Despite a nationwide search, GW’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) leadership didn’t have to look very far to find the ideal successor to John Larsen, M.D., chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN), who stepped down after nearly four decades at GW. Nancy Gaba, M.D. ’93, RESD ’97, FACOG, a longtime leader at GW, has been selected to serve as chair. In this role, Gaba will provide strategic leadership and management of the department’s programmatic growth, educational oversight, and research development. She will also supervise all clinical activities, ensuring the highest-quality patient care and developing new services for GW’s patients. Gaba will also be installed as the Oscar I. and Mildred S. Dodek and Joan B. and Oscar I. Dodek Jr. Professor.
“Dr. Gaba is a nationally recognized academic obstetrician–gynecologist and an outstanding physician, which makes her the right person to chair the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,” said Jeffrey S. Akman, M.D. ’81, RESD ’85, Walter A. Bloedorn Professor of Administrative Medicine, vice president for health affairs, and dean of SMHS. “She has a proven track record of successful leadership at SMHS, and her vast experience will help her lead the department as it continues to grow. Her well-established relationships throughout the university, as well as her national stature, will help ensure her success in this role.”
Gaba graduated from GW’s M.D. program in 1993 and completed her internship and residency at GW in 1997, where she held the position of administrative chief resident. Prior to her selection as chair, Gaba served as professor and vice-chair in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and associate dean for graduate medical education (GME). Jeffrey Berger, M.D., M.B.A., associate professor of anesthesiology and critical care medicine, has been named the interim associate dean for GME.
“Years of dedication and service in the field of obstetrics and gynecology have led Dr. Gaba to make significant contributions to the advancement of women’s health,” said Alan Wasserman, M.D., president of the GW Medical Faculty Associates, Eugene Meyer Professor of Medicine, and chair of the Department of Medicine. Her clinical and research experience will “enable the department to meet its primary goal of providing outstanding clinical care and training highly skilled physicians.”
“It is truly an honor and a privilege to have been selected for this important role as chair of one of the largest departments at GW,” said Gaba. “I am grateful for all that GW has given me over my many years here as a student, resident, and dedicated faculty member.”
