Welcome to the 4th edition of the SAAOG member spotlight. Every month we highlight a different SAAOG member who is doing exciting things in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. This month we are excited to spotlight Jeffrey Denney, MD. Dr. Denney is a recent addition to the SAAOG Membership being confirmed at the 2020 Annual Meeting in Asheville, NC.
Jeffrey Denney, MD, MS, FACOG
Associate Professor
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Winston Salem, NC
I am an Associate Professor in Maternal-Fetal Medicine for the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem. I also serve the state of North Carolina as an OB Physician Champion for Community Care of North Carolina, Pregnancy Medical Home Project (Northwest Region).
From my very first delivery as a second year medical student on a mission trip in San Pedro Sula, Honduras to now, I will always say that the best part of my job is safely delivering a mom and shepherding her and her baby through the birthing process, whether the low risk patient or the patient at risk for major morbidities/mortality. That said, I am fortunate to be able to teach students, residents, and fellows at WFU how to be safe baby catchers and hopefully inspire them along the way.
As a third year medical student at Medical College of Georgia, I tried to deliver as many babies as the residents and attending physicians would let me. I honestly thought I would never get to do it again after my rotation. While I loved medicine and surgery, I found that I most enjoyed obstetrics and was inspired by the residents and faculty—private practice and academic alike—at my medical school. Maternal-Fetal Medicine is the perfect blend of practicing medicine and surgery while getting to know the patient and her family over the course of pregnancy. Of course, getting to deliver their child into the world and seeing their joy is special every time. I am very thankful to play this role in my life and for the community.
My MFM division director, Brian Brost, supported me in submitting abstracts to SAAOG as attending the meeting would not only be a good opportunity to present my research on obesity and preeclampsia but also an opportunity to network with experts in OB/GYN from around the southeast. I gained peer support to join the society as a member from my medical school mentor, Dr. Lawrence Devoe, who played an instrumental role in my career path, and Dr. Scott Washburn, who is one of the OB/GYN experts in the Winston-Salem community.
SAAOG provides a forum to interact with experts in all of the subspecialties of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The society fosters a collegial atmosphere and is an excellent opportunity for both young and seasoned investigators to present their work. I have now been to a few of the SAAOG Annual Meetings and feel that the experience has always been edifying and fulfilled my desire to communicate my work and learn from others in institutions from around the region. I hope to continually expand my role in the society and contribute towards the mission of SAAOG for the Ob/Gyn physicians through the Southeastern US.
As understanding of pregnancy biology continues to advance, I foresee Ob/Gyns identifying modifiable factors in lifestyle and behavior that will reduce risks for preeclampsia and medically-indicated preterm deliveries. Ideally, physician-scientists will also identify targets for therapy that facilitate lengthening ability to pursue expectant management of severe preeclampsia to term.
Given events around the world, we must also focus on how we as Ob/Gyns can address disparities in our community and work on ensuring that everyone has access to world-class medical care and help with directing patients to available resources as best we can.
I enjoy playing pitch and basketball with my kids outside and grilling on my back deck
I am the first male in my family to earn a college degree, and I owe my family a great deal for giving me all of the opportunities and advantages along the way to pursue my path as a physician for Winston-Salem and the surrounding region.
I am truly honored to be part of SAAOG and participate in the Spotlight Questionnaire. I look forward to next year’s meeting.
