Department Mission: We provide the highest quality, patient-centered care that improves lives across communities to address the full spectrum of health conditions in obstetrics and gynecology, and we further advance women’s health through excellence in research and advocacy. We educate learners at all levels through innovation and evidence-based approaches.
IN THE NEWS
UF Health Shands Hospital’s dedication to enhancing reproductive and women’s health through research and multidisciplinary training has earned national recognition by U.S. News & World Report 2025-2026 Best Hospital rankings. Learn more about our rankings here
WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE OUR NEW CHAIR
A Q & A with our new OBGYN Chair. Dr. Madani Sims
The Doctor Gator asked some great questions to Dr. Shireen Madani Sims who was appointed chair in April
Departmental community support
UF Health Unveils New OB/GYN Mobile Outreach Vehicle at Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology donated 1,123 pads for the Field & Fork Pantry initiative. Thank you so much to everyone who donated, and thank you to our Wellness Champions, Drs. Larzelere and Rhoton-Vlasak, for their support of this initiative. We know that this will make a huge difference in the lives of the UF community members who rely on Field & Fork!
GYNECOLOGY ONCOLOGY NEWS
Our Gyn Onc research portfolio is growing – We have several trials that are open or in advanced phases of development for patients with gynecologic malignancies, including Dr. Nicholson’s new investigator-initiated trial that opened to accrual just this week!
I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight 3 trials that include patients that you all may encounter in your practices. I have summarized the study titles, key inclusion criteria, and study personnel below, and the hyperlink for each study will take you to the clinicaltrials.gov site, where you can find additional information.
We also have a new Gyn Onc group email to screen patients for clinical trials: gyn-trials@cancer.ufl.edu – if you have a patient who may be eligible for one of these trials, please either email this group email and/or the study PI directly, and we can pre-screen the patient and expedite scheduling.
EIN or Presumed Early-Stage Grade 1 Endometrioid Cancer of Endometrium
UF-GYN-003 – A pilot study to estimate early clinical efficacy signals of GLP-1 agonist administration in conjunction with levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LIUD) in obese patients with endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia or grade 1 endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma
- Key Inclusion Criteria: pathologic diagnosis of EIN or grade 1 EC in the last 3 months, no evidence of extrauterine involvement on imaging, BMI > 30 kg/m2, and either desire fertility preservation or have multiple medical co-morbidities
- PI – Kaitlin Nicholson, MD
- Clinical Research Coordinator – Stephanie Portillo
New Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer – all stages/grades
IRB2025-01136 – Using plasma HPV related DNA and RNA to follow the response of cervical cancer to surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy
- Key Inclusion Criteria: squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, all stages/grades; new or recurrent
- PI – David Iglesias, MD; Paul Okunieff, MD
- Clinical Research Coordinators – Amy Carrao-Tackett, Lianka Massini
BRCA Mutation – Risk Reduction Surgery
NRG-CC008 – A non-randomized prospective clinical trial comparing the non-inferiority of salpingectomy to salpingo-oophorectomy to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer among BRCA1 carriers [SOROCk]
- Key Inclusion Criteria: BRCA1 mutation; age 35-50; normal CA125 and TVUS in last 6 months
- Site PI – David Iglesias, MD
- Clinical Research Coordinator – Alesa Flewellen
Reproductive endocrinology and infertility news
AYA ONCOLOGY AND ONCOFERTILITY CONFERENCE – APRIL 11 – 12 GAINESVILLE, FL
Ultrasound news
The UF Dept. of Ob/Gyn was well represented at the AIUM Annual Convention held in Orlando from March 29 – Apr 2, 2025. Drs. Abu-Rustum, O’Shea, and Shwayder were speakers in the main sessions. Kam Szlachetka was a speaker and hands-on trainer in one of the onsite labs. Dr. Rogers (PGY5), Corinne Chatham (MS3), and Mackenzie Dyrda (MS2) all gave oral abstract presentations. In addition, Drs. Edwards and Wyatt attended the conference and our sonographers Sabeen Shah and Elizabeth Ulecvicius attended the pre-congress course. Everyone had a fantastic experience. Go Gators!
Minimally invasive gynecology news
The Department of OBGYN is excited to share that our very own Nash Moawad, MD, MS, has been elected as Vice President of the 2026 American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) Board of Directors. Dr. Moawad previously served as the Secretary-Treasurer of AAGL this past year. Congratulations to Dr. Moawad for this prestigious appointment and for continuing to serve as a global leader in the field of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. We are proud to have you in our department!
Congratulations to our MIGS department which they were reaccredited as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC)
Momitor
UF News Spotlight – Momitor App
Doctor Gator UF College of Medicine News spotlights the Momitor(TM) app. Florida mothers have better maternal care right at their fingertips.
Emily Mavrakis Senior Writer, UF College of Medicine
The MOMitor app is used by clinicians at the University of Florida to support pregnant and postpartum patient’s health. To learn more please call (352)-273-7562 or email OBGYNresearch@ad.ufl.edu
*MOMitor would like to acknowledge and thank the Florida Department of Health for the funding related to the creation and continuation of MOMitor.
Residency news
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is very excited to announce that the ACGME has approved our application for a sixth resident With 6 residents per year, we will eventually have a full complement of 24 ObGyn residents.
Our department has grown tremendously over the last five years, and we now treat more patients than ever before. This complement increase will help keep pace with that growth and allow us to expand into new educational opportunities.
Dr. Jessica Heft
Residency Director
UROGYNECOLOGY NEWS
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