We are living in a fast-paced world, with an overwhelming amount of information at our fingertips.
How do we streamline what we need to know, and how to apply it?
Can we exercise cautious optimism while at the same time embrace the capabilities that artificial intelligence (AI) provides?
Importantly, how can we use AI to our advantage from bench to bedside?
In this issue, we share how AI in the clinical setting is enhancing both the provider and patient experience. Leveraging AI and clinical expertise to streamline care coordination is changing health care as we know it. Click here to read the story.
We are using data and data science to achieve project-specific goals in women’s health through our Center for Women’s Health Data Science and our Quality and Safety in Women’s Health fellowship.
Fellow Joseph Lafferty, MD, supported by the department’s quality and data science teams, has embarked on a data-driven project with the goal of contributing to a cleaner world by reducing the carbon footprint of ob/gyns not only at Duke — but globally. How? By evaluating data on the impact of plastic versus metal speculums and working toward transitioning away from single-use devices. Click here to read the story.
We are using technology to give patients peace of mind — specifically in the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Duke Fertility Center is proud to have successful pregnancy and live birth rates that exceed the national average.
The center has a state-of-the-art College of American Pathologists-certified in vitro fertilization lab, and a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-certified andrology and hormone assay lab. The lab workflow includes radiofrequency identification to track and record every step of the assisted reproductive process, ensuring that samples are correctly identified and handled with the utmost precision. Click here to read the story.
We are offering hope to cancer patients through compassionate care, clinical trials and innovation. Gynecologic oncologist Angeles Alvarez Secord, MD, MHSc, shared encouraging new data on the future of ovarian and endometrial cancer treatment at recent international and national meetings and educational forums. Click here to read the story.
Dr. Secord is steadfast in her commitment to improving outcomes in patients with cancer and other under researched conditions. She was appointed to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) committee that assessed National Institutes of Health (NIH) research on women’s health and worked on its recently released report. Gaps in the understanding of women’s health research across all NIH Institutes and centers were identified.
At top of mind for all of us is the future of research funding. The uncertainty facing institutions throughout the nation is profound. However, we are unwavering in emphasizing the importance of persevering with our work — aware that funding not just for research, but also clinical care, is threatened. This makes the work we do all the more important because one thing that will not change is the needs of our patients and community. We are making a difference, and we are resolute in continuing to do so. But we are realistic that changes may be on the horizon.
I’m proud of the work our department has embarked upon over the past year, and what lies ahead. It is truly a testament to outstanding achievements in our field.
Matthew D. Barber, MD, MHS
W. Allen Addison, MD, Distinguished Professor
Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Interim Sr. Vice President, Duke Health Integrated Practice