Kelly to lead Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Ultrasound
Clinician specializes in the care of women with opiate use disorders
Jeannie Kelly, MD, a renowned expert in the care of women with opiate use disorders during pregnancy, has been named the new director of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Ultrasound in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Jeannie Kelly, MD, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has been named the new director of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Ultrasound. Her new appointment took effect on March 1, 2025, after she served as the interim director since September 2024.
“Dr. Kelly is a superb clinician and researcher who shows exceptional compassion for patients and their families,” said Dineo Khabele, MD, the Mitchell & Elaine Yanow Professor and head of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology. “Her new leadership position is a testament to her expertise and unwavering commitment to drive change in maternal-fetal health. In her new role, she will undoubtedly elevate our department’s practice to advance the maternal-fetal medicine field.”
Kelly is a renowned expert in the care of women with opiate use disorders during pregnancy. She pioneered an innovative concept for care and now leads the Washington University Clinic for Acceptance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) in Pregnancy, which provides prenatal care, substance abuse treatment and extended postpartum support for pregnant women with opioid use disorder. Her dedication to maternal and fetal health has earned her multiple awards for her outstanding care for mothers and newborns affected by opioids, as well as for providing superior patient experiences.
Kelly’s clinical expertise drives her research focused on the impact of opioid use during pregnancy. She leads projects funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), contributing valuable insights to opioid use research. Recognized for her contributions to medicine and research, she received the WashU Medicine Dean’s Impact Award in 2023. As a member of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s Practice Advisory Board and the Committee for Reproductive Health, Kelly continues to make significant contributions locally and nationally through her leadership, clinical acumen, research focus and commitment to education.
During the height of the pandemic, Kelly developed adaptive algorithms for the management of COVID-19 in pregnancy and helped lead the COVID-19 obstetric response across all Barnes-Jewish Hospital facilities. Her expertise in opiate use disorder and COVID-19 in pregnancy has led to changes in clinical care both locally and nationally.
“WashU Medicine leads in all aspects of medicine, by providing exceptional clinical care, conducting innovative research and training the next generation of medical and scientific leaders,” said Kelly, who previously held the position of associate director of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Ultrasound. “I am honored to be leading a division that makes a difference every day by constantly searching for ways to improve the care that we give to patients through cutting-edge technology or therapies that change lives.”
Kelly is committed to medical education, for which she has earned local and national teaching awards. She mentors students, residents, fellows and faculty members who strive to emulate her skills and compassion.
Kelly earned her medical degree from Columbia University. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology and her fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at Tufts Medical Center, where she also obtained a master’s degree in clinical and translational science.
