Faculty
John Fischer, MD
Professor and Department Head
Urogynecologist (FPMRS)
Division Director, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
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.
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
Contact
Administrative Contact
Amy Cavanaugh
Administrative Phone: 612-626-3111
Administrative Email: amyd@umn.edu
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.
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
Education
Fellowships, Residencies, and Visiting Engagements
Honors and Recognition
Contact
Administrative Contact
Brenda Olson
Administrative Phone: 612-626-3111
Administrative Email: ols00323@umn.edu
Bio
Dr. Gill attended Medical School at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. She recently finished her fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the University of Minnesota, Department of Ob/Gyn & Women's Health. Dr. Gill is the Associate Residency Program Director for the Department of Ob/Gyn.
Research Summary
Research interests:
Obesity and diabetes in pregnancy
Myometrial contractility
Education
Fellowships, Residencies, and Visiting Engagements
Contact
Address
515 Delaware St SEMinneapolis, MN 55455
Bio
Dr. Hammer Burns is the Director of Counseling Services at Reproductive Medicine Center. Her practice is primarily women's health psychology with special interest in reproductive health, perinatology, and sexuality.
Dr. Hammer Burns received a master's degree in counseling psychology at the University of St. Thomas in 1983 and a doctorate in family social science from the University of Minnesota in 1989. She is the co-author of Miscarriage: A Shattered Dream a book for consumers. In addition, she is co-editor of the only textbook for professionals on reproductive health counseling, Infertility Counseling: A Comprehensive Handbook for Clinicians, now in its second edition.
Clinical Summary
Clinical Interests:
- Psychological aspects of infertile couples
- Women's Health Psychology
Specialties:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Mental Health Services
- Reproductive Medicine
Education
Contact
Administrative Contact
Administrative Phone: 612-626-3111
Administrative Email: obgadmin@umn.edu
Bio
General Summary
Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Physician at CCRM Fertility of Minneapolis
Adjunct Assistant Professor: University of Minnesota Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Women's Health
Clinical Interests
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF); Fertility Preservation; Age-related Diminished Ovarian Reserve; PCOS; Male Factor
Infertility; Preimplantation Genetic Testing; Fertility Care for LGBTQ+ Patients; Mullerian Anomalies
Educational Information
MD - West Virginia University School of Medicine (2014)
Obstetrics & Gynecology Residency - University of Utah (2018)
Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Fellowship - Reproductive Medicine
Associates of New Jersey / Thomas Jefferson University (2021)
Bio
General Obstetrician-Gynecologist with 25 years of experience whose responsibilities include teaching of OB-GYN
resident physicians and medical students. Clinical focus on complex pelvic surgery for the management of
endometriosis and pelvic pain. Has performed over 1,000 robotic surgeries, delivered over 3,000 babies, and has
served as a proctor for other robotic surgeons. Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Vast public speaking experience and proven ability to communicate complex topics to the general public through 8
years of hosting a call-in women’s health radio show and subsequent hosting of two women’s health podcasts.
Awards
Vitals.com Patients' Choice Award, 9 times
Vitals.com Patients' Choice 5th Anniversary Award, 5 times
Vitals.com Compassionate Doctor Award - 5 Year Honoree, 4 times
Vitals.com Compassionate Doctor Recognition Award, 8 times
Teaching Summary
Manage and instruct University of Minnesota Ob-Gyn residents
and medical students on the medical and surgical management of
gynecologic issues such as pelvic pain, endometriosis, fibroids,
ovarian cysts, and ectopic pregnancies as well as the management
of normal and high risk obstetrical patients
MD/PhD Location, Year, Degree Received: MD University of Washington, Seattle, WA; 1993
Residency, Location, Type, Year Completed: University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN; 1997
Bio
Dr. Leah Henke completed both her medical degree and residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Minnesota. Her clinical interests include global women’s health, advocacy for equitable care, minimally invasive surgery, integrative care and health education. In her free time, she enjoys running, cooking, yoga, supporting the creative arts and exploring the outdoors.
Research Summary
Dr. Henke’s research interests include projects partnering with colleagues in low-income countries, quality improvement and patient experience, and improving access to care and outcomes for immigrant and refugee women.
Clinical Summary
Board Certifications:
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Education
Honors and Recognition
Professional Memberships
Contact
Administrative Contact
Administrative Phone: 612-626-3111
Administrative Email: obgadmin@umn.edu
Bio
Dr. Hoffman received her medical degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, DC. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
Research Summary
Research interest:
- Resident and medical student education
- High risk obstetrics
- Preventative medicine
Clinical Summary
Clinical interests:
Benign gynecology; General obstetrics; Prenatal care; Office hysteroscopy; Essure procedure; Colposcopy; LEEP; Gynecologic surgery; Women's reproductive right; Contraceptive counseling; Laparoscopic hysterectomy
Board Certifications:
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Education
Fellowships, Residencies, and Visiting Engagements
Honors and Recognition
Professional Memberships
Selected Publications
Contact
Address
M Health Fairview Women's Clinic606 24th Ave S, Ste 300
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Administrative Contact
Administrative Phone: 612-626-3111
Administrative Email: obgadmin@umn.edu
Bio
Dr. Hubbard graduated from residency at the U of MN in 2009 and became a faculty member at Regions Hospital/HealthPartners. She is currently serving as the Medical Director for the Regions Family Birth Center.
Research Summary
Quality Improvement; Patient Safety projects. Current projects include SSI reduction in Cesarean section and outpatient blood pressure monitoring in preeclampsia.
Clinical Summary
Clinical Interests
High risk pregnancy; infertility; minimally-invasive surgery
Bio
Dr. Hutto received her M.P.H. from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and went on to complete her M.D. at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. She completed her residency at the University of Minnesota, where she was elected Chief Resident. She is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Clinical Summary
Clinical Interests:
Obstetrics; Gynecology; Women's Health; High-risk Obstetrics; Benign Gynecology and Surgery; Women's Reproductive Rights; Contraception Counseling; Preventive Health Care
Education
Fellowships, Residencies, and Visiting Engagements
Licensures and Certifications
Honors and Recognition
Professional Memberships
Selected Publications
Contact
Address
M Health Fairview Women's Clinic606 24th Ave S, Ste 300
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Administrative Contact
Administrative Phone: 612-626-3111
Administrative Email: obgadmin@umn.edu
Bio
Natalie Jacobson-Dunlop, APRN, CNM, MS is a Certified Nurse Midwife who practices at MHealth Fairview/University of Minnesota Physicians Women's Health Specialist Clinic and Community University Health Care Center (CUHCC). Natalie received her Bachelor of Arts from Beloit College in 2000 and Masters of Science in Nurse Midwifery from Oregon Health & Science University in 2008. She has experience working in multiple practice locations including hospital, birth center, and home birth practices.
Research Summary
Original Research:
Emeis, C., Jacobson-Dunlop, N., Guise, J-M., O’Haire, C., Howe, C., Doser, L. (2010). Doula care for vulnerable populations. Western Institute of Nursing.
Jacobson-Dunlop, N., Jenson, L., West, S., Howe, C., Emeis, C. (2009). Effects of social considerations in midwifery care: A look at induction and augmentation rates according to insurance status. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 54 (5): 424.
Contributed to:
Edwards, R. C., Thullen, M. J., Henson, L. G., Lee, H., & Hans, S. (2015). The association of breastfeeding initiation with sensitivity, cognitive stimulation, and efficacy among young mothers: A propensity score matching approach. Breastfeeding Medicine 10 (1), 13-19.
Cox, S. (2006). Bridging Attachment Theory and Attachment Parenting with Feminist Methods of Inquiry. Journal of the Association for Research on Mothering, 8 (1, 2): 83-95
Our Bodies Our Selves: A New Edition for a New Era. 2005. The Boston Women’s Health Book Collective.Contributing Editor to Reproductive Choices Chapter.
Clinical Summary
Clinical Interests
Reproductive, Perinatal, Sexual healthcare; International/Immigrant Health; Health Equity and Reproductive Justice
Clinic Locations
Women's Health Specialist Clinic; Community University Healthcare Clinic