Obstetrics & Gynecology Research
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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, under the direction of Vanessa K. Dalton, MD, MPH, Associate Chair for Research, 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.

OBGYN Department Research Day

The Annual Department Research Day brings together our talented faculty, staff, and learners for a day of learning, collaboration, and community-building. We hope to see you at the second annual Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research Day on June 5, 2024!

Learn more about OBGYN's Research Day
Featured News & Stories See all news 2023 WHIF Award Winners
Department News
2023 Women's Health Innovation Fund Award Recipients
Award recipients are advancing innovative research that has the potential to transform women's health.
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Health Lab
Clinical trial aims to treat HPV, cervical lesions without surgery
Patients can now enroll in a clinical trial to test a groundbreaking nonsurgical treatment for cervical lesions that affect nearly 300,000 women in the United States every year.
Health Lab
Fitness instructor, backpacker returns to active lifestyle after years of pain from endometriosis
Woman seeks answers for painful periods, leading to the discovery of endometriosis, large ovarian cysts, organ inflammation and appendix cancer
Research News
U-M team to study impact of reproductive health policy changes on women's mental health
A team led by Vanessa Dalton, MD, MPH, and Kara Zivin, PhD, has received a $3 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to study the mental health impacts of recent changes in reproductive health policy.
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Health Lab
Medicaid eligibility during pandemic led to increased postpartum coverage, study suggests
Medicaid eligibility during pandemic led to increased postpartum coverage, study suggests
Ability For Life Website Landing Page
Department News
New Website for Adolescents with Disabilities to Learn about Reproductive Health
New website to help adolescents with disabilities learn about reproductive health.