Lab Mission
1. To understand the mechanisms of endometriosis-associated pain and develop patient-centered integrative treatments to improve the quality of life for people with endometriosis.
2. To understand the care experiences and symptoms of people with endometriosis, fibroids, and other benign gynecologic conditions in order to identify ways to improve clinical discussions, care delivery, and surgical outcomes.
Whitney Ross, MD, MSCI
Assistant Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Primary Methods
Our team focuses on understanding endometriosis-associated pain and quality of life, and how different interventions change quality of life. We use a team science approach to collaborate with interdisciplinary groups of clinicians and scientists. We use patient-reported outcomes (surveys), focus groups, and traditional lab methods (like blood draws, pathology from surgery) to approach to the problem of endometriosis from multiple perspectives.
Ongoing Studies
BiomarkeR and App to Validate Endometriosis pain (BRAVE): Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory condition that affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age and is a leading cause of pelvic pain and infertility. Despite being so common, diagnosis is delayed by 7-10 years on average and typically requires surgery. Through the BRAVE study, in collaboration with Adam Kepecs we are developing a user-friendly mobile app that integrates patient symptoms and activity data with blood biomarkers. Our goal in this study is to identify patterns of endometriosis pain and the underlying causes. These are key steps towards early detection and personalized treatment —getting patients answers faster and care that fits their unique experience.
Peer Empowered Endometriosis Peer Support (PEEPS): PEEPS is an 8-week group care approach to endometriosis. During it, we cover topics like the science of pain, healthy activity, pelvic floor physical therapy, pain psychology, and sexual function. The goal of this study is to determine if PEEPS is effective in helping people with endometriosis have improved pain and better quality of life. The study is led by a MIGS surgeon (Whitney Ross), a pain psychologist (Sarah Buday), physical therapists (Brooke Smith and Tracy Spitznagle), and a physical therapist who is also a certified yoga instructor (Kerstin Hoffman).
Mechanisms of Endometriosis Pain: Endometriosis-associated pain is complex and treatment commonly requires a trial and error approach. In this study conducted in collaboration with Hadas Nahman-Averbuch, Rob Gereau, and Adam Dourson, we seek to determine the factors contributing to endometriosis-pain and to determine, on a molecular level, changes that occur after surgery. By identifying factors that predict clinical pain improvement after surgery we hope to provide ways to better tailor treatments to each patient.
Quality of life after benign gynecologic surgery: In this study, we seek to better understand the impact that minimally invasive surgery for fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis, and other benign conditions has on a person’s quality of life. Participants in this study complete surveys before and after surgery in order to see how surgery impacts physical and emotional well-being, sexual function, and other important quality of life markers.
Why a career in research?
“I have heard the stories of so many of my patients suffering from endometriosis, fibroids, and pelvic pain. I love caring for my patients and being a part of their care journey, but the problem and clinical need are way bigger than a clinician or group of physicians can address. I chose a career in research in order to approach problems on a large scale, and hopefully identify effective solutions that can help a larger group of people.”
Dr. Ross
Contact
Email – MIGSresearch@wustl.edu