Trainee Research Day Highlights Innovation and Collaboration Across Women’s Health Research
The annual Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences event showcases groundbreaking discoveries from students, residents, fellows and postdoctoral scholars
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Trainees from across UC San Diego School of Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences (OB/GYN) gathered June 3 at UC San Diego’s Seventh College for Trainee Research Day, an annual event highlighting emerging discoveries in women’s health, reproductive medicine and basic science research.
The event brought together graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, clinical fellows and residents to present original research spanning placental biology, reproductive endocrinology, cancer immunology, fertility preservation, maternal-fetal medicine and urogynecology. The event highlighted the department's commitment to advancing scientific discovery while training the next generation of physician-scientists and researchers.
“What makes this event unique is that our department includes not only our clinical trainees, inclusive of residents and fellows, but also postdoctoral scholars and PhD researchers, ensuring that science remains a central part of everything we do,” said Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, MD, professor and chair of the department. “Our trainees are tackling some of the most important questions in women's health and reproductive medicine, and their work has tremendous potential to improve patient care and health outcomes."
The event featured presentations from department scientists, fellows and OB/GYN residents. Research topics ranged from identifying placental genetic signatures associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes to investigating mechanisms of ovarian cancer immunosuppression and examining interventions to improve fertility preservation access for cancer patients.
Several presentations addressed critical issues in reproductive health and maternal care. Investigators explored microbial contributions to vaginal erosions among pessary users, evaluated blood loss outcomes during second-trimester procedures, and examined fetal cardiac outcomes in pregnancies complicated by intrahepatic cholestasis. Other studies focused on improving care delivery, including identifying gaps in oncofertility services within the Military Health System and assessing insurance policies that affect fertility preservation access.
“The quality of the research presented was outstanding,” said Gyamfi-Bannerman. “I was particularly impressed by the high level of work demonstrated by residents and fellows, including randomized trials and rigorous studies. It is wonderful to see faculty come together to celebrate their achievements.”
The event also highlighted translational and basic science discoveries with implications for future therapies. Presenters shared findings on stem cell regulation, reproductive hormone signaling, aging-related changes in pelvic floor muscles, and the role of the gut microbiome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
A highlight of the day was the Robert Resnik Distinguished Speaker Keynote Presentation delivered by Gil Mor, MD, PhD, John. M. Malone Jr. Endowed Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and scientific director of the C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development at Wayne State University School of Medicine. His lecture, "Immunology of Pregnancy: Past, Present, and Future," explored decades of progress in understanding the complex immunological interactions that support healthy pregnancy and outlined future directions for the field.
Beyond showcasing scientific discoveries, the event provided trainees with opportunities to receive feedback from faculty mentors, engage with colleagues across disciplines and strengthen collaborations that may lead to future advances in women's health research.
"Trainee Research Day brings together trainees, early career investigators, and faculty from every division," said Marni Jacobs, PhD, assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences who moderated the event. "The conversations that happen here help foster mentorship, spark new ideas and support the professional growth of emerging investigators."
The day concluded with a special tribute recognizing the contributions of longtime faculty members Richard Wolf, MD, and Steven Plaxe, MD, who were honored for their years of service, leadership and impact on the department. Faculty members and attendees of the event reflected on the lasting influence both physicians have had on patient care, education and academic medicine.
The event supports the department's mission to promote the science and art of medicine through education, discovery and innovation while advancing public health through improved understanding of reproductive biology and women's health.
Richard Wolf, DO, (left) receives an award from Maryam Tarsa, MD, (right), honoring his leadership, excellence in clinical education and unwavering commitment to patient care
“We are committed to training physicians who excel in clinical care, scholarship, and collaboration,” said Maureen Ries, MD, clinical professor and obstetrics and gynecology residency program director. “Trainee Research Day reflects the depth of trainee research and the strong academic foundation of our residency program.”
As trainees continue to pursue research that addresses some of medicine's most pressing challenges, Gyamfi-Bannerman emphasized that investing in future investigators remains central to advancing care for women and families.
"The future of women's health research depends on developing talented scientists and clinicians who are willing to ask bold questions," said Gyamfi-Bannerman. "Today's presentations demonstrated that future is exceptionally bright."
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