Introduction
Research plays a crucial role in driving advancements and transforming clinical practices in the constantly evolving healthcare industry. In line with this principle, the Emory Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics has established a comprehensive research framework that covers a wide range of areas such as basic science, translational studies, clinical investigations, health services research, and population health analytics. This dedication to translating research into practical strategies is a testament to the department's unwavering commitment to enhancing women's health.
The department is committed to achieving healthcare equity and inclusivity. Our researchers strive to ensure everyone has access to high-quality care by addressing disparities and identifying social determinants of health. This dedication is not limited to laboratory research but extends to clinical and community research initiatives.
One such initiative is dedicated to unraveling stress-related disorders in women. This translational, multi-omic research program uses genome-wide laboratory techniques and bioinformatic analyses. The research aims to investigate how natural hormonal variation and hormonal contraceptive use affect stress response and chronic disease development.
Another crucial research focus is on maternal health inequities, especially among Black birthing people in Georgia. This research employs a community-engaged approach to examine the causes of adverse maternal outcomes. The project also explores the impact of enhanced care coordination during the prenatal and postpartum periods. It highlights the role of structural racism in healthcare disparities.
In another groundbreaking project, department researchers are studying the preferences of young Black males regarding sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. The team partners with a youth advisory board and uses focus group discussions and in-depth interviews to construct a discrete choice experiment. The experiment identifies preferred STI testing models among specific groups of Black adolescent males.
Additionally, a research initiative delves into the complex relationship between stress, trauma, and cardiometabolic dysfunction during pregnancy. By characterizing the impact of stress and trauma experienced at various life stages on gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, researchers aim to identify underlying mechanisms through mediation analysis.
This commitment to excellence in women's health research is highlighted by the department’s impressive performance in the 2023 Blue Ridge Rankings. Moving up from 19th to 11th in NIH-funded research underscores its unwavering commitment to impactful discoveries and academic inquiry. This recognition reaffirms Emory's position as a global leader in women's health research, owing to the expertise and hard work of its faculty and researchers.
Emory's Rise in NIH-Funded Research
The Blue Ridge Rankings are an annual assessment that ranks the amount of NIH research funding awarded to academic institutions and individual disciplines. Emory Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics has climbed from 19th to 11th in the rankings of all Ob/Gyn departments across the country. This is a significant milestone that represents the department’s increasing prominence and impact.
This achievement is the result of strategic investments and collaborative endeavors over the past seven years. Due to this strategic focus, the department expanded its research infrastructure, supported faculty talent, and encouraged interdisciplinary collaborations. These initiatives have driven the department’s rise in the Blue Ridge Rankings and solidified its position as a leading center for women's health research.
NIH funding plays a critical role in advancing ground-breaking research initiatives and promoting scientific discovery. Emory Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, with $7,091,768 in federal funding, is leading the way in innovative projects, intervention development, and translation of findings into clinical practices. These investments not only expand knowledge but also have the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery and improve outcomes for women worldwide.
Spotlight on Leading Researchers: Dr. Anne Dunlop and Dr. Lisa Flowers
Dr. Anne Dunlop and Dr. Lisa Flowers, two researchers from the Emory Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, are among the top performers in the annual Blue Ridge ranking. Their innovative work is expected to transform healthcare outcomes for women, especially those who belong to marginalized communities.
Dr. Anne Dunlop: Addressing Disparities in Maternal and Infant Health
Dr. Anne Dunlop, who holds an MD and an MPH, is a researcher committed to investigating racial and ethnic inequalities in women's health and pregnancy outcomes and the underlying factors that drive these disparities. Combining her clinical, research, and public health expertise, Dr. Dunlop spearheads pioneering initiatives that aim to address leading contributors to maternal and infant health disparities.
As the Principal Investigator of the NIH-funded Atlanta African American Maternal-Child Cohort, Dr. Dunlop examines the complex interplay of social, environmental, biological, and clinical factors that contribute to preterm birth, maternal pregnancy complications and morbidities, and adverse child health outcomes among minority populations. This research has identified early pregnancy metabolic perturbations predictive of later pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes and environmental exposures linked with these metabolic perturbations. Her research not only focuses on identifying disparities but also on proposing practical solutions for reducing maternal morbidity and improving perinatal outcomes, especially for Black women. Through other NIH-funded intervention studies, her team is investigating the impact of transformational models of care (for example, the incorporation of community-based patient navigators into the maternal care continuum and enhanced postpartum care strategies) on maternal and infant health outcomes.
Dr. Lisa Flowers: Advancing Equity in Cancer Research
Dr. Lisa Flowers, who holds an MD, and an MPH is a leading expert in HPV-related cancer research. She is dedicated to promoting equality in the detection, prevention, and treatment of such cancers. Dr. Flowers specializes in HPV-mediated cancers of the anogenital tract and oral cavity. Her research is focused on developing new treatments to stop cancer progression and creating innovative technologies for early detection. Dr. Flowers is especially committed to serving underserved populations and ensuring they have access to the latest advancements in cancer research.
The contributions of Dr. Dunlop and Dr. Flowers go beyond academia and have a significant impact on healthcare practices and policies. Their research has improved our understanding of disease mechanisms and has laid the foundation for targeted interventions and precision medicine approaches to enhance women's health globally. Their leadership in NIH-funded projects highlights their expertise and influence in the field, motivating future generations of researchers and promoting beneficial changes in women's health research.
Conclusion
The Emory Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics continues to showcase its expertise in women's health research. With department researchers leading various programs aimed at addressing critical issues in women's health these approaches push the limits of scientific inquiry and provide valuable insights that can inform clinical practice and policy, leading to advancements in women's healthcare.
You can visit the research portion of our website to learn more about the Emory Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, its research faculty, and current focus areas.