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
Assessing the Association Between Perceived Discrimination in Health Care and Postpartum Contraception.
Journal Article J Womens Health (Larchmt) · December 11, 2025 Objectives: To assess the association between perceived discrimination in health care and postpartum contraceptive plans among a diverse group of postpartum individuals. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of individuals postpartum prio ... Full text Link to item CiteRegular Physical Inactivity and Ovarian Cancer Risk in the Ovarian Cancer in Women of African Ancestry Consortium.
Journal Article Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev · December 1, 2025 BACKGROUND: Regular physical inactivity may increase ovarian cancer risk, but few studies have investigated whether this association is similar among Black and White women. METHODS: In a pooled nested case-control study within the Ovarian Cancer in Women o ... Full text Link to item CiteCost-effectiveness of biomarker-based and universal strategies for the treatment of advanced-stage endometrial cancer.
Journal Article Gynecol Oncol · December 2025 OBJECTIVE: To compare cost-effectiveness of targeted therapeutic strategies for non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and non-Hispanic White (NHB) patients with newly diagnosed, advanced-stage endometrial cancer. METHODS: A Markov-based cost-utility model using a third ... 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.