The Green Room: A Podcast from Obstetrics & Gynecology

Kimberley A. Bullard, an OB-GYN resident at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, focuses her research on improving reproductive health access. She discusses the cost-effectiveness of immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), emphasizing its role in reducing severe maternal morbidity. Bullard explores the intersection of gynecology, health policy, and patient preferences, detailing the barriers individuals face in accessing affordable contraception. This insightful dialogue invites listeners to consider the importance of shared decision-making in healthcare.

Dr. Andrea Ries Thurman, a board-certified OBGYN and medical director at Dare Bioscience, discusses groundbreaking research on female sexual health. She highlights the promising results of a study on topical sildenafil cream for Female Sexual Arousal Disorder, emphasizing its potential to improve women's lives. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced in treating this condition, the emotional impacts on patients, and the critical need for more research and awareness in women's sexual health.

Dr. Marcela Smid, an associate professor and expert in maternal-fetal medicine, dives into pressing concerns in obstetrics. She discusses alarming trends in congenital syphilis and hemorrhage-related deaths, stressing the need for targeted interventions. The conversation highlights innovative strategies in optimizing opioid prescriptions after cesarean sections, balancing effective pain management with a patient-centered approach. Smid's insights into addressing substance use disorders among pregnant patients underscore the importance of collaboration in improving maternal health outcomes.

Dr. Holly B. Ende, an expert in obstetric anesthesiology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, dives into groundbreaking advancements in postpartum hemorrhage risk prediction. She discusses the development of a real-time predictive model, emphasizing its integration into clinical settings for better patient outcomes. The podcast also highlights the importance of validating these models within electronic health records to enhance healthcare provider efficiency and improve maternal care. Listeners will gain insights into the urgency of timely interventions and the collaborative efforts to refine clinical prediction tools.

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.