Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 19th Annual Paul Harding Research day

Thanks to online digital conference methods a pandemic was no match for the OB/GYN dept 19th Annual Paul Harding Research day held on April 28th 2021. Over 118 attendees took in 33 oral presentations divided among 4 sessions that included; 1) Education/Public/Policy; 2) REI, Gynaecology & Oncology; 3) REI, Oncology & Cannabis; and 4) Obstetrics and Pregnancy themes.

Topics ranged from assessing resident training hours, patient safety, effects of the pandemic on stress and post partum depression, to how to improve ovarian stimulation, detecting and understand mechanisms underlying ovarian cancer, contraception options, effects of obesity on early development, the impact of cannabinoid use on pregnancy and fetal growth and effects of nutrition, hypoxia and other environmental influences on pregnancy, placental and fetal development. The full spectrum of Women’s reproductive health and gynaecology from policy to education, basic science and clinical practice was covered. The day not only highlighted the department’s research strengths but primarily shed a light on the incredible communication, and knowledge translation skills that the department trainees including medical students, residents, fellows, graduate students and postdocs have. All faculty and staff could not help but be proud of the amazing ability their trainees displayed and the overall excellence of the research presented.

Our oral presentation judges were put in a very difficult position in all sessions to find those that demonstrated an ability to distinguish themselves a little more than others. They were up to the task and we congratulate the following trainees for their outstanding ability to communicate their research. These include:

Session 1: Education/Public Health/Policy

  • 1st Place: Andrea Hunt
  • 2nd Place: Brittany Deller & Dalia Bibr

Session 2: REI, Gynaecology & Oncology

  • 1st Place: Matthew J. Borrelli
  • 2nd Place: Adrian Buensuceso

Session 3: REI, Oncology, Cannabis

  • 1st Place: Kendrick Lee
  • 2nd Place: Shelby Oke

Session 4: Obstetrics & Pregnancy

  • 1st Place: Carlene Cihosky
  • 2nd Place: Kelly J. Baines

In addition to the 4 oral presentation sessions the day also included The Earl Plunkett Lecture entitled “The power of the present: mindfulness as a tool in women’s sexual health and vulvodynia” and presented by Dr. Lori Brotto, Canada research Chair and Executive Director of the Women’s Health Research Institute, and Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Brotto’s captivating seminar covered the background, theory, actual practice and application of mindfulness and its benefits for promoting wellness and sexual health for all and especially women.  The 25 minute question period afterward certainly captured the enthusiasm and importance of Dr. Brotto’s work and knowledge on our audience. We are very grateful to Dr. Brotto for being willing to spend time with us and educate us on this incredibly important aspect of women’s health.

Simply an outstanding day and time was had by all. Thank you to the organizing team encompassing the department’s research committee. Special thanks go to Eva Amaya-Rodriguez, Dawn Vanhie, Lisa Johnson, Andrew Dunseath, Derrick Gould and Patty Scheerer.  We look forward to next years Research day!

Andrew J. Watson, PhD
Co-Director, Research Committee
Professor, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Physiology and Pharmacology;
Scientist, Children's Health Research Institute
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Western University

Queena Chou, MD
FRCSC, FPMRS, ABOG, FACOG
Co-Director, Research Committee
Associate Professor
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry
Western University