In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Amy Valent is joined by Drs. Clarissa Bonanno and Elyce Cardonick, two of the authors of the SMFM Consult Series on Cancer and Pregnancy. Together, they discuss the complex and evolving landscape of cancer diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy. Topics include treatment options that align with standard care, the role of multidisciplinary collaboration, long-term outcomes for children exposed to chemotherapy in utero, counseling strategies, and the importance of individualized care. They also share helpful resources for both clinicians and patients navigating this rare but challenging situation. 

Additional resources 

• For patients:
  • Cancer and Pregnancy Register: www.cancerandpregnancy.com Email: cancerandpregnancy@cooperheath.edu
  • HOPE for TWO (800) 743-4471 – A pregnant women with cancer will be matched to someone who had the same cancer in pregnancy and delivered their child.

• For oncologists and healthcare providers:
  • ABCIP (Advisory Board on Cancer, Infertility, and Pregnancy): provides a platform where physicians from all over the world can request recommendations regarding the medical care of pregnant women diagnosed with cancer or regarding fertility preservation.   

For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org. 

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Shad Deering welcomes Dr. Sindhu Srinivas, the newly appointed President of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Dr. Srinivas shares her journey to becoming an MFM, reflects on the mentors who shaped her path, and discusses her early involvement in advocacy and organized medicine. She also offers insight into her leadership vision for SMFM, including expanding member engagement, strengthening advocacy efforts, and advancing educational initiatives like the newly launched Pregnancy Journal. Whether you're a fellow, early-career MFM, or a long-time member, this episode highlights the many ways to get involved and stay inspired within the MFM community.

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Amy Valent welcomes back Dr. Ebony Carter, Division Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at UNC Chapel Hill, for a deeper discussion on community engagement in MFM practice. Building on the insights from Community Engagement 101, Dr. Carter shares her experiences in developing meaningful community partnerships that drive health equity and improve patient care.

From navigating the complexities of building trust to ensuring patient voices shape interventions, Dr. Carter provides practical advice on engaging with communities in a way that is collaborative, sustainable, and impactful. She reflects on lessons learned in St. Louis, the challenges of starting over in a new community, and the importance of listening before leading.

Join us for an inspiring conversation on how MFMs can integrate community engagement into their research, practice, and advocacy efforts. Subscribe to the SMFM Podcast for more discussions on high-risk pregnancy care, and explore additional resources at education.smfm.org.

Additional Resources:

SMFM Podcast Community Engagement 101

Funding Acknowledgement:

The Public Health System Components: Clinicians who are related to Maternal-Fetal Medicine program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) totaling $200,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of nor endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government.

Conflict is a natural part of life, but it doesn’t have to be negative. In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Rachel Harrison sits down with Dr. Ngina Connors, OB/GYN Chair at Atrium Health and Vice Chair of SMFM’s Practice Management Committee, to explore strategies for effective conflict resolution.

They discuss the different types of conflict that arise in maternal-fetal medicine, from interpersonal disagreements to team dynamics on labor and delivery. Dr. Connors shares insights on fostering open dialogue, managing workplace conflicts, and approaching difficult conversations with patients and colleagues. They also provides practical techniques, including the power of active listening and the “7-second rule,” to help de-escalate tensions and build stronger, more collaborative teams.

Listen now and explore additional resources from SMFM at education.smfm.org.

Practice Management Virtual Course

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Rupesh Patel speaks with Dr. Ashley Battarbee and Dr. Judette Louis about the CDC’s Hypertension in Pregnancy Change Package (HPCP)—a comprehensive resource designed to improve the identification, management, and prevention of complications related to hypertension in pregnancy.

Dr. Battarbee and Dr. Louis discuss the collaborative effort behind developing the HPCP, its key components, and how it can be implemented in outpatient settings to enhance patient care. They highlight practical strategies for clinicians, address common challenges, and explore the role of the change package in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Additionally, they delve into the postpartum aspects of hypertension management and the importance of continuity of care.

Tune in to learn how the HPCP serves as a structured, evidence-informed tool to optimize hypertension care in pregnancy and postpartum.

Additional Resouces: 

Hypertension - Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Hypertension in Pregnancy Change Package

Education.smfm.org

The Public Health System Components: Clinicians who are related to Maternal-Fetal Medicine program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) totaling $320,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of nor endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government.

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Melissa Spiel is joined by Dr. Jason Vaught, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and surgical critical care physician at Johns Hopkins Hospital, to discuss SMFM Consult: Diagnosis and Management of Right and Left Ventricular Heart Failure During Pregnancy and Postpartum.

Dr. Vaught shares insights on the frequency of cardiomyopathy as an underlying cause of maternal mortality, the importance of screening and early detection, and key considerations for managing heart failure in pregnant patients. The discussion covers counseling strategies, self-monitoring techniques, delivery planning, postpartum care, and addressing healthcare disparities in cardiovascular disease.

Tune in to hear expert perspectives on optimizing care for patients with heart failure during pregnancy and beyond. 

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Jamie Lo is joined by Dr. Rolanda Lister, Officer of Health Equity at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Dr. Ann Borders, Executive Director of the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative, to explore the essentials of community engagement in maternal-fetal medicine.

Learn how partnering with community stakeholders, engaging patient voices, and addressing social drivers of health can improve birth outcomes and promote health equity. The discussion highlights practical strategies, real-world examples, and emerging data supporting the transformative impact of community engagement on clinical care, quality improvement, and research.

Stay tuned for insights on building relationships with community organizations, fostering long-term partnerships, and integrating patient-centered approaches into practice. Plus, hear about SMFM's upcoming 2025 postgraduate course, Building Bridges Between Hospitals and Community Partners to Promote Birth Equity and Improved Birth Outcomes.

Additional Links/Resources

SMFM’s 2025 Postgrad Course - Building Bridges Between Hospitals and Community Partners to Promote Birth Equity and Improved Birth Outcomes.

Engaging Communities to Improve Perinatal Outcomes Special Interest Group

Visit education.smfm.org for more educational resources 

Funding Acknowledgement:

The Public Health System Components: Clinicians who are related to Maternal-Fetal Medicine program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) totaling $200,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of nor endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government.

In this Pregnancy Meeting edition of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Shannon Son is joined by Dr. Marvin Williams and Dr. Amber Samuel to explore the highlights of the postgraduate courses and scientific forums at the 2025 Pregnancy Meeting. From CME-accredited courses on evidence-based labor management and fetal interventions to member-driven forums tackling topics like cardio-obstetrics and health equity, this year’s program offers something for everyone in maternal-fetal medicine.

Learn about the collaborative process behind the selection of courses and forums, how these opportunities foster research and innovation, and why the 2025 Pregnancy Meeting is a can’t-miss event. Plus, get tips on registering for sessions, accessing resources, and making the most of your time at the meeting.

Mark your calendar for January 27 to February 1, 2025, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Denver, Colorado. Subscribe to the SMFM Podcast Series for more updates, and visit smfm.org/2025to register today!

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Alireza Shamshirsaz welcomes Dr. Bill Grobman, Editor-in-Chief of SMFM’s first official journal, Pregnancy. Together, they explore the vision behind this new Open Access journal, its mission to increase accessibility and transparency of original research in obstetrics, and the global and diverse representation it aims to achieve. Dr. Grobman shares his passion for advancing research on pregnancy in its broadest context, touching on topics such as equitable outcomes, the life-course impact of pregnancy, and socio-political dimensions.

Listeners will learn about the journal's format, submission guidelines, and opportunities for involvement, including serving as a reviewer or joining the editorial board. Discover how Pregnancy aims to serve as a platform for groundbreaking research and collaboration, fostering meaningful contributions to the field of maternal-fetal medicine.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about the new journal by visiting smfm.org/pregnancy

In this Pregnancy Meeting edition of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Shannon Son welcomes Dr. Allison Bryant to discuss everything you need to know about posters and abstracts at the 2025 Pregnancy Meeting. From the equity-focused review process to the impressive lineup of over 1,100 poster presentations and groundbreaking oral sessions, this year’s meeting promises to showcase the best in maternal-fetal medicine research.

Discover how sustainability initiatives are shaping the format of the meeting, what’s new for poster presenters, and why this year’s program is a must-attend event for anyone in the field. Plus, get key tips to make the most of your experience with the SMFM mobile app and learn about important deadlines for registration and planning.

Mark your calendar for January 27 to February 1, 2025, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Denver, Colorado. Be sure to subscribe to the SMFM Podcast Series for more updates and visit smfm.org/2025 to register today!