Ben Chi, MD, Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD ’36, Distinguished Professor and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, will assume interim leadership of the Center for Women’s Health Research (CWHR). Chi succeeds Wendy Brewster, MD, PhD, who tragically passed away.
In his role, Chi will oversee all activities of CWHR, a center comprised of scholars from different departments and schools working to advance our understanding of diseases, disorders and conditions affecting women.
Chi has vast expertise in transforming women’s health care on a global scale. He has been instrumental in initiating new HIV programs in Zambia, and has spearheaded two large public health initiatives funded by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Chi is currently conducting research to prevent new HIV infections among pregnant and breastfeeding women, and is an internationally recognized expert in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Chi also brings significant leadership experience to this position, as he supports the research endeavors of researchers in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in his role as vice chair for research.