Fellowship Program
Program:
Start Year:
2022
Why did you choose Duke for your fellowship training?
I chose Duke for the outstanding clinical training and research opportunities working with leaders in the field of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and for the incredibly supportive, family-feel of the faculty and fellows in the program.
What excites you about the fellowship program at Duke Obstetrics & Gynecology?
All of it! I am excited to grow in my skills clinically and pursue my individual research interests with expert faculty as my mentors. I am most excited to work with my co-fellows and love being a part of the Duke family!
What are your career goals?
I am interested in a career in academic medicine with a good mix of both clinical obstetrics and research. I have been lucky enough to have fantastic mentors throughout my training and hope to have the opportunity to help those who come after me discover the same love for obstetrics and clinical research as my mentors did for me.
What are your hobbies?
Spending time with family, outdoor activities with my perfect Golden Retriever (Beau) and Bernese Mountain Dog (Nala), traveling, reading, and cheering on my favorite sports teams (Go Blues and Blue Devils!)
Education & Training
Undergraduate school & graduation year:
Washington and Lee University, 2014
Medical school & graduation year:
Virginia Commonwealth University, 2018
Residency & graduation year:
Washington University in St. Louis, 2022
Awards and Honors
Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Residency Program Award for Excellence in Obstetrics, Washington University in St. Louis (2021)
AAGL Recognition of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis (2021)
Alpha Omega Alpha Inductee, Virginia Commonwealth University (2017)
Summa cum laude, Washington and Lee University (2014)
Phi Beta Kappa, Washington and Lee University (2014)
Dean's List and Honor Roll, Washington and Lee University (2012-2014)
Amans Artium Bonarum Award in Spanish, Washington and Lee University, (2013)
Publications
Watkins VY, Martin S, Macones GA, Tuuli MG, Cahill AG, Raghuraman N. The duration of intrapartum supplemental oxygen administration and umbilical cord oxygen content. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2020;223(3):e440.31-7.
Watkins VY, Raghuraman N. Duration of oxygen exposure: insight and response to feedback. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2020;S0002-9378(20):31282-5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2020.10.051.
Watkins VY, Frolova AI, Stout MJ, Carter EB, Macones GA, Cahill AG, Raghuraman N. The relationship between maternal anemia and umbilical cord oxygen content at delivery. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM. 2021;3(1):100270.
Watkins VY, O’Donnell C, Perez M, Zhao P, England S, Carter EB, Kelly JC, Frolova A, Raghuraman N. The impact of physical activity during pregnancy on labor and delivery. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2021;224(4):437.e1-437.e8.
Presentations
Watkins VY, Martin S, Macones GA, Tuuli MG, Cahill AG, Raghuraman N. Duration of maternal oxygen exposure and umbilical cord oxygen content. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s 40th Annual Pregnancy Meeting. Grapevine, TX. February 2020.
Watkins VY, O’Donnell C, Perez M, Zhao P, England S, Raghuraman N. Physical activity in pregnancy: predictive of labor outcomes?. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s 41st Annual Pregnancy Meeting. January 2021.
Beermann S, Watkins VY, Frolova A, Raghuraman N, Cahill AG. Electronic fetal monitoring changes in the setting of maternal anemia. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s 42nd Annual Pregnancy Meeting. February 2022.
Byron RK, Watkins VY, Stiles A, Trieu E, Truong M. The utility of annual pelvic exams in asymptomatic women. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Annual Clinical Meeting. Nashville, Tennessee, May 2019.
Watkins VY, Frolova AI, Stout MJ, Carter EB, Macones GA, Cahill AG, Raghuraman N. Does maternal anemia impact fetal oxygenation and risk of acidemia at term? The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s 40th Annual Pregnancy Meeting. Grapevine, TX. February 2020.
Watkins VY, O’Donnell C, Perez M, Zhao P, England S, Raghuraman N. The impact of physical activity in pregnancy on perinatal outcomes. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s 41st Annual Pregnancy Meeting. January 2021.
Watkins VY, Zhao P, Frolova AI, Carter EB, Kelly JC, Odibo A, England S, Raghuarman N. Neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage impacts physical activity levels during pregnancy. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s 42nd Annual Pregnancy Meeting. February 2022.
Watkins VY, Zhao P, Frolova AI, Carter EB, Kelly JC, Odibo A, England S, Raghuarman N. How does physical activity change throughout pregnancy?. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s 42nd Annual Pregnancy Meeting. February 2022.
Watkins VY, Zhao P, Frolova AI, Carter EB, Kelly JC, Odibo A, England S, Raghuarman N. The impact of physical activity during pregnancy on intrauterine fetal growth. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s 42nd Annual Pregnancy Meeting. February 2022.
Research Interests
I'm very interested in clinical research and conducting meaningful studies that translate into clinical care and impact patient outcomes. I am hoping to perform a clinical trial during fellowship and work towards pursuing my MSCI.