The Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Liaisons: Mary Lake Polan, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Fax: (415) 723-7737

Introduction

The fields of gynecology and obstetrics have undergone dramatic and rapid change in the last decade. Recent research on the biochemistry of the reproductive system and new surgical techniques have bestowed on us increasing success in treating infertility, eliminating reproductive neoplasms, and allowing healthy, full-term pregnancies. Significant advances have also been made in the diagnosis of genetic diseases, replacement of ovarian function in postmenopausal women or women with premature ovarian failure, and implementation of new techniques and methodologies in fertility control for both developed and developing countries.

The Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics consists of 19 faculty, 22 postdoctoral fellows, and a graduate student. The four major areas of focus are the divisions of Gynecologic Oncology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Reproductive Biology, and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Researchers in these areas conduct basic and clinical research on a wide variety of topics related to womenÕs health.

Under the leadership of Dr. Mary Lake Polan and the direction of Dr. Aaron Hsueh, reproductive science research programs in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics will be significantly expanded. Dr. Polan plans to establish Stanford as a premier center for the advancement of fertility research and the treatment and control of reproduction.

The Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics has begun to expand research, medical training, and treatment programs in womenÕs health. Faculty in the Department specialize in maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology, and gynecologic oncology. All three of these disciplines rely on extensive knowledge of the molecular and developmental biology of womenÑfrom childhood through menopause.

The Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics offers Spectrum members access to faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students and ongoing research of the department. The Department staff is eager to tailor the relationship with Spectrum members according to each member's interests and needs. Specific benefits to corporations by the Department are listed below.

Faculty Consultants
A member of the Gyn/Ob faculty who has research interests compatible with a particular Spectrum member serves as a consultant to that member and act as a liaison between the company and the department. This ongoing relationship will guarantee that the needs of the member are met by the program. The consultant is an on-campus resource for the Spectrum member, providing not only his or her own special knowledge, but also helping to introduce members to research, technology and personnel at Stanford.

Recruitment Opportunities
The Spectrum program offers members a singular opportunity to find out about and get to know researchers whom the company may want to recruit. Regular contact with research laboratories at Stanford provides an opportunity for face-to-face meetings with some of the most talented graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the country. Regular rounds and case conferences give Spectrum members the chance to get acquainted with students and fellows, see their scientific presentations, and get to know their particular research styles and talents.

The Department also provides its students and fellows notices of job openings for staff scientist positions and postdoctoral fellowships at the member institutions. The faculty consultant is able to use their own knowledge of Stanford personnel and of the member's needs to find the best candidates for the companies that are seeking them.

Educational Conferences
Spectrum members receive special invitations to all relevant Stanford conferences and may attend medical rounds.

The Department holds weekly conferences on women's health issues given by prominent investigators in the field. Conferences include:

Reproductive biology students also hold a weekly journal club that focuses on the current literature and new developments in the laboratory.

Stanford Endoscopy Center for Training and Technology (SECTT)
The SECTT is conceived as an academic center dedicated to education and training. The courses are designed for surgeons interested in using the most modern endoscopic equipment and developing skills in conventional and newer endoscopic procedures.

Spectrum members may send a representative to one of two SECTT courses: either a one-day hysteroscopy workshop or a three-day, advanced operative endoscopy course. The SECTT program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education for Physicians.

Customized Workshops
Spectrum members may suggest a workshop or research roundtable in which Stanford faculty will join Spectrum scientists in a brainstorming session. Workshops might focus on scientific and clinical problems and possible ways of addressing them, or act as focus groups to evaluate new products.

Visiting Scientist Program
By mutual agreement, Spectum members are able to send a scientist into a Stanford laboratory or clinic for a short period of time (approximately 1-2 weeks). By working directly with Stanford scientists, Spectrum scientists can make scientific ties that are difficult to create in any other forum. Such ties are expected to result in broader collaborative interactions between industry and Stanford scientists.

Relevant Publications
Spectrum members can provide a list of Gyn/Ob faculty whose research is of interest, and the Department will send them preprints (or reprints) of articles by those faculty members.

Faculty Research Interests

Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

Mary Lake Polan, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Polan's interests in women's health issues are reflected not only in being a spokesperson for expansion of research on women's disease and illnesses but also in the interests of her laboratory. Her laboratory has been interested in pre-ovulatory follicular development and corpus luteum function in women as well as implantation biology. Her research has centered on the role of cytokines and the plasminogen activator system in ovulation and corpus luteum remodeling.

In addition, she has recently become interested in the involvement of the interleukin-1 cytokine system in implantation and the ability of cytokine receptor antagonists to block implantation events in mammalian systems.

Aaron J.W. Hsueh, Ph.D.
Mark Johnson, M.D.
The primary research interest of this laboratory is the identification, molecular characterization, and functional analysis of genes that are critical for mammalian embryonic development. Molecular methods of analysis, genetic trapping, and targeting strategies with mouse embryonic stem cell transgenics are utilized to identify and analyze the embryonic developmental function of novel and previously described genes. The research has primarily utilized the mouse model; however, preliminary preparations are underway for investigative application in humans. A second goal of the laboratory is the establishment of a preimplantation genetic diagnostics program and the reinitiation of human gamete-embryo micromanipulation in association with the IVF laboratory.
Emmet J. Lamb, M.D.
Dr. Lamb has been doing clinical research in infertility, including in vitro fertilization and semen analysis with an emphasis on computer data bases, statistical methods and formal decision analysis. He has experience working with medical instrument companies (OvaMed) in pre-market testing and modification of equipment, and in a cost-benefit analysis of formal decision analysis. He has previously worked with drug companies in the development and implementation of half-a-dozen controlled clinical trials for evaluation of hormones, antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. He has long-term experience in the development of educational materials and putting together educational conferences.

Stanford Endoscopy Center for Training and Technology

In concert, the SECTT provides major opportunities for Spectrum members in a number of areas: The SECTT and its members have already demonstrated their prowess in the above through past and present activities, including: As illustrated above, the SECTT has multiple avenues of interest to private industry.

Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Maurice L. Druzin, M.D.
Research interests:
Usha Chitkara, M.D.
Research interests:
R. Harold Holbrook, Jr., M.D.
Research interests:
Julie Ann Neidich, M.D.
Research interests:
Giuliana S. Songster, M.D.
Research interests: