To best view our newsletter in your preferred email client, click introductory message to "download images" or configure "enable automatic image display" in your settings to load imagery. Pdf archive available here.
View in browser
|
|
|
|
|
In this issue
» Letter from the Chair
» Awards & Recognitions
» Funding News
» Publications & Newsbytes
» Clinical Innovations
» Laboratory Spotlight
» Culture & Justice
» At Your Cervix
» New OBGRS Interns
» New Staff Hires
» Recent Events
» Save-the-Date
» Job Postings
|
|
|
|
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to the spring edition of the Fimbria!
The Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences continues to advance its mission across clinical care, research, education, and community partnership, driven by a shared commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of women and families.
In this issue, we highlight several examples of the innovation and excellence shaping our department. Our Clinical Innovations feature spotlights the UC San Diego Menopause Health Program, which has become a longstanding leader in evidence based midlife care through its continued expansion of access, education, and specialized support for women across our region. This program was both founded and is led by its Director, Dr. Kathryn Macaulay, an academic specialist in obstetrics and gynecology. In Research Spotlight, we feature the work of Dr. Kathleen Fisch and her laboratory, whose interdisciplinary efforts in computational genomics are advancing our understanding of pregnancy related disorders and helping to shape the future of precision maternal fetal medicine.
We also highlight the meaningful work of our Culture & Justice initiatives, which remain central to how we care for patients, support our workforce, and engage with the broader community. From trauma informed care training to longstanding community partnerships and health equity programming, these efforts reflect our continued commitment to fostering respectful, inclusive, and equitable care environments.
This issue also celebrates the people who contribute to the strength of our department, both welcoming our newest interns and team members and recognizing faculty, trainees, and staff who represented OBGRS at national scientific and professional meetings. Whether through research presentations, educational leadership, clinical innovation, or community engagement, our department continues to contribute meaningfully to conversations shaping the future of women’s health.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our shared mission and for the many ways you contribute to the strength and success of this department.
|
|
|
Visit our website for more information on our divisions, clinical programs, novel research, and varied educational offerings. Please enjoy this issue, and email us with any feedback to Fimbria@ucsd.edu.
Thank you!
|
Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, MD, MS
Samuel SC Yen Endowed Chair
Department Chair, Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences
Professor, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology
|
| |
|
|
Clinical Affairs: Cecile Ferrando, MD, MPH
Culture & Justice: Audra Meadows, MD, MPH
Education: Gladys (Sandy) Ramos, MD
Research (Interim): Pamela Mellon, PhD
Translational Research: Marianna Alperin, MD, MS
|
|
|
| Complex Family Planning: Sheila Mody, MD, MPH
Gynecologic Oncology: Michael McHale, MD
Hospitalist: Gina Frugoni, MD
Maternal-Fetal Medicine (Interim): Maryam Tarsa, MD, MAS
Academic Specialists in Obstetrics & Gynecology: Jessica Kingston, MD
Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility: Antoni Duleba, MD
Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery: Emily Lukacz, MD, MAS
Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery : Shira Varon, MD
|
|
|
|
Administrative Vice Chair: Michael Morales
Interim Communications Team: Evalina Monreal & Chelsea Saelee
Contact us at: Fimbria@ucsd.edu
|
|
|
|
Honoring Departmental & Individual Achievements |
|
|
L-R: Dr. Sandy Ramos (Vice Chair of Education), Dr. Cynthia Gyamfi (Department Chair), Dr. Kina Thackray (Associate Director, Center for OBGRS Research Innovation), Dr. Pam Mellon (Vice Chair of Research)
|
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Kina Thackray on receiving the OBGRS Department Pam Mellon Mentorship Award in recognition of her longstanding commitment to mentorship, professional guidance, and dedication to developing future leaders. Through her role as a trusted advisor, advocate, coach, and role model, Dr. Thackray has consistently supported the growth and advancement of colleagues and trainees while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that champions diversity, opportunity, and professional success.
|
|
|
|
Congratulations to recent awardees on funding for impactful research and scientific discovery |
|
|
Recent Publications of Outstanding Work by OBGYN & RS Members |
|
|
Luis D. Pacheco, Steven J. Weiner, George R. Saade, Rebecca G. Clifton, Samuel Parry, John M. Thorp Jr., Monica Longo, Ashley Salazar, Alan T.N. Tita, Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, Suneet P. Chauhan, Torri D. Metz, Kara Rood, Dwight J. Rouse, Jennifer L. Bailit, William A. Grobman, Hyagriv N. Simhan, George A. Macones
Blood Product Use for Hemorrhage during Cesarean Delivery | American Journal of Perinatology • MAY 2026
|
Brenna L Hughes, Cora MacPherson, Dwight J Rouse, George R Saade, Mara J Dinsmoor, Uma M Reddy, Robert Pass, Donna Allard, Gail Mallett, Rebecca G Clifton, Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, Michael W Varner, William H Goodnight, Alan T N Tita, Maged M Costantine, Geeta K Swamy, Kent D Heyborne, Edward K Chien, Suneet P Chauhan, Yasser Y El-Sayed, Brian M Casey, Samuel Parry, Hyagriv N Simhan, Peter G Napolitano, George A Macones
Maternal Cytomegalovirus Serology Results by Geographic Region in a Large Multicenter US Study | The Journal of Infectious Diseases • APRIL 2026
|
Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, Rebecca G. Clifton, Robert A. Wise, Alan T.N. Tita, Jessica A. de Voest, Sharon A. McGrath-Morrow, Elizabeth C. Matsui, Sean C. Blackwell, Monica Longo, Sabine Z. Bousleiman, Felecia Ortiz, Sankaran Krishnan, Dwight J. Rouse, Torri D. Metz, George R. Saade, Maged M. Costantine, Kent D. Heyborne, John M. Thorp Jr., Kelly S. Gibson, Geeta K. Swamy, William A. Grobman, Yasser Y. El-Sayed, George A.
Childhood pulmonary outcomes after late preterm antenatal corticosteroids | Obstetrics & Gynecology • MARCH 2026
|
Antonio F Saad, Paula L McGee, Samuel Parry, John M Thorp Jr, Monica Longo, Alan T N Tita, Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, Suneet P Chauhan, Torri D Metz, Kara Rood, Dwight J Rouse, Jennifer L Bailit, William A Grobman, Hyagriv N Simhan
Predictors of Infection after Cesarean Delivery | American Journal of Perinatology • MARCH 2026
|
Jennifer M Warmingham, Andréane Lavallée, Marissa Lanoff, Jenna Russo, Ginger Atwood, Jill Owen, Charlee Manigat, Cristina R Fernández, Paul Curtin, Judy Austin, Ashley N Battarbee, Ann Bruno, Fatimah S Dawood, Sharon Ettinger, Kimberley Gani, Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, Maha Hussain, Margaret Kyle, Seonjoo Lee, Panagiotis Maniatis, Rachel Marsh, Tyler Morrill, Mirella Mourad, Gabriella Newes-Adeyi, Lawrence Reichle, Vera Semenova, Wendy Silver, Alan T Tita, Michael Varner, Kristina Wielgosz, Melissa S Stockwell, Catherine Monk, Dani Dumitriu
Labour and delivery characteristics, maternal birth satisfaction and early relational health among COVID-19 pandemic-born children | Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology • MARCH 2026
|
Samuel Parry, Steven J Weiner, George R Saade, Rebecca G Clifton, John M Thorp Jr, Monica Longo, Ashley Salazar, Wendy Dalton, Alan T N Tita, Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, Suneet P Chauhan, Torri D Metz, Kara Rood, Dwight J Rouse, Jennifer L Bailit, William A Grobman, Hyagriv N Simhan, George A Macones, Luis D Pacheco
A model to predict red blood cell transfusion during/after cesarean delivery | Pregnancy • FEBRUARY 2026
|
Daniella Rogerson, Marni Jacobs, Minhazur Sarker, Kim Boggess, Ashley N Battarbee, Jerrie Refuerzo, Noelia Zork, Gayle Olson, Celeste Durnwald, Kjersti Aagaard, Kedra Wallace, Christina Scifres, Todd Rosen, Sherri Longo, Gladys A Ramos
Association between Neonatal Hypoglycemia and 30-Day Breastfeeding Outcomes among Gravidas with Type 2 Diabetes | American Journal of Perinatology • MARCH 2026
|
Peter C. Jeppson, Jesse Nodora, Heidi Rishel Brakey, Florencia Gonzalez, Tatiana Sanses, Emily S. Lukacz, Holly E. Richter, Sarah E.S. Jeney, Celeste Crenshaw, Mary Zaremba, Vivian W. Sungs
Community Engagement Methods for an Urgency Urinary Incontinence Trial | Urogynecology • MAY 2026
|
Melanie R. Meister, Colleen M. Fitzgerald, Kimberly A. Kenton, Lisa K. Low, Emily S. Lukacz, Gerald McGwin, Alayne D. Markland, Diane K. Newman, Sara M. Putnam, Siobhan Sutcliffe, Jerry L. Lowder
Pelvic Floor Myofascial Pain With Palpation and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms | Urogynecology • APRIL 2026
|
Maxwell B. Moore, Kyle Okamuro, Catherine Bresee, Ramy Eskander, Geneen T. Gin, Tamara Grisales, Anthony Galvez, Kimberly Gregory, Jejo Koola, Emily S. Lukacz, Allison M. Mays, Teryl K. Nuckols, Chaztyn Pangelina, Joshua Pevnick, David B. Reuben, Jennifer Singer, Ming Tai-Seale, Annie Wang, Neil Wenger, Shirley Wu, Tajnoos Yazdany, Xi Zhu, Jennifer T. Anger
Optimizing Primary Care Tools for Incontinence Management (OPTIMA): protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial | Trials • MARCH 2026
|
Helena Mannochio-Russo, Patrick C. Ferreira, Kine Eide Kvitne, Abubaker Patan, Victoria Deleray, Julius Agongo, Harsha Gouda, Wilhan D. Gonçalves Nunes, Shipei Xing, Jasmine Zemlin, Martijn van Faassen, Erin R. Reilly, Imhoi Koo, Andrew D. Patterson, Shirley M. Tsunoda, Mingxun Wang, Dionicio Siegel, Lindsey A. Burnett, Pieter C. Dorrestein
Pan-Metabolomics Repository Mapping of the Carnitine Landscape | bioRxiv (preprint) • MARCH 2026
|
Shipei Xing, Abubaker Patan, Julius Agongo, Harsha Gouda, Vincent Charron-Lamoureux, Yasin El Abiead, Zhewen Hu, Haoqi Nina Zhao, Ipsita Mohanty, Jasmine Zemlin, Wilhan Donizete Gonçalves Nunes, Lindsey A. Burnett, Mingxun Wang, Dionicio Siegel, Pieter C. Dorrestein
Navigating the conjugated metabolome | bioRxiv (preprint) • FEBRUARY 2026
|
Lori M. Gawron, Andrea H. Roe, Anita L. Nelson, Caitlin Bernard, Paula M. Castaño, Carrie Cwiak, Mary Jo Schreifels, Kevin Peters, Kelly R. Culwell, Elizabeth Gray, David K. Turok
Five-Year Phase 3 Efficacy and Safety Outcomes With a Low-Dose Copper Intrauterine Device | Obstetrics & Gynecology • MAY 2026
|
Yasin El Abiead, Jeong In Seo, Vincent Charron-Lamoureux, Michael Strobel, Wilhan Donizete Gonçalves Nunes, Haoqi Nina Zhao, Kine Eide Kvitne, Simone Zuffa, Helena Mannochio-Russo, Harsha Gouda, Cristina Bez, Abubaker Patan, Shipei Xing, Jasmine Zemlin, Ipsita Mohany, Julius Agongo, Andres Mauricio Caraballo Rodriguez, Lindsey A. Burnett, Victoria Deleray, Abzer K. Pakkir Shah, Jarmo-Charles Kalinski, Daniel Petras, Nikiforos Alygizakis, Jeremy Carver, Pieter C. Dorrestein
Structure-centric searching enables global mapping of the public metabolome | Nature Biotechnology • APRIL 2026
|
Wending Li, Christina M Eckhardt, Vrinda Kalia, Louise C Laurent, Kasey Brennan, Wenpin Hou, Yu Yuan, Pinpin Long, Huan Guo, Joel D Schwartz, Tangchun Wu, Andrea A Baccarelli, Haotian Wu
Circulating extracellular microRNAs as tissue-specific biomarkers of human health and disease | Nature Communications • APRIL 2026
|
Ana E. Rodríguez-Soto, Christopher Conlin, Jingjing Zuo, Sheida Ebrahimi, Alexandra Besser, Stephan Jordan, Alexandra Schlein, Elin Lundström, Joshua Kuperman, Anders Dale, Tyler Seibert, Michael Hahn, Cynthia S. Santillan, Christopher R. Weil, Gaiane M. Rauch, Jyoti Mayadev, Michael McHale, Rebecca Rakow-Penner
Development and evaluation of a cervical cancer-specific restriction spectrum imaging (RSI) model | Magnetic Resonance Imaging • APRIL 2026
|
Virginia Chu Cheung, Jennifer Jaimez, Carly DaCosta, Harneet Arora, Christine Caron, Jaroslav Slamecka, Manuel Fierro, Morgan Meads, Kathleen Fisch, Robert E. Morey, Luisjesus S. Cruz, Devika Pant, Dan S. Kaufman, Mariko Horii, Jack D. Bui, Mana M. Parast
Derivation of functional early gestation decidual natural killer cell subtypes from induced pluripotent stem cells | Stem Cells • APRIL 2026
|
Brooke M. Van Loh, Geneva A. Dunn, Lauren E. Chun, Meera M. Patel, Nay Chi P. Naing, Duong Nguyen, Alexandra M. Yaw, Michael R. Gorman, Jessica Cassin, Pamela L. Mellon, Hanne M. Hoffmann, Karen J. Tonsfeldt
The Transcription Factors Six3 and Six6 in Neuromedin-S Neurons Differentially Affect Circadian Rhythms | Journal of Neuroscience Research • APRIL 2026
|
Young Kwang Chae, Megan Othus, Sandip P. Patel, Floortje J. Backes, David M. O’Malley, Mihaela Cristea, Aung Naing, Katherine Kurnit, Ramez N. Eskander, Scott T. Goodrich, William R. Robinson, Jennifer Scalici, John Chan, Hussein Ali-Ahmad, John Hays, Colleen McCormick, Edward J. Kim, Thanasak Subbiah, Amina Ahmed, Jean Siedel, Jessica Thomes Pepin, Justin Neal Bottsford-Miller, Seth Olusegun Fagbem, Anthony John Jaslowski, Hye Sung Kim, Liam Il-Young Chung, Carolyn Moloney-Linén, Christine M. McLeod, Helen X. Chen, Ilad Sharon, Howard Streicher, Christopher W. Ryan, Charles D. Blanke, Razelle Kurzrock
DART/SWOG/NCI phase II anti-CTLA-4/PD-1 trial: clear cell carcinomas of ovary, endometrium, cervix | Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer • FEBRUARY 2026
|
Xiao Lei Chen, Kevin M. Tharp, Marjaana Ojalill, Duygu Ozmadenci, Antonia Boyer, Terrance J. Haanen III, Christine Lawson, Hyojae J. Lee, Marvin Xia, Elise Tahon, Yichi Zhang, Cray Minor, Safir Ullah Khan, Colin C. Anderson, Travis Nemkov, Michael Rose, Monica V. Estrada, Alfredo A. Molinolo, Elias Warren, Patrick Penalosa, Ramez N. Eskander, Michael T. McHale, Shizhen E. Wang, Denise C. Connolly, Kathleen M. Fisch, Dwayne G. Stupack, David D. Schlaepfer
FAK inhibition in ovarian cancer releases omega-3 fatty acids to program CXCL13-producing anti-tumor resident peritoneal macrophages | Cell Reports • MARCH 2026
|
Jennifer Chin, Monika Sarkar, Amalia S. Magaret, Chialing Hsu, Natalie West, Patricia Walker, Elinor Langfelder-Schwind, Jennifer L. Taylor-Cousar, Sigrid Ladores-Barrett, Denis Hadjiliadis, Andrea H. Roe, Ahmet Uluer, Sheila Mody, Raksha Jain, Leigh Ann Bray Dayton, Emily M. Godfrey
Liver cirrhosis among females with cystic fibrosis using hormonal contraception | Contraception • MARCH 2026
|
|
|
Recent News Featuring Department of OBGYN & RS |
|
|
OBGYN & RS State-of-the-Art Programs Advance Patient Care |
|
|
Leading the Future of Menopause Care: UCSD’s Comprehensive Approach to Midlife Health
|
|
|
|
UCSD Menopause Health Program: Advancing Evidence-Based Care for Midlife Women
Menopause is a universal transition affecting half the world's population, but significant gaps persist in clinical knowledge, provider training, and access to evidence-based care. Menopause symptoms can profoundly diminish quality of life, undermine workplace productivity, and carry serious long-term health consequences, yet many patients find that their clinicians are ill-equipped to help. To bridge this divide, Dr. Kathryn Macaulay founded the UCSD Menopause Health Program in 2004, building a center dedicated to comprehensive, evidence-based care that prioritizes patient and provider education, shared decision-making, and individualized treatments.
|
|
|
|
Clinical Innovation and Program Development
Dr. Macaulay first started the Menopause Health Program to address the unmet needs of menopausal women in the wake of the 2002 publication of the Women’s Health Initiative Hormone Treatment (WHI HT) trials. After the WHI study publication, the message that menopausal HT was unsafe spread widely – provider willingness to prescribe HT declined as did education of students and medical residents, resulting in a generation of healthcare providers unequipped to help their menopausal patients.
In establishing the Menopause Program, Dr. Macaulay provided the opportunity for menopausal women to obtain multidisciplinary care that integrated the latest scientific evidence with personalized patient care. The program now offers comprehensive evaluation and management of menopausal symptoms, including hormone therapy counseling and non-hormonal treatment options, risk assessment for cardiovascular disease and breast cancer, and bone health optimization. In taking a holistic approach, our providers assess the impact of menopausal hormone changes on multiple aspects of women’s health including metabolic changes, sleep, mental health, and musculoskeletal health. The program utilizes structured protocols for individualized risk assessment, incorporating personal and family history, genetic factors and patient preferences to guide treatment recommendations. This patient-centered approach ensures that each woman receives evidence-based care tailored to her unique circumstances, moving beyond one-size-fits-all approaches to menopause management.
To extend reach and improve access, the program has incorporated telehealth services, E-consult option for primary care providers through EPIC, and streamlined referral pathways, enabling timely consultation for patients across the San Diego region and beyond. The program also serves as a tertiary referral center for complex menopause management, including patients with elevated cardiovascular or breast cancer risk, premature ovarian insufficiency, or contraindications to standard therapies.
Educational Impact and Provider Training
Dr. Macaulay leads comprehensive provider-education initiatives across UC San Diego Health and the wider medical community. She regularly delivers targeted sessions for medical students, residents, fellows, attending physicians, and advanced practice providers that cover menopause physiology, symptom management, and complex clinical scenarios. She also presents Grand Rounds and community-hospital lectures to expand regional clinician capacity.
The Menopause Health Program is a hands-on training site: residents and clinicians gain one-on-one experience managing menopause consultations, follow-up care, and shared-decision counseling. Dr. Macaulay earned Menopause Society Certification (MSCP) in 2008, and other program clinicians are now pursuing the same credential.
The program’s education efforts extend to community outreach and patient education, ensuring access to accurate, evidence-based information free of commercial bias.
Health Equity and Access Initiatives
Understanding that menopause care disparities disproportionately affect underserved populations, Dr. Macaulay has worked to expand access to specialized menopause care throughout the UC San Diego Health system. The program addresses barriers such as provider availability, geographic access, and cultural considerations that may prevent women from receiving appropriate menopause care. We offer in person and telehealth visits at all of our 7 Women’s Health Services clinics throughout SD county in an effort to reach as many women as we can regardless of socioeconomic demographics. The program prioritizes culturally responsive care and has providers who are bilingual in English and Spanish. Special attention is given to populations that may experience unique challenges during menopause, including women with chronic medical conditions, cancer survivors, and those from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Impact and Future Directions
The UC San Diego Menopause Health Program has established a model for comprehensive menopause care that integrates clinical excellence with education and equity. By expanding access to specialized care, standardizing evidence-based practices, and training a skilled workforce, the program addresses a longstanding gap in women’s health.
Looking forward, ongoing priorities include scaling access through digital health innovations, contributing to clinical research and registries in menopause, and creating a program for group menopause visits, modeled after the Centering approach used for prenatal care.
Through these efforts, the UCSD Menopause Health Program continues to shape the future of menopause care—ensuring that women receive the high-quality, individualized support they need during this important life stage.
|
|
|
|
Laboratory Program Spotlight |
Featuring OBGYN & RS Groundbreaking Research Endeavors |
|
|
Research Spotlight: Kathleen Fisch, Ph.D.: Advancing Maternal-Fetal Health Through Computational Genomics |
|
|
Kathleen Fisch, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
Faculty Director, Center for Computational Biology & Bioinformatics (CCBB)
Co-Director, Center for Perinatal Discovery (CPD) |
Kathleen Fisch, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the UC San Diego Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences within the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. She also serves as Co-Director of the Center for Perinatal Discovery (CPD) and Director of the Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute’s Translational Research Hub. Through these roles, Dr. Fisch leads the development of innovative computational genomics infrastructure to accelerate translational research across UC San Diego Health Sciences.
Her research program is centered on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying pregnancy disorders and examining how prenatal exposures shape maternal and child health outcomes across the lifespan.
Research Mission and Focus
Dr. Fisch’s lab is dedicated to uncovering the biological drivers of pregnancy-related complications. Current research efforts focus on:
• Genomic instability and its role in placental dysfunction
• Identification of non-invasive biomarkers for placental disorders
• The relationship between prenatal exposures and pregnancy outcomes
The overarching goal is to enable earlier detection and intervention strategies that improve outcomes for both mothers and infants.
Advancing Perinatal Health Through Computational Genomics
By integrating computational genomics and bioinformatics, Dr. Fisch’s team is working to identify early, non-invasive biomarkers of placental disorders. These approaches allow researchers to:
• Decode molecular pathways underlying pregnancy complications
• Identify candidate biomarkers detectable in maternal blood
• Improve understanding of disease mechanisms to inform clinical care
This work has the potential to transform how pregnancy disorders are diagnosed and managed— shifting toward earlier, more precise interventions.
Featured Research Projects
Genomic Instability in Placental Dysfunction
This project investigates the association of genomic instability in placental cells and its association with adverse clinical outcomes such as placental injury, fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. The goal of this study is to couple detailed pathologic assessment of placental injury with whole genome sequencing to build a molecular profile to advance understanding and treatment of this disorder. We are also optimizing assays for detecting cell free fetal DNA (cffDNA) in maternal plasma samples from the same pregnancies and an independent replication cohort to determine the utility of this method for early detection of placental mutations contributing to placental dysfunction for use as non-invasive biomarkers.
Molecular Effects of SSRI Use and Untreated Peripartum Depression
Peripartum depression (PPD) is widely prevalent, affecting about 1 in 4 birthing women worldwide, and includes the antenatal onset of depression (AND). PPD is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in both the child and mother; suicide is now a leading cause of death in the first year postpartum. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are the preferred first-line pharmacotherapy for PPD and are effective at alleviating depressive symptoms. Despite this, the safety of SSRI use during pregnancy for both mother and fetus remains under debate, as its full spectrum of mechanisms of action remain elusive.
The maternal immune system and placenta, whose regulation are both critical for successful pregnancies, are known to express serotonin signaling systems and may be affected by serotonin dysregulation in AND or by SSRIs. The immense knowledge gap of the effects of AND and SSRIs in these systems prevents informed outcome assessment for untreated and SSRI-treated AND.
The overall goal of this project is to comprehensively test the effects of AND and SSRI treatment in the maternal-placental serotonin-immune systems during pregnancy. The expected outcome is a further understanding of how the immune and placental serotonergic systems are altered by AND and antenatal SSRI therapy. The positive translational impact of this project is improved outcome prediction for untreated versus SSRI-treated PPD. It will provide a framework for risk-benefit analysis of antenatal SSRI use in future clinical trials that will ultimately improve public health by reducing hesitancy toward antidepressant use in pregnancy.
This is a collaborative project with Dr. Jessica Kingston, Dr. Ina Stelzer and Dr. Alison Reminick funded through an OGRS TEAM Science Grant.
Training the Next Generation of Scientists
A defining strength of Dr. Fisch’s lab is its commitment to education and mentorship. The lab includes trainees at every stage, from undergraduates to postdoctoral scholars, and emphasizes interdisciplinary skill-building.
With both wet-lab and computational (dry-lab) components integrated into all projects, trainees gain:
• Hands-on experience in molecular and genomic techniques
• Computational and bioinformatics training
• Exposure to translational research approaches
This dual-training model prepares scientists to navigate rapidly evolving technologies in biomedical research.
|
|
|
|
Meet the Fisch Lab Members: |
|
|
|
Emerging Areas of Excitement & Looking Ahead
Emerging areas of excitement in Dr. Fisch’s research include advancements in spatially resolved molecular technologies that enable detailed mapping of cell-to-cell interactions, as well as innovations in analyzing cell-free fetal DNA and RNA from maternal plasma as non-invasive indicators of placental health. Together, these developments are opening new frontiers in understanding complex biological systems during pregnancy. Looking ahead, Dr. Fisch envisions continued growth of a robust, interdisciplinary training environment alongside ongoing advances in computational genomics, with the long-term goal of deepening scientific understanding of pregnancy disorders and translating discoveries into meaningful improvements in patient care.
|
|
|
|
OBGYN & RS Culture and Justice Quorum (CJQ) Spearheads Inclusive Excellence |
|
|
|
Building systems that support respectful care and sustain workforce wellbeing
|
Since January, our department has advanced Culture and Justice work through coordinated efforts across clinical care, workforce development, and community partnership.
One highlight has been the ongoing rollout of our Values Statement across all of our outpatient clinical sites. The statement does two things at once: it tells patients what to expect from us and aligns our teams around a shared standard of care. Embedded QR codes give patients access to the full statement in their preferred language, reinforcing both transparency and access.
|
|
|
In May and June, we will deliver multidisciplinary trauma-informed care training grounded in the Community Resilience Model® (CRM), an evidence-based framework for self-regulation and stress response. The training is open department-wide, with OBGYN faculty, nursing, trainees, and social work all invited. It reflects our view that patient care and workforce wellbeing are inseparable: how teams care for themselves and one another shapes how they care for patients.
Governance for this work continues through the Department Culture and Justice Quorum and the multidisciplinary Health Equity Leadership Team, which together provide structure, alignment, and continuity.
|
|
|
|
Community partnership remains foundational. In March, our department joined the community in honoring Dr. Afflalo at the Healthier Me 2026 Gala, recognizing more than a decade of her leadership in advancing community health. We continue to participate in the monthly A Healthier Me Community Health and Resource Fair at the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA.
Governance for this work continues through the Department Culture and Justice Quorum and the multidisciplinary Health Equity Leadership Team, which together provide structure, alignment, and continuity.
|
|
|
|
Building on these partnerships, on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 2:00–5:00 PM, we will host our 2nd Annual Community Health Fair & Baby Shower at the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA. Co-presented with JIREH Providers, the County of San Diego Maternal, Child & Family Services, Global Communities, Black Infant Health, Dr. Kelly O Elmore and additional community partners, the event is free and open to all. The fair offers health screenings and education across the lifespan, connections to social services, and family-focused activities, alongside a baby shower offering reproductive and maternal health resources and essentials for expecting parents and growing families. Anchoring the event at this site reflects our commitment to meeting families where trusted community infrastructure already exists.
|
|
|
|
This work also has national reach. On May 1, our Vice Chair for Culture and Justice, Dr. Audra Meadows, Professor and Vice Chair for Culture and Justice delivered a featured session at the 75th Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Harvesting for Health Equity: Sowing for Reparative Reproductive Justice. Her presentation introduced the Equity Action Framework, a practical model for transforming health systems to be innovative, equitable, and inclusive, and for moving from health equity as intention to health equity as operational capacity. This framing mirrors the work underway in our own department.
|
|
|
Respectful, equitable care has long been our standard. These efforts reflect our continued work to strengthen and sustain it across how we practice, teach, and partner.
|
|
|
|
This issue of Fimbria's At Your Cervix highlights: SNMA AMEC 2026 |
|
|
|
Dr. Faith Okifo represented our department at this year’s Student National Medical Association (SNMA) Annual Medical Education Conference (AMEC) in Pittsburgh, PA— one of the nation’s largest gatherings of underrepresented minority medical students, residents, and physicians. AMEC brings together thousands of attendees from across the country for a dynamic week of professional development, clinical workshops, networking, and advocacy focused on advancing health equity and supporting the next generation of diverse medical leaders. During the conference, Dr. Okifo engaged in sessions centered on mentorship, leadership, and community impact, while also connecting with peers and future physicians who share a commitment to improving care for underserved populations. Her participation reflects our department’s ongoing dedication to representation, education, and community-centered care.
|
Welcome to UC San Diego Health! |
|
|
Welcome to the Department of OBGYN & RS. We're delighted to have you join the team! |
|
|
Michael Masciadrelli
OBGRS Director of Communications
|
|
| Kim Weldy
Molecular Biology and Mouse Lab Associate
|
|
| Alex Gonzalez
Research Data Analyst
|
|
|
|
OBGYN & RS Event Happenings, Member Gatherings, and Community Engagement |
|
|
Members of the Gynecologic Oncology division attended the 2026 Society of Gynecologic Oncology Annual Meeting on Women's Cancer. Dr. Tyler Hillman served as a discussant for the Translational and ADC Oral Abstract Session.
|
Dr. Tyler Hillman (Associate Professor, Gynecologic Oncology) |
MFM faculty, MFM fellows, and OBGRS residents attended the annual SMFM Pregnancy Meeting in Las Vegas, where our department proudly showcased more than 30 abstracts and presentations.
|
OBGRS faculty attended the ACOG 75th Annual Clinical & Scientific Meeting in Washington, D.C. Dr. Audra Meadows facilitated a pre-conference retreat for the District CAARE and Well Being Delegation members and also served as the feature speaker on the Harvesting for Health Equity: Sowing for Reparative Reproductive Justice panel.
|
L-R: Dr. Audra Meadows (Vice Chair of Culture & Justice), Dr. Sarah Averbach (Complex Family Planning Fellowship PD), Dr. Maureen Farrell (Professor, Division of Academic Specialists) |
Dr. Maureen Ries presented her study on "Predicting ABOG Board exam outcomes" and graduated from the APGO Scholars and Leaders program at the CREOG APGO Annual Meeting in Seattle, WA.
|
Dr. Maureen Ries (OBGRS Residency Program Director) |
OBGRS research faculty, trainees, and staff represented our department at the 2026 Society for Reproductive Investigation Annual Scientific Meeting, engaging in scientific exchange, showcasing research, and connecting with colleagues advancing reproductive health research worldwide.
|
Dr. Kathryn Macaulay successfully coordinated the 1st Annual UC San Diego Menopause & Midlife Women's Health Symposium with approximately 200 attendees.
|
Second from left: Dr. Kathryn Macaulay (Director, UCSD Menopause Health Program) |
Fourth from left: Dr. Erin Gross (Associate Division Director, Division of Academic Specialists) |
OBGYN & RS Upcoming events |
|
|
|
OBGYN & RS Current Job Positions |
Join us @UCSD_ObGyn (X), @UCSD_ObGynReproSci (Instagram) our social community for health tips, breaking news, and more! |
|
|
Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy | Submit Feedback
This email was sent to n2afari@health.ucsd.edu.
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
9300 Campus Point Dr. 7433 | La Jolla, CA 92037 US
Copyright 2023 Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.
|
|
|
|
|
