Overview
My research interests are broadly in the application of quantitative methods, especially mathematical modeling and decision analysis, to problems in women's health. Recent and current activities include integration of simulation modeling and systematic reviews to inform decisions surrounding cervical, ovarian, and breast cancer prevention and control, screening for postpartum depression, and management of uterine fibroids. We are also engaged in exploring methods for integrating guidelines development and research prioritization. In addition, I have ongoing collaborations using the tools of decision analysis with faculty in other clinical areas Research is conducted through the Division of Reproductive Sciences in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Evidence Synthesis Group in the Duke Clinical Research Institute, and the Duke Cancer Institute. I'm also the course director for CRP 259, "Decision Sciences in Clinical Research", in Duke's Clinical Research Training Program.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Walter L. Thomas Distinguished Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the School of Medicine
·
2012 - Present
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Community & Population Health,
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
·
2019 - Present
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Community & Population Health,
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
1996 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Core Faculty Member, Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy
·
2024 - Present
Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy,
University Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Uterine cancer diagnosis at age 65: onset of Medicare eligibility and impact of Medicaid expansion.
Journal Article Am J Obstet Gynecol · February 2026 BACKGROUND: Uterine cancer, for which diagnosis is based on evaluation of symptoms, most commonly postmenopausal bleeding, is one of the few cancers in the United States with rising incidence and mortality. Inability to access diagnostic services due to la ... Full text Link to item CitePerformance of ultrasound and rates of guideline-concordant care in a diverse postmenopausal bleeding cohort.
Journal Article Am J Obstet Gynecol · February 2026 BACKGROUND: Professional society guidelines endorse the use of ultrasound to evaluate an initial episode of postmenopausal bleeding, with endometrial sampling reserved for patients with an endometrial thickness exceeding 4 mm. However, the data supporting ... Full text Link to item CiteNeoadjuvant Chemotherapy Versus Primary Cytoreductive Surgery for Metastatic Endometrial Cancer.
Journal Article Cancer Med · January 2026 OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pattern of use and clinical outcomes associated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) compared with primary debulking surgery (PDS) in patients with stage IV endometrial cancer. METHODS: We utilized the National Cancer Database to ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
State reproductive health policy as a determinant for maternal health
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 20302/3 CTSA K12 Program at Duke University
ResearchMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030Development and pilot testing of a behavioral intervention to improve pelvic dilator therapy use among cancer survivors who received pelvic radiation
ResearchCo-Mentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill ·
1992
M.P.H.
University of Pennsylvania ·
1988
M.D.