Division of Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery

Education

URPS faculty place a high priority on providing educational opportunities in an interactive, collaborative environment. We aim to train academic leaders in URPS from obstetrics and gynecology and urology. We expect fellowship graduates to advance healthcare for women as surgeon-scientists by the demonstration of excellence as mentors and educators and by the provision of outstanding clinical and surgical care. Likewise, the multidisciplinary nature of the specialty and Integrated Pelvic Health Program affords an exceptional opportunity for resident and medical student education in the evaluation and treatment of pelvic floor disorders through participation in outpatient and surgical settings as well as in weekly clinical, research, and scholarly conferences.

Research

Clinical and translational research programs are essential to improving clinical care and outcomes for the millions of women suffering from pelvic floor disorders. The members of Feinberg’s URPS division possess the expertise and resources essential for breakthrough clinical and translational research to advance the science associated with pelvic floor disorders. Our faculty have extensive experience as leaders in surgical trials and patient-reported outcomes research and have published their work in well-respected medical journals such as The New England Journal of Medicine and The Journal of the American Medical Association. The program serves as a national model for the care of women with pelvic floor disorders where patients can benefit from the latest treatments and opportunities by participation in clinical research trials for urinary incontinence, bowel control problems, and pelvic organ prolapse, as well as a state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary pelvic health center.

Patient Care

The clinical program is based in the Integrated Pelvic Health Program located in the Arkes Pavillion and Prentice Women's Hospital the Obstetrics and Gynecology Pavilion of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, which is the primary teaching affiliate of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Our diverse patient population and comprehensive approach to women’s care provide the opportunity to provide the best in clinical care. Our Integrated Pelvic Health Program brings together a multispectral approach to pelvic floor disorders in one location.  Clinical and surgical care includes treatment of urinary incontinence, anal incontinence, urinary (bladder and ureteral) and rectal fistulas, pelvic organ prolapse, congenital anomalies/neovagina creation, postpartum perineal issues, colorectal pelvic floor dysfunction involving a complex referral patient population. There is also a strong emphasis on research and collaboration with other clinical and basic science departments.