The recent 2024 Society of OB/GYN Hospitalists (SOGH) Annual Clinical Meeting provided an invaluable opportunity for OBHG to showcase its leadership in maternal health and OB/GYN hospitalist care. OBHG was heavily involved throughout the event, with multiple team members sharing their expertise and knowledge in key areas of obstetrics.
Key OBHG contributions:
Dr. Milinda Carson’s poster presentation on common medical diagnoses before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Dr. Milinda Carson led a poster presentation highlighting significant research on common medical diagnoses managed by OB/GYN hospitalists before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study compared data from 2017-2019 (pre-pandemic) to 2020-2022 (during the pandemic), revealing trends in obstetrical and gynecological diagnoses during these periods. Key findings showed an increase in urgent obstetrical diagnoses, while less urgent diagnoses decreased. Dr. Carson’s work emphasized the vital role OB hospitalists played during the pandemic, particularly in managing the increasing demands of maternal healthcare. In addition to her research contributions, Dr. Carson also serves as the chair of SOGH’s Advocacy Committee. This committee champions SOGH’s stance on OB/GYN hospitalist medicine and women’s health issues, working to foster partnerships with national and international organizations.
Dr. Nikki Fanning’s presentation for OB/GYN residents
Dr. Nikki Fanning delivered an engaging session designed for OB/GYN residents during the “Future Leaders in OB/GYN Medicine” trainee event, offering career guidance on the path to becoming an OB hospitalist right out of residency. She discussed the unique benefits of working for OBHG, including leadership opportunities at the local, regional, and national levels, work/life balance, and the chance to provide care to diverse patient populations. Dr. Fanning’s session highlighted the rewarding nature of an OB hospitalist career, providing residents with a meaningful and viable career path within obstetrics immediately after completing their training.
Dr. Amy VanBlaricom’s leadership on community birth collaborations and research
In addition to her role as a facilitator for the oral abstract presentations, Dr. Amy VanBlaricom led a breakout session focused on the rising trend of community births and the challenges associated with transfers of care. This session addressed the growing interest in midwifery-led care and the importance of collaboration when planned community births require transfer to a hospital for a higher level of care. This session was offered in partnership with Smooth Transitions, a Washington-state based quality improvement program that partners with OBHG throughout the Pacific Northwest. Drawing on this successful model of collaboration, Dr. VanBlaricom discussed both qualitative and quantitative data to showcase how these partnerships improve maternal outcomes.
Reflecting on the session, Dr. VanBlaricom stated, “OB hospitalists play a critical role in ensuring safe transfers and supporting midwifery-led care. By working closely with community birth providers, we improve outcomes and ensure every woman receives the care she needs, regardless of where she chooses to give birth.”
In addition to her role as a facilitator, Dr. VanBlaricom serves as the co-chair of SOGH’s Research Committee. This committee oversees academic, research, and content development efforts within SOGH. The Research Committee is responsible for managing research abstracts presented at the ACM and conducting the biennial Salary and Employment Survey, along with other important research projects.
Amanda Shafton’s presentation on salary survey results
Amanda Shafton, OBHG’s National Director of Midwifery, presented the preliminary results of the SOGH salary survey during the oral abstract session. This important survey provides insights into compensation trends for OB/GYN hospitalists, certified nurse midwives, administrators, and generalists, helping to drive transparency and equity in the field. Amanda’s presentation shed light on factors that influence salary levels, including location, experience, and job responsibilities.
OBHG’s presence beyond the sessions
Exhibit hall and co-sponsorship of the welcome reception
OBHG had a strong presence in the exhibit hall, where attendees could engage with team members and learn more about the organization’s industry-leading OB/GYN hospitalist program. OBHG also co-sponsored the conference’s Welcome Reception, fostering connections among attendees and furthering discussions on the future of OB/GYN hospitalist care.
Dr. Lisbeth McKinnon’s involvement on the Simulation Committee and SOGH Board
Dr. Lisbeth McKinnon’s role on the Simulation Committee and the SOGH Board reinforced OBHG’s commitment to advancing clinical skills and improving patient outcomes. Her leadership in these areas ensures that OB/GYN hospitalists have access to the latest tools and training needed to deliver high-quality care.
“The simulations at the SOGH Annual Meeting bring together clinicians from all over the country in a unique and collaborative setting,” said Dr. McKinnon. “Diverse in backgrounds and experiences, we share our individual hospital practices, learning from each other’s expertise. It’s more than a simulation at your own hospital where everyone is familiar; it’s a convergence of varied insights and a real testament to our collective intelligence. This setting not only fosters a safe space for practice, free from judgment, but also reveals our shared competence as seasoned physicians.”
Looking Ahead: OBHG’s continued commitment
The SOGH Annual Clinical Meeting was a powerful demonstration of OBHG’s ongoing efforts to shape the future of obstetric care. From groundbreaking research to mentorship and leadership opportunities, OBHG’s presence at the event highlighted the organization’s dedication to elevating maternal health on both a clinical and community level.
“With most of our OB hospitalist programs based in community hospitals, not academic centers, our leadership in collaborative care and research is essential to improving outcomes for women in these settings,” said Dr. Mark Simon, OBHG’s Chief Medical Officer. “Events like the SOGH Annual Clinical Meeting are an opportunity to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and ensure that OB hospitalists are equipped to meet the ever-changing needs of patients and hospitals.”
Stay tuned for more updates on OBHG’s involvement in future conferences and initiatives!