SMFM's Podcast Series

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Rachel Harrison is joined by Dr. Minhazur Sarker to discuss one of the most common challenges in academic medicine: turning research into a completed manuscript. Despite the time and effort invested in research, a significant portion of work presented at conferences never reaches publication, limiting its impact on clinical care and future studies. D...

The updated 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans introduce notable changes in protein recommendations, dietary patterns, and overall messaging, but how do these updates translate to pregnancy care? In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Amy Valent is joined by Dr. Cara Dolin and registered dietitian Hillary Hart to explore what these new guidelines mean for obstetric clinicians. Together,...

In this episode, we interview the presidents of SMFM and SOGH about their new strategic partnership to strengthen hospital-based obstetric care. They discuss the evolving role of OB hospitalists, why this collaboration was needed, and what it means for improving teamwork, safety, and patient outcomes in labor and delivery units.   After listening to this episode, listeners will be able to: Describ...

Description:  In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we continue our American Heart Month series highlighting Patient Safety and Quality (PSQI) tools designed to improve cardiovascular outcomes in pregnancy. Dr. Melissa Spiel is joined by Dr. Andy Combs and Dr. Jamie Morgan to discuss the updated 2026 SMFM Checklist for Preeclampsia Risk-Factor Screening to Guide Recommendations for Prophylactic Low...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we continue a three-part American Heart Month series highlighting Patient Safety and Quality (PSQI) tools developed to improve cardiovascular outcomes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Dr. Bart Staat is joined by Dr. Kelly Gibson and Dr. Ralph Burns, authors of the SMFM Checklist for Postpartum Discharge of Women with Hypertensive Disorders. The discu...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we launch a three-part series in recognition of American Heart Month focused on Patient Safety and Quality (PSQI) tools that support standardized, evidence-based cardiovascular care across pregnancy and the postpartum period. Dr. Melissa Spiel is joined by Dr. Andrew Combs, former Chair of the SMFM Patient Safety and Quality Committee and one of the authors of...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Janine Rhoades welcomes Dr. Andrea Edlow to discuss the 2025–2026 respiratory disease season and vaccine recommendations for pregnant patients. They review the major respiratory threats—COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and pertussis—and emphasize the importance of maternal vaccination for both maternal health and infant protection. The conversation covers current...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Rupesh Patel welcomes Dr. Amy Valent to discuss folic acid and its critical role in pregnancy. They review dietary and supplemental sources, the distinctions between folate, folic acid, and methylfolate , and evidence-based recommendations for dosing before and during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects and support fetal development. Dr. Valent also ad...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Bart Staat welcomes Dr. Britton Rink to discuss the updated SMFM Consult #74: Cell-free DNA screening for aneuploidies: Updated Guidelines . They explore key changes from previous guidance, including recommendations for sex chromosome aneuploidy, microdeletions, twin pregnancies, and managing non-reportable results—offering practical tips to help clinicians...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Amy Valent welcomes Dr. Teresa Sparks and Dr. Mary Norton , authors of the upcoming SMFM C onsult on the evaluation and management of non-Immune Hydrops Fetalis . Together, they explore updated recommendations on nonimmune hydrops (primarily in singleton gestation) and discuss how MFMs can navigate these challenging cases, support maternal health, and help...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Rupesh Patel welcomes Dr. Kay Daniels and Dr. Carey Eppes for an important conversation on emergency preparedness in the setting of obstetric (OB) care. Together, they break down the four key principles of emergency preparedness—mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery—and explore how these apply to both OB clinicians and their patients.  Using real...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Ahmed Zaki Moustafa welcomes Dr. Irene Stafford to discuss the current measles outbreak in the US. Together, they review treatment and management options for measles, and strategies for how to rebuild patient confidence in the MMR vaccine amid rising vaccine hesitancy. Finally, they emphasize that the MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and the best way to prev...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Rachel Harrison welcomes Dr. Christina Megli to discuss vector-borne illnesses like Lyme, malaria, and dengue—highlighting symptoms, current trends, and diagnostic approaches. Together, they review treatment and management strategies, and offer practical tips to help patients make informed decisions about travel, vaccines, insect repellents, and prevention,...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Alireza Shamshirsaz welcomes Dr. Laura Riley, Chair of OB-GYN at Weill Cornell Medicine who was also the first OB-GYN to serve on the advisory committee for immunization practice at the CDC. Together, they discuss recent threats to vaccine access, the impact of reduced vaccine uptake, cuts in research, and the resurgence of diseases like measles. Clinicians...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Adam Crosland   is joined by Dr. Sarah Horvath. Together, they discuss updates made to the CDC MEC and best practices for patient counseling. Click here for the full episode transcript.

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Amy Valent is joined by Drs. Clarissa Bonanno and Elyce Cardonick, two of the authors of the SMFM Consult Series on Cancer and Pregnancy . Together, they discuss the complex and evolving landscape of cancer diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy. Topics include treatment options that align with standard care, the role of multidisciplinary collabora...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Shad Deering welcomes Dr. Sindhu Srinivas, the newly appointed President of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Dr. Srinivas shares her journey to becoming an MFM, reflects on the mentors who shaped her path, and discusses her early involvement in advocacy and organized medicine. She also offers insight into her leadership vision for SMFM, including ex...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Amy Valent welcomes back Dr. Ebony Carter, Division Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at UNC Chapel Hill, for a deeper discussion on community engagement in MFM practice. Building on the insights from Community Engagement 101 , Dr. Carter shares her experiences in developing meaningful community partnerships that improve patient care. From navigating the...

Conflict is a natural part of life, but it doesn't have to be negative. In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Rachel Harrison sits down with Dr. Ngina Connors, OB/GYN Chair at Atrium Health and Vice Chair of SMFM's Practice Management Committee, to explore strategies for effective conflict resolution. They discuss the different types of conflict that arise in maternal-fetal medicine, fro...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Rupesh Patel speaks with Dr. Ashley Battarbee and Dr. Judette Louis about the CDC's Hypertension in Pregnancy Change Package (HPCP) —a comprehensive resource designed to improve the identification, management, and prevention of complications related to hypertension in pregnancy. Dr. Battarbee and Dr. Louis discuss the collaborative effort behind deve...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Melissa Spiel is joined by Dr. Jason Vaught, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and surgical critical care physician at Johns Hopkins Hospital, to discuss SMFM Consult: Diagnosis and Management of Right and Left Ventricular Heart Failure During Pregnancy and Postpartum. Dr. Vaught shares insights on the frequency of cardiomyopathy as an underlying...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Jamie Lo is joined by Dr. Rolanda Lister, Officer of Health Equity at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Dr. Ann Borders, Executive Director of the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative, to explore the essentials of community engagement in maternal-fetal medicine. Learn how partnering with community stakeholders, engaging patient voices, an...

In this Pregnancy Meeting edition of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Shannon Son is joined by Dr. Marvin Williams and Dr. Amber Samuel to explore the highlights of the postgraduate courses and scientific forums at the 2025 Pregnancy Meeting. From CME-accredited courses on evidence-based labor management and fetal interventions to member-driven forums tackling topics like cardio-obstetrics and health equity,...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Alireza Shamshirsaz welcomes Dr. Bill Grobman, Editor-in-Chief of SMFM's first official journal, Pregnancy . Together, they explore the vision behind this new Open Access journal, its mission to increase accessibility and transparency of original research in obstetrics, and the global and diverse representation it aims to achieve. Dr. Grobman shares his pas...

In this Pregnancy Meeting edition of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Shannon Son welcomes Dr. Allison  Bryant to discuss everything you need to know about posters and abstracts at the 2025 Pregnancy Meeting. From the equity-focused review process to the impressive lineup of over 1,100 poster  presentations and groundbreaking oral sessions, this year's meeting promises to showcase the  best in maternal-fetal...