Resident Research Curriculum and Opportunities

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UAB is recognized as a leader in basic science, translational, and clinical research on a national level. This spirit of investigation and scholarly activity is fostered by the entire department. Resident research is a requirement and a part of the culture of the program. Guided by faculty mentors and sponsors, residents gain direct experience in graduate level research with the intended outcome of a clinically significant publication. This required research project culminates in a booklet of research abstracts from the PGY3 class and formal oral presentations by the PGY4 class at the annual Resident Research Day each Spring. It is not uncommon for residents to engage in multiple research projects beyond what is required by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Residents are encouraged to submit their original research to regional and national conferences and have resources and funding available through the department to aid in covering costs.

Please refer to the website for the Center for Women’s Reproductive Health for more information on UAB’s efforts to promote interdisciplinary research within the Department.

Resident Research Program Directors

Holly E. Richter, PhD, MD, FACOG, FACS, Professor, Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery
Ashley N. Battarbee, MD, MSCR, Assistant Professor, Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Resident Research Opportunity - Stimulating Access to Research in Residency (StARR)

The NIH NIAID R38-funded UAB StARR Program provides resident investigators with the opportunity to conduct mentored research related to infection, immunology, and/or allergy and to participate in career development activities over a 12-month period during residency (an additional 12 months added to residency). The program aims to prepare resident investigators for a successful transition towards a career as an independent physician scientist that includes research that supports the NIH NIAID mission.

See the following website for more information and the application: UAB R38 STARR

Resident Research Day Projects (2023-2024)

• Dr. Rebecca Fleenor
  Infectious Morbidity After Discharge in Patients with Isolated Postpartum Fever During Delivery Hospitalization
• Dr. Austin Gardner
  Psychosocial, behavioral, and medical drivers of gestational diabetes among diverse racial ethnic groups
• Dr. Zach Gentry
  Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Cycles and complete Pathologic Response at time of Surgery in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
• Dr. Vonna Kako
  Evaluating Differences Among PRAPARE Screening Assessments of Gynecologic Oncology Patients Based on Socio-demographic Factors
• Dr. Bessie Orfanakos
  The Association between Social Vulnerability Index and Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in Patients with Pregestational and Gestational diabetes
• Dr. Charlie Padgett
  Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Management of Type 2 Diabetes and Perinatal Outcomes
• Dr. Margaret Page
  Thromboembolism in High-Risk Patients
• Dr. Matt Scalise
  The Impact of Testosterone Therapy on Sense of Well-Being among Post-Menopausal Women

Resident Research Day Awards (2023-2024)

Best PGY 3 Abstract
Dr. Grace Lee
Improved Outcomes with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Women with Advanced Stage Endometrial Cancer including Disparity Reduction in Black Women

Best PGY 4 Presentation
Dr. Zach Gentry
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Cycles and complete Pathologic Response at time of Surgery in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer