This Week in OBGYN | April 8, 2025
Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Fellow, Dr. Austin Johnson, was accepted into the American Society of Reproductive Medicine's PRIMED Cohort as a scholar.
What is the purpose of the program?
"ASRM's PRIMED program is designed for individuals in the field of REI who are interested in making an impact and becoming trailblazers in reproductive medicine advocacy. Selected members gain knowledge about the fundamentals of policymaking and advocacy skills through coursework and meet directly with federal lawmakers and staff to discuss critical issues impacting the field of reproductive medicine. "
Why did you choose to apply to this program?
"I wished to participate in PRIMED as I feel that it is a critically important time for medical providers to advocate both for and alongside our patients, especially within the field of OB/GYN. Many patients dealing with infertility or desiring to build a family still face many barriers and inequities when attempting to access care. Throughout my medical training, I've recognized that many of these barriers and inequities need to be addressed through policy changes at state and federal levels. Through PRIME, I wanted to improve my advocacy knowledge and skills in order to have effective, impactful conservations with legislators."
What are you looking forward to in this program?
"I'm most looking forward to getting to know and work with the other members of my cohort! We are a diverse group in terms of our personal and professional backgrounds. I look forward to hearing the unique experiences each member has related to reproductive medicine, learning about the issues they feel need to be addressed, and working together to advocate for change. As a bit of political junkie, I am also excited to be in DC and meet with legislators!"
Dr. Kathryn Gray was featured in a New Scientist article about a new blood test that could doctors identify pregnant patients' risk for preeclampsia.
However, the new test only looked at people who were between 17.5 weeks and 22 weeks into pregnancy. “Ideally, aspirin has to be started prior to 16 weeks,” says Kathryn Gray at the University of Washington in Seattle. “So we’ve missed that window already by the time most people would be getting the results of this test.”
- I wished to participate in PRIMED as I feel that it is a critically important time for medical providers to advocate both for and alongside our patients, especially within the field of OB/GYN. Many patients dealing with infertility or desiring to build a family still face many barriers and inequities when attempting to access care. Throughout my medical training, I've recognized that many of these barriers and inequities need to be addressed through policy changes at state and federal levels. Through PRIME, I wanted to improve my advocacy knowledge and skills in order to have effective, impactful conservations with legislators.