2023 AAOGF/SMFM Scholars Retreat
AAOGF and the Foundation for SMFM welcomed nearly 30 scholars and faculty to University of Michigan in early August for our first in-person AAOGF/SMFM Scholars Retreat since 2019.
The retreat opened with a thought provoking panel discussion moderated by Dr. Courtney Townsel on “Centering Equity through Inclusive Recruitment and Community-Based Participatory Research” with panelists Mrs. Ella Greene-Moton, American Public Health Association-President Elect and Dr. Erica Marsh, Vice Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chief of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology.
Scholars provided brief presentations on their projects to date and had the opportunity to engage in questions and answers with other scholars and faculty, stimulating thoughtful discussion and additional insight.
Dr. Molly Stout, Director, Maternal Fetal Medicine spoke about “Innovation in OBGYN: The Tug of War Between Knowledge and Uncertainty” and left the audience with four important points 1) Distill the signal from the noise; 2) Say yes to things; 3) Who you are around matters; and 4) Know where you are going—but only sort of.
The retreat concluded with small round table discussions exploring topics such as expectations and timeline of progress during the funding period; current and pending applications for continuation of funding; and obstacles and plans for transition to independence.
In addition to scholarly activities and friendly fellowship, participants were treated to a specially curated exhibit at the University of Michigan Museum of Art featuring pieces with ties to the medical field.
Dr. Carolyn Sufrin, AAOGF Bridge Scholar commented, “The AAOGF retreat was an unexpectedly unique and important event to learn new science and to receive guidance on everything from nuts and bolts of navigating the NIH landscape to integrating career and family priorities.”
Special thanks to Dr. Courtney Townsel for hosting at the University of Michigan.
Congratulations to all the scholars on their progress and achievements to date!