The Green Room: A Podcast from Obstetrics & Gynecology

Rebecca G. Simmons, an Assistant Professor at the University of Utah, discusses her research on contraceptive access and its impact on women's health. She shares insights from the Her Salt Lake study, which examines the demand for no-cost contraception. The conversation highlights the complexities of contraceptive decision-making and the importance of patient-centered care. Simmons also addresses challenges in retaining participants in studies on contraceptive behaviors and the significant patterns in method switching and discontinuation.

Dr. Alexa Kanbergs discusses disparities in access to fertility preservation for women with gynecologic or breast cancer. The podcast covers topics such as clinic proximity and fertility treatments, analyzing linked databases for gynecological breast cancer studies, and exploring fertility sparing treatments and ART uptake. Research findings reveal disparities in treatment uptake based on geographical distance and offer insights on policy implications.

Dr. Kartik Venkatesh discusses the link between adverse pregnancy outcomes and long-term cardiovascular risk. Topics include syphilis treatment, first trimester ultrasound, hyperemesis gravidarum, sleep evaluation in pregnancy, and tailored interventions for cardiovascular health post adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Dr. Sarahn Wheeler, an Associate Professor and Vice Chair for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Duke University, shares her expertise as a maternal fetal medicine specialist. She discusses critical research on obstetric racial disparities highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation covers the impact of equitable AI in obstetrics and explores how personal experiences inform academic research. Dr. Wheeler also emphasizes the need for systemic changes to improve labor induction practices for first-time mothers based on race, advocating for health equity in maternal healthcare.

In this engaging discussion, Antoinette Allen, a second-year clinical research fellow at UCSF, shares her insights on improving healthcare for women with fibroids. She unpacks recent findings on pregnancy outcomes after laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation compared to myomectomy. The conversation also sheds light on the complexities of pregnancy management post-ablation and the importance of patient education regarding risks and safety. Listeners gain valuable perspectives on advancements in fibroid treatment and a better understanding of miscarriage reporting in these contexts.

In this intriguing discussion, Dr. Anna Powell, a reproductive infectious disease specialist, delves into groundbreaking developments in gynecological diagnostics. She highlights advancements in vaginal infection testing, contrasting traditional methods with innovative molecular approaches for greater accuracy. The conversation also touches on the implications of COVID vaccinations on menstrual cycles and the importance of clear communication regarding vaginal microbiome test results. Dr. Powell’s insights aim to enhance patient care and empower women in managing their reproductive health.

Dr. Richard M. Burwick, an associate professor and maternal-fetal medicine expert, discusses the latest advancements in preeclampsia research. He highlights the importance of angiogenic biomarkers and their role in maternal health, including the newly FDA-approved S-FLIT ratio test. The conversation also dives into the implications of antenatal steroids for late preterm deliveries and the impact of low-dose aspirin on neurodevelopment. Burwick emphasizes the need for equitable access to testing and the balance between biomarker data and clinical judgment.

Dr. Margaret G. Mueller, an associate professor specializing in urogynecology at the University of Chicago, joins the discussion to share her expertise. She dives into groundbreaking research on using MRI and machine learning to analyze leiomyomas. The talk covers the importance of updating activity restrictions post-surgery, challenging traditional practices surrounding recovery after procedures like hysterectomies. Dr. Mueller emphasizes the need for evidence-based guidance that enhances recovery while maintaining quality of life for women.

Dr. Melissa Bauer, an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at Duke University, discusses vital research aimed at reducing maternal mortality from sepsis. She delves into innovative prediction tools for sepsis screening during pregnancy and the postpartum period, emphasizing their potential for early detection. The conversation also covers the need for adaptable screening strategies in low-resource settings. Additionally, they evaluate antibiotic use in maternal care and the nuances of diagnosing infections, revealing critical insights for healthcare providers.

Dr. Emily H. Adhikari, author of “Vaginal Compared With Oral Misoprostol Induction at Term: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial,” discusses the findings of a study comparing vaginal and oral misoprostol protocols for inducing labor, including differences in oxytocin use and fetal heart rate changes.