinking incarcerated women. Addiction 105(3):466-75, 2010. 

Clarke JG, Phipps MG, Tong I, Rose J, Gold M. Timing of conception for pregnant women 

returning to jail. Journal of Correctional Health Care 16(2):133-8, 2010. 

Nijhawan AE, Salloway R, Nunn AS, Poshkus M, Clarke JG. Preventive healthcare for 

underserved women: results of a prison survey. Journal of Womens Health (Larchmt) 19(1):17- 

22, 2010. 

Politi MC, Clark MA, Armstrong G, McGarry KA, and Sciamanna CN. Patient-provider communication 

about sexual health among unmarried middle-aged and older women. Journal of 

General Internal Medicine 24(4):511-516, 2009. 

Pasick R, Burke N, Barker J, Joseph G, Bird J, Otero-Sabogal R, Nuason N, Stewart S, Rakowski 

W, Clark MA, Washington P, and Guerra C. Behavioral theory in a diverse society: like a compass 

on mars. Health Education and Behavior 36:11S-35S, 2009. 

Burke N, Bird J, Clark MA, Rakowski W, Guerra C, Barker J, and Pasick R. Social and cultural 

meaning of Sself-efficacy. Health Education and Behavior 36:111S-128S, 2009. 

Clough-Gorr KM, Rakowski W, Clark MA, and Silliman RA. The Getting-Out-of-Bed (GoB) 

measure of motivation and life outlook in older adults: development and initial psychometric 

evaluation in a sample of older breast cancer survivors. Journal of Psycho-Oncology 27(4):454- 

468, 2009. 

Merchant RC, Clark MA, Langan TJ, Seage GR, Mayer KH, and DeGruttola VG. Effectiveness 

of increasing emergency department patients’ self-perceived risk for being HIV infected 

through audio-computer self-interview (ACASI)-based feedback about reported HIV risk behaviors. 

Academic Emergency Medicine 16:1143-1155, 2009. 

Dizon DS, Schutzer ME, Politi M, Linkletter C, Miller S, and Clark MA. Advance care planning 

decisions of women with cancer: Provider recognition and stability of choices. Journal of Psychosocial 

Oncology 27(4):383-395, 2009. 

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A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 101 



Rakowski W, Clark, MA, Rogers ML, and Weitzen S. Investigating reversals of association for 

utilization of recent mammography among Hispanic and non-Hispanic black women. Cancer 

Causes and Control 20:1483-1495, 2009. 

Schneider K, Lapane K, Clark MA, and Rakowski W. Using small area estimation to describe 

county-level disparities in mammography. Preventing Chronic Disease: Public Health Research, 

Practice and Policy 6(4):A125, 2009. 

Clark MA, Rogers ML, Wen X, Wilcox V, McCarthy-Barnett K, Panarace J, Manning C, Allen S, 

and Rakowski W. Repeat mammography among unmarried women with and without a disability. 

Women’s Health Issues 19:415-424. 2009. 

Fennell ML, Feng Z, Clark MA, and Mor V. Disparities in nursing home use and performance: 

The case of elderly U.S. Hispanics. Health Affairs 29(1):65-73, 2010. 

Merchant RC, Freelove SM, Langan TJ, Clark, MA, Mayer KH, Seage GR, and DeGruttola VG. 

The relationship of reported HIV risk and history of HIV testing among emergency department 

patients. Postgraduate Medicine 122(1):61-74, 2010. 

Miller EA, Mor V, and Clark MA. Reforming long-term care in the United States: findings from 

a national survey of specialists. The Gerontologist 50(2):238-252, 2010. 

Rakowski W, Wyn R, Breen N, Meissner H, and Clark MA. Prevalence and correlates of recent 

and repeat mammography among California women ages 55-79. Cancer Epidemiology 

34(2):168-177,2010. 

Kahler CW, Leventhal AM, Daughters SB, Clark MA, Colby SM, Ramsey SE, Boergers J, 

Abrams DB, Niaura R, and Buka SL. Relationships of personality and psychiatric disorders to 

multiple domains of smoking motives and dependence in middle-aged adults. Nicotine & Tobacco 

Research 12(4):381-389, 2010. 

Cohen A, Lopez A, Marder S, Safane N, and Clark MA. Lessons from an Introductory Public 

Health Course. Academic Exchange Quarterly 14(1): 158-163, 2010. 

Kojic EM, Wang CC, Firth JA, Gopalakrishnan G, Cu-Uvin S. Special care issues of women living 

with HIV/AIDS. Medicine Health RI 92(7):229-30, 2009. 

Gillani FS, Zaller ND, Zeller K, Rich JD, Cu-Uvin S, Flanigan TP, Carpenter CC. Changes in 

demographics and risk factors among persons living with HIV in an academic medical center 

from 2003-2007. Medicine Health RI 92(7):237-40, 2009. 

Moreira C, Venkatesh KK, DeLong A, Liu T, Kurpewski J, Ingersoll J, Caliendo AM, Cu-Uvin S. 

Effect of treatment of asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis on HIV-1 shedding in the genital tract 

among women on antiretroviral therapy: a pilot study. Clinical Infectious Diseases 15;49(6):991- 

2, 2009. 

Mitchell C, Moreira C, Fredricks D, Paul K, Caliendo AM, Kurpewski J, Ingersoll J, Cu-Uvin S. 

Detection of fastidious vaginal bacteria in women with HIV infection and bacterial vaginosis. 

Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology 2009;2009:236919. 

Ghosh M, Shen Z, Fahey JV, Cu-Uvin S, Mayer K, Wira CR. Trappin-2/Elafin: a novel innate 

anti-human immunodeficiency virus-1 molecule of the human female reproductive tract. Immunology 

129(2):207-19, 2010. 

Ghosh M, Fahey JV, Shen Z, Lahey T, Cu-Uvin S, Wu Z, Mayer K, Wright PF, Kappes JC, 

Ochsenbauer C, Wira CR. Anti-HIV activity in cervical-vaginal secretions from HIV-positive 

and -negative women correlate with innate antimicrobial levels and IgG antibodies. PLoS One 

29;5(6):e11366, 2010. 

102 


Theiler RN, Farr SL, Karon JM, Paramsothy P, Viscidi R, Duerr A, Cu-Uvin S, Sobel J, Shah K, 

Klein RS, Jamieson DJ. High-risk human papillomavirus reactivation in human immunodeficiency 

virus-infected women: risk factors for cervical viral shedding. Obstetrics and Gynecology 

115(6):1150-8, 2010. 

Matteson KA, Boardman L, Clark MA, Munro MG. Abnormal uterine bleeding: A review of 

patient-based outcome measures. Fertility and Sterility 92(1):205-16, 2009. 

Matteson KA, Phipps MG, Raker C, Sacco LJ, Jackson AL. Discussion: ’Laparoscopic versus 

vaginal hysterectomy for benign pathology’ by Candiani et al. American Journal of Obstetrics 

and Gynecology 200(4):e1-6, 2009. 

Einarsson JI, Matteson KA, Schulkin J, Chavan NR, Sangi-Haghpeykar K. Minimally invasive 

hysterectomies - A survey on attitudes and barriers among practicing gynecologists. Journal of 

Minimum Invasive Gynecology 17(2):167-175, 2010. 

Matteson KA, Clark MA. Questioning our Questions: Do frequently asked questions adequately 

cover the aspects of women’s lives most affected by abnormal uterine bleeding? 

Opinions of women with abnormal uterine bleeding participating in focus groups. Women and 

Health 50(2):195-211, 2010. 

Pregler J, Freund KM, Kleinman M, Phipps MG, Fife RS, Gams B, Núñez AE, Seaver R, Lazarus 

CJ, Raymond NC, Uijtdehaage S, Guiton G, David M, Gabeau GV, Geller S, Meekma K, Moore 

C, Robertson C, Sarto G. The heart truth professional education campaign on women and heart 

disease: needs assessment and evaluation results. The Journal of Women’s Health 8(10):1541- 

7, 2009. 

Sung VW, Raker CA, Myers DL, and Clark MA. Ambulatory care related to female pelvic 

floor disorders in the United States, 1995-2006. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 

201(5):508.e1-6, 2009. 

Stein MD, Anderson BJ, Caviness CM, Rosengard C, Kiene S, Friedmann P, Clark JG. 

Relationship of alcohol use and sexual risk taking among hazardously drinking incarcerated 

women: an event-level analysis. Journal of Study on Alcohol and Drugs 70(4):508-15, 2009. 

Grobman W, Lai Y, Landon M, Spong C, Leveno K, Rouse DJ, et al. Can a prediction model for 

vaginal birth also predict the probability of morbidity related to a trial of labor? Am J Obstet 

Gynecol 2009;200:56.e1-6. 

Caritis SN, Rouse DJ, Peaceman AM, et al. Prevention of preterm birth in triplets: An 

evaluation of 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate. Obstet Gynecol 2009;113:285-292. 

Tita AT, Rouse DJ. Progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth: An evolving intervention. 

Am J Obstet Gynecol 2009;200:219-224. 

Tita AT, Rouse DJ, Saade G, et al. Evolving concepts in antibiotic prophylaxis for cesarean 

delivery: a systematic review. Obstet Gynecol 2009;113:675-682. 

Doyle LW, Crowther CA, Middleton P, Marret S, Rouse DJ. Magnesium sulphate for women 

at risk of preterm birth for neuroprotection of the fetus. Cochrane Database of Systematic 

Reviews 2009, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD004661. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004661.pub3. 

Newman RB, Momirova V, Dombrowski MP, Schatz M, Wise R, Landon M, Rouse DJ, et al. The 

Effect of Active and Passive Household Cigarette Smoke Exposure on Pregnant Women with 

Asthma. Chest 2010;137:601-8. 

(continued) 

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Landon, MB, Spong CY, Thom E, Carpenter MW, Ramin SM, Casey B, Wapner RJ, Varner MW, 

Rouse DJ, et al. A Multicenter, Randomized Trial of Treatment for Mild Gestational Diabetes. 

New Engl J Med 2009; 361:1339-48. 

Dinsmoor MJ, Gilbert S, Landon MB, Rouse DJ, et al. Perioperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis for 

Nonlaboring Cesarean Delivery. Obstet Gynecol 2009;114:752-6. 

Grobman WA, Lai Y, Landon MB, Spong CY, Leveno KJ, Rouse DJ, et al. Does Information 

Available at Admission for Delivery Improve Prediction of Vaginal Birth after Cesarean? Amer 

J Perinatol 2009;26:693-701. 

Rouse DJ, Weiner S, Bloom SL, et al. Second-stage labor duration in nulliparous women: 

relationship to maternal and perinatal outcomes. AJOG 2009;201:357.el-7. 

Gyamfi C, Horton AL, Momirova V, Rouse DJ, et al. The effect of 17-alpha 

hydroxyprogesterone caproate on the risk of gestational diabetes in singleton or twin 

pregnancies. AJOG 2009;201:392.el-5. 

Killam WP, Tambatamba BC, Chintu N, Rouse DJ, Stringer E, Bweupe M, Yu Y, Stringer JS. 

Antiretroviral therapy in antenatal care to increase treatment initiation in HIV-infected pregnant 

women: a stepped-wedge evaluation. J AIDS 2010:24:85-91. 

Cormier C, Landon M, Lai Y, Spong C, Rouse DJ, et al. White’s Classification of Maternal 

Diabetes and Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery Success in Women Undergoing a Trial of 

Labor. Obstet Gynecol 2010;115:1:60-4. 

Bates E, Rouse DJ, Chapman V, Mann ML, Carlo W, Tita A. Fetal lung maturity testing before 

39 weeks and neonatal outcomes. Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Poster Presentation, 


Harper M, Thom E, Klebanoff M, Thorp J Jr., Sorokin Y, Varner M, Wapner R, Caritis S, Iams 

J, Carpenter M, Peaceman A, Mercer B, Sciscione A, Rouse DJ, et al. Omega-3 Fatty Acid 

Supplementation to Prevent Recurrent Preterm Birth: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Obstet 

Gynecol 2010;115:2.1:234-42. 

Biggio J Jr, Chapman V, Neely C, Cliver S, Rouse DJ. Fetal Anomalies in Obese Women: The 

Contribution of Diabetes. Obstet Gynecol 2010;115:2.1:290-6. 

Contag SA, Clifton RG, Bloom SL, Spong CY, Varner MW, Rouse DJ, et al. Neonatal Outcomes 

and Operative Vaginal Delivery Versus Cesarean Delivery. Am J Perinatol 2010;27:493-9. 

Refuerzo JS, Momirova V, Peaceman AM, Sciscione A, Rouse DJ, et al. Neonatal Outcomes 

in Twin Pregnancies Delivered Moderately Preterm, Late Preterm, and Term .Am J Perinatol 

2010;27:537-42. 

Schatz M, Dombrowski MP, Wise R, Lai Y, Landon M, Newman RB, Rouse DJ, et al. The 

relationship of asthma-specific quality of life during pregnancy to subsequent asthma and 

perinatal morbidity. J Asthma 2010; 47:46-50. 

Moldenhauer JS, Lai Y, Schatz M, Wise R, Landon MB, Newman RB, Rouse DJ, et al. Influence 

of maternal asthma and asthma severity on newborn morphometry. J Asthma. 2010 Mar; 

47(2):145-9. 

Sorokin Y, Romero R, Mele L, Wapner RJ, Iams JD, Dudley DJ, Spong CY, Peaceman AM, 

Leveno KJ, Harper M, Caritis SN, Miodovnik M, Mercer BM, Thorp JM, O’Sullivan MJ, Ramin 

SM, Carpenter MW, Rouse DJ, Sibai B. Maternal Serum Interleukin-6, C-Reactive Protein, and 

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Concentrations as Risk Factors for Preterm Birth

Hashima JN, Lai Y, Wapner RJ, Sorokin Y, Dudley DJ, Peaceman A, Spong CY, Iams JD, Leveno 

KJ, Harper M, Caritis SN, Varner M, Miodovnik M, Mercer BM, Thorp JM, O’Sullivan MJ, Ramin 

SM, Carpenter M, Rouse DJ, Sibai B. The effect of maternal body mass index on neonatal 

outcome in women receiving a single course of antenatal corticosteroids. Am J Obstet Gynecol 

2010;202:263.e1-5. 

Ramirez MM, Gilbert S, Landon MB, Rouse DJ, et al. Mode of Delivery in Women with 

Antepartum Fetal Death and Prior Cesarean Delivery. Am J Perinatol 2010. PMID: 20486068. 

Bakhshi T, Landon MB, Lai Y, Spong CY, Rouse DJ, et al. Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes 

of Repeat Cesarean Delivery in Women with a Prior Classical versus Low Transverse Uterine 

Incision. Am J Perinatol 2010. PMID: 20458666. 

Durnwald CP, Momirova V, Rouse DJ, et al. Second trimester cervical length and risk of 

preterm birth in women with twin gestations treated with 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone 

caproate. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2010. PMID: 20441408. 

Clark EA, Mele L, Wapner RJ, Spong CY, Sorokin Y, Peaceman A, Iams JD, Leveno KJ, 

Harper M, Caritis SN, Miodovnik M, Mercer BM, Thorp JM, Ramin SM, Carpenter M, Rouse 

DJ. Association of fetal inflammation and coagulation pathway gene polymorphisms with 

neurodevelopmental delay at age 2 years. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2010;83.e1-83.e10. 

Saleem S, Rouse DJ, et al. Chlorhexidine vaginal and infant wipes to reduce perinatal 

mortality and morbidity: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2010;115:1225-32. 

Wylie BJ, Gilbert S, Landon MB, Spong CY, Rouse DJ, et al. Comparison of transverse and 

vertical skin incision for emergency cesarean delivery. Obstet Gynecol. 2010;115:1134-40. 

Rouse DJ. Magnesium sulfate for the prevention of cerebral palsy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2009; 

200: 610-612. 


Tita AN, Rouse DJ. Obstetric Management of Labor and Vaginal Delivery. In: Chestnut DH, ed. 

Obstetric Anesthesia: Principles and Practice, 4 th edition. Philadelphia: Mosby, 2009. 

Figueroa D, Rouse DJ. Location, Mode of Delivery and Intrapartum Issues for the Preterm 

Gestation. In: Berghella V, ed. Preterm Birth: Prevention and Management. Philadelphia: Wiley- 

Blackwell, 2010. 

Rouse DJ, Prevention of Cerebral Palsy. In: Queenan JT, Hobbins JC, and Spong CY, eds. 

Protocols for High-Risk Pregnancies, 5 th edition. Hoboken: Wiley-Blackwell, 2010. 

Hauth JC, Cunningham FG, Rouse DJ. Use of Magnesium in Obstetrics. ACOG Update (Audio) 

2009; 34: #7. 

Rouse, DJ. Editor, Williams Obstetrics, 23 rd edition. McGraw-Hill, 2009. 

EDITORIALS 

Rouse DJ, Hirtz D, Thom E. Reply to Mittendorf and Pryde. N Engl J Med 2009; 360: 190. 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 105 


U r o g y n e c o l o g y & R e c o n s t r u c t i v e 

P e l v i c S u r g e r y 

MISSION 

106 

DIVISION OF UROGYNECOLOGY 

AND RECONSTRUCTIVE PELVIC SURGERY 

The Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (URPS) is also known as 

the Center for Women’s Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. It is a tertiary care center 

whose faculty are subspecialty fellowship-trained in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstruc- 

tive Surgery; thus they have expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor disorders 

such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, defecatory dysfunction, interstitial cystitis, 

and fistulas. The mission of the Division of URPS is to: 

1. Provide diagnosis and therapy for women with voiding and bowel dysfunction and 

abnormalities of the pelvic floor 

2. Serve as a referral source of experts for reproductive tract anomalies e.g. Mullerian 

agenesis, minimally invasive reconstructive surgery including robotics, sacral stimulators 

for chronic urge incontinence and urinary retention, urethral injection materials and 

transvaginal systems for prolapse repair 

3. Provide education and training for the public, students, post graduate trainees and fellows 

in urogynecology 

4. Advance the research and science of urogynecologic and pelvic floor conditions 

5. Outreach to those with devasting urinary fistulas in underserved areas of the world 

The main office location is at 695 Eddy Street with outreach offices at the Medical Office Build- 

ings at South County Commons in Wakefield, East Greenwich and Woonsocket, RI. 


FACULTY–PHYSICIAN 

Deborah L. Myers, MD, FACOG, Division Director 

MD: State University of New York at Stony Brook 

Medical-Surgical Internship: Rhode Island Hospital 

Ob/Gyn Residency: Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island 

Fellowship: University of Connecticut 

Dr. Myers joined the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic 

Surgery in 1992. She is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and a 

fellow of ACOG. As Division Director, Dr. Myers leads the Division in its continued mission of 

patient care, education and research. Dr. Myers was promoted to Professor of Obstetrics and 

Gynecology in July 2009. Dr. Myers has particular expertise in the condition of interstitial cysti- 

tis. She oversees the RI Network for Pelvic Floor Disorders providers and meetings. She is the 

Medical Director of The Program in Women’s Physical Therapy. 

Dr. Myers serves on various hospital committees and several search committees for new 

faculty. She is a member of the Women’s Health Council of RI. Under her guidance, the Divi- 

sion has grown in faculty, space, clinical services and research. The Division now has its own 

urogynecologic research coordinator and research assistant, thus growing the Divisions’ ability 

to participate in multi-centered trials. Dr. Myers is the site PI for the BRIDGES trial – Bringing 

simple urge incontinence diagnosis and treatment to providers. 

Dr. Myers’ teaching efforts at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island are primarily work- 

shop-based learning. Dr. Myers received teachers an excellence in teaching award for Under- 

graduate Education. Nationally, Dr. Myers is the President-elect of the American Urogyneco- 

logic Society (AUGS), chairs the AUGS governance task force and is board of director liaison 

for the Health Policy committee. Dr. Myers continues to serve on the Subcommittee on Urogy- 

necology of the Committee on Gynecologic Practice of ACOG, and as an oral examiner for the 

American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. For the NIH / NICCD, she continues as a mem- 

ber of the Data and Safety Monitoring Board for the Urinary Incontinence Treatment Network 

and the Advisory Board for the Pelvic Floor Disorders Network. She continues to serve as a re- 

viewer for national journals. Dr. Myers continues to lecture both nationally and locally. She was 

the course director for the Women & Infants conference entitled Pelvic Floor Disorders: The 

Team Approach held March 2010. She also lectured at 42nd Annual Matt Weis Symposium, at 

St John’s Mercy Medical Center, in St Louis MO. She presented an “Update on Neuromodula- 

tion” and “Obesity and the Pelvic Floor.” 

(continued) 

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P e l v i c S u r g e r y



108 

Charles R. Rardin, MD, FACOG 

MD: University of Rochester 

Residency: Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital 

Fellowship: Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School Affiliated Hospitals 

Dr. Rardin joined the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Sur- 

gery in 2003. He is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is board certified 

in Obstetrics and Gynecology and a fellow of ACOG. He is the Director of the fellowship In 

Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPM&RS). Dr Rardin remains the leader 

in endoscopic surgery for the fellowship; he oversees the minimally invasive, laparoscopic and 

robotic training for the fellows. He continues to be the leader in Rhode Island and Southeastern 

New England for robotically-assisted pelvic reconstructive surgery, including sacral colpopexy 

for advanced pelvic organ prolapse. He serves on the Women and Infants Hospital Resident 

Evaluation Committee, Surgical Services Council, and Quality Council, and on the Robotic Sur- 

gical Services Steering Committee. 

Dr. Rardin’s research continues to evaluate prenatal risk factors for development of perineal 

trauma during childbirth, and the use of peripheral neuromodulation for voiding dysfunction 

and bladder overactivity. Dr Rardin is the Rhode Island site PI for a multi-centered surgical 

trial –SECURiTy, evaluating different sling devices for incontinence. He remains a reviewer for 

several journals. 

Dr Rardin’s teaching skills continue to be recognized. Over this past year he received the 

Women and Infants’ Hospital Excellence in Teaching Award, and Top Full-Time Faculty Teacher 

of the Year in both Undergraduate Medical Education and Resident Medical Education. Dr. Rar- 

din serves on the Postgraduate Referral Committee at Alpert Medical School of Brown Univer- 

sity, and serves as Advisor for medical students seeking residency in OB/Gyn. He continues to 

give grand rounds lectures locally and nationally. His presentations have involved roundtable 

discussions and hands – on – cadaver courses on laparoscopic (AAGL) and minimally invasive 

techniques. He is the Program Chair of the AUGS Female Pelvic Medicine for the Office-Based 

Provider Course, and the Program Chair for AAGL Postgraduate Course entitled “When Lapa- 

roscopy is Not Enough”. He will be serving as faculty for the upcoming AUGS Postgraduate 

Course “Masters of Surgery.” 

Nationally, Dr. Rardin continues to serve as website editor and director of the Information 

Technology Sub–committee on of the Public Relations Committee of the American Urogynecol- 

ogy Society. He is now on the program committee for AUGS. For the American Association of 

Gynecologic Laparoscopists, he serves the Publication Committee and its Video Review com- 

mittee for the scientific program. He is also on the Education Committee of the Society of Gy- 

necologic Surgeons. At the Annual Clinical Meeting of the American College of Obstetricians & 

Gynecologists, he presented the clinical seminar “Innovations in Pelvic Surgery: Old Standards 

vs. Kit-based Newcomers”. He speaks regularly on the indications and complications, and 

medicolegal implications for the use of mesh on pelvic reconstructive surgery 


Vivian W. Sung, MD, MPH 


Residency: Magee-Women’s Hospital / University of Pittsburgh Medical Center 

Fellowship: Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island/ Brown Medical School 

Dr. Sung joined the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery 

in 2006. She is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and a fellow of ACOG. Dr. Sung is 

currently an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She completed a dual fellow- 

ship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery and the John Evrard Fel- 

lowship in Epidemiology and Clinical Trials at Women and Infants Hospital in 2006, and transi- 

tioned off of the NICHD Women’s Reproductive Health Research (K 12 WRHR) program in 2009. 

Her research is now supported by a K23 career development award through the NICHD (2009- 

2014) and an American Urogynecologic Society Foundation Grant (2008-2010), and is focused 

on patient-reported outcomes for female pelvic floor disorders. She is site Co-investigator as 

well as a member of the Steering Committee and Executive Committee for the BRIDGES study, 

a multi-center randomized trial and site PI for the Informed Consent Evaluation project, a multi- 

center prospective cohort study. Her research skills and achievements are nationally recog- 

nized. She served as served as Co-Chair for the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons Systematic 

Review Writing Group from 2006-2009. Dr Sung is now the Chair for the Research Committee 

of the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons and a member of the Research Committee for the 

American Urogynecologic Society. She serves on the Senior Advisory Board for the Fellow’s 

Pelvic Research Network of the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons and is on the Board of Direc- 

tors for the National Association for Continence. She is highly productive on a research level 

and serves as the Division of Urogynecology Research Director. She oversees the Division’s 

research team, which includes a research nurse coordinator, 1-2 research assistants, and 1 re- 

search intern at any given time with numerous ongoing multi-center studies. Dr. Sung remains 

involved in teaching and mentorship and is the mentor for many resident research projects. 

B. Star Hampton, MD, FACOG 

MD: Mount Sinai School of Medicine 

Residency: New York University School of Medicine 

Fellowship: New York University School of Medicine 

Dr. Hampton joined the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic 

Surgery in 2006. She is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and a fellow of ACOG. 

She is currently Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Brown Medical School. Dr 

Hampton’s primary academic focus is education. Dr. Hampton is the Director of the Core Clerk- 

ship in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University 

and remains a small group leader for Biomed 351 Human Reproduction, Growth and Develop- 

ment Pathophysiology. Her teaching expertise is sought after. This past year she presented 

the “Mentoring” seminar at the Clinical Faculty Teaching Workshop, Alpert Medical School. 

She presented a roundtable at the National APGO Faculty Development Seminar “Students 

teaching students: covering APGO Educational Objectives during the Ob/Gyn clerkship”. Dr. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 109 





Hampton was awarded the Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award for her teaching in the Ob/Gyn 

Core Clerkship, and had the honor to be elected Faculty Marshall for the Alpert Medical School 

Commencement by the graduating class. She received Excellence in Teaching Awards for both 

undergraduate and resident education, as well as the Full-time Faculty award from Chief Resi- 

dents. She completed the APGO Educational Scholar and Leader program. Dr Hampton serves 

on the Education Council and was co-leader of the Parental Leave Task Force at Women and 

Infants. Dr. Hampton was elected to and currently serves on the Postgraduate Referral Commit- 

tee for Alpert Medical School. She was elected to and is a member of the Education Committee 

of the American Urogynecologic Society. 

Dr. Hampton’s recent research has been centered in education. She completed her project 

“Using interactive computer modules with dynamic animation for individual-based learning 

of female pelvic anatomy and female pelvic floor dysfunction” which led to two publications. 

Within her subspecialty of urogynecology, she has presented a roundtable discussion on New 

Approaches to Pelvic Floor Repair as well as a Clinical Seminar on Innovation in Pelvic Surgery 

at the ACOG annual meeting. She presented on Stress Urinary Incontinence at the RI Network 

for PFDs conference at Women and Infants Hospital, and gave grand rounds on Urinary Incon- 

tinence at Backus Hospital. She has collaborated with radiology on MRI imaging of the pelvic 

floor which led to a publication “Imaging pelvic floor disorders: trend towards comprehensive 

MR imaging” in the American Journal of Roentgenology. She is an editorial reviewer for In- 

ternational Urogynecology Journal and European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and 

Reproductive Biology. 

110 

Cassandra L. Carberry MD MS 

MD: University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Medicine 

Residency: New York University School of Medicine 

Fellowship: New York University School of Medicine 

Master of Science: New York University School of Medicine 

Dr. Carberry joined the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery in 2009. 

She is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr Carberry is Clinical Assistant Professor 

of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She completed her fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Re- 

constructive Surgery in 2009 at New York University School of Medicine. While in fellowship she 

also enrolled in a Master of Science Degree program, and in May 2010 was awarded a Master of 

Science in Clinical Investigation, completing her thesis on “Desire for Information and Decision- 

making in Women with Pelvic Floor Disorders.” Her academic focus is patient outcomes. As 

a fellow, she was active in the Fellows’ Pelvic Research Network (sponsored by the Society of 

Gynecologic Surgeons), gaining valuable experience in conducting multi-center clinical research 

and co-authoring publications. Since completing fellowship, she has become an active member 

of the Systematic Review Group of The Society of Gynecologic Surgeons. She is an editorial 

reviewer for the Journal of Sexual Medicine. 

Dr. Carberry is Course Leader, for ObG-492, Clinical Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive 

Surgery, MS4 Elective, for Alpert Medical School of Brown University. She also oversees men- 


tors, educates and develops curricula for all outside residents rotating from Family Practice, 

Internal Medicine, and Women’s Health, fellows from Women’s Gastroenterology and Geriat- 

rics, as well as OB/GYN residents from other hospitals interested in fellowship in Female Pelvic 

and Reconstructive Surgery. She is a committed teacher, regularly precepting and providing 

lectures for third year medical students, as well as mentoring OB/GYN residents. She received 

recognition for Excellence in Teaching for the ObG-490 Core Clerkship in 2010. She has given 

Grand Rounds at various hospitals in Southern New England. Dr Carberry is the Division’s 

outreach point person for the northern RI region seeing patients at the Woonsocket Medical 

Office Building. She is interested in expanding clinical care as well as community outreach and 

education. 

NURSE PRACTITIONER 

Sarah M Collins, MSN, APRN-BC, completed her Masters in Nursing / Nurse Prac- 

titioner degree at Simmons College in Boston, MA. She attended undergraduate 

study at Bridgewater State College in Bridgewater, MA and earned a BS in Psy- 

chology. She joined the Division in December 2008. She has expertise in non-sur- 

gical management of urinary incontinence, pelvic prolapse, and interstitial cys- 

titis. Prior to her joining the Division, Sarah was a Nurse practitioner at the Beth 

Israel Deaconess Medical Center – Joslin Center in Needham, MA. Sarah has had experience in 

education as she was Assistant Professor of Nursing at the Caritas Laboure College in Boston 

MA. She has had expertise in alternative teaching techniques using video and simulation. 

Sarah also has research experience as she was a research nurse practitioner/ clinical research 

coordinator at the Boston Medical Center, Androgen Clinical Research Unit in Boston from 

2005-2006. As natural progression, she is research personnel of the Division’s BRIDGES trial. 

She also is a member of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health, 

American Urogynecolologic Society, International Pelvic Pain Society, Interstitial Cystitis As- 

sociation and Interstitial Cystitis Network. 

CLINICAL ACTIVITY 

Referrals to the Division come from over 500 physicians’ offices. The majority of patients 

seen at the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery are by referral from 

colleagues over a wide geographic area, principally, RI and Southern Massachusetts. The 

increased demand for clinical services has led to the Division’s growth. Dr Cassandra Carberry 

joined the faculty in August 2009 and Dr Kyle Wohlrab will join in July 2010. Dr Wohlrab com- 

pleted his fellowship in FPM&RS at Women & Infants and will be active in resident teaching 

and robotics. With the increase in faculty and research, the Division’s clinical area underwent 

renovation to increase exam rooms and incorporate research offices and research clinical 

space. Academic offices are located at 45 Willard. Patients are sent for diagnosis and definitive 

therapy by the Division’s attending physicians, with surgery conducted at Women & Infants 

Hospital of Rhode Island. Particular effort is made to maintain the referring physician’s special 

relationship with the patient as an integral part of the collaborative therapeutic decision. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 111 





The Division has had office hours at the Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island South 

County Commons offsite; services have expanded to the East Greenwich and Woonsocket 

Medical Office Buildings. Future outreach is planned into Eastern Connecticut and Massachu- 

setts to ensure that women and their providers have convenient access to tertiary urogyneco- 

logic services. 

The basic philosophy of the Division is to discuss all means of therapy (conservative and 

surgical) and to tailor therapy individually. A full range of therapeutic modalities is offered, 

including exercise programs, behavior modification, vaginal devices, pharmacological therapy 

as well as surgery. As evidence of its commitment to a broad base of therapeutic options, the 

Division’s oversight of the physical therapy department for pelvic floor musculature rehabilita- 

tion therapy has led to increased growth. Providers from not only the local area, but also the 

New England region, refer to the division’s pelvic rehabilitation services thus demonstrating an 

increased need for this type of service. 

Fiscal Year 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 

Outpatient surgery 142 172 213 234 285 

Inpatient surgery 207 182 239 261 249 

Urodynamics 975 989 1257 1101 1167 

New patient consults 777 787 1155 1148 1211 

The faculty at the Division keeps current with the use of graft and synthetic materials for re- 

construction, mid urethral retropubic sling tapes and transoburator tapes, mini – slings, ure- 

thral injection materials, placement of sacral stimulators for neuromodulation and minimally 

invasive/ laparoscopic techniques and robotics. Although urinary incontinence comprises the 

preponderance of pelvic floor dysfunction, to a lesser frequency, but equally important, pelvic 

floor dysfunction may involve the lower intestinal tract. Appropriate diagnosis and manage- 

ment of rectal abnormalities are pursued with collaboration of the Women’s Gastroenterology 

service at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island and with Colorectal Surgery services 

at the RI Hospital and Miriam Hospital. Patients with rectal compartment abnormalities are 

studied with ultrasound, anal manometry, and pelvic nerve conduction studies. The increased 

recognition of the utility of pelvic floor MRI to assist in evaluation of complex pelvic floor dis- 

orders has also led to increased demand for this imaging study from the Department of Radiol- 

ogy. The Rhode Island Network for Pelvic Floor Disorders has been established under Women 

& Infants Hospital launched by a successful CME conference held March 2010. The conference 

had both educational sessions for patients and providers, showcasing the interdisciplinary 

pelvic floor network. The RI Network for PFDs enhances providers’ ability to evaluate, diagnose 

and treat women with complex pelvic floor disorders. Regular monthly meetings continue 

amongst the providers for discussion of complex patients. All related disciplines (urogynecol- 

ogy, gastrointestinal, radiology, female urology, physical therapy and colo-rectal) participate in 

the monthly meetings. 

112 


EDUCATION 

The educational activities of the staff of the Division of U&RPS are diverse and deeply involved 

on a number of fronts – the public, medical students, residency training, fellowship and col- 

leagues. 

Teaching to the lay public is supported by participation and efforts of the members of the Divi- 

sion staff and the public relations staff of the hospital. Locally, faculty have presented at Wom- 

en and Infants’ Patient Information sessions, presented to local senior groups, and appeared 

in newspaper articles, and radio and television spots to provide information on pelvic muscle 

disorders. This awareness has led to an increased consciousness in the lay community and 

increased demand for formalized evaluation. 

Education efforts at Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University occur at various levels. 

The Division of Urogynecology faculty teach 2nd year students during the Human Reproduc- 

tion Growth and Development section of the Integrated Medical Sciences Course on campus. 

The faculty and fellows in the Division serve as preceptors for the 3rd year medical students 

during their core clerkship in Ob/ Gyn. As part of the core curriculum in Ob/Gyn the third year 

medical students are taught an appreciation of the differential diagnosis of urinary inconti- 

nence. An elective for fourth year students in pelvic surgery/ urogynecology is offered to the 

students at Brown as well as students from other medical schools. 

Resident training is very much an active part of the teaching portfolio. A series of compre- 

hensive lectures in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery is part of the residency 

core curriculum, given on a recurring two-year cycle. Chief residents (PGY4) rotate through the 

division for 7–8 weeks. During that time they participate in all the activities of the Division, in 

the consultation room, the operating room as well as in the diagnostic laboratory. Here they re- 

ceive hands–on instruction in evaluation, management and longitudinal postoperative follow– 

up. Residents at the PGY-3 level from other Ob/ Gyn programs do electives in urogynecology 

often leading them to pursue and procure fellowship positions. Second year resident rotation 

in the division is 2 ½ days per week with exposure to both office and the operating room. The 

PGY2 and PGY4 residents also participate in the Division’s “fellow’s clinic” one half day per 

month giving them direct patient care responsibilities in diagnosis and management of urogy- 

necologic patients. 

The faculty of the Division of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery run and par- 

ticipate in various “hands–on”/skills workshops. As part of the PGY-1 orientation week- our 

faculty participate in the “surgical skills” lab. During the third year of residency, the faculty and 

fellows under the direction of Dr. Myers, provide a three hour educational session on teaching 

pelvic anatomy using clay models. This novel teaching lab has been shown to be effective and 

fun in learning pelvic anatomy. The faculty and fellows also work under the direction of Diane 

Angelini, PhD, Program in Midwifery, in a “hands on” training session for 3rd and 4th degree 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 113 





episiotomy repair for the incoming 3rd year residents and a refresher session for 4th year 

residents using a beef–tongue model. In the spring, a fresh frozen cadaver workshop, directed 

at repair of urological and intestinal injuries (PGY-3) and an anatomy teaching of the human 

female pelvis is provided (PGY-4) residents. Under the direction of Drs. Hampton and Rardin, 

faculty and fellows serve as preceptors. Dr Rardin participates in the endoscopy lab work- 

shops. Residents each year rate these workshops highly. 

Many other specialties under the direction of Dr Carberry rotate through the Division, gleaning 

experience and exposure to problems of urinary incontinence and pelvic prolapse: residents in 

Women’s Health and fellows in Geriatric Medicine from RI Hospital, Family Medicine and Inter- 

nal Medicine residents from Memorial Hospital. A Fellowship training experience is provided 

for the fellows in the Division of Gastroenterology. 

To support the efforts of the Division in clinical care, teaching and research, a philanthropic 

campaign, the “Grateful Patient” was developed and implemented. 

FELLOWSHIP TRAINING 

In 1998, the fellowship program in Female Pelvic Medicine and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery 

was approved, and recertified in 2002, 2005 and most recently 2010. There are currently 38 cer- 

tified fellowship programs in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery. The 

Division has graduated 10 fellows: 

Peter Rosenblatt, MD (1995) Assistant Professor of Ob/Gyn, Director Division of Urogynecol- 

ogy, Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School Affiliated Hospitals, Cambridge, MA. 

Christine LaSala, MD (1997) Clinical Associate Professor of Ob/Gyn, Director of the Division of 

Urogynecology, Hartford Hospital, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT. 

Lily Arya, MD (2000) Assistant Professor of Ob/Gyn, Director of the Division of Urogynecology 

and the Fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, University of Pennsyl- 

vania, Philadelphia, PA. 

Jeffrey Clemons MD, LTC, MC (2002) Chief, Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, 

Chief, Gynecology Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA. 

Vivian Aguilar, MD (2003) Director, Fellowship in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic 

Surgery, Department of Ob/Gyn, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL. 

Eric Sokol, MD (2005) Assistant Professor of Ob/Gyn, Co–Director of the Division of Urogyne- 

cology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA. 

114 


Vivian W Sung, MD, MPH (2006) Assistant Professor of Ob Gyn, Leader in Research Training, 

Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Brown Medical School, 

Providence, RI. 

Renee Ward, MD (2005–2008), Assistant Professor of Ob/Gyn, Division of Gynecology, Vander- 

bilt University, Nashville TN. 

Elisabeth A. Erekson, MD (2006–2009), Assistant Professor of Ob/Gyn, Yale University, New 

Haven CT. 

Kyle J. Wohlrab, MD (2007-2010), Clinical Assistant Professor of Ob/Gyn, Division of Urogyne- 

cology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Provi- 

dence, RI. 

Blair B. Washington, MD, MHA (2008-2011) will be the Division’s 3rd year fellow in Female 

Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Washington completed her MD and MHA at the 

University of Washington School of Medicine (2002) and then a general surgery internship at 

Howard University (2003). She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The 

Stamford Hospital, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (2008). She has 

been recognized as an effective educator and received the graduate medical education Fellow 

Excellence in Teaching Award in June 2010. Dr. Washington also serves as a preceptor for the 

students in the OB/Gyn core clerkship, preceptor for Gyn morning report, and a preceptor for 

the division’s educational workshops and the department’s endoscopy course. With regard to 

research, Dr. Washington was awarded Best Manuscript at the 2009 meeting of the American 

Urogynecologic Society for her evaluation of the ambulatory costs of female pelvic floor dis- 

orders. She has also published this year on the association between prolapse and defecatory 

dysfunction, the association between obesity and prolapse and the costs of ambulatory care 

related to female pelvic floor disorders in the United States. Dr. Washington’s research inter- 

ests focus on access to health care. 

Peter C Jeppson, MD (2010-2013) will be the Division’s 1st year fellow in Female Pelvic Medi- 

cine & Reconstructive Surgery. Dr Jeppson graduated from Saint Louis University Health 

Sciences Center, Saint Louis, MO in 2006 and completed residency in Ob/Gyn at Case Western 

Reserve University MetroHealth Medical Center/Cleveland Clinic in 2010, where he was se- 

lected to be the chief administrative resident. During residency Dr Jeppson was recognized for 

his teaching efforts – he was awarded the Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Best PGY2 Ob/ 

Gyn Teaching Resident. In 2009 was awarded the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, an award for hu- 

manism and excellence in teaching. He has a long track record of teaching at all levels- he was 

an arithmetic and reading teacher for elementary students, as well as college level chemistry 

teaching assistant and medical student anatomy instructor. Dr Jeppson has traveled on out- 

reach missions to Guatemala. His research interests have been in pelvic pain syndromes and 

robotic outcomes. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 115 





Nicole B. Korbly, MD (2010-2013) will be the Division’s 1st year fellow in Female Pelvic Medi- 

cine & Reconstructive Surgery. Dr Korbly graduated AOA from University of Massachusetts 

Medical School, Worcester MA in 2006. She completed her OB/Gyn residency at Women and 

Infants Hospital (2010). Dr Korbly has a strong interest in research. Prior to medical school, Dr 

Korbly worked as a research coordinator at the Massachusetts General Hospital in the Depart- 

ment of Psychiatry. She also spent a summer (1998) at the NIH as a research coordinator in the 

Department of Child Psychiatry. During residency she served as the resident representative for 

WIH IRB. Her research pursuits in the field of urogynecology have been investigating the effect 

of pelvic floor physical therapy on QOL, sexual function and body image in women with pelvic 

floor disorders. 

RESEARCH/PUBLICATIONS 

The Division continues to make yearly presentations at the AUGS (American Urogynecologic 

Society) scientific meetings since 1997 and at the SGS (Society of Gynecologic Surgeons) 

annual meetings since 2000. The Division’s leader in research, Dr Vivian W Sung MD MPH, 

urogynecologic research coordinator, Ann Meers, RN and research assistant, Felisha Marques, 

all enhance the Divisions’ ability to participate in national multi-centered trials and perform its 

own larger prospective studies. This establishment of research personnel is an investment in 

the future of the Division’s research and reputation. 

Lowenstein L, Gamble T, Sanses T, Van Raalte H, Carberry CL, Jakus S, Kambiss S, McAchran 

S, Pham T, Aschkenazi S, Hoskey K, Kenton K for the Fellows’ Pelvic Research Network. Sexual 

Function is Related to Body Image Perception in Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse. 

J Sex Med 2009 Aug;6(8):2286-91. 

Erekson EA, Weitzen S, Sung VW, Raker C, Myers DL. Socioeconomic indicators and hysterec- 

tomy status in the United States, 2004. J Reprod Med 2009 Sep;54(9):553-8. 

Sung VW, Hampton BS. Epidemiology of pelvic floor dysfunction. Obstet Gynecol Clin North 

Am, 2009;Sep 36(3):421-43. 

Sung VW, Raker CA, Myers DL, Clark MA. Ambulatory related care related to female pelvic 

floor disorders in the United States 1995- 2006. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2009 Nov; 201(5):508. 

PMCID: PMC2784092. 

Sung VW, Joo K, Marques F, Myers DL. Patient-reported outcomes after combined surgery 

for pelvic floor disorders in older compared to younger women. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2009 

Nov;201(5):534. PMCID: PMC2783851. 

Hampton BS, Erekson EA, “Antibiotic prophylaxis for short-term post-operative transurethral 

Foley catheter use in women after sub-urethral sling,” J Pelv Med Surg, Nov/Dec 2009; 

15:427-443. 

116 


Hampton BS, Ward RM, Idrissa A, “Attitudes and expectations of women undergoing vaginal 

fistula repair in Niger,” J Pelv Med Surg, Nov/Dec 2009; 15:441-447. 

Lowenstein L, Gamble T, Sanses T, Van Raalte H, Carberry CL, Jakus S, Pham T, Nguyen A, 

Hoskey K, Kenton K. Changes in Sexual Function after Treatment for Prolapse Are Related to 

Improvement in Body Image Perception. J Sex Med. 2010 Feb;7(2 Pt 2):1023-8. 

Sung VW, Raker C, Myers DL, Clark MA. Treatment decision- making and information -seeking 

preferences in women with pelvic floor disorders. Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. Int 

Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2010 Apr 28. [Epub ahead of print] 

Washington BB, Erekson EA, Kassis NC, Myers DL. The association between obesity and stage 

II or greater prolapse. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2010 May;202(5):503.e1-4. 

Woodfield CA, Krishnamoorthy S, Hampton BS, Brody JM, “Imaging pelvic floor disorders: 

trend towards comprehensive MR imaging,” AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2010 Jun;194(6):1640-9. 

Review. 

Hampton BS, Sung VW. Improving medical student knowledge of female pelvic floor dysfunc- 

tion and anatomy: a randomized trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2010 Jun; 202(6):601.e1-8. 

ACTIVE GRANTS 

K23HD060665-01 (Sung, PI) 6/15/09-6/15/14 

NIH-NICHD 

Patient-reported outcomes in functioning for female pelvic floor disorders 

Role: PI 

Career development award focused on developing and testing a comprehensive question- 

naire for patient functioning in female pelvic floor disorders utilizing traditional and innovative 

survey methods and item response theory psychometrics. The questionnaire framework will 

be guided by the NIH-PROMIS framework and the patient perspective. Provides 75% protected 

time for research and career development. 

American Urogynecologic Society Foundation Grant (Sung, PI) 12/16/08-12/31/10 

Application of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) to 

Female Pelvic Floor Disorders 

Role: PI 

To determine the face and content validity of the National Institutes of Health PROMIS system 

and the feasibility and usability of computerized-adaptive testing for collecting patient-reported 

outcomes in women with urinary incontinence. 

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A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 117 





BRIDGES (Bringing Simple Urge Incontinence Diagnosis and Treatment to Providers) 

(Brown, PI) 

Role: Site PI Myers, Co- PI Sung 

Multi-center study evaluating the effect of fesoterodine to placebo in the treatment of urge 

urinary incontinence. 

Informed Consent Process for Women Undergoing Surgery for Stress Incontinence 

(Rogers, PI) 

Role: Site PI Sung 

Multi-center study evaluating patient knowledge, understanding and recall of the surgical 

informed consent process before and after midurethral sling treatment for stress 

urinary incontinence. 

Foundation for Female Health Awareness 

2009 - present 

SECURiTy; Role: site PI Rardin 

A randomized trial comparing the Tension-Free Vaginal Tape (TVT) procedure with the TVT- 

SECUR for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence. 

AWARDS 

Washington BB, Raker C, Sung VW. Medicare Costs and Private Payer Charges for the Ambu- 

latory Care of Female Pelvic Floor Disorders in 2006. (Oral Presentation) American Urogyne- 

cologic Society 30th Annual Clinical Meeting in Hollywood, FL. September 24th to 26th, 2009. 

Best Manuscript, American Urogynecologic Society Outstanding Science Award. 

Carson SA. “An Update on Female Sexual Response,” Pelvic Floor Disorders Conference, 

Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, March 13, 2010. 

Carson SA. “An Update on Female Sexual Dysfunction,” Grand Rounds, Massachusetts General 

Hospital, Boston MA, May 6, 2010. 

Carson SA. “Take Down the Heat of Hot Flashes,” Sisterhood meeting, Temple Sinai, Cranston 

RI, June 2, 2010. 

118 


EMERGENCY OB/GYN 

Donna M. LaFontaine, MD, Director 

BA: Holy Cross College 

MD: University of Massachusetts 


Dr. Donna Lafontaine is the Director of the Division of Emergency Obstetrics 

and Gynecology and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Warren Alpert School of Medicine 

at Brown University. She came to the Triage Unit in 2003 and her professional goals include 

improving the quality of care as well as the efficiency of care in the OB/GYN Triage Unit. She 

coordinated efforts to start a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program at Women and Infants, 

currently the only hospital in Rhode Island offering these resources to patients. Dr. LaFontaine 

participates in the teaching of medical students and residents and serves as preceptor for 

BioMed 331A (Ob/Gyn core clerkship). Dr. LaFontaine coordinates and directs the experience 

of the visiting residents from the RIH Emergency Medicine Residency and Kent Emergency 

Medicine Residency. 


BS: Florida International University 

MD: Howard University College of Medicine 

Ob/Gyn Residency: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital 

Dr. Alfredo Gil, Clinical Assistant Professor if Obstetrics and Gynecology at War- 

ren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, joined the Division of Emergency Obstetrics 

and Gynecology as a full time attending in March 2010. A member of the Women & Infants 

community faculty since 2004, and a private attending with a local practice, Dr. Gil brings an in- 

terest and expertise in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and treatment of incontinence. 

He also continues as an active member of the Clinic Attending Service. 

Robyn Gray-Puleo, D.O. 

BA: Wheaton College 

MD: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine 

Ob/Gyn Residency: Christiana Care Health System 

Dr. Robyn Gray-Puleo has been a member of the Women & Infants physician staff 

since 2004 as a private attending and participant in the Clinic Attending Service. A Fellow of 

the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, she joined the Division of Emergency Ob- 

stetrics and Gynecology in August 2008. Her expertise is in general obstetrics and gynecology 

with an interest in pediatric and adolescent gynecology. 

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A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 119 

E m e r g e n c y O b / G y n

E m e r g e n c y O b / G y n 

120 

Moune Jabre-Raughley, MD 

BA: Boston University 

MD Boston University 


Dr. Moune Jabre-Raughley graduated from residency in June 2009 and joined the 

staff of the Division of Emergency Obstetrics and Gynecology in July of the same year. Flu- 

ent in Arabic and French, Dr Jabre-Raughley has an interest in global health and international 

medicine. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 

Martha Pizzarello, MD 

BA: Boston College 

MD: Georgetown University School of Medicine 

Ob/Gyn Residency: Tufts-New England Medical Center 

Dr. Martha Pizzarello, Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at 

Warren Alpert Medical School of Medicine at Brown University, serves as an attending physi- 

cian in the Division of Emergency Obstetrics and Gynecology and participates in the Clinic At- 

tending Service. A Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Pizzarello 

comes to Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island from the Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecol- 

ogy Service at Massachusetts General Hospital where she served as an Instructor at Harvard 

Medical School. Her interests and expertise are in general obstetrics, colposcopy and female 

sexual dysfunction. 

Brenda Roy, MD 

BS: Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada 

MD: University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada 

Ob/Gyn Residency: McGill University, Quebec, Canada 

Dr. Brenda Roy joined the Division of Emergency Obstetrics and Gynecology as 

a part time attending physician in September 2008. Trained in Canada, Dr. Roy has an inter- 

est in laparoscopic and robotic surgery, and is also involved in a training program with a local 

private physician to hone her surgical skills. She is appointed as a Clinical Assistant Professor 

of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Warren Alpert Medical School. 

Amy Laura Snyder, MD 

BA: University of Michigan 

MD: University of Connecticut 

Ob/Gyn Residency: University of Connecticut Health Center & Hartford Hospital 

Dr Amy Snyder, a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 

comes to the division of Emergency Obstetrics and Gynecology from a private practice in West 

Hartford, CT. Certified through the American Institute for Ultrasound in Medicine, she is also an 

active participant in the clinic coverage system. 



BA: Brown University 

MD: Brown University 


Dr. Roxanne Vrees came to the Division of Emergency Obstetrics and Gynecology 

as an attending in September 2008 after practicing with a local physician group since complet- 

ing her residency. As a graduate of the Women & Infants residency program, Roxanne brings 

a keen understanding of the day to day activities of the residency and how to best integrate 

teaching into the hectic pace of an emergency room. She is an active participant in the Clinic 

Attending Service and member of the Medical Records Task Force. 

Emily White, MD 

BS: George Washington University 

MD: State University of NY at Brooklyn College of Medicine 

MPH: Columbia University 


Dr. Emily White joined the Division of Emergency Obstetrics and Gynecology 

in October 2009 after working in private practice in New York for two years. A Fellow of the 

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. White returns to Women and Infants 

with an interest in quality improvement and organizational efficiency. As a graduate of the 

residency program here, she brings an in-depth understanding of the role of residents in the 

Emergency/Triage area and will focus on improved efficiency in patient flow and documenta- 

tion. Dr. White is also an active participant in the Clinic Attending Service. 

The Triage unit is the operating unit of the Division of Emergency Obstetrics and Gynecology, 

the only division of this type in the nation. The primary goal is to provide acute care for obstet- 

rical and gynecologic urgent and emergent problems, 24 hours each day, 7 days a week. The 

facilities include 12 exam rooms with capacity to care for obstetric and gynecologic patients. 

The increase in the number of attending physicians has had a major positive impact on the ef- 

ficiency of care provided in the unit and has expanded the teaching opportunities to 24/7. The 

Emergency Ob/Gyn Unit provides teaching rotations in emergency obstetric and gynecologic 

care to residents and fellows from Kent Hospital Emergency Medicine Residency, Rhode Island 

Hospital Emergency Medicine Residency, and Rhode Island Pediatric Medicine Fellowship, as 

well as Brown medical students. Plans are underway to expand patient care space and to im- 

prove patient flow through the unit. 

The Triage unit provides state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment and collaborates with radiol- 

ogy for other needed radiologic procedures. The Triage unit works in collaboration with other 

hospital clinical care units including labor and delivery, antepartum units, operating room, and 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 121 

E m e r g e n c y O b / G y n

E m e r g e n c y O b / G y n 

in-patient gynecology floors. The triage team also facilitates follow-up for patients seen in the 

unit to their primary physicians. 

The Triage unit saw 30,006 in fiscal year 2007; 30,544 in fiscal year 2008; and 28,925 in fiscal 

year 2009. Recent initiatives include the introduction of Sepsis, Stroke, Chest Pain and DKA 

protocols, dedicated attending coverage 24/7, and the implementation of an Automatic Urine 

Reflux plan which has greatly reduced the number of patients returning with worsening uri- 

nary symptoms. 

122 


MISSION 

NURSE MIDWIFERY 

To support the educational goals of Brown University medical students and obstetric residents 

at Women & Infants Hospital (WIH) of Rhode Island regarding basic knowledge and skill acqui- 

sition in both obstetric triage and low–risk intrapartum services. 

To augment the clinical services provided by obstetric residents within the Department of Ob/ 

Gyn by providing timely and expert care within the obstetric service, i.e., labor–delivery, oper- 

ating room, obstetric triage and gestational diabetic clinic. 

To advance the academic preeminence of the Department of Ob/Gyn by participating in 

national and international presentations, as well as publications and research projects 

advancing the specialty of midwifery. 

FACULTY 

Diane J. Angelini, EdD CNM FACNM FAAN, Director 

Clinical Associate Professor 

EdD: Boston University 

CNM: State University of New York at Downstate 

MSN: University of Pittsburgh 

BSN: Fitchburg State College 

Diane served as Director of both the midwifery practice and educational 

programs at LA County–USC for five years as well as the Director of Mid- 

wifery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in her role as Nursing Administrator. She was Interim 

Director for the University of RI Nurse Midwifery Educational Program from 1993–1994. She 

has edited two books and published numerous articles. She is Senior Editor for the Journal of 

Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing and Associate Editor, Journal Watch Women’s Health Journal. 

She is a reviewer for the Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health and served as Educational 

Consultant for the same journal from 1998-2007. She is recertified as a Nurse Executive Ad- 

vanced (NEA-BC). She was elected a Fellow to both the American College of Nurse Midwives 

and the American Academy of Nursing. She has 34 years midwifery experience. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 123 

N u r s e M i d w i f e r y

N u r s e M i d w i f e r y 

124 

Elisabeth D. Howard, PhD, CNM 

Clinical Assistant Professor 

PhD: Vanderbilt University 

CNM: Yale University 

MSN: Yale University 

BA: William Smith College (New York) 

From 1985 to 1988, Liz worked as Information Coordinator, Counselor in Family Planning and 

Director of Family Health Education. From 1991 to 1995, she worked as a Nurse Midwife at 

Parkland Memorial Hospital in Texas, Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Clinic in Texas and Ma- 

ternal Infant Care Project in Tennessee. From 1995 to June 2004, she served as Instructor and 

Midwifery Practice Director at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Liz is a reviewer for the Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health. She serves as the American 

College of Nurse-Midwives’ delegate for the National Quality Forum. Currently, she is special 

guest editor for the Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing’s forthcoming issue on perinatal 

bereavement. She has 19 years midwifery experience. 


Clinical Assistant Professor 

EdD: University of Vermont 

CNM: University of RI 

MS: University or RI 

BS: University of RI; BA: Mohegan Community College 

From 1982 to 1995 Linda worked as an RN in the emergency room, labor and delivery and as a 

staff educator at WIH. Since receiving her master’s degree, she has worked in a private practice 

in New London Connecticut for 7 years and then joined the faculty practice of the University of 

Vermont. From 2002 to 2007, Linda worked in a hospital based nurse-midwifery practice and 

held faculty appointments in the College of Medicine the College of Nursing and Health Sci- 

ences, where she remains an Adjunct Instructor. She is a peer reviewer for both the Journal 

of Midwifery and Women’s Health and the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal 

Nursing. She actively participated in the classroom and clinical education of nursing and medi- 

cal students and has lectured extensively on a variety of women’s health topics. Linda has 15 

years midwifery experience. 

Edie P. McConaughey, MSN, CNM 

Senior Clinical Teaching Associate 

MS: University of RI; CNM: University of RI 

BS: University of RI; BA: University of RI 

Edie worked at Women and Infants’ Hospital, prior to her midwifery experience, 

where she was responsible for nursing staff education for both Labor and Deliv- 

ery and High Risk Antepartum Units. Her midwifery experience includes working in RI for both 

a large HMO OB/Gyn group and a private OB/Gyn practice for a total of seven years. In these 

settings, she was involved with the clinical education of both midwifery and medical students. 

Edie is a peer reviewer for the Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health. She has 15 years 

midwifery experience. 


Janet E. Singer, MSN, CNM 


MSN: Yale University 

CNM: Yale University 

BSN: Columbia University 

BA: Harvard College 

For six years, Janet was a nurse midwife in private midwifery practice in the Greater Boston 

area, where she was involved in the education of midwifery and medical students, as well as 

family practice residents. Janet serves as President of the Board of the Abortion Access Proj- 

ect. She lectures widely on issues surrounding abortion care. She has worked for IPAS on a 

project providing Technical Assistance and Mentoring to hospitals interested in offering outpa- 

tient management of early pregnancy loss and/or abortion to their patients. As Senior Clinical 

Advisor to the Women’s Dignity Project, she has assisted in research on vesico-vaginal fistula 

in women from Tanzania. Janet has been appointed Assistant Core Clerkship Director of Mid- 

wifery Didactics at Women & Infants’ Hospital. Janet is a reviewer for the Journal of Midwifery 

and Women’s Health. She has 19 years midwifery experience. 

Linda Steinhardt, MS, CNM, FNP–C 


Post Master’s Certificate in Teaching. University of Pennsylvania 

MS: Pace University 

CNM: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey 

FNP–C: Pace University; BA: Bard College 

Linda was a Family Nurse Practitioner for nine years at St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital and in the 

Student Health Services at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. In 1991, she continued 

her education as a CNM. She has worked as a CNM at St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital and the 

Bronx Municipal Hospital Center in New York City, and as faculty at UMDNJ/St. Mary Hospital 

Center Family Practice Residency program in New Jersey. For the three years prior to coming 

to Brown, Linda was in private practice as a CNM affiliated with St. Vincent’s Medical Center 

in NYC. Linda coordinates the midwifery gestational diabetic (GDM) clinic. She has 20 years 

midwifery experience. 

Sylvia Ross, MSN, CNM 

MSN: University of Pennsylvania 

CNM: University of Pennsylvania 

BSN: University of New Hampshire 

Sylvia worked in the Midwifery section at WIH from 1993 to 1996 and then again 

recently joined the group in March of 2010. Currently, Sylvia is a PhD student at 

the University of Rhode Island. Her interest is in interprofessional clinical education. Since re- 

ceiving her midwifery degree, Sylvia has been in private OB/GYN practice in Rhode Island and 

is currently on the faculty at Rhode Island College School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. 

Sylvia has 16 years midwifery experience. 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 125 



CLINICAL ACTIVITIES 

Inpatient Service: Labor and Delivery 

Midwifery faculty provide clinical management, consultation and teaching in labor and deliv- 

ery Monday through Friday. Consultation and supervision are provided for medical students 

and obstetric residents in the clinic management of labor and delivery on the low risk obstetric 

service. Midwifery faculty provide direct clinical services to women by sharing in the care of all 

women presenting in labor on the low–risk obstetric service. 

Inpatient Service: OR 1st Assist — C-Sections 

Two midwifery faculty are credentialed to function as first-assistants in the operating room for 

C-Sections. This expanded midwifery role provides for part time 1st assist coverage during 

the week (for assistance with primary and repeat cesarean sections). Two 4 hour sessions are 

covered weekly by midwives for 1st assist. 

Inpatient Service: Postpartum Rounds 

Starting in May 2010, midwifery faculty are now the attending provider, rounding on all clinic 

patients in the low-risk obstetric service, Monday – Friday. 

Ambulatory Service: Obstetric Triage 

Midwifery faculty staff the obstetric triage unit, caring for women who primarily present with 

obstetric complaints. They provide direct clinical care to pregnant women and provide clinical 

teaching to obstetric interns and Rhode Island Hospital (RIH) Emergency Room residents. They 

assist PGY–1 residents in the acquisition of various skills including: use of the microscope, 

sterile speculum and vaginal exams, fetal assessment, limited sonography (including amniotic 

fluid index, biophysical profile, biometry), Leopold’s maneuvers, and evaluation of women 

with preterm labor, bleeding, pre–eclampsia, post–term pregnancy, bleeding and intrauterine 

growth restriction as well as other obstetric complaints. 

Ambulatory Service: Gestational Diabetic (GDM) Clinic 

Every Tuesday afternoon, GDM clinic is staffed by one midwifery faculty member with Mater- 

nal Fetal Medicine (MFM) consultation available. This clinic is a referral clinic for antepartum 

GDM patients from Women & Infants Hospital and from Providence Health Centers. Midwives 

work collaboratively with MFM in this setting. 

MIDWIFERY PRODUCTIVITY STATISTICS 

126 

FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010 

Births 334 334 265 

OB Triage Visits 3334 3359 2162 

1st Assist C-Sections 28 15 42 

Gestational Diabetic Clinic Visits 417 428 318 

*Inpatient Postpartum Visits — — 507 

*Initiated May 2010 

(completed thru June 2010) 


TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES 

Medical Students 

The midwifery faculty assist in core clinical education for third year medical students from 

Brown Medical School. These students perform history and physical exams, and participate in 

labor and birth experiences under the guidance of the midwifery faculty. Simulations for episi- 

otomy and laceration repair, mechanisms of labor and hand maneuvers for delivery to enhance 

skill acquisition are practiced while on the labor unit. This is in preparation for actual experi- 

ences with patients as well as to prepare for the OSCE skill stations at the end of the rotation 

in which the midwives participate as proctors. Six hours of lecture time are provided by the 

CNMs during the six–week rotation. Midwives are responsible for approximately 3–5 medical 

students per week on labor and delivery. 

OB/GYN Residents 

During the eight weeks the PGY-1 residents are on the low risk OB service, midwifery faculty 

assist them with labor management, birth experiences, procedural skills, use of local and 

pudendal anesthesia, episiotomy and laceration repair and verify accuracy of vaginal examina- 

tions. At the completion of approximately 30 births, each PGY-1 resident is assessed for com- 

petency with: hand maneuvers for delivery, episiotomy/laceration and repair and accuracy of 

vaginal examinations. They are assessed for competency with basic ultrasound skills as well as 

with selected clinical scenarios in the triage setting. Numerous educational workshops are held 

yearly for residents by the midwifery faculty. 

Midwifery faculty serve as primary consultants for the PGY-2 experiences during their labor 

and delivery rotation. Expanded suturing and clinical decision making skills are emphasized, 

along with a specific reading list. 

MIDWIFERY / RESIDENT WORKSHOPS 

PGY–1 Workshop 

The PGY-1 Resident Orientation is a full day program given to all PGY-1 interns at the begin- 

ning of residency. The content consists of intrapartum seminars and skill sessions addressing 

clinical dexterity and beginning level clinical management of pregnant women in labor and 

delivery. The skill and simulation sessions include: abdominal assessment, vaginal exams, rup- 

ture of membranes, prolapsed cord, use of fetal scalp electrode, intrauterine pressure catheter, 

amnioinfusion, electronic fetal monitoring, local anesthesia, cutting and repair of episiotomy/ 

lacerations, hand maneuvers for birth (including management of nuchal cord, meconium and 

shoulder dystocia), third stage management and postpartum hemorrhage. 

PGY–2 Advanced Skills Workshop 

An advanced clinical skills workshop for the PGY-2 residents is conducted each year. This 

advanced skills workshop covers a case based approach to fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 127 



and advanced interpretation of FHR strips, as well as clinical management of non–reassuring 

FHR tracings. The workshop also covers shoulder dystocia, postpartum hemorrhage, alterna- 

tive birthing positions, and principles of effective clinical teaching in the birth setting. Clinically, 

midwives are available on labor and delivery to review labor management and clinical deci- 

sion–making with PGY-2 residents. 

PGY–3 Workshop 

This advanced skills workshop is a collaborative effort between Midwifery and the Uro–Gyn Di- 

vision under Dr. Deb Myers. A clinical simulation lab is set up to demonstrate repair of medio- 

lateral episiotomy, as well as 3rd and 4th degree laceration repair. Didactic material on perineal 

anatomy and physiology is provided. 

PGY-4 Workshop for New Leaders 

This is a 2½ hour workshop focusing on leadership skills for chief residents. This workshop is 

guided by the SynecticsTM process of using creative problem solving techniques. Leadership 

scenarios are included in the workshop to role play leadership issues commonly encountered 

by chief residents in their leadership role. Follow-up on leadership aspects are reviewed with 

all new obstetric chief residents during their senior rotation as low-risk OB chief. 

RIH – ER Resident Workshop 

In collaboration with the RIH Emergency Department, the midwives have continued to develop 

and coordinate educational training experiences for the ED residents’ in managing selected 

obstetric emergencies. This year, the midwifery faculty will be providing a didactic 

and practicum training session for the ED interns focusing on pelvic exam techniques and 

specimen collection for selected obstetric and gynecology clinical scenarios. Using standard- 

ized patients, this session will also help prepare the ED interns for their upcoming clinical rota- 

tions at WIH. 

RESIDENT MENTORING PROGRAM 

PGY-1 Mentoring Program 

Each June, midwifery faculty assume the role of mentors for the incoming PGY-1 residents. 

Each new resident is assigned a midwife faculty person during the first year. The faculty meets 

with him/her on a regular basis tracking clinical experiences and adjustments to the resident 

role, especially while rotating on the low–risk obstetric service. Obstetric noon conferences for 

interns are coordinated through the midwifery faculty preceptor who assumes responsibility 

for assisting interns with noon conference planning and presentation skills. 

128 


EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES 

Midwives are actively involved in multiple educational activities with medical student and resi- 

dent education. These include the following: 

Diane J. Angelini: 

Resident Core Curriculum Lecture: “Management of Shoulder Dystocia” 

Core Clerkship Lecture: “Intrapartum I and II” 

Coordinator: PGY–3 Workshop 

Participating Workshop Faculty: PGY–1, PGY–3 

Elisabeth D. Howard: 

Resident Core Curriculum Lecture: “First Stage Labor Management” 


Core Clerkship Lecture: “Electronic Fetal Monitoring: The Basics” 


Participating Workshop Faculty: PGY–1, PGY–2, RIH ED Resident Workshop 

Linda A. Hunter: 

Resident Core Curriculum Lecture: “Analgesia and Anesthesia in Labor.” 

Core Clerkship Lecture “Intrapartum I and II” 

Core Clerkship Lecture “Electronic Fetal Monitoring: Basics” 

Coordinator: RIH ED Resident Workshop 

Participating Workshop Faculty: PGY-1, PGY-2, RIH ED Resident Workshop 

Credentialed 1st Assist C-Sections 

Edie McConaughey: 

Resident Core Curriculum Lecture: “Third Stage Labor” and “Complex Fetal Monitoring Cases” 


Core Clerkship Lecture “Electronic Fetal Monitoring: The Basics” 

Midwifery Faculty, Gestational Diabetic Clinic – with MFM Division 


Participating Workshop Faculty: PGY–1, Workshop for New Leaders 

Credentialed 1st Assist C-Sections 

Janet E. Singer: 

Resident Core Curriculum Lecture: “Surviving a Malpractice Trial” 

Core Clerkship Lecture: “Termination of Pregnancy” 


Participating Workshop Faculty: PGY–1, PGY–2, Workshop for New Leaders 

(continued) 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 129 



Linda A. Steinhardt: 

Resident Core Curriculum Lecture: “Second Stage Labor” 


Midwifery Faculty Coordinator, Gestational Diabetic Clinic – Tuesday PM with MFM Division 

Coordinator: Workshop for New Leaders 

Participating Workshop Faculty: PGY–1, Workshop for New Leaders 

Sylvia P. Ross: 


Participating Workshop Faculty: PGY-1 

130 

HONORS/AWARDS 

Angelini: Guest Editor, Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health, 2009 

Hunter: Reappointed Peer Reviewer, Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health, 2009 

Singer: Appointed to Senior Clinical Teaching Associate, 2009 

McConaughey: Nurse Faculty of the Year Award, 2010 

Howard: Nurse Faculty of the Year Award, 2010 

NATIONAL PRESENTATIONS 

Hunter L. Invited Speaker, “Women’s Health Care within an Inclusive Gender Model” 

“Reducing Inappropriate Inductions of Labor” American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM) 

55 th Annual Meeting Washington, DC, June 2010. 

Ross S. Invited Speaker “Paving the Path: Midwives Teaching Nursing at the Baccalaureate 

Level” American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM) 55th Annual Meeting, Washington, DC, 

June 2010. 

Singer J. Invited Speaker “Caring for Families with Fetal and Neonatal Loss” and 

“Bleeding in Pregnancy” Massachusetts Nursing Association, Lawrence, MA , May 2010. 

Angelini D. Invited Speaker “Safety Parameters in OB Triage”, “Triage Case Studies”, 

“Delivery Complications” 27 th Annual Obstetric Nursing Conference, Las Vegas, NV, April 2010. 

Howard, E. Invited Speaker “Preconceptual Counseling and “Management of Perinatal 

Depression and Substance Abuse and Depression” St. Thomas Hospital Risk Management 

Conference, Nashville, TN - 2009. 


LOCAL PRESENTATIONS 

Steinhardt L, McConaughey E, Hunter L. Invited Speakers “Developing a Workshop for New 

Leaders” Breakout Session, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University Clinical Faculty 

Workshop, Women and Infants’ Hospital, April 2010. 

INTERNATIONAL PRESENTATIONS 

McConaughey E. Invited Speaker “Midwives as Educators of Medical Students and Residents: 

Results of a National Survey” 29 th Annual International Nursing and Midwifery Research 

Conference, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland, February 2010. 

PUBLICATIONS 

McConaughey E, Howard E. Nurse Midwifery and Medical Education: Results of a National 

Survey. Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health. 2009; 54: 268-274. 

Hunter L, Angelini D, Singer J. Levonorgestrel Emergency Contraception: An Update for 

Providers. Sexuality, Reproduction and Menopause. 2009; 7 (4): Available from 

http://www.srm-ejournal.com/article.asp?AID=8002. 

Angelini D. A National Survey of the Midwifery Directors Role in Academic Midwifery 

Practice Involved in Medical Education in the US. Journal of Midwifery and Women’s 

Health. 2009; 54 (4): 275-281. 

Angelini D, Stevens E, MacDonald A, Wiener S, Wieczorek B. Obstetric Triage: Models and 

Trends in Resident Education by Midwives. Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health. 

2009; 54 (4): 294-300. 

OTHER 

Howard E, McConaughey E. “Midwives as Educators of Medical Students and Residents: 

Results of a National Survey.” 2009. ReachMD – Podcast Interview. The Channel for 

Medical Professionals. Available: http://reachmd.com. 

Howard E. “Midwives in Medicine”. Providence Business News. 2010. 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 131 


G r a n d R o u n d s 

132 

WOMEN & INFANTS HOSPITAL OF RHODE ISLAND 

OB/GYN GRAND ROUNDS SCHEDULE 2009-2010 

July 2009 

9 Peter Rosenblatt, MD 

Current and Future Treatments for Fecal Incontinence 

16 Brenna Anderson, MD 

Hot Topics in Reproductive Infectious Disease 

30 Stephan Krotz, MD 

Ovarian Aging and Fertility 

August 2009 

13 Nicole Korbly, MD 

Cesarean Scar Pregnancy 


Alcohol Use and Abuse in Pregnancy 

27 Kyle Wohlrab, MD 

Complications in Urogynecologic Surgery 

September 2009 

3 Eve Espey, MD 

Strike While the Iron is Hot: Postpartum and Postabortal Contraception 

10 Stephan Rubin, MD 

Hereditary Ovarian Cancer: Molecular Genetics and Clinical Implications 

17 Donna LaFontaine, MD 

Some Observations on the Practice of Obstetrics/Gynecology in Kosovo 

October 2009 

1 Colleen Pelletier 

Surgical Consent 

8 Stephen Bogdewic, PhD 

Organizational Culture: The Key to Success 

15 Roxanne Gardner, MD 

Forming Your Hands for Practice: 

The Role of Simulation in Obstetrics and Gynecology 

November 2009 

5 Brenna Anderson, MD 

Update on Pandemic Influenza 

Aine Clements, MD 

Updates in Ovarian Torsion 

12 Nils Bergman, MD 

Perinatal Neuroscience and Skin-to-Skin Contact” 


December 2009 

3 Julie Johnson, MD 

Thrombophilia and Pregnancy 

January 2010 

7 Raymond Powrie, MD 

Medical Causes of Maternal Mortality and What to do About Them 

14 Agatha Critchfield, MD 

Pitocin Protocols 


Bariatric Surgery: Impact on Fertility, Contraception and Pregnancy 

28 Brenna Anderson, James A. O’Brien, MD, Raymond Powrie, MD 

New Protocols for Postpartum Hemorrhage; New Protocols for Anticoagulation 

February 2010 

4 Peter Klatsky, MD 

Uterine Fibroids and Reproductive Outcomes: From Implantation to Delivery 

March 2010 

4 Katharine Wenstrom, MD 

The Fetal Origins of Adult Disease – Why Obstetrics is the Most Important Specialty 

11 Gary Frishman, MD 

Hysteroscopy from the Office to the Operating Room 

25 Beth Cronin, MD and Laura Richio, MD 

Robotics in Gynecologic Surgery: A Debate 

April 2010 

1 Gregory Dubel, MD 

Uterine Artery Embolization for Symptomatic Fibroids: Where Do We Stand in 2010? 

8 John Buster, MD 

Two Million Babies, 30 Years…What is Next in Reproductive Medicine? 

May 2010 

6 Lori Boardman, MD 

Contemporary Management of the Pap Test: Navigating Practice Guidelines 

20 Charles Rardin, MD 

Update in Minimally-Invasive Urogynecology 

27 Susan Cu-Uvin, MD 

Brown and the World: Engaging HIV-Infected Women 

June 2010 

3 Ashley Stuckey, MD 

Breast Cancer Screening 

10 Jo Shapiro, MD 

Apology and Disclosure 

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 133 

G r a n d R o u n d s

Annual Report - Brown University

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