The Program in Research & Innovation on Maternal Outcomes (PRIMO) led by Molly Stout, MD, MS, has started recruitment this month on L&D for the MOXY Trial (Maternal Oxygen supplementation for intrauterine Resuscitation).

Laboring mothers are often given supplemental oxygen in hopes of improving the baby’s heart rate patterns, however, there are differing opinions on whether this practice is helpful or safe.

This NIH, multi-site study, conducted over the next 5 years will enroll and collect data to compare the effect of room air versus supplemental oxygen on neonatal outcomes and operative delivery among patients with Category II electronic fetal monitoring (EFM).

Thanks to everyone for welcoming the PRIMO recruitment team and supporting our growing obstetric research program!

University World News recently highlighted Ghana's ObGyn training success story. The article details a study from earlier this year summarizing a decades-long collaboration between our Department and in-country partners - with dramatic results.

Throughout September, ABOG will be celebrating #WomenInMedicineMonth by spotlighting some incredible female leaders in OBGYN who have broken barriers, revolutionized patient care, and inspired many.

Last Friday, they highlighted Dee Fenner, MD, who served as Vice President of ABOG from 2016 to 2018. During her time at ABOG, Dr. Fenner was instrumental in leading the efforts for the official recognition of URPS/FPMRS as a subspecialty.

Clark Nugent, MD, Professor, and much beloved MFM is retiring! Join us in celebrating his enormous contributions to the department over his career. 

Dr. Nugent completed residency at UM in 1985 and fellowship at George Washington University in 1987. After fellowship, he returned to his GO-BLUE status and has made innumerable contributions to our clinical, education, and research missions.

Dr. Nugent’s compassionate and skilled care has benefited decades of patients across the state of Michigan and generations of learners. Dr. Nugent - Thank you for your service. We are lucky to have worked alongside you, and we wish you and Bev health and great joy in this next chapter.

Kayte Spector-Bagdady, JD, MBE, recently gave a talk for the National Academies’ Seminar Series “After Roe” on “Legal Challenges in Defining ‘Lifesaving’ Care.”

She was also appointed to the National Academies’ Impact of the Dobbs Decision on Cancer Care Webinar Planning Group.

We are proud to share that this month, Helen Morgan, MD, and Versha Pleasant, MD, MPH, will participate in Michigan Medicine's Fifth Annual Health Equity Leadership Program - Disparities in the Care of Women of Color. They will lead the following sessions:

• Challenges in wellbeing for women of color. Helen Morgan
• Disparities in diagnosis and management of breast cancer in women of color. Versha Pleasant

Sponsored by the Office for Health Equity and Inclusion (OHEI) at Michigan Medicine, this event for M-3 and M-4 students aims to promote the development of leadership skills in medical students interested in health equity, diversity, and inclusion work. 

We welcomed the new Advanced Trainees and Fellows with our Annual Summer Social at Ypsilanti’s Corner Brewery. Our trainees, their families, and their program directors gathered to enjoy food, fun, and conversation.

We are looking forward to seeing you at the first quarterly faculty retreat!

Date: September 8, 2023

Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Location: Towsley Center Lobby

At the half-day event, we'll address faculty leadership development, DEI, and community. We will end the afternoon with a happy hour at York on Packard Street.

The Michigan Alliance for Reproductive Technologies and Sciences (MARTS) Conference - strives to accelerate the growth of reproductive sciences in Michigan and surrounding areas by enhancing the communication and collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and educators. This forum continues to highlight exemplary basic, translational, and clinical research programs throughout the state of Michigan and neighboring regions.

Date: October 6, 2023

Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location: MSU Secchia Center, Grand Rapids, MI

We can't wait to see you at the 2023 Norman F. Miller Alumni Society Annual Meeting! This year, we will highlight the classes of 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018. Please join us for the following events:

• Friday, October 13th (9:00 am - 3:00 pm): Join us for a full day of speakers in the Dow Auditorium at the Towsley Center for Continuing Medical Education. A full agenda will be sent in mid-September.

• Friday, October 13th (5:00 pm): Happy Hour at Homes Brewery, 2321 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48103.

• Saturday, October 14th (Time TBD): Michigan v. Indiana Tailgate at the Big House Clubhouse, 710 W. Stadium Blvd. Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Registration link for the SNOW meeting is forthcoming.

Great weather, great food, and great community at the OBGYN Department, Clinics, and VVWH Picnic in August. We look forward to more community celebrations in the future.

• “Be Well” Events: Register now for MHealthy’s “Be Well” virtual sessions: Mental Health Hygiene, Three-Bean Chili Three Chef Demo, and Journey to Financial Wellness. And though on-field classes are full for Sept. 21’s Be Well in the Big House, no registration is needed for cardio drumming, guided meditation, and more on the concourse! 
• Active U Autumn: Register for Active U Autumn - MHealthy’s eight-week physical activity challenge. It’s your opportunity to move your way to well-being with the entire U-M community!
• MHealthy Fall In-Person Physical Activity Classes: Register now for yoga, Zumba, strength training, cardio drumming, and more! Locations include Ann Arbor Ice Cube, Wolverine Tower, North Campus Research Complex (NCRC), KMS, and University Health South Wellness Center. Classes start Sept. 11, and most are priced at $60.
• Ann Arbor Marathon: There's still time to register for the Probility Ann Arbor Marathon on October 1st.

ELLAS held a successful data dissemination event at CHASS on August 15th. The goal of the session, led by Drs. Valbuena and Bryce of CHASS, was to share study findings related to the participants' health and bridge the gap between academic and minority communities.

Nearly 100 study participants and members of the broader community attended the evening of shared learning and exploration. The event began with lively data discussions and wrapped up with casual conversations over food, games, and crafts.

Congratulations to Ken and Heather Garner (formerly Bryant). They were married on August 12th surrounded by family and friends.