Contact: Eileen Teves, 210-450-7239, tevese@uthscsa.edu
SAN ANTONIO (June 14, 2022) – UT Health San Antonio’s Long School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology welcomes researchers, faculty, staff, residents, students, alumni and community providers to attend its inaugural event, the Dr. Armando Nasta Symposium on Gynecologic Innovation, on Friday, June 17.
“There is extensive ongoing research in numerous areas related to reproductive endocrinology and infertility,” says Belinda Yauger, MD, division director of reproductive endocrinology and infertility and associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UT Health San Antonio. “We look forward to sharing some of that research and discussing several exciting technological advances in caring for patients with infertility and reproductive concerns, plus providing a better understanding of what is available to our patients.”
Specializing in treating women with infertility and other reproductive concerns such as recurrent pregnancy loss and endometriosis, Dr. Yauger is one of the symposium’s keynote speakers.
Dr. Yauger will present information on evidence-based advances in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, such as techniques to improve the success and safety of in vitro fertilization. She will also discuss ovarian tissue cryopreservation, a new procedure now available at UT Health San Antonio for fertility preservation in young girls who may be facing chemotherapy.
Named after late San Antonio gynecologist Dr. Armando Nasta, who had a passion for education and gynecologic innovation, the Nasta Symposium was established to provide a forum for researchers and to explore cutting-edge technology and concepts. The event is also happening during World Infertility Awareness Month, a month dedicated to increasing worldwide awareness and addressing infertility issues faced by couples, making it an ideal time to showcase this work.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infertility is common in the United States among women aged 15 to 49. The CDC reports about one in five (19%) women are unable to get pregnant after one year of trying, and one in four (26%) women have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term.
Experts recognize the importance of studying infertility because of its effects on families and its relevance to reproductive health. Dr. Yauger’s goal is to share information and options for patients who want to start a family but may be experiencing difficulties conceiving.
Also scheduled to speak at the symposium is Edward Kost, MD, board-certified specialist in obstetrics and gynecology and gynecologic oncology at UT Health San Antonio. Dr. Kost’s presentation is titled, “New Frontiers in Management of Ovarian Cancer Predisposition Based on Genetic Testing.”
Before the symposium, third-year residents will share their completed projects during the Long School of Medicine’s Obstetrics and Gynecology Seitchik Resident Research Day.
Residents will present on topics covering contraceptive access and education, endometrial hyperplasia in Hispanic women over age 45, and effectiveness of progesterone implants in overweight and obese patients, to name a few.
Invited to deliver her address during Resident Research Day is Elly Xenakis, MD, professor emeritus, former residency program director, and vice chair and division chief for education in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UT Health San Antonio. Dr. Xenakis is currently dean of Whole Health School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Arkansas.
Exhibitors from UT Teen Health, UT Fertility Center, UT Urogynecology, the Mays Cancer Center and University Health will provide displays and information about services and resources available for patients and community providers.
To register for and learn more about the Nasta Symposium, visit lsom.uthscsa.edu/obgyn.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) is a primary driver for San Antonio’s $42.4 billion health care and biosciences sector, the city’s largest economic generator. Driving substantial economic impact with its five professional schools, a diverse workforce of 7,200, an annual operating budget of more than $1 billion and a clinical practice that provides more than 2 million patient visits each year, UT Health San Antonio plans to add more than 1,500 higher-wage jobs over the next five years to serve San Antonio, Bexar County and South Texas. UT Health San Antonio is the largest research university in South Texas with an annual research portfolio of approximately $350 million. To learn about the many ways “We make lives better®,” visit http://www.uthscsa.edu.
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