E. Mighty, M.D., M.B.A.
Title: Chairman, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Services & Chief of OB/GYN, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore
Specialty: Obstetrics & Gynecology, Critical Care Obstetrics
Delivering babies for nearly 26 years, Mighty’s expertise is handling high-risk-in some cases, potentially fatal-pregnancies. In order to save patients the burden of traveling to the medical center, Mighty implemented “telemedicine”-video consultations for women with high-risk pregnancies.
Valerie Montgomery Rice, M.D.
Title: Dean of the School of Medicine & Senior Vice President for Health Affairs, Meharry Medical College
Specialty: Women’s Health
The research of this reproductive endocrinologist focuses on the elimination of disparities in women’s health, with a particular emphasis on reproductive disorders and HIV. She is executive director of Meharry’s pioneering Center for Women’s Health Research.
Gary H. Gibbons, M.D.
Director, Cardiovascular Research Institute; Professor of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine
After a lecture during his first year at harvard medical school, Gibbons asked a professor why African Americans tend to have more hypertension than other populations. The professor challenged Gibbons to find the answer to his own question. Thirty years later, Gibbons is still searching for answers.
Gibbons’ research group at the Morehouse School of Medicine tries to figure out the role genes play, along with lifestyle choices, in the cardiovascular health of minority populations. One project investigates how genes react in the blood vessels of African American patients with hypertension as compared to those who don’t have hypertension.
Over the years, Gibbons’ research has yielded several U.S. patents for medical innovations and he has authored more than 70 scientific papers. In 2007 he was elected into the elite Institute of Medicine of the National Academies.
The future, says Gibbons, could bring personalized medical care based on patients’ distinct genetic makeup. Tests will reveal the sequence of all genes in a patient’s body, and this genetic profile may enable doctors to personalize the prescriptions or treatments to give that person. “The challenge would be to really advance minority health by understanding what genomic variation may be characteristic or common among people of African descent and really defining how we can use this information to individualize care,” says Gibbons. -Cliff Hocker
OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
Caryl G. Mussenden, M.D.
Title: Physician/Owner, Liposculpture by Design
Specialty: Obstetrics & Gynecology
Mussenden is an OB/GYN and surgeon who also practices liposuction and mesotheraphy (a treatment for cellulite) at her self-owned medical spa. A graduate of Howard University Medical School and a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Mussenden has been in practice for more than 20 years.
Wanda K. Nicholson, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A.
Title: Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Population and Family Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Specialty: Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nicholson has developed a postpartum-specific, healthy lifestyle project called FIRST WIND (weight loss interventions after delivery), for women who are at risk for Type 2 diabetes. She also serves as a principal investigator for a task force that focuses on gestational diabetes.
E. Albert Reece, M.D., Ph.D. M.B.A.
Title: Dean, School of Medicine, University of Maryland;
Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Maryland
Specialty: Obstetrics & Gynecology
Reece played an instrumental role