Message from Blair Wylie, MD, MPH, Division Director
Greetings from the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine! Summer is in full swing now and I hope that translates into time together with friends, family and loved ones for each of you. After the year we just experienced, I am savoring these moments more than ever before with gratitude for the littlest of things.
In that same spirit of appreciation, I want to take this opportunity to thank our entire Beth Israel Lahey Health obstetrics community for the incredible effort everyone has played to keep our pregnant patients as safe as possible during this pandemic. I’m reminded of a quote shared with me just as the severity of COVID-19 was first being recognized:
To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. If we remember those times and places - and there are many - where people behaved magnificently, this gives us the courage to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction.
-Howard Zinn
Your ‘magnificent’ contributions these past 16 months will be a source of inspiration moving forward as we gather the courage to tackle the undeniable challenges in the way of optimizing health for all of our patients.
|
|
July 2021
MFM Faculty
MFM Fellows
William Choi, MD
Bridget Donovan, MD
Liberty Reforma, MD
Laura Smith, MD
|
|
Specialty Care for Medical Conditions in Pregnancy |
|
We wanted to take this opportunity to highlight the multidisciplinary care provided by our MFM specialists for patients with underlying medical conditions who are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy. For patients with complex medical conditions that require delivery at BIDMC, we work closely with specific medical subspecialists with expertise in pregnancy (highlighted below) to provide personalized care plans and ensure the healthiest outcome. For patients with underlying medical conditions planning delivery at one of our BILH obstetric partners, our MFM team can provide consultation on-site to help coordinate care. Read a full overview of our services on our website.
|
|
Cardiovascular Disease
Pre-existing cardiovascular conditions may include congenital heart disease and defects, arrhythmias, hypertension, acquired heart disease, coronary artery disease or vascular disease. Whenever possible, we encourage patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions to begin planning with their medical team before conception. Learn more >>
Cardiovascular Partner
|
|
Diabetes
Whether your patient develops gestational diabetes or has type 1 or type 2 diabetes prior to pregnancy, it’s important to carefully manage this condition to avoid complications. We partner with experts at Joslin Diabetes Center to provide highly specialized care for patients with diabetes. Learn more >>
Diabetes Partners
|
|
Gastrointestinal Disease
Patients with gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease and other gastrointestinal conditions, can face unique challenges during pregnancy. Those who have undergone surgical procedures for the treatment of severe Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis and other gastrointestinal conditions also may have specific delivery needs. Learn more >>
GI Partners
Elisabeth Moore, RD, LDN, Nutrition Services
|
|
Hematology Disease
Pregnancy increases the risk of clotting and delivery can increase risks of hemorrhage in patients with coagulation disorders. Additionally, iron and folate needs change during pregnancy, which can complicate anemia and other blood disorders. Whenever possible, we encourage patients with blood conditions to begin planning with their medical team before conception to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Learn more >>
Hematology Partners
|
|
Infectious Disease
Complicated infections such as hepatitis, HIV, COVID-19 or travel-related diseases such as Zika virus can pose unique challenges during pregnancy. Our multidisciplinary team can help coordinate care for infectious disease complications alongside the patient's primary provider throughout pregnancy. Learn more >>
Infectious Disease Partner
|
|
Mental Health and Substance Use
Pre-existing mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, history of trauma or prior pregnancy loss, substance abuse or eating disorders may pose unique challenges during pregnancy. We welcome physician and patient referrals for anyone with concerns that may complicate pregnancy. Learn more >>
Mental Health and Substance Use Partners
Denise Studley, NP, Addiction Psychiatry
Andrea Crompton, RN, OB Care Manager
|
|
Educational Webinar Series |
|
Each quarter, we offer an educational webinar for residents, attendings and clinical colleagues across the Beth Israel Lahey Health system. CME credits are available for these webinars, which cover a variety of topics related to high-risk pregnancy care. You can view the entire webinar playlist on YouTube.
If you missed our two most recent webinars, please check them out below:
|
|
featuring Rebecca Zash, MD, Infectious Disease Specialist at BIDMC
|
|
featuring Leanna Sudhof, MD, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist at BIDMC
|
|
Save the Date!
Our next educational webinar is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 23, at 5 p.m. Brett Young, MD, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist at BIDMC, will be our featured speaker and discuss, "Management of Anemias and Thrombocytopenias in Pregnancy." Be on the lookout for a registration link via email in the coming weeks.
|
|
It's the start of a new academic year and we're excited to welcome two new fellows to our Division! |
|
Bridget Donovan, MD
PGY5, Maternal-Fetal Medicine
|
|
William Choi, MD
PGY5, Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Genetics
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
