Research Division
Basic Science Research in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
The basic science "bench" laboratory program consists of classics physiologic studies in reproduction-related areas and advanced molecular biology techniques. It serves to advance knowledge in targeted as aspects of human reproduction and as a training and education opportunity for medical and other students, Obstetrics and Gynecology residents, and fellows in Reproductive Endocrinology and in Gynecologic Oncology. Three full-time research faculty are complemented by four clinical faculty and three laboratory technologists working in on large 900 square foot laboratory and two small 250 square foot laboratories. Students, residents, and fellows rotate through the laboratories under the supervision and instruction of the research faculty. The program is enhanced by the assignment of James Segars, M.D., from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. His research initiative is staffed with a full-time post-doctoral fellow and two support staff together with equipment and supplies all funded from the NICHD. The NICHD and Department research initiatives are fully complementary with each other, the resulting integration and collaboration enhancing the productivity of both.
Clinical Science Research in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
The research program in clinical sciences in Obstetrics and Gynecology is conducted largely at the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) and Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) with active support and partipation b the USUHS faculty. Study design, data analysis, and statistical calculations are generally conducted at the USUHS or with the assistance of USUHS faculty. The initiative supports the advancement of clinical knowledge, the recruitment and retention of the best and brightest clinical faculty at the teaching hospitals, and the educational requirements for accreditation of the Residency Program. The Department hosts and supports through its endowment at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation the research and education of the residents in training as well as the annual Resident Research Day Program. I the past three years, these programs have had an average of twenty-one presentations of original clinical and bench laboratory research conducted and presented by the residents with faculty encouragement and direction. Nearly all of the projects are of such caliber that they are subsequently presented at national specialty meetings and often lead to publication in the major journals of obstetrics and gynecology.
Research in Principles of Education
The Department initiative in the study of the principles of education in Obstetrics and Bynecology has led to publication and presentation of three to five papers a year in this area. Authors include the USUHS facullty together with faculty at the Clinical clerkship training sites such as NNMC and WRAMC, Tripler Army Medical Center, and the integreted Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) and Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center (WHMC) program in San Antonio. Residents are often brought into these projects so as to enhance their understanding of and commitment to the education process. This effort has led to the national recognition of the USUHS as a leader and innovator in education among the academic departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the U.S.
Contacts
COL Christopher M. Zahn, MD, USAF, MC
Professor and Interim Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
301-295-4390
FAX: 301-295-6240