The Green Room: A Podcast from Obstetrics & Gynecology

Dr. Alex F. Peahl, an assistant professor and health services researcher at Michigan Medicine, delves into the evolving landscape of prenatal care. She discusses groundbreaking studies on maternal health risks and emphasizes the need for personalized care tailored to individual circumstances. The conversation highlights innovative approaches to improve maternal outcomes and the vital role of stakeholder perspectives in shaping effective interventions. Additionally, Peahl addresses systemic challenges within the prenatal care framework, advocating for enhanced resource support for practitioners.

Dr. Catherine T. Witkop, a leader in gynecologic surgery and women's preventative health, joins Dr. Amy G. Cantor, a family physician and expert in evidence-based practices. They delve into the updated breast cancer screening guidelines for women at average risk and discuss the crucial role of patient navigation services in improving healthcare access. The conversation highlights disparities in follow-up care, the importance of evidence-based recommendations, and the ongoing efforts of the Women’s Preventative Services Initiative to enhance women's health services.

Jen Gunter, an influential OBGYN and science communicator, dives into the impact of social media on patient health information. She stresses the importance of clinicians addressing online misinformation, especially regarding menopause. The conversation unpacks the challenges patients face navigating health information, urging guidance toward credible sources. Gunter also highlights the complexities of compounded hormones versus FDA-approved options, and the risks associated with unregulated supplements. It's a thought-provoking dialogue about evidence-based care and patient empowerment.

Katy Backes Kozhimannil, a distinguished professor at the University of Minnesota, dives into critical issues surrounding maternity care in the U.S. She discusses the alarming link between maternity care deserts and rising maternal mortality rates, advocating for urgent policy reforms. The conversation shifts to the complexities of measuring maternity care access and the challenges in tracking service availability, highlighting the need for better data. Kozhimannil also emphasizes the contributions of family physicians in rural settings, pushing for more accurate representation in discussions about maternity care.

Discover groundbreaking research on the benefits of breastfeeding for women with gestational diabetes and effective asthma management during pregnancy. Learn about the latest clinical guidelines on cervical ripening and the profound impact doula support has on reducing cesarean delivery rates. Insightful discussions reveal how doulas can transform the birthing experience and navigate challenges in access to care. Explore the vital role they play in enhancing maternal health outcomes and their collaboration with healthcare teams.

Discover innovative research on cervical cancer detection using red blood cells, which may revolutionize early diagnostics. Learn about alarming global statistics and breakthroughs in blood tests to identify HPV DNA, especially in low-resource settings. The potential for cost-effective screening with simple PCR technology is a game-changer for patient care. Deep dive into the importance of collaboration for validating new liquid biopsy methods and advocating equitable access to these advancements in gynecological health.

Join Clarel Antoine, a seasoned obstetrician-gynecologist with a focus on cesarean safety, Yalda Afshar, a physician scientist at UCLA studying the cardiac placental axis, and Lisa Zuckerwise, guest editor on placenta accreta spectrum, for a dive into innovative surgical techniques. They discuss the importance of uterine environment in placentation, explore impactful closure techniques to minimize surgical complications, and emphasize the need for updated guidelines and collaborative research to improve patient outcomes.

In this episode, guest Lisa Zuckerweiss, an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the University of Virginia, discusses the complexities of Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS). She emphasizes the increasing incidence linked to cesarean deliveries and the urgent need for better screening and management strategies. The conversation includes insights from a NICHD workshop aimed at enhancing collaboration among experts, sharing patient experiences, and advocating for a patient-centered approach in treatment.

Joining the discussion is Dr. Lynn L. Simpson, a leading expert in maternal-fetal medicine and chief at Columbia University. She dives into the intricacies of monochorionic twin pregnancies, emphasizing ultrasound's crucial role in early diagnosis. The conversation highlights the challenges of conditions like twin-twin transfusion syndrome and the significance of accurate cervical length assessments. Dr. Simpson also sheds light on the latest practices to manage risks and optimize outcomes, making complex topics accessible and engaging.

Victoria Wang, a gynecology oncology fellow at Brigham and Women's Hospital, tackles pivotal issues in women's health. She emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and equitable healthcare access, particularly in preventing cervical cancer. The conversation dives into challenges with adhering to surveillance guidelines for high-grade cervical dysplasia, highlighting disparities influenced by social determinants. Wang also discusses gaps in follow-up care for high-risk patients, advocating for improved management strategies to enhance patient outcomes.