Dr. Ashley Shea | Change Management | Best Researcher Award

University of Alabama at Birmingham, United States

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Ashley Elizabeth (Janssen) Shea, MD, MPH, embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience and a minor in Global Health from Washington University in St. Louis. Her commitment to academic excellence was evident as she graduated with College Honors and earned membership in the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society. With a strong foundation in neuroscience and global health, she pursued further education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), obtaining a Doctor of Medicine with Distinction and a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Maternal & Child Health. Her time at UNMC was marked by multiple merit-based scholarships and leadership roles, setting the stage for her future contributions in maternal-fetal medicine.

Professional Endeavors & Clinical Training 👩‍⚕️

Dr. Shea undertook her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Utah, where she honed her clinical expertise and developed leadership skills. She excelled as Chief Resident in Administration and Scheduling, ensuring seamless departmental operations. During her residency, she also engaged in medical education, serving as a lecturer for various training programs and contributing to curriculum development. Currently, she is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellow at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), with an anticipated completion in June 2025. Her fellowship further solidifies her specialization in managing high-risk pregnancies and advancing perinatal care.

Contributions to Research & Scholarly Activities 📚

Dr. Shea has made significant contributions to the field of obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine through rigorous research and scholarly endeavors. Her research interests include postpartum hemorrhage management, fetal growth restriction, and the impact of oxytocin administration on maternal outcomes. She has presented multiple oral and poster presentations at national and international conferences, including the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Annual Pregnancy Meeting and the Society for Reproductive Investigation Annual Meeting. Her work on maternal preconception platelet activation and pregnancy outcomes has provided valuable insights into optimizing maternal and neonatal health.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Shea’s dedication to excellence has been recognized through numerous awards and honors. She received the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Residency Program Award for Excellence in 2021, acknowledging her outstanding performance in high-risk obstetrics. Her academic achievements at UNMC were also recognized with the AMWA Glasgow-Rubin Certificate of Commendation and induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. Furthermore, she has received merit-based full and half-tuition scholarships, underscoring her academic prowess and dedication to the field.

Impact and Influence in Medical Education & Advocacy 📝

Beyond clinical and research contributions, Dr. Shea is deeply involved in medical education and advocacy. At UAB, she serves as an instructor for multiple obstetric workshops, including Shoulder Dystocia and Operative Vaginal Delivery. Her commitment to education extends to protocol development, as seen in her work on spontaneous preterm birth protocols. Additionally, she has been actively involved in community service, providing care at free clinics, participating in global health missions, and mentoring medical students through structured programs. Her leadership roles in organizations such as the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Women’s Medical Association further highlight her influence in shaping the future of women’s healthcare.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

Dr. Shea’s career trajectory is poised for a lasting impact on maternal-fetal medicine. With a firm commitment to advancing perinatal care, she aims to continue her research on optimizing maternal health outcomes and reducing complications in high-risk pregnancies. Her future endeavors may include academic leadership, contributing to national healthcare policies, and mentoring the next generation of obstetricians. Through her unwavering dedication to research, education, and clinical excellence, Dr. Shea is set to leave a profound legacy in maternal and child health.