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Denver, CO – The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) hosted its highly anticipated annual meeting this year in Denver, bringing together leading experts in the field of maternal-fetal medicine from across the country. The event marked a significant achievement for UNC Maternal-Fetal Medicine, with numerous contributions from its MFM Fellows, research assistants, and medical students.

The meeting highlighted research on a variety of topics, with UNC’s team presenting innovative findings on stress and resilience, objectively measured sleep and its relationship to preterm birth, neighborhood factors and their impact on perinatal outcomes, and more. These presentations showcased the depth of expertise at UNC and underscored its ongoing commitment to advancing maternal and fetal health.

“I can’t help but be proud of all we accomplished!” said Dr. Tracy Manuck, Clinician Scientist at UNC Maternal-Fetal Medicine. “We’re thankful for the collaborations, patients, and funding that made this work possible!”

fellow physician Dr. Jones’ work on stress & resilience at SMFM 2025
UNC 1st year medical student Emily Gascoigne’s work on objectively measured sleep & preterm birth

UNC MFM fellow Dr. Heerboth’s work on allostatic load and early delivery
UNC MFM research assistant Joy McNeal presented work on the relationship between racism and ob complications

1st year med student & co-author Emily Gascoigne filled in for Megan Ragusa (not pictured) & presented this work on neighborhood & perinatal outcomes
UNC MFM Fellow Dr. Heerboth presented a very clinically important analysis about morbidity following prolonged latent labor