BIO

Dr. Swati Agrawal is an expert in the field of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, renowned for her significant contributions to the management of complex fetal conditions and high-risk pregnancies. Her expertise is particularly pronounced in early anatomy fetal scanning and fetal neurosonography (brain scan for various brain anomalies), areas where she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the early detection and management of fetal developmental anomalies. She is an expert in prenatal diagnosis techniques and procedures like amniocentesis, chorionic villous sampling, amnioreduction and fetal cysts/ bladder aspiration.

In terms of educational background, Dr. Agrawal has successfully completed a Fellowship in Maternal and Fetal Medicine, earning sub-specialty board certification from The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Subsequently, she did an additional year of training in placental complications in pregnancy and then another year solidifying skills in fetal neurosonogram. Additionally, she possesses a Master of Science in Clinical Embryology from the University of Oxford, UK, providing her with an intricate understanding of fetal development and the embryological components of prenatal healthcare.

Dr. Agrawal’s scholarly contributions include the publication of approximately 50 peer-reviewed articles in esteemed journals such as ‘Hypertension’, ‘BJOG’, and ‘AJOG’. Her work has been recognized with several prestigious awards, highlighting her research’s impact and relevance.

Outside of her professional achievements, Dr. Agrawal enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, practicing meditation, and reading, finding balance and inspiration in these activities.

CLINICAL INTERESTS

• Prenatal diagnosis (amniocentesis and CVS)
• Fetal procedures (amnioreduction, fetal cyst aspiration)
• Fetal ultrasound
• Fetal neurosonograms (fetal brain scan)
• Early anatomy ultrasound scans (12-16 weeks)
• Placental pathology (preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction)

BIO

Dr. Swati Agrawal is an expert in the field of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, renowned for her significant contributions to the management of complex fetal conditions and high-risk pregnancies. Her expertise is particularly pronounced in early anatomy fetal scanning and fetal neurosonography (brain scan for various brain anomalies), areas where she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the early detection and management of fetal developmental anomalies. She is an expert in prenatal diagnosis techniques and procedures like amniocentesis, chorionic villous sampling, amnioreduction and fetal cysts/ bladder aspiration.

In terms of educational background, Dr. Agrawal has successfully completed a Fellowship in Maternal and Fetal Medicine, earning sub-specialty board certification from The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Subsequently, she did an additional year of training in placental complications in pregnancy and then another year solidifying skills in fetal neurosonogram. Additionally, she possesses a Master of Science in Clinical Embryology from the University of Oxford, UK, providing her with an intricate understanding of fetal development and the embryological components of prenatal healthcare.

Dr. Agrawal’s scholarly contributions include the publication of approximately 50 peer-reviewed articles in esteemed journals such as ‘Hypertension’, ‘BJOG’, and ‘AJOG’. Her work has been recognized with several prestigious awards, highlighting her research’s impact and relevance.

Outside of her professional achievements, Dr. Agrawal enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, practicing meditation, and reading, finding balance and inspiration in these activities.

CLINICAL INTERESTS

• Prenatal diagnosis (amniocentesis and CVS)
• Fetal procedures (amnioreduction, fetal cyst aspiration)
• Fetal ultrasound
• Fetal neurosonograms (fetal brain scan)
• Early anatomy ultrasound scans (12-16 weeks)
• Placental pathology (preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction)

Originally from Israel, Eran obtained his medical degree from Tel Aviv University and completed his residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at Lis Medical Center (affiliated with Tel Aviv University). At this tertiary care perinatal centre, with over 12,000 deliveries per annum, he developed his clinical interests in maternal fetal medicine and advanced his research skills by undertaking an advanced biostatistics program at Tel Aviv University.

Following an initial appointment as an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Tel Aviv University, Eran relocated to the University of Toronto, where he undertook subspecialty training in Canada’s largest maternal fetal medicine program, principally at Mount Sinai Hospital. His extended four-year period of training included one year of advanced obstetrics at St. Michael’s Hospital and a two-year period in Mount Sinai Hospital. In 2021, he obtained subspecialty certification in maternal fetal medicine from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and completed his training with additional one year period within the Placenta Program at Mount Sinai Hospital.

Eran has continued to be a passionate team-based researcher. To date, he has authored and co-authored over 110 peer-reviewed original articles, reviews and book chapters, and has disseminated his work at many national and international level meetings.

In February 2022, Eran was appointed as an associate professor in the maternal fetal medicine division, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada. His clinical and research interests focus on all aspects of prenatal diagnosis and management of both fetal and placenta disorders, with a focus on placental dysfunction and multifetal pregnancy. Eran has enjoyed working with a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate learners and welcomes the opportunity to continue mentorship of next-generation academic physicians and scientists.

Originally from Israel, Eran obtained his medical degree from Tel Aviv University and completed his residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at Lis Medical Center (affiliated with Tel Aviv University). At this tertiary care perinatal centre, with over 12,000 deliveries per annum, he developed his clinical interests in maternal fetal medicine and advanced his research skills by undertaking an advanced biostatistics program at Tel Aviv University.

Following an initial appointment as an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Tel Aviv University, Eran relocated to the University of Toronto, where he undertook subspecialty training in Canada’s largest maternal fetal medicine program, principally at Mount Sinai Hospital. His extended four-year period of training included one year of advanced obstetrics at St. Michael’s Hospital and a two-year period in Mount Sinai Hospital. In 2021, he obtained subspecialty certification in maternal fetal medicine from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and completed his training with additional one year period within the Placenta Program at Mount Sinai Hospital.

Eran has continued to be a passionate team-based researcher. To date, he has authored and co-authored over 110 peer-reviewed original articles, reviews and book chapters, and has disseminated his work at many national and international level meetings.

In February 2022, Eran was appointed as an associate professor in the maternal fetal medicine division, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada. His clinical and research interests focus on all aspects of prenatal diagnosis and management of both fetal and placenta disorders, with a focus on placental dysfunction and multifetal pregnancy. Eran has enjoyed working with a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate learners and welcomes the opportunity to continue mentorship of next-generation academic physicians and scientists.

BIO

Dr. Bryon De France is an associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at McMaster University and a member of the active staff in the clinical department of obstetrics and gynecology at Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation in Hamilton Ontario. He is also an associate member of the Department of Diagnostic Imaging at McMaster University.  Dr. De France is one of the two lead maternal fetal medicine physicians leading the McMaster Diabetes in pregnancy program at McMaster University.

He received his MD at McMaster University and continued there to complete his residency in obstetrics and gynecology. He was the first fellow in the maternal fetal medicine program at McMaster. Prior to his medical education, he completed BSc and MSc degrees in the field of toxicology at the University of Guelph. Dr. De France joined the division of maternal fetal medicine at McMaster in 2001, and has been an active full-time member since that time. He has pursued additional training in clinical epidemiology while on staff at McMaster University and is currently involved in clinical, educational and research activities.

CLINICAL INTERESTS

• Maternal and fetal medicine
• Prenatal diagnosis
• Fetal ultrasound

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Research Themes

Fetal growth; Fetal body composition; Diabetes in pregnancy; Clinical trials

Clinical Trials:

Folic Acid Clinical Trial (FACT) – Local Qualified Investigator
International, Multi-Centered, RCT
The hypothesis of the study is: high dose (4.0 mg per day) supplementation for pregnant women at high risk of developing preeclampsia starting in early pregnancy and continued throughout the entire pregnancy will lower the incidence of preeclampsia.

The trial completed recruitment in November 2015 and the local contribution to recruitment of 161 participants to the final goal of 2464 was 2nd of 72 centers worldwide.

Ongoing Collaborative Work

Dr. Christoph Fusch
Dual closed-loop ex-vivo placenta perfusion

Dr. Christoph Fusch, Dr. Nina Stein, Dr. Mike Noseworthy
Fetal Body Composition

PUBLICATIONS

Malinowski, A. K., De France, B., Sun, D., Carvalho, J. C. A., & Shehata, N. (2017). Obstetric neuraxial anaesthesia in the context of maternal immune thrombocytopenia: secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study. BJA: British Journal of Anaesthesia, 119(5), 1067-1068.?

Murray-Davis, B., McDonald, H., Cross-Sudworth, F., Dore, S., Marrin, M., DeSantis, J., Sabatino, L., DeFrance, B., Leyland, N., Gardosi, J. and Hutton, E., 2016. Implementation of an interprofessional team review of adverse events in obstetrics using a standardized computer tool: A mixed methods study. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 38(2), pp.168-176.

Sun, D., Shehata, N., Xiang, Y.Y., Gregorovich, S., De France, B., Arnold, D.M., Shah, P.S. and Malinowski, A.K., 2016. Corticosteroids compared to intravenous immune globulin for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. Blood, pp.blood-2016.

Vasanthan, T., Rochow, N., Mian, F., Codini, T., DeFrance, B., Fusch, G., Samiee-Zafarghandy, S. and Fusch, C., 2014. LPS from bovine serum albumin drives TNF-? release during ex-vivo placenta perfusion experiments, contaminates the perfusion system but can be effectively removed by oxidative cleaning. Placenta, 35(12), pp.1095-1098.

Vasanthan, T., Rochow, N., Mian, M.F., DeFrance, B., Fusch, G. and Fusch, C., 2014. Dual closed-loop ex-vivo placental perfusion model: Evidence for relevant LPS contamination and development of a procedure for depyrogenation. Placenta, 35(9), p.A23.

Morais M., Deniz S., Ellis S., DeFrance B., 2011.  Characteristics That Influence the Uptake of Prenatal screening of women delivering in a Canadian urban centre. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 33(6) Supplement 1:S37-38.

De France BF. The ALARM and MORE OB Programs – Letter to the Editor. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2007;29(3):215-217.

DeFrance, B, Brennan, B. “Single Versus Multiple Courses of Antenatal Corticosteroids”. Evidence Based Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vol. 3 (2) Pg. 109-110, June 2001.

RECENT RESIDENT RESEARCH

2015
Sandra Gregorovich
“Corticosteroids Compared to Intravenous Immune Globulin for the Treatment of Immune Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy”

2014
Esther Chin
“Necrotizing Fasciitis in Obstetrics and Gynecology – a systematic review”

Elissa Tepperman – R.T. Weaver Best Research Recipient
Redefining Hadlock Curves for the Diabetic Population

Karen MacMillan
Relative fetal acidemia in pregestational diabetics compared to non-diabetic controls.

2013
Meredith Giffin – R.T. Weaver Best Research Recipient
“Estimating Fetal Birth Weight in Pregestational Diabetics Using the Gestation-Adjusted Projection Method: Accuracy and Optimal Timing of Estimation

2012
Kersti Ranken – R.T. Weaver Best Research Recipient
Estimation of Fetal Weight in Pregestational Diabetics: A Comparison of 15 Formulas

BIO

Dr. Bryon De France is an associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at McMaster University and a member of the active staff in the clinical department of obstetrics and gynecology at Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation in Hamilton Ontario. He is also an associate member of the Department of Diagnostic Imaging at McMaster University.  Dr. De France is one of the two lead maternal fetal medicine physicians leading the McMaster Diabetes in pregnancy program at McMaster University.

He received his MD at McMaster University and continued there to complete his residency in obstetrics and gynecology. He was the first fellow in the maternal fetal medicine program at McMaster. Prior to his medical education, he completed BSc and MSc degrees in the field of toxicology at the University of Guelph. Dr. De France joined the division of maternal fetal medicine at McMaster in 2001, and has been an active full-time member since that time. He has pursued additional training in clinical epidemiology while on staff at McMaster University and is currently involved in clinical, educational and research activities.

CLINICAL INTERESTS

• Maternal and fetal medicine
• Prenatal diagnosis
• Fetal ultrasound

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Research Themes

Fetal growth; Fetal body composition; Diabetes in pregnancy; Clinical trials

Clinical Trials:

Folic Acid Clinical Trial (FACT) – Local Qualified Investigator
International, Multi-Centered, RCT
The hypothesis of the study is: high dose (4.0 mg per day) supplementation for pregnant women at high risk of developing preeclampsia starting in early pregnancy and continued throughout the entire pregnancy will lower the incidence of preeclampsia.

The trial completed recruitment in November 2015 and the local contribution to recruitment of 161 participants to the final goal of 2464 was 2nd of 72 centers worldwide.

Ongoing Collaborative Work

Dr. Christoph Fusch
Dual closed-loop ex-vivo placenta perfusion

Dr. Christoph Fusch, Dr. Nina Stein, Dr. Mike Noseworthy
Fetal Body Composition

PUBLICATIONS

Malinowski, A. K., De France, B., Sun, D., Carvalho, J. C. A., & Shehata, N. (2017). Obstetric neuraxial anaesthesia in the context of maternal immune thrombocytopenia: secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study. BJA: British Journal of Anaesthesia, 119(5), 1067-1068.?

Murray-Davis, B., McDonald, H., Cross-Sudworth, F., Dore, S., Marrin, M., DeSantis, J., Sabatino, L., DeFrance, B., Leyland, N., Gardosi, J. and Hutton, E., 2016. Implementation of an interprofessional team review of adverse events in obstetrics using a standardized computer tool: A mixed methods study. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 38(2), pp.168-176.

Sun, D., Shehata, N., Xiang, Y.Y., Gregorovich, S., De France, B., Arnold, D.M., Shah, P.S. and Malinowski, A.K., 2016. Corticosteroids compared to intravenous immune globulin for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. Blood, pp.blood-2016.

Vasanthan, T., Rochow, N., Mian, F., Codini, T., DeFrance, B., Fusch, G., Samiee-Zafarghandy, S. and Fusch, C., 2014. LPS from bovine serum albumin drives TNF-? release during ex-vivo placenta perfusion experiments, contaminates the perfusion system but can be effectively removed by oxidative cleaning. Placenta, 35(12), pp.1095-1098.

Vasanthan, T., Rochow, N., Mian, M.F., DeFrance, B., Fusch, G. and Fusch, C., 2014. Dual closed-loop ex-vivo placental perfusion model: Evidence for relevant LPS contamination and development of a procedure for depyrogenation. Placenta, 35(9), p.A23.

Morais M., Deniz S., Ellis S., DeFrance B., 2011.  Characteristics That Influence the Uptake of Prenatal screening of women delivering in a Canadian urban centre. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 33(6) Supplement 1:S37-38.

De France BF. The ALARM and MORE OB Programs – Letter to the Editor. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2007;29(3):215-217.

DeFrance, B, Brennan, B. “Single Versus Multiple Courses of Antenatal Corticosteroids”. Evidence Based Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vol. 3 (2) Pg. 109-110, June 2001.

RECENT RESIDENT RESEARCH

2015
Sandra Gregorovich
“Corticosteroids Compared to Intravenous Immune Globulin for the Treatment of Immune Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy”

2014
Esther Chin
“Necrotizing Fasciitis in Obstetrics and Gynecology – a systematic review”

Elissa Tepperman – R.T. Weaver Best Research Recipient
Redefining Hadlock Curves for the Diabetic Population

Karen MacMillan
Relative fetal acidemia in pregestational diabetics compared to non-diabetic controls.

2013
Meredith Giffin – R.T. Weaver Best Research Recipient
“Estimating Fetal Birth Weight in Pregestational Diabetics Using the Gestation-Adjusted Projection Method: Accuracy and Optimal Timing of Estimation

2012
Kersti Ranken – R.T. Weaver Best Research Recipient
Estimation of Fetal Weight in Pregestational Diabetics: A Comparison of 15 Formulas

BIO

Dr. Rohan D’Souza is an associate professor in the Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, and a maternal fetal medicine physician at Hamilton Health Sciences. He holds a Canada Research Chair in Maternal Health.

Dr. D’Souza received his MD from the University of Mumbai and his Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) in the United Kingdom. He subsequently completed his fellowship training in maternal fetal medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto and received his PhD and MSc in clinical epidemiology from the Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto.

RESEARCH

Dr. D’Souza’s research is focused on improving health outcomes for pregnant women and people with medical disorders and incorporating patient values and preferences into obstetric decision-making. Dr. D’Souza is co-principal investigator on a Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) funded project looking at the feasibility of establishing a Canadian Obstetric Survey System (CanOSS) for reporting, reviewing and reducing severe health complications in pregnancy.

BIO

Dr. Rohan D’Souza is an associate professor in the Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, and a maternal fetal medicine physician at Hamilton Health Sciences. He holds a Canada Research Chair in Maternal Health.

Dr. D’Souza received his MD from the University of Mumbai and his Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) in the United Kingdom. He subsequently completed his fellowship training in maternal fetal medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto and received his PhD and MSc in clinical epidemiology from the Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto.

RESEARCH

Dr. D’Souza’s research is focused on improving health outcomes for pregnant women and people with medical disorders and incorporating patient values and preferences into obstetric decision-making. Dr. D’Souza is co-principal investigator on a Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) funded project looking at the feasibility of establishing a Canadian Obstetric Survey System (CanOSS) for reporting, reviewing and reducing severe health complications in pregnancy.

BIO

After completing a bachelor of science, with honours, in biology at the University of Toronto, Dr. Alexandra Marseu obtained her MD from McMaster University. She went on to complete both her residency in obstetrics and gynecology and her fellowship in maternal fetal medicine at McMaster, as well. She joined the division of maternal fetal medicine at McMaster in 2021.

Dr. Marseu is currently completing her master of applied science in patient safety and healthcare quality from Johns Hopkins University, as well as the clinician educator diploma program through the Royal College. Her clinical and research interests include quality improvement initiatives and digital learning in residency education.

BIO

After completing a bachelor of science, with honours, in biology at the University of Toronto, Dr. Alexandra Marseu obtained her MD from McMaster University. She went on to complete both her residency in obstetrics and gynecology and her fellowship in maternal fetal medicine at McMaster, as well. She joined the division of maternal fetal medicine at McMaster in 2021.

Dr. Marseu is currently completing her master of applied science in patient safety and healthcare quality from Johns Hopkins University, as well as the clinician educator diploma program through the Royal College. Her clinical and research interests include quality improvement initiatives and digital learning in residency education.

BIO

Dr. Sarah D. McDonald, a maternal fetal medicine specialist, was awarded a prestigious Canada Research Chair. She is a professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

She is also an associate member of the Departments of Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact and Radiology. She also holds Graduate Faculty Status, Health Research Methodology (HRM). Her clinical work deals with high risk pregnancies.

She received her MD from the University of Toronto, her obstetrics and gynecology residency from the University of Ottawa and her maternal fetal medicine fellowship from the University of Toronto. In 2006, at the University of Toronto, she completed her MSc in clinical epidemiology, forming the basis of her research. Prior to coming to McMaster, Dr. McDonald was an assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Ottawa and an associate scientist at the Ottawa Health Research Institute.

She is delighted to mentor faculty, fellow, residents, graduate and other students. Through the Clinician-Investigator Teams in obstetrics and maternal fetal medicine Dr. McDonald, with the University of Toronto, provides scientific mentorship to Beth Murray Davis, PhD, associate professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, midwifery education program and Dr. Nir Melamed (Sunnybrook) and Dr. Howard Berger (St. Mike’s) along with Drs. Jon Barrett, Joel Ray and Mike Geary.

Please head to Dr. McDonald’s research team website for further details of her team’s research, publications, awards and opportunities to join the team.

AWARDS

• Tier II Canada Research Chair in Maternal and Child Disease Prevention and Intervention, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (Jan 2020-Dec 2024)
• Tier II Canada Research Chair in Maternal and Child Obesity Prevention and Intervention, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (Jan 2015-Dec 2019)
• Canadian Institutes of Health Research prize for Rising Star in Perinatal Research (New Investigator) (2009)
• Canadian Institutes of Health Research New Investigator Award (2009)

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Her research focuses on prevention of preterm birth, and its sequelae, to improve the health of infants, women and families.

Research Themes

Preterm birth; Weight

FUNDING SOURCES

• Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) grants
• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
• Ministry of Health Academic Funding Plan – Hamilton Academic Health Sciences Organization Innovation Fund (HAHSO AFP)

PUBLICATIONS

For publications, please go to Dr. McDonald’s research team website.

BIO

Dr. Sarah D. McDonald, a maternal fetal medicine specialist, was awarded a prestigious Canada Research Chair. She is a professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

She is also an associate member of the Departments of Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact and Radiology. She also holds Graduate Faculty Status, Health Research Methodology (HRM). Her clinical work deals with high risk pregnancies.

She received her MD from the University of Toronto, her obstetrics and gynecology residency from the University of Ottawa and her maternal fetal medicine fellowship from the University of Toronto. In 2006, at the University of Toronto, she completed her MSc in clinical epidemiology, forming the basis of her research. Prior to coming to McMaster, Dr. McDonald was an assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Ottawa and an associate scientist at the Ottawa Health Research Institute.

She is delighted to mentor faculty, fellow, residents, graduate and other students. Through the Clinician-Investigator Teams in obstetrics and maternal fetal medicine Dr. McDonald, with the University of Toronto, provides scientific mentorship to Beth Murray Davis, PhD, associate professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, midwifery education program and Dr. Nir Melamed (Sunnybrook) and Dr. Howard Berger (St. Mike’s) along with Drs. Jon Barrett, Joel Ray and Mike Geary.

Please head to Dr. McDonald’s research team website for further details of her team’s research, publications, awards and opportunities to join the team.

AWARDS

• Tier II Canada Research Chair in Maternal and Child Disease Prevention and Intervention, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (Jan 2020-Dec 2024)
• Tier II Canada Research Chair in Maternal and Child Obesity Prevention and Intervention, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (Jan 2015-Dec 2019)
• Canadian Institutes of Health Research prize for Rising Star in Perinatal Research (New Investigator) (2009)
• Canadian Institutes of Health Research New Investigator Award (2009)

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Her research focuses on prevention of preterm birth, and its sequelae, to improve the health of infants, women and families.

Research Themes

Preterm birth; Weight

FUNDING SOURCES

• Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) grants
• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
• Ministry of Health Academic Funding Plan – Hamilton Academic Health Sciences Organization Innovation Fund (HAHSO AFP)

PUBLICATIONS

For publications, please go to Dr. McDonald’s research team website.

BIO

After earning her bachelor of science (with honours) at the University of New Brunswick, Dr. Michelle Morais went on to obtain her medical degree at Memorial University. She completed her residency and subsequent fellowship training at McMaster University. Dr. Morais recently completed the clinician educator program at McMaster and received her DRCPSC status with the Royal College.

Today, Dr. Morais is an assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and a maternal fetal medicine specialist at McMaster University Medical Centre, where her clinical activities include maternal fetal medicine clinics, labour and delivery, prenatal diagnosis and obstetric ultrasound. Dr. Morais is the current obstetrics and gynecology residency program director and she is an active participant in undergraduate and postgraduate education.

 AWARDS

• 2020 McMaster recipient of the Professional Association of Residents of Ontario (PARO) Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award
• 2017 Council of Residency Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG) Senior Resident Teaching Award

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Research Themes

Preterm birth; Quality improvement initiatives; Simulation; Medical Education

PUBLICATIONS

Morais M, Zachos M, Karachi T.  Reflections From the Liminal Space: Teaching I – In the OR. https://icenetblog.royalcollege.ca/2017/10/24/reflections-from-the-liminal-space-teaching-i-in-the-or/ ICE Blog, Oct 2017.

Zachos M, Karachi T, Morais M.  Reflections From the Liminal Space: Teaching II – In the Clinic. https://icenetblog.royalcollege.ca/2017/10/27/reflections-from-the-liminal-space-teaching-ii-in-the-clinic/ ICE Blog, Oct 2017.

Karachi T, Morais M, Zachos M.  Reflections From the Liminal Space: Teaching III – In the Ward. https://icenetblog.royalcollege.ca/2017/10/31/reflections-from-the-liminal-space-teaching-iii-in-the-ward/ ICE Blog, Oct 2017.

K. Pizzuto, C. Ozimok, R Bozanovic, K Taffler, S Scattolon, N Leyland, M Morais. Hysterectomy with Fetus in Situ for Uterine Rupture at 21 Weeks due to Morbidly Adherent Placenta.  Case Reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology, vol. 2018, Article ID 5430591 https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/54305914.

Jarde, A., Morais, M., Kingston, D., Giallo, R., Giglia, L., MacQueen, G., Wang, Y., Beyene, J. and McDonald, S.D., 2016. Do Women with Untreated Antenatal Depression Have Worse Neonatal Outcomes than Women Without depression? A systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 38(5), p.489.

Jarde, A., Morais, M., Kingston, D., Giallo, R., MacQueen, G.M., Giglia, L., Beyene, J., Wang, Y. and McDonald, S.D., 2016. Neonatal outcomes in women with untreated antenatal depression compared with women without depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA psychiatry, 73(8), pp.826-837

Jarde, A., Morais, M., Kingston, D., Giallo, R., Giglia, L., MacQueen, G., Wang, Y., Beyene, J. and McDonald, S.D., 2016. Do Women with Untreated Antenatal Depression Have Worse Neonatal Outcomes than Women Without depression? A systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 38(5), p.489.

Landy, C.K., Sword, W., McDonald, S., Biringer, A., Cramp, J., Dawdy, J., Angle, P., Cunningham, C., Heaman, M., Morris, M. and McDonald, H., 2016. Factors Obstetricians, Family Physicians and Midwives Consider When Counselling Pregnant Women with a Previous Cesarean Section (CS) on Delivery Method. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 38(5), p.490.

Jarde, A., Morais, M., Kingston, D., Giallo, R., Giglia, L., MacQueen, G., Wang, Y., Beyene, J. and McDonald, S.D., 2016. Does non-pharmacological therapy for antenatal depression reduce risks for the infant?. Archives of women’s mental health, 19(3), pp.549-552.

Morais, M., Mehta, C., Murphy, K., Shah, P.S., Giglia, L., Smith, P.A., Bassil, K. and McDonald, S.D., 2014. How Often are Late Preterm Births the Result of Nonevidence-based Practices: Analysis From a Retrospective Cohort Study at 2 Tertiary Referral Centers in a Nationalized Health Care System. Obstetric Anesthesia Digest, 34(4), p.233.

Morais, M., Mehta, C., Murphy, K., Shah, P.S., Giglia, L., Smith, P.A., Bassil, K. and McDonald, S.D., 2013. How often are late preterm births the result of non-evidence based practices: analysis from a retrospective cohort study at two tertiary referral centres in a nationalised healthcare system. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 120(12), pp.1508-1515.

Morais, M., Mehta, C., Murphy, K., Shah, P., Giglia, L., Smith, P., Bassil, K. and McDonald, S., 2013. How often are late preterm births preventable? Analysis from two tertiary referral centres. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 208(1), p.S156.

Sharma, S., Morais, M. and Wilson, R.D., 2012. At the Forefront of a New Research Culture for Collaborative Perinatal Research. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 34(9), pp.808-809.

Morais M., Giglia L., Bassil K., McDonald S.D., 2012. Indication for Birth in the Late Preterm Period: A Comparison Between a Population-Based Registry and the Patient Record  Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 34(6) Supplement 1:S14-15

Morais M., Deniz S., Ellis S., DeFrance B., 2011. Characteristics That Influence the Uptake of Prenatal screening of women delivering in a Canadian urban centre. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 33(6) Supplement 1:S37-38

Poster Presentations

K. Pizzuto, C. Ozimok, R Bozanovic, K Taffler, S Scattolon, N Leyland, M Morais. Hysterectomy with Fetus in Situ at 21 Weeks due to Morbidly Adherent Placenta. 26^thAnnual European Congress on Perinatal Medicine, Saint Petersburg Russia, September 5-8, 2018.

J. Tigdi, J. Luksts, A. Stewart, M. Morais. Cervical length as a predictor of latency interval in twin pregnancies with preterm prelabour rupture of membranes. ACOG Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting, Nashville Tennessee, May 3-6, 2019.

Oral Presentations

J. Tigdi, J. Luksts, A. Stewart, M. Morais. Cervical length as a predictor of latency interval in twin pregnancies with preterm prelabour rupture of membranes. 26^thAnnual European Congress on Perinatal Medicine, Saint Petersburg Russia, September 5-8, 2018.

J. Tigdi, J. Luksts, A. Stewart, M. Morais. Cervical length as a predictor of latency interval in twin pregnancies with preterm prelabour rupture of membranes. ISUOG 28^thAnnual World Congress, Singapore, October 21-24, 2018.

J. Tigdi, J. Luksts, A. Stewart, M. Morais. Cervical length as a predictor of latency interval in twin pregnancies with preterm prelabour rupture of membranes. (*Winner of Best of Three*) SOGC 75^thAnnual Clinical and Scientific Conference, Halifax Nova Scotia, June 11-14, 2019

BIO

After earning her bachelor of science (with honours) at the University of New Brunswick, Dr. Michelle Morais went on to obtain her medical degree at Memorial University. She completed her residency and subsequent fellowship training at McMaster University. Dr. Morais recently completed the clinician educator program at McMaster and received her DRCPSC status with the Royal College.

Today, Dr. Morais is an assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and a maternal fetal medicine specialist at McMaster University Medical Centre, where her clinical activities include maternal fetal medicine clinics, labour and delivery, prenatal diagnosis and obstetric ultrasound. Dr. Morais is the current obstetrics and gynecology residency program director and she is an active participant in undergraduate and postgraduate education.

 AWARDS

• 2020 McMaster recipient of the Professional Association of Residents of Ontario (PARO) Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award
• 2017 Council of Residency Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG) Senior Resident Teaching Award

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Research Themes

Preterm birth; Quality improvement initiatives; Simulation; Medical Education

PUBLICATIONS

Morais M, Zachos M, Karachi T.  Reflections From the Liminal Space: Teaching I – In the OR. https://icenetblog.royalcollege.ca/2017/10/24/reflections-from-the-liminal-space-teaching-i-in-the-or/ ICE Blog, Oct 2017.

Zachos M, Karachi T, Morais M.  Reflections From the Liminal Space: Teaching II – In the Clinic. https://icenetblog.royalcollege.ca/2017/10/27/reflections-from-the-liminal-space-teaching-ii-in-the-clinic/ ICE Blog, Oct 2017.

Karachi T, Morais M, Zachos M.  Reflections From the Liminal Space: Teaching III – In the Ward. https://icenetblog.royalcollege.ca/2017/10/31/reflections-from-the-liminal-space-teaching-iii-in-the-ward/ ICE Blog, Oct 2017.

K. Pizzuto, C. Ozimok, R Bozanovic, K Taffler, S Scattolon, N Leyland, M Morais. Hysterectomy with Fetus in Situ for Uterine Rupture at 21 Weeks due to Morbidly Adherent Placenta.  Case Reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology, vol. 2018, Article ID 5430591 https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/54305914.

Jarde, A., Morais, M., Kingston, D., Giallo, R., Giglia, L., MacQueen, G., Wang, Y., Beyene, J. and McDonald, S.D., 2016. Do Women with Untreated Antenatal Depression Have Worse Neonatal Outcomes than Women Without depression? A systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 38(5), p.489.

Jarde, A., Morais, M., Kingston, D., Giallo, R., MacQueen, G.M., Giglia, L., Beyene, J., Wang, Y. and McDonald, S.D., 2016. Neonatal outcomes in women with untreated antenatal depression compared with women without depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA psychiatry, 73(8), pp.826-837

Jarde, A., Morais, M., Kingston, D., Giallo, R., Giglia, L., MacQueen, G., Wang, Y., Beyene, J. and McDonald, S.D., 2016. Do Women with Untreated Antenatal Depression Have Worse Neonatal Outcomes than Women Without depression? A systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 38(5), p.489.

Landy, C.K., Sword, W., McDonald, S., Biringer, A., Cramp, J., Dawdy, J., Angle, P., Cunningham, C., Heaman, M., Morris, M. and McDonald, H., 2016. Factors Obstetricians, Family Physicians and Midwives Consider When Counselling Pregnant Women with a Previous Cesarean Section (CS) on Delivery Method. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 38(5), p.490.

Jarde, A., Morais, M., Kingston, D., Giallo, R., Giglia, L., MacQueen, G., Wang, Y., Beyene, J. and McDonald, S.D., 2016. Does non-pharmacological therapy for antenatal depression reduce risks for the infant?. Archives of women’s mental health, 19(3), pp.549-552.

Morais, M., Mehta, C., Murphy, K., Shah, P.S., Giglia, L., Smith, P.A., Bassil, K. and McDonald, S.D., 2014. How Often are Late Preterm Births the Result of Nonevidence-based Practices: Analysis From a Retrospective Cohort Study at 2 Tertiary Referral Centers in a Nationalized Health Care System. Obstetric Anesthesia Digest, 34(4), p.233.

Morais, M., Mehta, C., Murphy, K., Shah, P.S., Giglia, L., Smith, P.A., Bassil, K. and McDonald, S.D., 2013. How often are late preterm births the result of non-evidence based practices: analysis from a retrospective cohort study at two tertiary referral centres in a nationalised healthcare system. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 120(12), pp.1508-1515.

Morais, M., Mehta, C., Murphy, K., Shah, P., Giglia, L., Smith, P., Bassil, K. and McDonald, S., 2013. How often are late preterm births preventable? Analysis from two tertiary referral centres. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 208(1), p.S156.

Sharma, S., Morais, M. and Wilson, R.D., 2012. At the Forefront of a New Research Culture for Collaborative Perinatal Research. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 34(9), pp.808-809.

Morais M., Giglia L., Bassil K., McDonald S.D., 2012. Indication for Birth in the Late Preterm Period: A Comparison Between a Population-Based Registry and the Patient Record  Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 34(6) Supplement 1:S14-15

Morais M., Deniz S., Ellis S., DeFrance B., 2011. Characteristics That Influence the Uptake of Prenatal screening of women delivering in a Canadian urban centre. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 33(6) Supplement 1:S37-38

Poster Presentations

K. Pizzuto, C. Ozimok, R Bozanovic, K Taffler, S Scattolon, N Leyland, M Morais. Hysterectomy with Fetus in Situ at 21 Weeks due to Morbidly Adherent Placenta. 26^thAnnual European Congress on Perinatal Medicine, Saint Petersburg Russia, September 5-8, 2018.

J. Tigdi, J. Luksts, A. Stewart, M. Morais. Cervical length as a predictor of latency interval in twin pregnancies with preterm prelabour rupture of membranes. ACOG Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting, Nashville Tennessee, May 3-6, 2019.

Oral Presentations

J. Tigdi, J. Luksts, A. Stewart, M. Morais. Cervical length as a predictor of latency interval in twin pregnancies with preterm prelabour rupture of membranes. 26^thAnnual European Congress on Perinatal Medicine, Saint Petersburg Russia, September 5-8, 2018.

J. Tigdi, J. Luksts, A. Stewart, M. Morais. Cervical length as a predictor of latency interval in twin pregnancies with preterm prelabour rupture of membranes. ISUOG 28^thAnnual World Congress, Singapore, October 21-24, 2018.

J. Tigdi, J. Luksts, A. Stewart, M. Morais. Cervical length as a predictor of latency interval in twin pregnancies with preterm prelabour rupture of membranes. (*Winner of Best of Three*) SOGC 75^thAnnual Clinical and Scientific Conference, Halifax Nova Scotia, June 11-14, 2019

BIO

Dr. Sapna Sharma is an academic maternal fetal medicine specialist in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at McMaster University. Dr. Sharma completed her doctorate of medicine and her obstetrics and gynecology residency at Western University. She has also completed a two-year fellowship in maternal fetal medicine at McMaster University.

Dr. Sharma’s clinical and research interests include perinatal mental health and substance use in pregnancy.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Mood disorder; Substance use; Medical education; Ultrasound simulation

PUBLICATIONS

Sapna Sharma, Barbara Brennan, Ray Naden and Patrick Whelan. A case of Degos disease in pregnancy Obstetric Medicine. Online. First Accepted May 6, 2016; published on June 1, 2016.

BIO

Dr. Sapna Sharma is an academic maternal fetal medicine specialist in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at McMaster University. Dr. Sharma completed her doctorate of medicine and her obstetrics and gynecology residency at Western University. She has also completed a two-year fellowship in maternal fetal medicine at McMaster University.

Dr. Sharma’s clinical and research interests include perinatal mental health and substance use in pregnancy.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Mood disorder; Substance use; Medical education; Ultrasound simulation

PUBLICATIONS

Sapna Sharma, Barbara Brennan, Ray Naden and Patrick Whelan. A case of Degos disease in pregnancy Obstetric Medicine. Online. First Accepted May 6, 2016; published on June 1, 2016.

BIO

Dr. Stephanie Winsor, associate professor, joined the division of maternal fetal medicine at McMaster University in January of 2002. She completed her medical school training at the University of Western Ontario and did her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Queen’s University in Kingston. After practicing general obstetrics and gynecology for a year, she entered the maternal fetal medicine fellowship program at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Research Themes

Prenatal diagnosis; Fetal ultrasound; IUGR; Pre-pregnancy wellness

PUBLICATIONS

Hill, M., Johnson, J.A., Langlois, S., Lee, H., Winsor, S., Dineley, B., Horniachek, M., Lalatta, F., Ronzoni, L., Barrett, A.N. and Advani, H.V., 2015. Preferences for prenatal tests for Down syndrome: an international comparison of the views of pregnant women and health professionals. European Journal of Human Genetics.

Winsor, S., Rana, A. and Mohide, P., 2010. Retrospective review of the prenatal diagnosis database of a large Canadian regional referral centre. Prenatal Diagnosis, 30, p.s75.

Xu, H., Perez-Cuevas, R., Xiong, X., Reyes, H., Roy, C., Julien, P., Smith, G., von Dadelszen, P., Leduc, L., Audibert, F. and Moutquin, J.M., 2010. An international trial of antioxidants in the prevention of preeclampsia (INTAPP). American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 202(3), pp.239-e1.

Xu, H., Perez-Cuevas, R., Xiong, X., Reyes, H., Julien, P., Smith, G., Choquette, P., Winsor, S., Leduc, L., Audibert, F. and Moutquin, J.M., 2009. 2: An international trial of vitamins C and E in the prevention of preeclampsia (INTAPP trial). American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 201(6), pp.S2-S3.

Hutzal, C.E., Boyle, E.M., Kenyon, S.L., Nash, J.V., Winsor, S., Taylor, D.J. and Kirpalani, H., 2008. Use of antibiotics for the treatment of preterm parturition and prevention of neonatal morbidity: a metaanalysis. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 199(6), pp.620-e1.

Yang, Tubao, Wu Wen, Shi, Walker, Mark C., Beduz, Mary-Agnes, Kim, Peter CW, for The Fetal Alert Network. Women’s satisfaction with the current state of prenatal care for pregnancies complicated by fetal anomalies: A survey of five academic Perinatal units in Ontario. JOGC Vol 29:4:308-314

The effect of fetal gender on the false positive rate of Down syndrome by maternal serum screening. Mueller VM, Huang T, Summers AM, Winsor SHM. Prenatal Diagnosis 2005 Dec; 25(13): 1258-61.

The influence of risk estimates obtained from maternal serum screening on amniocentesis rates. Mueller, VM, Huang, T, Summers, AM, Winsor, SHM. Prenatal Diagnosis, 2005 Dec; 25(13): 1253-7.

McAuliffe F, L. Hornberger, S. Winsor, D Chitayat, K Chong, J. Johnson. Fetal cardiac defects and increased nuchal translucency thickness. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Oct;191(4):1486-90 .

Winsor SHM, Case A, Kwon J, Tessier J, Chanda M, Lee J, Edgeworth M, Reid RL. Residents learn by using innovative touch-pad technology to teach secondary school students reproductive health. Obstetrics and Gynecology 1999; 93:790-4

Winsor SHM, Fisher S, Hahn PM, Reid RL. Retrospective evaluation of the long-term outcomes following conservative management of menorrhagia in ovulatory women. SOGC Journal Vol.21: 2:155-163 (1999).

Winsor SHM, McGrath MJ, Khalifa M, Duncan AMV. A report of recurrent anencephaly with trisomy 2p23-2pter: additional evidence for the involvement of 2p24 in neural tube development and evaluation of the role for cytogenetic analysis. Prenatal Diagnosis, Vol. 17:7:665-669 (1997)

BIO

Dr. Stephanie Winsor, associate professor, joined the division of maternal fetal medicine at McMaster University in January of 2002. She completed her medical school training at the University of Western Ontario and did her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Queen’s University in Kingston. After practicing general obstetrics and gynecology for a year, she entered the maternal fetal medicine fellowship program at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Research Themes

Prenatal diagnosis; Fetal ultrasound; IUGR; Pre-pregnancy wellness

PUBLICATIONS

Hill, M., Johnson, J.A., Langlois, S., Lee, H., Winsor, S., Dineley, B., Horniachek, M., Lalatta, F., Ronzoni, L., Barrett, A.N. and Advani, H.V., 2015. Preferences for prenatal tests for Down syndrome: an international comparison of the views of pregnant women and health professionals. European Journal of Human Genetics.

Winsor, S., Rana, A. and Mohide, P., 2010. Retrospective review of the prenatal diagnosis database of a large Canadian regional referral centre. Prenatal Diagnosis, 30, p.s75.

Xu, H., Perez-Cuevas, R., Xiong, X., Reyes, H., Roy, C., Julien, P., Smith, G., von Dadelszen, P., Leduc, L., Audibert, F. and Moutquin, J.M., 2010. An international trial of antioxidants in the prevention of preeclampsia (INTAPP). American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 202(3), pp.239-e1.

Xu, H., Perez-Cuevas, R., Xiong, X., Reyes, H., Julien, P., Smith, G., Choquette, P., Winsor, S., Leduc, L., Audibert, F. and Moutquin, J.M., 2009. 2: An international trial of vitamins C and E in the prevention of preeclampsia (INTAPP trial). American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 201(6), pp.S2-S3.

Hutzal, C.E., Boyle, E.M., Kenyon, S.L., Nash, J.V., Winsor, S., Taylor, D.J. and Kirpalani, H., 2008. Use of antibiotics for the treatment of preterm parturition and prevention of neonatal morbidity: a metaanalysis. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 199(6), pp.620-e1.

Yang, Tubao, Wu Wen, Shi, Walker, Mark C., Beduz, Mary-Agnes, Kim, Peter CW, for The Fetal Alert Network. Women’s satisfaction with the current state of prenatal care for pregnancies complicated by fetal anomalies: A survey of five academic Perinatal units in Ontario. JOGC Vol 29:4:308-314

The effect of fetal gender on the false positive rate of Down syndrome by maternal serum screening. Mueller VM, Huang T, Summers AM, Winsor SHM. Prenatal Diagnosis 2005 Dec; 25(13): 1258-61.

The influence of risk estimates obtained from maternal serum screening on amniocentesis rates. Mueller, VM, Huang, T, Summers, AM, Winsor, SHM. Prenatal Diagnosis, 2005 Dec; 25(13): 1253-7.

McAuliffe F, L. Hornberger, S. Winsor, D Chitayat, K Chong, J. Johnson. Fetal cardiac defects and increased nuchal translucency thickness. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Oct;191(4):1486-90 .

Winsor SHM, Case A, Kwon J, Tessier J, Chanda M, Lee J, Edgeworth M, Reid RL. Residents learn by using innovative touch-pad technology to teach secondary school students reproductive health. Obstetrics and Gynecology 1999; 93:790-4

Winsor SHM, Fisher S, Hahn PM, Reid RL. Retrospective evaluation of the long-term outcomes following conservative management of menorrhagia in ovulatory women. SOGC Journal Vol.21: 2:155-163 (1999).

Winsor SHM, McGrath MJ, Khalifa M, Duncan AMV. A report of recurrent anencephaly with trisomy 2p23-2pter: additional evidence for the involvement of 2p24 in neural tube development and evaluation of the role for cytogenetic analysis. Prenatal Diagnosis, Vol. 17:7:665-669 (1997)