Women’s Health Research, Innovation and Leadership

Women’s Health Research, Innovation and Leadership in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

Physician-researchers at UMass Memorial Health are at the leading edge of care. Our teams help develop new care methods and uncover knowledge that addresses pressing challenges and optimizes outcomes. We do this through research studies, innovative care models and leadership activities.

Women’s Health Research

Our doctors lead and take part in research studies that are uncovering new care techniques. These efforts include large, multi-state projects and participation in prestigious national research collaboratives. We share findings with providers all over the world through publications.

Women’s health research interests at UMass Memorial include:

• Gynecologic cancer treatments, including surgery and radiation therapy
• Menstrual health and heavy menstrual bleeding
• High-risk pregnancy concerns, including cardiac disease, diabetes, pre-eclampsia and substance use disorder
• Pelvic health and urogynecology
• Postpartum outcomes and how to optimize them
• Pregnancy-related death prevention
• Reproductive endocrinology and infertility
• Mental health in pregnancy and the postpartum period

Putting Women’s Health Research Into Action

Improving Birth Outcomes for Black Patients

Research shows that Black people are more likely to experience negative birth outcomes than white people. To reduce this gap, UMass Memorial Medical Center’s Doula Program helps patients receive care and support from a doula throughout their pregnancy and beyond. Find out more about our Doula Program.

Reducing Health Disparities

Efforts to advance health equity are woven into many of our existing programs and services. But we are looking to do more. Our teams lead initiatives to help people from medically underserved populations have better access to care. Focus areas include improving doula care, communication in labor and delivery, and postpartum outcomes — specifically reducing high blood pressure and mental health conditions.

Umbilical Cord Blood Donation

With patients’ permission, we take a sample of the blood that remains in their newborn’s umbilical cord shortly after birth. The blood contains stem cells that can help us learn more about certain diseases. If you are interested in donating umbilical cord blood, talk to your prenatal care provider to find out if you are eligible. 

Innovative Care Models

We have implemented research-based models that are improving outcomes and patient experience. These efforts include: 

TeamBirth

This team-based, patient-centered approach enhances communication and coordination during childbirth. Patients and families who have participated in the program consistently have better birth experiences. We are also implementing changes, such as access to video remote interpreting (VRI) in every room of our UMass Memorial Maternity Center, to better accommodate non-English-speaking patients. Read more about TeamBirth.

Specialty Clinics for Pregnant People

Research findings have laid the foundation for services that reduce the impact of circumstances that cause pregnancy complications. We offer specialized care and support for pregnant people who have:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Opioid addiction
• High-risk pregnancy
• Complicated pregnancies requiring fetal specialty care (for congenital disorders)
   

Leadership

We are advancing care in our community and beyond with leadership activities that include:

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship

Our Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship is accredited by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Participants receive advanced training in managing every aspect of high-risk pregnancies, including imaging, prenatal care, delivery and postpartum services. 

Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Fellowship

For more than two decades, we’ve provided advanced training in treating pelvic floor disorders, such as pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. Our program inspires fellows to become skilled, compassionate clinical leaders and researchers. Find out more about pelvic health and urogynecology services at UMass Memorial. 

Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program (MCPAP) for Moms

We helped develop and serve as a regional hub for this program, which is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. It provides personalized recommendations, emotional support and resources to pregnant people and new moms with mental health conditions. Get more information about MCPAP for Moms.