UAB Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology was ranked No. 5 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. This achievement reflects the exceptional quality of care provided to UAB Medicine patients, which is supported by the department’s groundbreaking research and academic excellence.
Department Chair Warner Huh, MD, reflects on the significance of this recognition and the department’s ongoing work to deliver excellent health care to its patients.
Q: What was your initial reaction to the U.S. News & World Report ranking for UAB’s Obstetrics and Gynecology services?
A: I was pleasantly surprised. We came in seventh last year, when the rankings were based only on gynecology. That was very much a reflection of the excellent quality of care from our gynecology program. This year, U.S. News & World Report considered both gynecology and obstetrics in its calculations. It was gratifying to see our world-renowned obstetrics program recognized next to our gynecology program. Rising to No. 5 speaks to the high level of care that our department provides to women in Alabama.
Q: What’s the significance of this recognition?
A: This year, UAB was U.S. News & World Report’s highest-ranked public institution. When it comes to health care, we know that Alabama is an underserved state with limited resources. The fact that we can be near the top of this list is an even greater testament to the care we provide.
Q: How has the department set a high bar in the research arena?
A: Our department and the Center for Women’s Reproductive Health is among the top 10 programs receiving funding from the National Institutes of Health. This demonstrates our commitment to advancing the field of gynecological and obstetric care through innovation and research.
Our obstetrical research program has set the standard of care for how obstetrics is practiced in the United States and worldwide, and the department received a $20 million grant from the American Heart Association to study cardiovascular disease and maternal health. Our Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery Division was the first Center of Excellence for Continence Care and is a leading national site for contributing meaningful innovation and management paradigms in this area.
In addition, our gynecological oncology division is supported by the National Cancer Institute for our cervical cancer research in partnership with Johns Hopkins Medicine, and it also has contributed to research that has established and changed the standard of care for ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers.
It’s also important to recognize that our Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Women’s Reproductive Health divisions also have contributed significant research findings that affect patient care, particularly in the areas of polycystic ovarian syndrome and pediatric and adolescent gynecology.
Q: How is the department working to train tomorrow’s obstetricians and gynecologists?
A: We have a top-rated residency program that attracts medical students from all over the country, and we are proud of its diversity. Our residents go into both general OB/GYN practice and subspecialty care. UAB has the only fellowship program in the southeast for pediatric and adolescent gynecology, and within the next couple of years we’ll likely offer fellowship training in all women’s health subspecialties.
Q: What does the U.S. News & World Report ranking say about the UAB Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology?
A: The ranking is based on patient outcomes, experience, key programs and staff, and professional recognition. Our amazing clinical program goes hand in hand with our exceptional research endeavors and outstanding dedication to training and education. UAB is the entire package when it comes to women’s health care in the United States, and I could not be more proud of this department. It’s truly an honor and privilege to work side by side with so many brilliant, dedicated, and compassionate individuals.
Click here to learn more about women’s health services at UAB Medicine.