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Sarahn M Wheeler

Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine
DUMC 3967, Durham, NC 27710
2608 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


Dr. Sarahn M. Wheeler is a practicing maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Wheeler was born and raised in Mt. Laurel, NJ. She graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University. She completed medical school at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine. Dr. Wheeler went on to residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Wheeler completed her maternal-fetal medicine sup-specialty training at Duke University in June of 2016.

Dr. Wheeler currently serves as Assistant Professor in the Duke University School of Medicine. In this role, Dr. Wheeler is both a practicing clinician and research faculty. in her clinical role, Dr. Wheeler is the director of Duke's Prematurity Prevention Program, a specialty clinic that is geared for women with risk factors for preterm birth.  In her research role, Dr. Wheeler has published several peer-reviewed articles on topics ranging from fetal brain injury to vaccination during pregnancy. Dr. Wheeler’s current research focus is on race disparities in preterm birth. She is actively involved in research to develop interventions to improve utilization of preterm birth prevention therapies.

Dr. Wheeler also serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the OB/GYN department.  In this role she leads efforts to ensure an inclusive environment for the diverse patients, faculty, staff and trainees within Duke OB/GYN.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology · 2023 - Present Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology

In the News


Published January 13, 2020
Better Health Starts With Stronger Communities

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Recent Publications


Second (2nd) Trimester Kidney Function and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes among Patients with Lupus.

Journal Article Kidney360 · February 14, 2025 BACKGROUND: Kidney function is not routinely assessed during pregnancy. Several studies have proposed antepartum kidney function, particularly 2nd trimester kidney function, as a potential predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes. It has been previously est ... Full text Link to item Cite

Communicating neurological prognosis in the prenatal period: a narrative review and practice guidelines.

Journal Article Pediatr Res · January 14, 2025 Clinicians may face an array of challenges in conducting fetal neurological consultations including prognostic uncertainty, a lack of training in fetal counseling, and limited opportunity to build rapport with families. In this setting, it is critical to e ... Full text Link to item Cite

Indomethacin and Cefazolin for Physical Exam-Indicated Cerclage to Improve Latency: A Protocol Validation Study.

Journal Article Am J Perinatol · January 9, 2025 OBJECTIVE:  A single-center randomized trial showed improved latency with use of indomethacin and cefazolin (I/C) during and following exam-indicated cerclage (EIC). The same center recently published a pre/post comparison demonstrating similar results. Th ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Duke University Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network Clinical Center

ResearchCollaborating Investigator · Awarded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development · 2023 - 2030

Provider Remote ObsTetric-Related Employment Education (PROMOTE) and ObsTetric HEAlth Equity ResearCH Mentoring (TEACH) Equity

Clinical TrialPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029

Prenatal maternal obesity and neurodevelopment: The mediating role of the microbiome and metabolome

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029

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Education, Training & Certifications


Duke University, School of Medicine · 2022 M.H.S.C.R.
The University of Chicago · 2009 M.D.
Harvard University · 2003 A.B.