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Sarah Catherine Ellestad

Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine
DUMC 3967, Durham, NC 27710
Pavilion East At Lakeview, 2608 Erwin Road, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27705

Presentations, Performances & Exhibitions


What Not to Miss - North Carolina Obstetrical and Gynecological Society · April 2019 Invited Talk Raleigh, NC
Basics of Obstetrics Imaging · April 2018 Invited Talk North Carolina Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC
First Trimester Ultrasound in the Day of Cell Free Fetal DNA · April 2018 Invited Talk North Carolina Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC
Antenatal Testing Using Ultrasound · April 2018 Invited Talk North Carolina Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC
The Clinical Utility of Short-lag Spatial Coherence Imaging in Obstetric Ultrasound - AIUM · March 2018 International Meeting or Conference New York, New York
The Who, What, Why, When and Where of Prenatal Diagnosis - Percy Wadman Lecture · May 2017 Keynote/Named Lecture Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA
Use of Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Maternal and Fetal Anatomic Abnormalities Associated with First Trimester (and beyond) Loss - Southern Ob/Gyn Society Annual Meeting · July 2016 Invited Talk Asheville, NC
Adnexal Masses in Pregnancy: Who can we follow and who needs surgery now? - Southern Ob/Gyn Society Annual Meeting · July 2016 Invited Talk Asheville, NC
Stuck in a Bad Situation: Evaluation and Management of Abnormal Placentation Disorders - Coastal Women's Healthcare Summit · 2014 Invited Talk SEAHEC, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Sonographic Surveillance for Cervical Length - 50th Anniversay Baystate Medical Center Ob/Gyn Residency Program · October 2011 Invited Talk Springfield, MA

Service to the Profession


Member, SMFM Accelerator Fund Committee · 2022 Committee Service

Leadership & Clinical Positions


Program Director of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship Program 2020- present
Associate Director of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship Program 2019-2020

Medical Director, Duke Perinatal, Burlington 2010-2021

Co-Director, Duke Fetal Diagnostic Center, Durham 2006-present

Committee Co-Chair, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Learner Education Committee 2021-present

Obstetrics Peer Review Committee, Member 2018-present

Obstetrics Chief Rotation Director 2022-present

Academic & Administrative Activities


• I have been developing an ultrasound/prenatal diagnosis curriculum for the Duke MFM Fellows which includes a monthly lecture series as well as some simulation exercises. In addition, I have participated in our fellow retreat twice yearly to discuss and help to improve and develop ongoing educational activities for the MFM Fellowship.
• I also serve as Co-Director of the Duke Fetal Diagnostic Center. Both Duke Perinatal Burlington and the FDC serve patients from community physicians and accept state-wide referrals which have helped to provide these practices with a regional reputation for the specialized care we provide for pregnant women who may have complex medical or social issues or fetuses that may have a genetic condition or anomaly requiring neonatal intervention.
• I participate in weekly CME sponsored ultrasound conferences/lectures which is predominantly attended by sonographers, Ob and MFM providers, residents and medical students
• I serve as a reviewer for the Journal of Clinical Ultrasound.
• I serve on the Ob Peer Review Committee.
• I am Program Director for the Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship, overseeing the education and training of 6 fellows a year.
• Participated in the Leading and Teaching for Equity, NOW series, Duke DEI, 2023-2024
• APEI Reviewer for GME 2023 and 2024
• Participated in Shame Competence Training, 2025 led by Dr. Will Bynum
• Serve as Obstetrics Chief Rotation Director 2022-present

Clinical Summary


I am involved in all aspects of an academic Maternal-Fetal Medicine practice including prenatal diagnosis, which includes ultrasound evaluation of fetal abnormalities, diagnosis of aneuploidy or other genetic abnormalities, and consultation regarding ultrasound findings, coordination of care and discussion of management options for the pregnancy.  I also participate in in the outpatient care of prenatal patients enrolled in the high risk obstetrics clinic and at Duke Perinatal as well as in inpatient care for antepartum and intrapartum patients.