Who we are

Overall study co-leader for Materna’s pivotal trial

Dr. Ronald Wapner is the Vice Chair of Research in Obstetrics and Gynecology for Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Director of Reproductive Genetics. Prior to Columbia University, Dr. Wapner was a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Drexel University College of Medicine and taught at Thomas Jefferson University for 22 years where he also served as the Director of Maternal Fetal Medicine. Dr. Wapner is an internationally known physician and researcher specializing in reproductive genetics. He pioneered the development of chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and multi-fetal reduction. He has authored or co-authored over 450 publications and he has been an active investigator in the area of Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM).

Overall study co-leader for Materna’s pivotal trial

Helai Hesham, MD is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and subspecialized in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (Urogynecology). Dr. Hesham completed her fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. She provides individualized medical and surgical care for women with pelvic organ prolapse, urinary and fecal incontinence, overactive bladder, fistula, pelvic floor trauma and pelvic pain. Surgically she utilizes minimally invasive techniques including vaginal, laparoscopic, robotic and cystoscopic surgery. Dr. Hesham is passionate about helping care for women both locally and abroad and has specialized in obstetric fistula care in sub-Saharan Africa as well as international surgical training which she will continue here at Columbia.

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Michael is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, a clinical sexual counselor, and author. Michael’s goal is to help women experience enhanced health and wellbeing. Michael strives to create a comfortable environment where patients can share their concerns. Many of his patients are relieved to know their problems are common and can be resolved. He finds reward when people regain wellness and enjoyment of life’s many pleasures. Michael has over 65 peer-reviewed articles and authored/co-authored six books, including coauthoring The Sexual Spark with Dr. Alyssa Dweck.

Susan is a certified sexuality therapist and educator and is a fellow of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health. She is a nationally recognized expert in pelvic/vulvar pain and sexual dysfunction. Susan has authored and coauthored two books, 15 book chapters, more than 75 peer reviewed articles, and has been a featured columnist in Women’s Health Care, The Female Patient, Contemporary Sexuality, and The New York Times.

Sheryl A. Kingsberg is a clinical psychologist and Professor in the Department of Reproductive Biology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and is the chief of the division of behavioral medicine in the department of OB/GYN at Case Medical Center, University Hospitals of Cleveland. Dr. Kingsberg is currently the President of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) and is an active member in numerous other national and international organizations including the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR) and the North American Menopause Society (NAMS). Dr. Kingsberg has authored numerous peer-reviewed manuscripts as well as several book chapters on topics including menopause and sexuality, sexual aversion disorder, the treatment of psychogenic erectile dysfunction, oocyte donation and infertility. Dr. Kingsberg sits on the editorial boards for the journals Menopause and the International Journal of Impotence Research. Dr. Kingsberg’s main research interests are in sexual medicine and the psychological aspects of infertility and menopause.

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Dr. Orejuela received his medical education from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogota Colombia. He completed a residency in Urology at the same institution, and subsequently completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. He is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology with subspecialty certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. He is a Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and an active member of the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons, the American Urogynecologic Society, and the International Urogynecological Association. Dr. Orejuela is a highly skilled pelvic surgeon and compassionate physician, who has extensive experience, and offers the most advanced techniques of comprehensive pelvic reconstruction. He treats various pelvic related disorders and conditions including: pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, painful bladder syndrome, chronic urinary tract infections, and other related disorders.

John O. L. DeLancey, MD is the Norman F. Miller Professor of Gynecology at the University of Michigan Medical School and Director of Pelvic Floor Research in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He graduated from Oberlin College with Honors in Biology and the University of Michigan Medical School where he also did his residency training. Dr. DeLancey has won many awards for his clinical expertise and research contributions. He was elected to the National Academy of Medicine and induced as an Honorary Member of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology ad eundem for pioneering discoveries about the fundamental biomechanics of pelvic organ prolapse, birth-related pelvic floor injury, and the mechanisms of urinary incontinence. He has been President of the American Urogynecologic Society and the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons having also received its Distinguished Surgeon Award.