Faculty
John Fischer, MD
Professor and Department Head
Urogynecologist (FPMRS)
Division Director, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
Bio
Dr. Argenta is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology. In addition, Dr. Argenta is the Medical Director of the Park Nicollet Oncology Clinic.
Dr. Argenta received his medical degree in 1995 from Duke University and completed an internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Pennsylvania. He completed a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Argenta is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology as well as the subspecialty of gynecologic oncology.
Dr. Argenta's research interests lie in the areas of early events in carcinogenesis and the molecular mechanisms of wound healing, the treatment and prevention of ovarian cancer, with specific interest in using antiangiogenic agents in the management of metastatic tumors. In addition, Dr. Argenta has acquired specialty training in the Intuitive Surgical® daVinci® Surgical System.
Administrator Information
Kristina Cecka
Administrative Phone: 612-626-3111
Administrative Email: ceck0012@umn.edu
Clinical Summary
Schedule an Appointment:
Minneapolis - M Health Fairview Masonic Cancer Clinic, Appointments: 612-676-4200
Maple Grove – M Health Fairview Cancer Center, Appointments: 855-486-7226
I believe in the use of minimally invasive surgery when possible. I make a point of making clinical trials available to all patients with cancer.
Clinical Interests include:
Ovarian cancer; Uterine cancer; Cervical cancer; Vulvar cancer; Advanced laparoscopy
Board Certifications include:
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology
Education
Fellowships, Residencies, and Visiting Engagements
Honors and Recognition
Professional Memberships
Contact
Address
Dept. of OB/GYN & Women’s Health MMC 395 Mayo 8395C 420 Delaware St SEMinneapolis, MN 55455
Bio
Dr. Bazzaro is a Tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health and Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from the Department of Pharmaceutical Science of the University of Ferrara, Italy.
Dr. Bazzaro served as guest researcher at the "Institut de Biochemie" in Lausanne, Switzerland and at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.
She competed her postdoctoral training at the Department of Pathology of the Johns Hopkins Hospital.Dr. Bazzaro is an Italian citizen, U.S.A permanent resident and speaks English, French, Spanish, and Italian.
Administrator Information
Kristina Cecka
Administrative Phone: 612-626-3111
Administrative Email: ceck0012@umn.edu
Research Summary
Dr. Bazzaro has a lifelong research interest in cervical and ovarian cancer. She combines her expertise in both the biology of ovarian cancer and pharmaceutical chemistry for the discovery of personalized medicine for women affected by cervical and ovarian cancer for which conventional chemotherapy is not a satisfactory option.
Dr. Bazzaro's has ongoing research collaboration with several institutions and hospitals, nationally and internationally.
This includes:
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN
Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD
University of Alabama in Birmingham, AL
University of Ferrara, Italy
University of Linkoping, Sweden
Research projects:
Microtubule dynamics in the context of cancer and neurodegeneration
Personalized therapies for ovarian cancer resistant to conventional chemotherapy treatment
Combinatorial chemotherapic treatment for ovarian cancer
Targeting of metabolic pathways for ovarian and cancer treatment
Role of Natural Killer (NK) cell in ovarian cancer
Study of the mechanisms underlying breast and ovarian cancer development and progression
Dr. Bazzaro's laboratory is interested in studying abnormalities of protein degradation pathways in breast and ovarian cancer. The Ubiquitin-Proteasome-System (UPS) is responsible for degradation of over 90% of short-lived intracellular proteins. Protein degradation through Ubiquitin-Proteasome-System is a multistep process that begins with de-ubiquitination of ubiquitin-tagged target molecules by de-ubiquitinating enzymes following their entrance in the 20S catalytic chamber of the proteasomes were the actual degradation occurs. The polypeptide targets of the proteasome include proteins involved in cell cycle progression, survival and inflammation and while the ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation is crucial for both normal and malignant cells the higher demand for metabolic/catabolic activity associated with the malignant phenotype renders the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway a suitable tool for cancer treatment. The laboratory is particularly interested in studying the role played by proteasomal- and lysosomal-assisted protein degradation pathways during the development and the progression of breast and ovarian cancer and in the development of new small-molecules inhibitors of ubiquitin-proteasome-system for targeting breast and ovarian cancer cells.
Education
Fellowships, Residencies, and Visiting Engagements
Honors and Recognition
Languages
Contact
Address
Dept. of OB/GYN & Women’s Health MMC 395 Mayo 8395C420 Delaware St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Bio
Dr. Boraas received her master's degree in epidemiology from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, and her medical degree with honors from the University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH and went on to complete her fellowship in complex family planning at the Magee-Womens Hospital at the University of Pittsburgh. During her education, she also completed four elective rotations/internships in developing countries. She is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and complex family planning.
Administrator Information
Administrative Phone: 612-626-3111
Clinical Summary
Board Certifications:
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Complex Family Planning
Education
Fellowships, Residencies, and Visiting Engagements
Licensures and Certifications
Honors and Recognition
Professional Memberships
Contact
Address
M Health Fairview Women's Clinic606 24th Ave S, Ste 300
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Bio
Dr. Burn earned her medical degree at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine. She subsequently completed her Obstetrics & Gynecology residency at the University of Minnesota where she served as chief resident from 2018-2019. She then stayed at the University of Minnesota to complete her Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship in 2022.
Administrator Information
April Homich
Administrative Phone: 612-301-3408
Administrative Email: homi0003@umn.edu
Administrative Fax: 612-301-3415
Research Summary
During her fellowship, Dr. Burn participated in multiple fields of research, including the evaluation of the fetal nasal bone in the Somali population, periviability delivery management and counseling, quality improvement projects for placenta accreta spectrum and cervical length monitoring, and competed a thesis in the use of a first trimester preeclampsia prediction model using maternal serum markers and novel ultrasound technology for which she received the University of Minnesota OBGYN Progressive Program Grant.
Clinical Summary
Dr. Burn is dedicated to providing compassionate and individualized care for all patients experiencing high-risk pregnancies. Dr. Burn's areas of interest include ultrasonographic technology and advances, needle guided procedures, preeclampsia, and periviability.
Education
Fellowships, Residencies, and Visiting Engagements
Licensures and Certifications
Honors and Recognition
Contact
Address
Maternal Fetal Medicine Ctr606 24th Ave S, Suite 400
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Bio
Dr. Martina Burn recently completed her fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine from the Yale School of Medicine. Prior to that, she completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at the Yale School of Medicine where she served as chief resident from 2019-2020. She earned her medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.
Research Summary
During her fellowship, Dr. Burn participated in multiple fields of research, with specific emphasis on penicillin allergy in pregnancy, hematologic conditions in pregnancy, and prevention of maternal morbidity and mortality. She specifically helped to pioneer a penicillin allergy in pregnancy referral program with emphasis on improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare cost.
Clinical Summary
Dr. Burn is dedicated to advancing women’s health and to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
Education
Fellowships, Residencies, and Visiting Engagements
Licensures and Certifications
Honors and Recognition
Contact
Address
Maternal Fetal Medicine Ctr 606 24th Ave S, Suite 400 Minneapolis, MN 55454Administrative Contact
Administrator Information
April Homich
Administrative Phone: 612-301-3408
Administrative Email: homi0003@umn.edu
Administrative Fax: 612-301-3415
Bio
Dr. Contag is an Associate Professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. He received his M.D. from the Central University in Quito, Ecuador, then relocated to the US in 2001. He completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN and subsequently a fellowship in Maternal Fetal Medicine at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem NC. Prior to coming to the University of Minnesota, Dr. Contag worked at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, and most recently at the University of Maryland in the division of Maternal Fetal Medicine.
Administrator Information
April Homich
Administrative Phone: 612-301-3408
Administrative Email: homi0003@umn.edu
Administrative Fax: 612-301-3415
Research Summary
His research interests are centered on fetal growth and surveillance, as well as in the clinical management of the macrosomic infant at term and complex obstetrical surgery at the time of delivery.
Education
Fellowships, Residencies, and Visiting Engagements
Licensures and Certifications
Honors and Recognition
Contact
Address
Riverside Professional Building, Suite 401606 24th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Bio
Dr. Darnell received her medical degree in 2004 from the University of Minnesota. She also completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2009 at the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Darnell specializes in general obstetrics and gynecology, including prenatal care, gynecologic surgery, colposcopy, well women care, and contraceptive counseling.
Administrator Information
Administrative Phone: 612-626-3111
Clinical Summary
Clinical interests:
Laparoscopic surgery; Contraceptive management; High risk obstetrics
Board Certifications:
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Education
Honors and Recognition
Professional Memberships
Contact
Address
M Health Fairview Women's Clinic606 24th Ave S, Ste 300
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Bio
Administrator Information
Kristina Cecka
Administrative Phone: 612-626-3111
Administrative Email: ceck0012@umn.edu
Research Summary
Clinical interest:
Ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulvar, vaginal malignancies
Advanced pelvic surgery for benign and malignant conditions
Minimally invasive surgery
Chemotherapy for gynecologic malignancies
Clinical trials
Clinical Summary
Schedule an Appointment:
Minneapolis - M Health Fairview Masonic Cancer Clinic, Appointments: 612-676-4200
Board certifications:
Obstetrics and Gynecology; Gynecologic Oncology
Education
Fellowships, Residencies, and Visiting Engagements
Licensures and Certifications
Contact
Address
MMC 395420 Delaware Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Bio
Dr. French received her medical degree in 1999 from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. She completed her residency in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health from the University of Minnesota where she was elected Chief Resident.
Dr. French specializes in general obstetrics and gynecology, including prenatal care, gynecologic surgery, colposcopy, LEEP, office hysteroscopy, menopausal care, contraceptive counseling, and women's health issues.
Administrator Information
Administrative Phone: 612-626-3111
Clinical Summary
Clinical interests:
Benign gynecology; General obstetrics; Prenatal care; Gynecologic surgery; Colposcopy; LEEP; Office hysteroscopy; Menopausal care; Contraceptive counseling; Women's health issues
Education
Fellowships, Residencies, and Visiting Engagements
Honors and Recognition
Contact
Address
M Health Fairview Women's Clinic606 24th Ave S, Ste 300
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Bio
Dr. Gearhart is a developmental biologist investigating epigenetic processes that control the formation and health of the placenta. His laboratory uses mouse models and human trophoblast stem cells to uncover molecular mechanisms underlying placental insufficiencies. After receiving an undergraduate degree in chemistry, he studied the structural biology of transcription factors as a PhD student at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California. As a postdoctoral fellow in Vivian Bardwell's laboratory at the University of Minnesota, he discovered the non-canonical variant of the Polycomb Repressive Complex (PRC1.1). He most recently held a position as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development and served as a bioinformatics consultant for the Developmental Biology Center.
Research Summary
Research Interests
The temporal and spatial control of gene expression during development is a dynamic process that relies on altering the composition of DNA-associated factors as well as the nuclear organization of the genome. Advances in next-generation sequencing technologies have allowed us to take a precise look at the changes that occur throughout the genome as cells change from one type into another. Dr. Gearhart has 19+ years of bench experience studying transcriptional regulation, chromatin structure and protein-DNA interactions. His laboratory is interested in finding out 1) how the genome responds to cell-fate reprogramming by sequence-specific DNA binding proteins and 2) how cell identity is maintained by transcriptional regulators. They are particularly interested in factors that influence cell fate specification in human embryonic stem cells and trophoblast stem cells including the components of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 1.1.
As a member of the Developmental Biology Center, Dr. Gearhart has collaborated extensively with other laboratories on model organisms such as M. musculus (mouse), D. melanogaster (fruitfly), C. elegans (nematode), D. rerio (zebrafish), G. gallus (chicken) and A. mexicanum (axolotl). He is a strong proponent of reproducible research and have published the full methods of my analyses at github.com/micahgearhart. Our department aims to train the next generations of biologists to embrace genome-wide approaches and apply statistical and critical analyses to their results and interpretations. His goal is not only to collaborate with investigators to analyze and interpret next generation sequencing data, but also to facilitate the transfer of knowledge regarding bioinformatics tools and statistical methods for functional genomics to our researchers and graduate students.
Contact
Address
Room 5-147 MoosT515 Delaware St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Bio
Melissa Geller, MD, MS graduated from Boston College (1994) (cum laude) in the field of Biology. She completed medical school at Chicago Medical School (1998). She went on to complete an Internship and Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Minnesota (2002) and a Fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Minnesota (2005). In addition, Dr. Geller completed a Galloway Fellowship in the Department of Surgery, Gynecology Division at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York in 2000. Dr. Geller completed a Master of Science degree in Clinical Research through the University of Minnesota through the School of Public Health in 2010.
Currently Dr. Geller is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Geller specializes in the treatment and management of gynecologic malignancies and is committed to clinical and translational research. Dr. Geller has received independent funding for her projects and has published in peer-reviewed journals as well as presented her research at scientific meetings.
Dr. Geller is currently the University of Minnesota PI of multiple clinical trials run through the NRG, a national cooperative group, and the University of Minnesota Women's Cancer Center. She is the primary investigator on multiple clinical trials involving the use of natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapy for women with recurrent ovarian cancer. Her translational research is funded by the American Cancer Society (ACS) and involves the investigation of immunotherapies in an ovarian cancer mouse model. She currently holds a Department of Defense grant funding the creation of an interactive mobile phone application to educate women with ovarian cancer on the importance of genetic counseling for hereditary cancers.
Administrator Information
Amy Cavanaugh
Administrative Phone: 612-626-6283
Administrative Email: amyd@umn.edu
Research Summary
Dr. Melissa Geller is the Director of Research for the Division of Gynecologic Oncology.
Dr. Geller received an institutional K12 scholar award in 2008 which allowed her to focus on research addressing new therapies to treat women with recurrent ovarian cancer. A significant part of her effort is concentrated on trying to understand how to exploit NK cells for therapeutic purposes against ovarian cancer. To this end, she has led multiple clinical trials involving immunotherapy in advanced gynecologic malignancies. Dr. Geller holds an American Cancer Society (ACS) Clinical Scholar Award for her translational research investigating a next-generation immunotherapy product by expressing an anti-mesothelin chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to generate targeted NK cells with increased ability to kill human ovarian cancer cells. Additionally she has developed and assessed technology based interventions to improve the quality of life for women with ovarian cancer. Dr. Geller is currently funded through a U.S. Department of Defense award to create and test a mobile App for Genetic Information on Cancer (mAGIC) aimed to educate ovarian cancer patients about genetic counseling and testing. Dr. Geller serves as the Director of Research in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and leads the Translational Working Group of the Masonic Cancer Center on Gynecologic cancers. She currently serves on the NRG Oncology Developmental Therapeutics/Phase I/Experimental Medicine Committee.
Clinical Summary
Schedule an Appointment:
Minneapolis - M Health Fairview Masonic Cancer Clinic, Appointments: 612-676-4200
Clinical Interests:
Ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulvar, vaginal malignancies; advanced pelvic surgery for benign and malignant conditions; minimally invasive surgery; chemotherapy for gynecologic malignancies; clinical trials
Education
Fellowships, Residencies, and Visiting Engagements
Honors and Recognition
Media Appearances
Bio
Dr. Rahel Ghebre is a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. Dr. Ghebre is a practicing gynecologic oncologist at M Health Fairview. She gained her MD from the University of Michigan and MPH from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr. Ghebre is board certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology. She is an expert in the surgical and medical management of women diagnosed with ovarian, endometrial, cervical and vulva/vaginal cancers. Her research is focused on improving cancer care for women with gynecologic cancers in the US and globally by increasing access to quality care and clinical trials. She serves as chair for gynecology oncology special interest group under AORTIC (African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer), as panel member of NCCN Harmonized Guideline committee for sub-Saharan Africa, ASCO resource stratified guideline and African Cancer Coalition, an initiative supported by the American Cancer Society. Dr. Ghebre is an internationally recognized educator in gynecologic oncology and received the 2020 International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) Award for Excellence in Teaching. Dr. Ghebre co-leads the Early Pathway to Success Program for women faculty through the Center for Women in Medicine.
Administrator Information
Brenda Olson
Administrative Phone: 612-624-4846
Administrative Email: ols00323@umn.edu
Research Summary
Research Interests:
Cervical Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Cancer Prevention
Clinical Trials
International Health
Clinical Summary
Schedule an Appointment:
Minneapolis - M Health Fairview Masonic Cancer Clinic, Appointments: 612-626-4200
Edina – M Health Fairview Cancer Center, Southdale, Appointments: 952-836-3645
Clinical Interests:
Ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulvar, vaginal malignancies; advanced pelvic surgery for benign and malignant conditions; minimally invasive surgery; chemotherapy for gynecologic malignancies; clinical trials