Welcome from the Chair

Dr. Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, Professor and Chair, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences

Welcome to the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at UC San Diego!

Our department is committed to advancing women’s health through exceptional patient care, innovative research, medical education, and community engagement. We take pride in fostering a collaborative environment where physicians, scientists, trainees, and staff work together to improve health outcomes across a woman’s lifespan.

As a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and clinical researcher, I have dedicated my career to advancing evidence-based care in obstetrics and improving outcomes for mothers and babies. I am honored to lead a department recognized nationally for excellence in reproductive science, gynecologic & obstetric care, gynecologic oncology, maternal-fetal medicine, urogynecology, reproductive endocrinology & infertility, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, complex family planning, and translational research.

Before joining UC San Diego in 2021, I spent more than 16 years at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where I served as Vice Chair for faculty development in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. My work has focused on obstetric complications, preterm birth prevention and translating clinical research into improved patient care.

I earned my B.S., M.D., and completed my residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Miami and completed my fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Born in Germany to Ghanaian parents, my multicultural upbringing informs my commitment to inclusive excellence. My husband, Dr. Christian Bannerman, is also a physician at UC San Diego Health, and together with our two children, we are enjoying our lives within the vibrant San Diego community.

At UC San Diego, we are building on a strong foundation of clinical excellence and scientific discovery while advancing women’s health by investing in the future of academic medicine through mentorship, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Our faculty are leaders in spearheading research, shaping national clinical guidelines, and training the next generation of physicians and scientists.

Equally important is our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. We believe that a broad range of perspectives strengthens our ability to deliver compassionate care, drive innovation and serve the diverse communities of San Diego and beyond.

Whether you are a patient seeking care, a trainee exploring opportunities in academic medicine, or a collaborator interested in research partnerships, we welcome you to learn more about our department and the work we do every day to improve the health and well-being of women and families.

Thank you for visiting our department and learning more about our mission to advance women’s health through care, discovery, and education.