Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, chair of the department of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine has been named president-elect of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine is the leading organization and national voice for more than 5,500 highly qualified maternal-fetal medicine subspecialist physicians, as well as scientists, nurses, genetic counselors, ultrasound technicians, and administrators, with expertise in high-risk pregnancy and collaboration for optimal and equitable perinatal outcomes. Established in 1977, the core initiatives of society are to advance knowledge, education, and research on complications that compromise the health of patients during pregnancy. High-risk pregnancies include those with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, lupus, or heart disease, acute conditions developed during pregnancy, infectious diseases, preterm birth, prior pregnancy complications, twins, triplets, higher-order multiples, and birth defects or genetic conditions that may affect the fetus.
Dr. Gyamfi-Bannerman specializes in obstetric complications with a primary focus on preterm birth prevention. She became chair of the department of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the medical school in 2021. She holds the Samuel SC Yen Endowed Chair. Earlier, she was a professor at Columbia University in New York City.
“Guiding patients with complicated pregnancies on their journey to childbirth is a true joy. As part of the region’s only academic medical center, we are combining leading-edge research and clinical care to offer our patients the most advanced treatment while optimizing equitable pregnancy outcomes,” said Dr. Gyamfi-Bannerman. “The opportunity to serve such an important role for SMFM is an honor. I look forward to working on efforts that will make an impactful difference for so many patients.”
Dr. Gyamfi-Bannerman earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a medical degree at the University of Miami. She holds a master’s degree in biostatistics from Columbia University.