Department of  Obstetrics & Gynecology  

Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University

Department Divisions

Gynecologic Oncology
Dr. Gerard Oakley provides women of the Tri-State area with modern, compassionate care in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies.  Residents spend a total of 6 months on the oncology service.  The oncology rotation not only provides education in the care and treatment of patient with neoplasms of the reproductive organs, but also residents gain valuable experience in the surgical care of elderly, obese,  and critically ill patients.  The division provides surgical and chemotherapeutic care, as well as coordinates the care of patients requiring radiation.

Residents learn the principles and techniques for the management of patients with pre-invasive cervical neoplasia by providing care to patients in the weekly colposcopy clinic.  At this clinic, residents, usually in the second year, perform colposcopic examination of the cervix and electrosurgical (LEEP) procedures for the treatment of pre-invasive disease.

Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center
Residents actively participate in the care of patients, assist at surgery  in the hospital, and see patients with Dr. Gerard  Oakley in the  Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center.  The  Center is a joint project shared by Cabell Huntington Hospital, the Edwards Foundation, Inc., and the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University.   This new $19 million facility provides  the  latest in diagnostic and treatment services to patients and improved instruction to medical students and residents.

Maternal and Fetal Medicine
Located on the campus of Cabell Huntington Hospital, the Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine utilizes rotations in general obstetrics, maternal and fetal medicine, and a perinatal medicine rotation to educate residents in the care of high risk obstetrical patients.

Locations and Services:
Perinatal Center
 The Perinatal Center provides prenatal diagnosis and evaluation for low and high risk pregnancies.  Under the direction of Dr. Shalini Singh and utilizing the latest technology including 2 new 4-D ultrasounds, patients are offered the latest in prenatal diagnosis.  High risk pregnancies also receive antenatal testing at the center.  The maternal fetal medicine specialists provide consultation to high risk obstetrical patients at this facility. In May 2006, the Perinatal Center moved to  a new  and larger, more advanced and  more accommodating  facility at 1639 13th Avenue, adjacent to Cabell Huntington Hospital. The  antenatal (NST/BPP) testing capabilities were expanded. Spacious and comfortable waiting rooms were added, and the Perinatal Diabetes Center  was included under our roof for greater patient convenience.


Maternal Hypertension Center
Within the perinatal center is the Cabell Huntington Hospital Maternal Hypertension Center.  The center was the second in the country to use the cardiodynamic Bio-Z monitor for the evaluation and treatment of patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.  Center director, Dr. David Chaffin uses the latest technology to provide advanced care to women of the Tri-State area.

Cabell Huntinton Hospital Clinics
Cabell Huntington Hospital sponsors and Marshall University maternal and fetal medicine faculty staffs high-risk obstetrical clinics 3 half days per week on the Cabell Huntington Hospital Campus.  One clinic is dedicated to women with pregnancies complicated by diabetes.  These clinics are the responsibility of the Maternal and Fetal Medicine resident and the Obstetrics Chief Resident.

Cabell Huntington Hospital
Over 250 high risk obstetrical patients are transported  to Cabell Huntington Hospital each year.  The hospital serves as the principal maternal and neonatal transport center for Southwestern West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, and Southeastern Ohio.  In addition to providing care for all of these transports, residents are also responsible for high risk obstetrical inpatients under the supervision of the maternal and fetal medicine specialists.  A third 4-D ultrasound is used at this facility for obstetrical inpatients.

University Obstetrics and Gynecology
Maternal and Fetal Medicine specialists provide consultation to high risk obstetrical patients at the University Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinical Practice Facility.  Also located on the Cabell Huntington Hospital Campus, this site uses a fourth 4-D ultrasound for prenatal evaluation. 

Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
The director of the division, Dr. William Burns, offers evaluation and treatment of a wide range of endocrinopathies and etiologies of infertility including male factor, endometriosis, anovulation and the polycystic ovary syndrome, and tubal factor infertility.  Residents spend 2 months during the third year dedicated to the REI service. 
Located on the  third floor of Cabell Huntington Hospita,  the Center for Advanced Reproductive Medicine is  the first In-vitro fertilization center in western West Virginia. At this location and through the REI rotation, residents receive instruction in evaluation of infertile couples and how to choose the most appropriate, cost effective therapy. Residents also gain exposure to the workings of a modern assisted reproductive laboratory.

Urogynecology
Under the direction of Dr. Kevin Conaway, the University Continence Center provides evaluation and treatment to women with urinary incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction.  In addition to surgical therapy, the center provides biofeedback and physical therapy as well as medical therapy for patients with urinary complaints. 

Residents at Marshall University perform a large number of procedures for correction of pelvic floor dysfunction and urinary incontinence, primarily during their third and fourth years.  Residents also spend time in the Continence Center to develop an understanding of appropriate evaluation of patients with urinary incontinence and to help patients choose the appropriate therapy.