Physicians in Focus

Gynecologic Surgeon at Saint Barnabas is the First Woman to Receive “Distinguished Surgeon” Award

Caterina A. Gregori, M.D., past Chairperson of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Saint Barnabas, was recently presented with the Distinguished Surgeon Award from the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons (SGS) at its 28th Annual Scientific Meeting on March 5, 2002. Dr. Gregori is the first woman to ever receive this prestigious honor.

The SGS is a national and international professional society dedicated to the advancement of gynecological surgery. The award is presented to a physician who has “contributed immeasurably to this specialty,” and is based on clinical expertise, contributions to the health care of women and humanitarian efforts relating to the edicts of the SGS. Past recipients are of national and international prominence and constitute the most recognized and respected group of gynecologic oncologists in the world.

Dr. Gregori has contributed in a prolific manner to gynecologic and obstetric literature and films and has presented her work nationally and internationally. She has been a highly respected physician in the field of gynecologic oncology at Saint Barnabas since 1969. She is Director of Consultative Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Division. Dr. Gregori was named Acting Chairperson of the Saint Barnabas Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in July 2000 and was Vice Chairperson from 1969.

She has held leadership posts in and received awards from the major national societies in this field, including: examiner for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)1986-98; recipient of the CREOG National Faculty Award for Excellence in Resident Education; and a 1997 award recipient from the American Cancer Society. Dr. Gregori was also chosen by Good Housekeeping Magazine for its list of “The Best Doctors for Women” for the category of “Gynecological Oncologist.”

Esteemed Physician Chosen as Chairperson of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Saint Barnabas

John F. Bonamo, M.D., Executive Director at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, announced the appointment of Veronica A. Ravnikar, M.D., as Chairperson of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

“Dr. Ravnikar, an esteemed obstetrician/gynecologist with expertise in reproductive endocrinology, is a widely published expert in her field and will be an asset to the state’s largest obstetrical service,” said Dr. Bonamo. Dr. Ravnikar, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center for eight years and the Director of UMMC’s Division of Reproductive Endocrine and Infertility was also an Associate Clinical Gynecologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and a Lecturer at Harvard Medical School.

“The leadership of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Saint Barnabas has spearheaded an outstanding program and I hope to further that vision in the future,” says Dr. Ravnikar. “The Department is an esteemed program nationwide, known for the excellence of its staff and patient care. My experience as both a clinician, a teacher and a director will assist me in enhancing current programs and services to continue to address the health care needs of New Jersey women.”

Dr. Ravnikar finished her residency at Northwestern, Chicago, and trained in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School. She was on staff at Brigham for 10 years and Mass. General for three years. In 1991, she received an award for “Excellence in Teaching Reproductive Endocrine” from the gynecologic residents at Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Ravnikar holds positions in numerous professional societies and health-related organizations. She has been Chair for the Menopause Division of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine; Chair of the Hormone Therapy Group of the Women’s Health Initiative; Advisory Board Member for the American Heart Association; and has served on the editorial boards of Women’s Health Digest and Prevention Magazine. She is a member of A.S.R.M., A.C.O.G., S.G.I., and the Endocrine and Menopause Societies. Her original research covers such topics as menopause and sleep; bone density loss in amennorrheic women; menopause and smoking; menopausal osteoporosis; and the effects of hormone replacement therapy.

“Dr Ravnikar brings a wealth of knowledge, talent and experience to the position and I speak on behalf of the entire Department in welcoming her to Saint Barnabas,” says Caterina Gregori, M.D., Acting Chairperson since July 2000 and Vice Chairperson from 1969.