Obstetrics & Gynecology Research
a group of women standing in front of a poster

Championing Research & Collaboration

We’re advancing knowledge, providing evidence-based solutions and training the next generation of researchers and physician-scientists.

world-class programs in research

The U-M Medical School Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is renowned for its research excellence and has grown to include a broad portfolio of diverse, world-class multidisciplinary research programs.

Our research is purposefully directed toward areas that will foster the rapid transformation of women’s health and improve the lives of the people and families we care for locally and beyond. Our faculty conduct a range of research, including bench science, translational research, health services research, and clinical trials, focused on the optimization of maternal outcomes, health equity in women’s healthcare and outcomes, women’s health across the lifespan, medical education, and global health.

Our research team provides a variety of faculty support, including assistance with finding funding, proposal development, regulatory assistance, data management, data analytics, compliance, education, mentorship, and dissemination of research discoveries.

We are committed to conducting innovative, cutting-edge research that advances knowledge and provides evidence-based solutions, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and educating the next generation of academic researchers and physician-scientists.

Key Research Areas
Program on Women's Healthcare Effectiveness Research (PWHER)

PWHER is committed to improving the quality, access, and affordability of healthcare services for individuals at community, national, and global levels using diverse research methods to address pressing policies and clinical questions.

Pelvic Floor Research Group (PFRG)

PFRG is an internationally recognized, interdisciplinary research group working to improve the understanding and treatment of pelvic floor disorders. PFRG’s goal is to identify risk factors for developing pelvic floor disorders, work with high-risk women to prevent them, and provide the most effective and newest treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction.

Program for Research and Innovation in Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes (PRIMO)

PRIMO is a collaborative obstetric research group focused on closing critical knowledge gaps, improving the safety of modern obstetric care, and translating this knowledge onto national platforms.

Women’s Health and Reproductive Disparities Collaborative (OnWHARD)

The OnWHARD Collaborative is dedicated to advancing reproductive health through meaningful research, empowering education, and committed advocacy.

Pain Research Program

The Department of OBGYN’s pain research program includes independently funded investigators from the University of Michigan in partnership with external investigators, focused on gynecology pain across the life course.

Leadership
labcoat Vanessa K Dalton, MD, MPH
Timothy R B Johnson M.D. Collegiate Professor of Global Women's Health
Associate Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Section Head, Research, Gynecology
labcoat Stacey Missmer
Professor of Obstetrics
Gynecology
Featured News & Stories See all news Global Health Awards Program logo
Department News
Announcing the winners of our Global REACH Awards for Outstanding International Engagement
We are pleased to announce the winners of the first-ever Global REACH Awards for Outstanding International Engagement. Congratulations to Professor of Surgery Grace Kim, MD; Obstetrics and Gynecology Global Women’s Health Fellow Dhanalakshmi Thiyagarajan, MD; and fourth-year medical student Erin Kim.
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Health Lab
Revolutionizing prenatal care: new guidelines to transform 100-year model
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which collaborated with Michigan Medicine teams, is recommending significant changes to the way prenatal care is delivered in the United States, according to newly released clinical guidance.
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Dose of Reality
The World’s Greatest Magic Trick
University of Michigan medical student Mohika shares an experience in labor and delivery that confirmed her passion for pursuing the OBGYN specialty.
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Health Lab
23andMe is potentially selling more than just genetic data
An expert shares details about the privacy issues and genetic data with 23andMe happening.
Joanne Bailey, CNM, PhD, Michigan Medicine
Department News
Joanne Bailey to Receive 2025 Nightingale Award
Please join us in congratulating Joanne Bailey, CNM, PhD, on winning a 2025 Nightingale Award.
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Health Lab
Study examines lactation in critically ill patients
University of Michigan research reveals that simple awareness from the hospital care team can help protect a breastfeeding relationship for patients in the ICU and their newborn baby.