National Program Develops Ob-gyn Researchers

February 7, 2007

OHSU physician, W. Thomas Gregory, M.D., has been highlighted as part of the Women’s Reproductive Health Research Career Development Program. The program, initiated by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, provides funding for selected scholars pursuing research careers. Dr. Gregory's research interests are in fecal incontinence, especially related to childbirth.

Appointments as a WRHR scholar (pronounced “wer-her”) range from two to five years; the length of time is determined individually to accommodate each scholar’s ongoing research projects. Dr. Gregory became a WRHR scholar at the OHSU after he completed a fellowship in urogynecology in the Center for Women's Health. He is now finishing his fifth and final year in the WRHR program.

Dr. Gregory and WRHR program are featured in this month's ACOG Today, a publication of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Initially, Dr. Gregory’s research related to use of ultrasound of the anal sphincter, but he was intrigued by nerve and muscle injury of the pelvic floor and began working with the director of the electrophysiological laboratory. He trained with the fellows in the OHSU neurophysiology program, learning how to do nerve conduction studies using electromyography on biceps and quadriceps, and later applying the technique to the pudendal nerve and developing pelvic floor research protocols.

“The WRHR program provides options to tap into the infrastructure at your institution,” Dr. Gregory said. "I started with one and now have two true mentors. In addition, the [program leaders] have set up regular meetings for me to talk to senior investigators way out of my field, who listen to my thought processes, help me hone my hypotheses, and give feedback on specific aims in grant writing—opening doors for me.”

Read more about Dr. Gregory and Urogynecology Services at OHSU.

Click here to download the complete article. (Requires Adobe® Reader®.)