Omurtag named director of reproductive endocrinology & infertility
Physician-scientist studies how technology can improve communication about fertility issues
Washington UniversityKenan Omurtag, MD, has been named director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Kenan Omurtag, MD, an accomplished fertility specialist, educator and mentor, has been named director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis. His appointment became effective June 1.
“Kenan has extensive clinical expertise, is an excellent mentor and has played an important role in our curriculum development,” said Dineo Khabele, MD, the Mitchell and Elaine Yanow Professor and head of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology. “His enthusiasm, innovative ideas and vision he brings to the division make him ideal for his new role. We look forward to his leadership.”
Omurtag, an associate professor of obstetrics & gynecology, maintains an active clinical practice focused on in vitro fertilization, female and male infertility, fertility preservation, and medical and surgical treatment of endometriosis and uterine fibroids. His research efforts have focused on how technology, and social media specifically, can be used to disseminate information about fertility issues, as well as to improve communication between patients and fertility clinics’ staffs. Omurtag also is one of the first to describe experiences of and novel approaches to fertility preservation among transgender and nonbinary adults and adolescents. He has published and lectured extensively nationally and internationally on these topics.
He also serves as medical director of the Washington University Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Center and as co-director of its Integrative Care & Fertility Preservation Program.
“The fertility journey is emotionally, physically and financially taxing, and there are no guarantees for patients,” Omurtag said. “The next decade of innovation in fertility care will focus on improving the patient experience and improving access to these services. We have excellent success rates, a wonderful, dedicated staff, and the right leadership. I am honored to take on the role of division director.”
Omurtag, a native of Rolla, Mo., earned his bachelor’s and medical degrees in a six-year program at the University of Missouri—Kansas City School of Medicine. He completed a residency in obstetrics & gynecology at Emory University School of Medicine/Grady Hospital and a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Washington University School of Medicine.
He joined Washington University in 2013 as an assistant professor of obstetrics & gynecology and was named an associate professor in 2018. Before joining the faculty, he served as a laborist at Missouri Baptist Hospital/BJC HealthCare and as a health-care policy fellow at Partners Healthcare in Boston.
